Conventions of R&B Music Videos

I have looked at the Conventions used in R&B music videos, which I will use when it comes to making my music video.

Letter to Def Jam

Research into other R&B artists

I have decided to look at other music videos and compare them to Neyo's. Therefore I have researched other best selling R&B artists, and have looked at their videos and the storylines and R&B conventions they use in order to help me with my music videos. These are some of the artists I have looked at.

List of some of the biggest selling R&B/ Hip hop albums of all time in the United States:

1. Micheal Jackson - Thriller.
2. Whitney Houston - The Bodyguard.
3. Prince - Purple Rain.
4. TLC - CrazySexyCool.
5. Mariah Carey - Music Box.
6. Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life.
7. Usher - Confessions.
8. Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
9. Boyz II Men - Cooleyhighharmony.
10. Toni Braxton - Secrets.

Rhythm and Blues, Often abbreviated to R&B

Research into R&B genre which is the genre of my music video I am going to create.
Stylist: Jazz
Origins: Blues (esp. jump, electric), Gospel, Traditional Pop
Cultural Origins: 1940s- 1950s, USA

Typical Instruments: Drum Kit - Double Bass- Saxophone- Horns - Piano - Organ- Electric guitar - Vocals - Background Vocalists

Mainstream Popularity: Significant from 1940s to 1960s; iconic afterwards

Derivative Forms: Funk - Ska - Soul - Rock and roll

It is a genre of popular African American music.
The term has subsequently had a number of shifts in meaning:
In early 1950s and beyond - the term rhythm and blues was mainly applied to blue records. Style of music contributed to the development of rock and roll. It developed from and incorporated electric blues , as well as gospel and soul music.
By the 1970s - rhythm and blues contained soul and funk.
In the 1980s - a newer style of R&B has developed, this is known as Contemporary R&B.

Contemporary R&B is a music genre that contains elements of hip hop, R&B and Pop music.
Artists of Contemporary R&B music in 1980s are Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder , Smokey Robinson, Lionel Ritchie etc.
Artists of Contemporary R&B music in 1990s are Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, TLC, Lauryn Hill etc.
Artists of Contemporary R&B music in 2000 are Beyonce, Usher, Nelly, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Neyo etc.

Neyo's Music Videos

I have decided in order to make a music video of Neyo's song, I need to have an understanding of what Neyo ususally stereotypically includes in his videos. Therefore I have done some research into what he includes in his music videos and
what is similar. While also showing what differs in his music videos and is different.
is Music Videos usually contain a love theme. On all of his music videos he has a storyline that links into the song, consequently helping tell a story.
For example in the music video 'Part of the list' he is in a music shop looking at CD's, when he sees his ex girlfriend walk in, he says hello to her and then she introduces him to her fiancee. Then the music starts. Then he tells the story of what happened between them. It also ties into his other music video 'Mad.' So consequently the music videos link and tell a story.
This is why I want to do a Neyo music video because, I want to create a music video that tells a narrative and is interesting for the audience to watch and relate to.

How does Neyo's Music Videos differ?
Neyo Music videos mainly contain him dancing and him having a narrative to is videos. Which lately in his latest album 'Year of the Gentleman' he is making them all link. Telling a longer story, which consequently seems like a short film.
In Neyo's video 'Closer' he makes this video different to the others. It has lyrics featured in the video, which he does not usually do.

Neyo

For my media Coursework year 13 I am going to be making a music video using Neyo's song 'Lie to me.' Here is some research into Neyo the artist.

Shaffer Chimere Smith
Born : Ocober 18, 1979
Better known as his stage name: Neyo
American pop and R&B singer-songwriter, record producer, actor, and occasional rapper.
He has also written chart-topping songs for other artists. Some include Beyonce (Irreplaceable), Rihanna (unfaithful and Take a Bow), Cassidy, Mario Vasquez (Gallery) Marques Houston. However he is best known for co-writing Mario's song 'Let me Love you.'
Neyo took his time developing as a successful songwriter before he released his platinum debut solo record. On his pair of solo albums the songs, 'In my own words' and 'Because of you,' Neyo proved his talent in the music industry.
'Year of the Gentleman' album
Neyos third album 'Year of the Gentleman,' was released internationally on August 5, 2008. Neyo explained the thinking behind the title of his album was 'Top me 'Year of the Gentleman' is all about a persona, a swag and a charm. I made an assessment of the music bussiness. And, in my personal opinion, the essence of the gentleman is absent right now. Everybody kinda looks the same, everybody's kinda doing the same thing, everybody's kinda rude and full of themselves. Whereas a gentleman is calm, courteous, kind, charming.....So that title basically represents me trying to lead by example, and showing these cats what it is to be a gentleman in this business still.'
The album done very well due to the songs, 'Closer,' 'Miss Independant' and 'Mad.'
The album was nominated for many awards, one including 'Album of the year.'