Alternative representations in hip-hop

Within this video is a famous female rapstar, Missy Elliot, who is respected within the rap community and espcially for being one of the few most successful female artists, breaking the stereotype of male rappers.

There is one representation of women in this music video and that is dominant. This dominant persona is mainly connnoted by the dancers that partake in b-boy dancing that is usually partaken by males. This persona is also anchored by lyrics (diegetic sound)such as "Girls, girls, get that cash,If its not a foul shakin that ass,Ain't no shame ladies, do your thang, Just make sure you ahead of tha game". These lyrics connote that women are independant, staying away from the conventional women relying on the man persona and instead being more self reliant making sure they are "ahead" of their gender counterparts.

In this music video the men are mainly viewed as sex objects creating a female gaze opposed to the conventional male gaze.This gaze is used to make female audiences (paticularly post feminist)identify with Missy Elliot and she is empowering females in this song, espcially when she gives direct adress to the audience, telling them to be "ahead of the game". In a few scenes we see the men partaking in a voyeuristic gaze of the women, connoting that the women are controlling when they are ready to have sex.

In terms of mise-en-scene, the clothing in this video does not differ between the genders as they seem to be wearing tracksuits most of the time, showing that the genders are equal in this sense, with no gender really being sexually objectified. The facial expressions on females gratly differ from male facial expressions as they seem to have blank faces while female expressions are much more lively and clearly show signs of emotions, further connoting that the men in this video act as robots, bending to the female's wills. An interesting medium shot is shown of all the men in a sort of police line as if they are being selected by the women, lining up for them.

Throughout the video Missy Elliot looks into the camera many times, inviting the audience in with an extra-diegetic gaze. By breaking the "fourth wall", Missy is in control and holds majority of power for the video as she chooses what not and what to show the audience.

There is low-key lighting throughout the video, with contrasts of black and white popping up occassionaly. These colours are quite masculine colours and to be viewed with dominating women juxtaposes the idea of masculinity. Missy stands out even more mainly wearing a baby blue tracksuit, which connotes a calming effect.

Missy displays narcissism as she takes an erotic interest in herself and her sexuality. Throughout this video we see her the object of men's affection and knowing this she continues to be flirtatuous anchored by the scenes of her interacting with men.

The ideologies this video holds is a very post-feminist message. From the lyrics and video we can see that this video promotes self-sexual objectification without fear of men either judging or dominating. Also subverting gender roles, the ideology of the patriarcle society seems to have deminished as women are seen as dominant, choosing their sexual partners at will.