Music Video Analysis. Raury - 'God's Whisper'.

Raury - God's Whisper

Starting where 'Devil's Whisper' left off, 'God's Whisper' follows Raury through his day. This music video has a linear narrative to an extent, however this could be argued, as we see Raury twice in the same shot, this could be evidence of a parallel narrative, because we follow two characters, or two versions of a character, however the majority of the music video follows a linear narrative. The music video is a hybrid between performance and narrative, much like the video for 'Devil's Whisper', however, this music video contains even less performance, and is mainly dominated by the linear narrative. There is a clear link between the lyrics and the visuals, most obviously through the captions.

The multiple genres which Raury's music falls into are portrayed in multiple ways. The country and folk genres are represented, in the video, through the rural setting, or settings with rural characteristics, which is constant throughout. Then, the hip hop genre is shown through the costume, the mise en scene (such as drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and anti-social behaviour), and the Indie genre is represented, again, through costume, such a Raury's hat and costume choice in the exposition.

Mid-Shot

Extreme Close-Up

There is a wide variety of camera angles used throughout the music video, from extreme close-ups to long shots. Also, we see varying camera techniques, such as cinema vérité style camera movement, to add a sense of voyeurism. This could also be used to represent the less mainstream genres of music, because the style is more of a unique style. Tracking shots are used for a smoother feel to the majority of the music video, the cleaner cut style could be representing the more mainstream style of music, such as Hop Hop, because the camera style is more of a conventional one used in media platforms.
The direct mode of dress which is occasionally used in the music video, could be used to interpolate the audience. This also seems to be the case in the song 'Devil's Whisper'. The common use of this feature in Raury's music videos could be to portray Raury's personality/persona, because he seems to be extremely socially involved. The main evidence for this is the concept for his music video 'Friends' where he gets fans to drive him across America to his shows, as apposed to getting a flight.

Screenshot from 'Friends'

Screenshot from 'Friends'

In conclusion, Raury's music video for 'God's Whisper' seems to be focussed around rebellion, which is a main convention in modern day Hip Hop music. This is portrayed through the anti-social behaviour mainly. However, there are aspects which convey all of the music genres which Raury's music falls into. Also, the music video seems to spark some enigmas, such as the start, (where 'Devil's Whisper' ended) and the general narrative gets an audience to ask 'what' is happening and also 'why'.