R&B Music

R&B (Rhythm and Blues) is a genre of popular African-American music that originated in the 1940s, where they would combine rock, jazz based music with a heavy insistent beat.

Conventions:

Men -

• jeans, tattoos,
• flash jewellery e.g. flash designer belts and chains etc.
• topless - to show off their fitness
• stubble or a small beard to give off a 'cool' vibe.

Women -

• minimal clothing - to males they are seen as objects of desire.
• hair and makeup - often extravagant and enhances their beauty. They usually appear as golden with a glow.
• jewellery - some females can subvert the stereotype and wear gold chains like males do. They usually wear hooped earrings which gives off this 'Ghetto' image.

Music videos

• settings - can be on streets to portray this ghetto image and show off their African-American culture. Often seen in clubs where women would be dancing around the men which is stereotypical, and alcohol would be shown off.

Early 1960s R&B: Otis Redding
A lot of old Soul and R&B artists such as Otis Redding, were portraying a very different message in their music, especially when it comes to the depiction of women. In the song 'Try a Little Tenderness' the implication here is that women have it hard by trying to fit into societies ideas of materialistic things and to look good. Redding, throughout this song, gives off the message that women shouldn't have to conform to these standards and be treated with only kindness. This portrayal of women dramatically changes in the future of R&B songs...


 Music Video 1-  Akon 'Smack That' ft. Eminem 2006

This music video demonstrates many typical and stereotypical conventions of R&B music videos which is dominated by the male gender. The literal meaning of the song is to spank women which highlights the view that women are seen as sexual objects to men. There are many camera shots and angles showing just girls' bodies, especially with this low angle creating a more sexual atmosphere for the male audience watching. In turn, men are then portrayed as the more dominant and authoritive in this setting, as they're literally just sexually admiring these women for their beauty and nakedness. In terms of mise en scene, the setting is in a strip club with very rich men around. This gives off the impression that these artists  live a lavish life and get lots of girls whenever they want. There are many props such as their jewellery of gold chains, expensive watches, and expensive cars. These are shown throughout to give off this message consistently. The representation of race in this video is quite subversive, as there is usually mainly black people in R&B videos but in this there is a mix of black and white people. Although, the black artist is portrayed as stereotypical as he is seen in prison at the start which is associated with this culture stereotypically. The older white man is also seen in a suit and is seen as having more authority, which is also stereotypical. Eminem subverts the stereotype of white men, as he is seen in hip hop clothing and chains to appeal to the target audience of this genre. The target audience would be young males and females who, potentially, are of African-American backgrounds and are interested in explicit lyrics with lavish music videos.  The representation of age in this video is shown stereotypically with the younger artists as they're seen going out and having fun, drinking, and partying with girls etc. However the older lead male in this narrative is subverting the stereotype that men of his age can go to these strip clubs and have fun. Alternatively this is still stereotypical for this genre to push a few boundaries in terms of portrayal of men - to be more dominant.

Music video 2 - Kid Ink 'Show Me' ft. Chris Brown 2013


This music video is set in a house party, which is typical for R&B music videos to do. This is more of a recent music video from 2013, yet the conventions of earlier R&B music videos are still present here. There a various camera shots and angles to show the artists singing but also having a good time at this party. Women are still seen as sexual objects, with the use of editing there are many quick cuts to show off their bodies, as seen in this still. Therefore gender is represented as stereotypical where the men are seen as cooler and enjoying their rich life where as the women are there to be looked at sexually. This would appeal to the male audience in particular and convey this message that women are sexual
objects for men to desire. In terms of mise en scene, there are many props to adhere to the conventions of this genre for example the alcoholic drinks, flash jewellery, sunglasses etc. The lighting is also quite dim, with flashing bright, colourful lights to evoke this party atmosphere which fits into this genre. The representation of race is quite subverted in a sense when it comes to the women, as there's women of all races seen however there are only ever black or mixed race males shown. This could be to enhance the portrayal of black R&B singers and them having this cooler edge within this genre (as it does come from African-American culture). This overall would appeal to the target audience; the target audience of this music video would be young females and males aged around 13-25. Age is represented in this music video as stereotypical, as there are only young adults seen which would appeal to the target audience. These young adults are seen to be having fun drinking, dancing, having fun with the opposite sex etc. which conveys this message that this is all young people should care about when partying. This is quite negative however appeals to the target audience and fits into the conventions of R&B music.

Music Video 3 ABRA 'Fruit' 2015

 In this music video, the setting is very artistic in a sense as it's set in a penthouse looking apartment. The lead female is seen lip syncing in her neighbourhood. This in a way subverts the stereotype as R&B videos are usually set in a party atmosphere. with the mise en scene, the lighting is quite faded and pale and natural. There are many props such as a football which the singer holds, skateboard, and her costume isn't overly sexual as she wears baggy t shirts and sportswear. This subverts the stereotype as women are usually depicted as sexual objects with minimal clothes as well as dancing sexually. This singer has more subtle dance moves that could even be seen as masculine. This masculinity conveys this 'cool' image and portrays her to be more dominant than the male she is singing about. In terms of camera shots and angles, there are many long shots of the singer, along with slow panning. This gives evokes a flowing effect which reflects the tone of music for the song. The editing also gives the same implication as there's numerous fade in transitions and some shots are on screen for longer. This fits in to the R&B genre of a slower song.  The target audience for this music video would be young females ages between 13-25 who would be interested in a more edgy R&B sound. Age is represented in a stereotypical way with only two young adults being shown living their own lives, although you could argue that there is some subversion as there is no alcohol being shown or parties happening. This could link into the more alternative style of the song. Gender is presented differently, as the female is slightly subverted where the male is seen wearing masculine clothes - a tracksuit. However there are many shots that show the female to be more dominant than the male. She is seen singing to him quite aggressively with anger. This conveys the message that she is the one in the right gives a sense of empowerment throughout the video. Race is represented stereotypically as there are only two black people seen and this would therefore appeal to the target audience who are more likely to be of this race too.