Dizzee rascal is a British Rapper, record producer and songwriter.

His music is a mix of House, Garage, Rap and Hip-Hop. He is best known for his number one singles, including

“Dance With Me”, ‘”Bonkers”, “Holiday”, “Dirty Disco” and England's unofficial world cup song “Shout.”

Dizzee Rascal has influenced social tribes such as the ‘Grime’ and ‘Rap’ tribes, into a more dance, techno and ‘electric’ music; because of his change from grime to dance/hip-hop music.

I will be not only looking at the normal elements such as genre, music, lyrics, camera work, editing, mise en scene but the ways in which the lyrics and video are linked to together to create some sort of overall feel and effect.

The relationships between a music video and the lyrics are normally in close context and each beat from the music is accompanied by the movement of the camera or the editing techniques. For example, using a fast paced movement of the camera (swish pans) when the music is at a high pitch.

From my first viewing of the music video I instantly knew it was a electro/house style genre of music, moreover this aspect is emphasised by the blue and electro colours that are used throughout the video.

The genre of the music is blend of alternative dance, electro and hip-hop.

The music contains various hooks and beats that are repeated throughout the whole of the song to emphasise on the dance feel and the carefree sense that is implied; usual element of dance music.

Moreover, the repeated beats and fusion of music genres is complimented by the use of props. ‘Dizzee Rascal’ wears a traditional hip-hop cap which attracts that specific social group. Also the back and forth movement of the dancers links in with the beats which are also repeated.

I wake up everyday it’s a daydream Everything in my life isn’t what it seems I wake up just to go back to sleep I act real shallow but I’m in to deep And all I care about is sex and violence And a heavy bass line is my kind of silence Everybody says I got to get a grip But I let sanity give me the slip Some people think I’m bonkers But I just think I’m free Man I’m just living my life There nothing crazy about me Some people pay for thrills but I get mine for free Man I’m just living my life There nothing crazy about me (Bonkers) --- repeat --

The artist definitely reflects his feelings and lifestyle of clubbing/partying in the lyrics. “the heavy bass line is my kind of silence,” the artist implies how addicted to bass line he really is how silence is referred to as bass line; repetitive, electro music, which is far off from being silent.

In addition, the artist also implies his carefree lifestyle , clubbing experiences and a unusual element of madness in his lyrics.“Man I’m just living my life, there’s nothing crazy about me,” clearly it reflects on how the artist doesn’t care what other people think of him, he is just living his energetic life.

Moreover the lyrics and the video interlink by the use of dancing and typical clubbing hand movements. The ‘Heavy bass line’ is linked with the repetitive zoom in and out of the artist. What is more, is the infinite turn of the city in the background represents the everlasting dance and repetitive lifestyle that the artist has.

Colours:

There is a very vibrant and blue tone to the video, which emphasizes on the genre of music and the whole dancing and clubbing theme.

Moreover, the colours in the first section of the video includes a very light blue tone, not much vibrancy and subtle implications of the dance music and genre.

However, this then totally changes on the second section where the artist changes from a blue top and blue cap to a red t-shirt and red sunglasses; signaling the change from the old, boring lifestyle to this energetic and carefree clubbing life.

CostumesThe clothing that is used in the music video portrays themes of the

dance genre. The vibrant t-shirts, feminine tops, glasses and hooded tops emphasize on the fusion of hip-hop, dance and electro music.

Moreover, near the end there is a group of dancers in glow-in-the-dark, skeleton costumes; the whole glow in the dark theme originated from the clubs in which dance music is played; to get dancers more into the whole ‘care-free’ sense and ‘electro’ feeling.

PropsIn the start of the music video we see a van in a fabric look that

unusual, dance music usually contains an ‘unusual’ aspect to the music video, i.e. glow in the dark paint (“Candy” by Aggros Santos and Kimberley Watt) and dancing in a paddling pool (“Just Dance” – Lady Gaga). Unusual and outrageous themes are usually integrated into modern and mainstream music videos to get a huge amount of attention, which will result in that particular music video getting more hits and a higher place in the music charts; more money and fame for that artist.

In my opinion, there is a sense of exaggeration in the music video. I feel this because of the huge chain that the artist wears, it is unrealistic and you wouldn’t see anybody wearing this in society; this is another concept of music videos that is included in most mainstream music videos; artists tend to do different things that is a step away from the normal codes and conventions of music video.

There is tremendous amount of zooming in and out in the video. This is used to link into the repetitive beats of the music that allows both the music and video to complement each other and to come together as one.

Furthermore, the slow motion editing used in the middle section of the music video represents life at a stand still, they are overwhelmed by the dance music and are embracing it.

What is more, is the change in the mise-en-scene from the first half to the second is signaled by a rewind effect used in the middle section; while rewinding the colours change to keep the audiences attention.

In the video there is a variety of camera angles that are used to keep the audiences attention on the screen and no-where else. Moreover, there is a prominent use of close-up shots on the artist to present different facial expressions which are positive expressions that present how he feels about this whole dance and crazy experience. Also the high angles are used on the artist to show his superiority and to show the whole of the city background, which is where his fun lifestyle is centered around; the circular globe reflects on this.

In the Music Video there isn’t much of a narrative or storyline. This particular music video is a performance video, however elements of a story lined video is implied.

The beginning of the music video starts with the artist waking up from a sleep on a van made out of fabric. Next we see him changing into a happier, energetic and positive mood; reflected by the vibrant mise-en-scene.

Moreover, there is definite repetitive theme of a recurring passion to dance and of a fun, care free clubbing.