Ummm…for real Kanye?
written by KT
written by KT
Sooooo, it’s been about 3 weeks since I wrote about Kanye’s role in Nas; intoxicating jam “Still Dreamin’” and I must apologize for lauding Kanye so much in such a short amount of time, but after witnessing that mindf**k of a video for “Flashing Lights” – which has been in my head since it premiered last Wednesday – I can’t help but put some words down on paper about this intriguing and most certainly polarizing piece of art.
I had been cruising the ‘net the last couple of days after seeing the video, looking for someone to help me to interpret what I had seen. What I found was very interesting. I found nothing. Not on Kanye’s website, not on other music news sites, pop culture blogs, nowhere. It was my view that people seemed all right with either writing it off as an incomplete video or an overly ambitious, nonsensical trash video. I won’t lie; I was surprised with the lack of effort to understand this video that I was seeing. It seemed that no one was really willing to suspend what they wanted the video to be and instead take it in and try to understand it for what it is: 2 minutes and 47 seconds of poignant cinematography.
So what do we know about the song. The first verse acts as somewhat of an introduction into the fast paced world of "celebritism" (yeah, I made that word up). I hear a man that is happy to have reached the pinnacle and his paramour seems all too thrilled to have ridden with her man to the top as well. The first line frames this perfectly: “she don’t believe in shooting stars/but she believes in shoes and cars…/couture from the stores deparrrtments…” But I get a sense of foreshadowing as the first verse draws to a close. He is being pulled away, even as his woman entices him to stay with her seductive moves “…she’s in the mirror/dancing so sleazy/I get a call like where are you Yeezy?”
The second verse follows up with a much more apologetic tone, which leads me to believe that there is a sense of regret in the life of this man, who, for those flashing lights and shooting cameras, left his woman behind physically and, apparently, emotionally: “I know I was foul/baby/ay babe/lately you’ve been all on my brain…” Now he’s in this place, alone, still trying to piece things together not really sure how things got to where they are “if somebody woulda told me a month ago/frontin’ tho/yo I wouldn’t wanna know…”
So now we come to the video and I’m not going to sit here and lie, I loved this video. And while it took me a while to appreciate it, I still feel it was very creative and somewhat coy in the way that it was done. I feel as if it's a more abstract understanding and it's a tad of a stretch, but my view is that that video kind of acts as a visual ending to the events that Kanye depicts in the song. Whereas the first verse is somewhat of an introduction into the life of "Flashing lights" and partying an all that, the second seems more apologetic, as if he is sorry for bringing her to this place because he’s found himself unable talk to her, unable to spend time with her and it's apparently caused him to do something foul to her.
If you notice, the now infamous "shovel scene" occurs right as the second verse is ending and the final chorus begins as if to punctuate the message: "here are the fruits of your labors, Kanye...this is what your flashing lights brought you..." Everything, from the bright lights of a sprawling Las Vegas (I think) in the background to the gritty, violent darkness of the trunk Kanye is bound in, leads me to believe that this video is not meant to depict the events of the song, but rather to reconcile them, like an equation. Verse one is the beginning; verse two, the middle and climax and finally the video, which would be the falling action (no doubt the act of tying him up and driving to a remote location) and denouement (the resolution: Kanye’s murder). I know, kind of abstract. But I still give ‘Ye his props for igniting such fervent discussion. This guy just does not like to sit in the background.
Think about it…
18 comments:
I try to look at videos as art most times. Kanye usually makes good videos in my opinon; very artistic and very entertaining. But I definitely cannot for the life of me wrap my head around this video. It IS intriguing however, I think because it is so unequivocal in its message--which is key in most abstract art. Let the audience decide what it means to them right? And everybody has a different interpretation. The video is crazy nonetheless and I say that with the highest esteem. Kanye really isn't a background type of dude. I don't always like him but you gotta give props when props are due.
Absolutely, G...I think what surprised me the most was how little people were exchanging ideas and dialogue about what this video may or may not signify. I love a good debate and I feel this is as good a catalyst for one as any...
Ok, so I just watched the video again, this time after reading your piece. I have to admit the first time i watched, i was actively distracted by the "half-nekkedness".
But now with fresh eyes and an even fresher perspective, I see what Kanye was trying to do. In fact, I want to take it a bit further. The woman in the video represents the women in both verses. While she is walking with the mink on I believe she is the materialistic chick who just loves shoes and cars.
Somewhere along the way all the flash becomes a problem and she takes the coat off and becomes the girl in the second verse who is abandoned by Kanye and his quest for the bling. She burns the coat because its clearly a symbol of everything that is wrong with their relationship. Then she heads back to the car and looks at the man she loves realizing that he'll never be the same person again. The fame has corrupted him and the only way she figured that it had to end was... well, you saw it.
and scene. lol.
Yeah I think we have a very similar interpretation JusHH. I found myself most intrigued by the heinous and graphic way in which she ends it. When the video first began I was also distracted by the scantily clad dress of the woman too, thinking, oh boy it's gonna be another stupid half naked chick video (is this necessary!), shame on Kanye. But then after I watched the whole thing I saw it as a necessity. Nakedness can mean so many different things. Sorta like you said, a stripping of all the materialism. I think people are also their rawest self when unclothed; more honest with themselves and those around them. They usually speak and act most honestly and genuinely because a certain vulnerability is already out there. And I'm talkin naked with no sex involved of course, a different kind of intimacy. And to me the way she killed him was so raw and honest. Especially with affection coming first. It was like saying 'the genuine person I knew has already died (in spirit)so his body can't continue to cause pain.'
I think if he could have gotten away with having her just be naked he probably would have. I'm not surprised by Kanye anymore because he never ceases to amaze me. Sounds like an oxymoron right. I just mean I don't put anything past him creatively so when he continues to outdo himself it's expected.
I agree with a lot that has been said. I did however, read that Kanye chose to end the video the way he did, so we can think about what the message. It is up to us to think about it and give our interpretation.
I think the fact that he had a porn star in the video, with a wig and glasses on, shows he didn't want it to be about the PREDICTABLE, "flashing lights". He could have made it more obvious who the lady in the video was, but he didnt. At first glance, you think its another RAP VIDEO. But once we dissect it, IT IS DEEP AS HELL. The only point I would like to add is the way she killed him/ the PAIN, was gully/ meaningful. She could have shot him, something quick and easy. But handling him with the shovel, is another kind of pain. LETS JUST SAY YE REALLY FUCKED HER HEAD UP.
Great topic.
Word. K-Storm I thought the same exact thing--why not an "easy" or more predictable way to kill him, perhaps shooting him. It was my EXACT thought. It is a little strange that this is the first chance I got to really discuss this video with people. You'd think something so raw would be picked apart more. Maybe other people are just looking at it as another rap video. I surely hope not. But I know I probably wouldn't have mentioned it had it not been presented in this discussion (partially due to the fact that I rarely watch rap videos unless by accident or posted by PTM).
I am so glad this video has been brought up for discussion because ever since I saw it last week (thanks KT for sendin the link), I've been left wondering what the hell the point of it was......i have so appreciated reading the different interpretations and must say that jushh brought it somewhere I didn't think was possible (for real.....your take on it is deep), but my take is much more simple and is what I shared with KT privately: sex + violence = great entertainment! Nice work 'Ye.....
okay.. so here's what I'm thinking.. jumpy mind = jumpy literature.. Bear with me:
Because this is all shot in with 2 takes but looks like one continuous shot, this is Kanye having an out of body experience.. (this usually happens to people right before and during the body experiencing PAIN.. which clearly, his body went through). Which in my opinion ties to the comment "the G" made about Kanye already having died in spirit.. The spirit died, but it gave him the OBE to keep him from feeling the physical pain Rita G was about to lay on him. Of course she was doing this as revenge for her emotional pain. Therefore, he's just walking us through the final moments of his body being alive.
And WOW about her burning the material possessions. She burned everything she "worked" for. She burned what she felt was her flesh, what made her worthy, what made her a person, and returned to her true self -- which I'm sure if he could have done so without censoring, she would have been naked.
And we know "flashing lights" represents hollywood, celebrity, yadda yadda, but it also represents movement. Think about when you're in the club and they have the lights that flash on and turn off really fast. Think about how everything around you looks. I feel her movement is the type that in that environment, your eyes would be transfixed on. She encompassed the "flashing light".. reaching? maybe.. what do you guys think? Oh! And/or what about flashing lights being birth and death all at the same time? Like the burning sun Icarus wasn't supposed to go near? The flashing lights draw you in. You feel like you’ve got new life – fabulous life. You don't realize the flashing light is THE light (death) and you move closer and closer, (like many celebrities do as they feel they’re invincible) and then you reach the light which causes you fall from the sky to your death (like Icarus). You've got all the glitz and the glam your little heart could desire, then you get to the source of the light, somewhere you thought you already were, and meet your demise. Now for most people, it's not literal death, it’s their souls. But depending on who you ask, the latter could be worse. This is, of course, UNLESS you catch yourself like this chick and burn those worldly possessions and the person/thing that is the catalyst to your demise (in this case, Kanye), and regain consciousness.
And yea, I was getting tired of everyone calling it deep but not saying how they interpreted the video. Bandwagon groupies. I like the video now after looking it over with a buddy and really thinking about it. KT… great write-up. Helped out my perspective.
Side trivial stuff… did you notice,
- The brake lights went down when the beat dropped? HOW THE HELL did the lights do that? Was the car “one with her”? Creepy.
- Shades on to block the appeal of the flashing lights so she doesn’t change her mind? But then when the second shot came up, no shades. She was ready.
- Kanye didn’t fight back. No soul. No desire.
- Flashing Lights text at the end RED then fade.. Flashing lights will fade you out.
-Last stab/jab with the shovel made on the word Caesar… we all know Caesar was stabbed and by someone close to him, like Kanye
WOW, YOU WENT IN ZENIYA. I feel you though. I LOVE THIS DISCUSSION. The flashing lights, as movement is so RIGHT THOUGH. And notice how the scene is set in a somewhat dark setting and the only lights we see are from the FLAMES, and the Lights on the Car.
Im also feeling the point you made on flashing lights being birth and death. BIRTH OF THE ARTIST/ RAPPER, and death of the FAKE ARTIST. STRIPPING DOWN, and realizing you don't need a gimmick to be successful. I dont think Ye died. I think a NEW Ye is going to pop out of the TRUNK, if there is a continuation...
I HOPE THIS CONTINUES DISCUSSIONS WE CAN ALL GO IN ON. GREAT JOB PASTHTHEMARGIN...
Tell a friend to tell a friend.
WOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!! Zeniya you took it to a whole other other level. Your interpretation is incredible. I never thought about the death/rebirth view. Many people believe that when you die it is for the purpose of being reborn at the right time, to possibly cause some sort of change or effect in your next life. So what would the death of only one's soul mean? Perhaps a rebirth of their person but in the same flesh and same lifetime? A chance to do it over the right way?
That observation about the last stab on the word Caesar is bananas (I love it). I didn't realize that but now I have to go back and watch this video over and over again.
I'm really appreciating these different persepctives on this video. KT you always seriously bring it with the lyrical exercise. Every week I'm telling you that you brought it and outdid yourself, but seriously..... no words.
And if Ye doesn't die in a continuation and DOES in fact pop out of the trunk, what does that mean that she couldn't finish the job? She couldn't kill him--why?
This discussion is def past the margin, i love you guys input on everything but quick question. Why do you think they blur out the lighter fluid???
gWiz
thanks ladies for the great convo today... just like Wiz said this is what PTM is all about.
Shouts to Kanye for keepin' it original.
Shouts to KT for allowing me to see beyond the thong on this one (lol)
Thanks for the feedback on my post. You all have no idea how I was trying to reply on my blackberry on the way home and couldn't. Everyone's comments are so fittingly analytical. I LOVE it!! Seriously, this is now one of my favorite sites.
Okay, K Storm, the thought of it being the birth of the rapper/artist death of the fake rapper.. I can see that. How many kids out there think the hottest rappers are the ones with the hottest whips, chicks, and ridiculous chains? Cool, you want to rap about that, but when you rap about it, are you SAYING anything?
THE G, your question is SERIOUS. What do you think about this answer:
Okay, so if he does live and pop out of the trunk, perhaps she couldn't kill him because falsehoods/glitz/celebrity is something she is innately attracted to. How do you kill your innate attractions by taking it out on someone/something else besides the fact it's impossible? lol... It's like, you ever notice that many homophobic, like hardcore homophobic people, are in fact, themselves, homosexual? Think about it. The homosexual people you've heard about murdered in RIDICULOUS ways (like Rita G. trying to kill him with a shovel while he's in a trunk) are later found out to be homosexual. They thought by killing someone who represented what they innately felt, they would then kill it within themselves. Never works. At the end of the day if it's in you, it's in you. It's like people why psychological "disadvantages" we'll say, they can go through life with the strains dormant, and then with one event/situation, they are mentally set off for the rest of their lives regardless of their ability to manage it or not. So if Kanye pops out.. WOW.. that's crazy!!!!
And blurring the lighter fluid, I think that was just censorship. Not that people don't know what the hell it is, but the powers that be don't want to feel like they gave the public any real ideas. I'd love to know if someone thinks this is deeper. Take me there.
And yea K Storm, we could go on and on...
Zeniya I was thinking along the same lines. Perhaps she couldn't kill him because it is inside her and it will never truly die.............
You know the conversation is past the margin when we start coming up with sequels to videos, LOL.
Is he referring to...
"She was with me before the deal she been tryna be mine. She a delta so she been throwing that Dynasty sign"?
~ Through the Wire is one of the best songs ever made.
D-Nyce.
one more thing...notice what word Kayne says exactly when she strikes him with the first blow...'past'. That wasn't a coincidence. Now that's Past the Margin.
K.T., exceptional work.
D-Nyce.
You thought really hard. I don't think people really didin't try... oh wait.. you're right... they didn't. But the point was... no one cared that much to give it that much effort. Hello? Hello?
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