Analysing Star Image in Music videos: Jay-Z & Kanye West - Ni**as In Paris (Hip-Hop/rap)

In Jay-Z and Kanye West's single 'Ni**as in Paris', the music video is a performance video with only footage of them performing the track live in concert, mixed with graphics including a kaleidoscope effect, and abstract imagery of tigers and panthers. There is also Imagery of large marble buildings with pillars and gold, also clouds that look heaven-like.

I think that the theme of the music video is to make the two rappers seem 'god-like' and very powerful. They follow the 'hip-hop' stereotype with regards to clothing, especially Jay-Z wearing large gold chains, leather, hood and snapback (cap) however Kanye West's style is more influenced by fashion, as he is more eccentric wearing a leather skirt which is popular in high fashion and popular culture.

Whilst the video is not generic modern day Hip-Hop style which would include half-naked girls and flaunting of money, it still does follow the stereotype of using crude language including the constant repetition of the N word, which is even in the title.

The star image that Jay Z and Kanye West present are very popular God-Like men, this image is presented by the way they have shots from behind them looking over the crowd as they all put their hands in a triangle shape almost in worship. The Heavenly clouds and Marble buildings with gold statues and pillars also present God-like connotations. The use of Lions, Tigers and Panthers also present the idea that they are powerful like the animals.