It is fair to say that every genre of music is always changing, never becoming stagnant or boring, but it is also fair to say that no genre sees as many changes as Pop. From the spandex warriors of 80’s Pop/Hair metal, to alternative queens like Alanis Morissette in the 90’s, to modern day divas like Britney Spears in the 2000’s, Pop has seen a lot of changes.
Going back to that 80’s Hair Metal point, I think it’s fair to say that the world of 80’s metal and the world of today’s Pop music have a lot in common.
Simple and fun songs about partying? Check
The occasional serious song that is so catchy it becomes permanently embedded in your brain? Check
Over the top videos? Check
Over the top costumes in those videos? Check, BIG TIME check
Today in Music on Video, we take a look at “Fly” by Nicki Minaj (featuring Rihanna)
As the video starts, we are greeted with an aftermath of an apocalypse (a rather common theme in Pop music videos today), just total destruction all around. Through all the remains of a world that once was, we see the only luxury car left in the world, driven by none other than Marge Simpson!
Erm, make that Nicki, but c’mon you were thinking it too right? No? Alright, moving on…
Nicki surveys the damage that has fallen over her location, and in the next few scenes while she starts rapping we get to see the true extent of the damage. Damaged vehicles, stuff on fire, the whole nine yards, the only things that are unscathed are Nicki herself and her car, everything else is in ruins. As well all know the best thing to do in the face of unimaginable damage is sing a catchy pop song, and luckily Rihanna shows up to help the town through its deprivation of catchy hooks.
Pictured: Solutions, Dammit!
After a wardrobe change we catch up with Nicki rapping on the wing of a destroyed aircraft for a verse, and that’s really it. Not much else happens until the next chorus, with more wardrobe changes!
Proof that the damage didn't affect any clothing stores
The next scene is another comparison between Hair Metal videos and current Pop videos. You know how in old Motley Crue and KISS videos, they’d fight ninjas with cheesy sound effects thrown in? Same thing here, albeit not for as long as some of those classic cheesey Hair videos. I’d like to post a pic of Nicki fighting the ninjas, but I feel that this pic from this part of the video will be of more interest to people
DAT ASS!
The next part of the video takes an optimistic turn for the better, as colorful flowers began to grow over all of the damage that we’ve seen throughout the video, and the sun comes out for the first time.
What we all could use in times of dispair, a little sunshine
The video ends on this shot, as we get to see the evolution from heartache and despair, to light and new hope, which is what the song seems to deal with.
Overall
Video – Compared to other Nicki Minaj videos, this one definitely isn’t lacking in the substance or message department. If you know the song subject (talking about rising above diversity and re-defining yourself) the video becomes easy to follow, even with the cheesy ninja fight scenes and leopard print hair. I feel that this is one of the best Pop videos out there right now, clear message, great setting, overall a great video
Song – I am a fan of Nicki Minaj, but I really like her rapping in this song. Not necessarily in her delivery, but in what she’s actually saying – the lyrics are very powerful when you listen to them. The verses deal with rising above challenges, and coupled with the inspiration chorus it all goes together very well. A lot of substance in this song, and I believe that Nicki could win over some non-fans with this one. Overall I’d give the video and song a 9/10.
Watch the Video for Fly Right Now on YouTube