Jay-Z 99 Problems with Goodwin's Theories

Lyrics and Visuals

The song is about being a gangster/lifestyle plus video images illustrate this.

Synchronous relationship,throughout the song images reflect the lyrics sometimes generally and sometimes more specifically/literally - e.g. 'God' = image of crucifix, 'Bitch' = image of dog etc.

The story about getting pulled over by police is literally illustrated through the visual; very narrative style.

The visuals show some of the 99 Problems, the pinnacle being him getting shot.

'From the radio'  - Pulls down hood

Music and Visuals 

Camera movements are jerky and constant which matched the rise and fall of the beat.

Cuts are in sync with the bass, especially at the beginning.

Lots of cuts and many different images make it hard to see everything on the first viewing, similar to song which is also dense with themes/imagery/narratives.

Demands of the record label

Lots of worms eye and close up's of shots of Jay-Z makes him appear powerful.

Fewer shots of him than you might expect, seems like he is being modest OR that he is being top dog/elusive on the streets. Also reflects fact that he is well established artist and doesn't need his face all over the video. 

Reference to notion of looking Voyeuristic treatment

Looking at police in the wing mirror.

Various shots of which are very sexualized.

Looking through bars into the prison.

Video of Jay-Z outside subway station.

Looking through fingers a lot of the time.

X-ray vision shot through the boot of the car.


Intertextual Reference
Generic action film shown.
Rick Ruben appears in video.
Black and white reference to gangster films.