This paper analyzes Benjamin Dickinson's video clip for Killer Mike's song "Untitled". Therefore, I will start by examining the visualization in general. As a second step, the analogies between the song and the visuals will be dealt with. Thus, I will answer the question: In how far are the lyrics or musical elements represented in the music video? Last but not least, the paper ends by giving a conclusion.
Michael Render, better known by his stage name Killer Mike, was born in Atlanta in 1975. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s he made a name for himself as battle rapper in Atlanta’s underground Hip-Hop scene. A few years later Mike met Antwan André Patton aka Big Boi from the famous Hip-Hop Duo Outkast. After their breakthrough, the Duo approached Mike and recorded the song “The Whole World” with him.
Shortly after, he signed to Columbia Records and released his first single and album in 2003. In the following years, he put out various LP’s on different record labels and in the year 2012 he released R.A.P. Music. This piece of work received widespread acclaim e.g. from the Chicago Tribune, Okayplayer, Spin Magazine, Pitchfork Media, etc. The song "Untitled", which will be discussed in this paper, appeared on R.A.P. Music and is a rather personal track that touches on different subjects. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that only the verses are rapped by Killer Mike, whereas the hook is sung by the artist Scar.
Benjamin Dickinson is a director, writer and actor. He is known for his work as a director for various movies and short films, such as Super Sleuths, First Winter and Creative Control. Moreover, he directed the video clips for North American Scum (LCD Soundsystem), Gettin Up (Q-Tip), Get Myself Into It (The Rapture), etc.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Visualization
- Analogies between the Lyrics and the Visuals
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes Benjamin Dickinson's video clip for Killer Mike's song Untitled. The analysis examines the visualization in general, the analogies between the song and the visuals, and ultimately provides a conclusion. The paper aims to answer the question: In how far are the lyrics or musical elements represented in the music video?
- The use of baroque art imagery in the video clip
- The relationship between the lyrics and the visuals
- The role of religion in the video clip
- The portrayal of Killer Mike as a deity and a dictator
- The use of still lifes and other techniques to create a sense of stillness and contemplation
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: Provides background information on Killer Mike and Benjamin Dickinson, and introduces the topic of the paper. The song Untitled is discussed in detail, highlighting its personal nature and the collaboration between Killer Mike and Scar.
- Visualization: Analyzes the visual elements of the video clip, focusing on the references to baroque art. The paper discusses the use of still lifes, the depiction of characters in a motionless manner, and the use of light and color to create a sense of depth and drama.
- Analogies between the Lyrics and the Visuals: Examines the relationship between the lyrics of the song and the visuals in the video clip. The paper discusses how the director uses imagery and symbolism to represent the themes and ideas explored in the lyrics.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of the text include: baroque art, music video analysis, Killer Mike, Benjamin Dickinson, Untitled, lyrics, visuals, religious imagery, symbolism, still lifes, portraiture, assassination, death, sexuality, redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the music video for Killer Mike's "Untitled"?
The music video was directed by Benjamin Dickinson, who is known for his work on films like "Creative Control" and music videos for artists such as LCD Soundsystem and Q-Tip.
What art style is referenced in the visual imagery of the video?
The video clip heavily references Baroque art, utilizing techniques like still lifes, dramatic lighting, and specific color palettes to create a sense of depth and contemplation.
What are the main themes explored in the song and video?
The work touches on personal subjects including religion, power (portraying Mike as a deity or dictator), death, sexuality, and redemption through complex symbolism.
How are the lyrics represented visually in "Untitled"?
The analysis examines analogies between the lyrics and visuals, showing how Dickinson uses baroque imagery and motionless characters to interpret the themes rapped by Killer Mike and sung by Scar.
What is the significance of the "still life" technique in the clip?
Still lifes are used to create a sense of stillness and drama, echoing the "creative treatment of actuality" and inviting the viewer to a more meditative reception of the music.
Who is Killer Mike?
Michael Render, known as Killer Mike, is an Atlanta-based rapper and activist who gained widespread acclaim with his 2012 album "R.A.P. Music," which features the track "Untitled."
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2014, The visualization of Killer Mike’s song “Untitled”. A comparison of the lyrics and Benjamin Dickinson's video clip, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/319015
