How does your product represent social groups or issues?
I think we have showcased a lot about groups and issues, such as my product reflecting many underrepresented Asian hip-hop industries, because in people's Stereo Type view, rap singers are generally black because black people have certain characteristics, such as violence, poverty, drugs, and gambling. The report has been made. I think our focus is on personal issues, not social issues, because our music videos are aimed at young people aged 16 to 28. At the same time, with limited funds, we make every effort to showcase the best music videos to the audience, as our actors are also high school students. Many rap music videos feature marginalized community artists as the protagonists, highlighting issues related to their experiences, such as police brutality, poverty, racism, and discrimination. Rap singers usually attract people's attention to these issues through their music and visual effects, and speak for those who are often silent or overlooked.
My classmate Arthur played the protagonist in our music video, with long hair and a hairpin. He played in our music video presentation because our audience is very broad and we want to accommodate every type of person. His clothing is more masculine, while mine is more trendy, mainly using sweaters and jackets to bring an impact to the audience. Because my outfit is very similar to what most people think of as a rapper, wearing a necklace, wearing a sweater, and driving a sports car.
How do your products engage with the audience?
We engage with the audience through visual storytelling, choreography, dance, special effects, animation, and interactivity in order to engage with the audience. For example, rap music videos typically use narrative methods to attract the audience. We tell stories visually, and we want to create a powerful way to establish emotional connections with the audience. For example, all of our shots are actually a rapper story. There is also choreography and dance: we have carefully choreographed choreography and dance steps in many other rap music videos, which we believe can attract the audience. I think dancing is a great way to add energy to the video and keep the audience engaged. So when we rap, we add a lot of exaggerated body movements. This also gives the audience a sense of engagement. Another aspect is special effects and animations. Through consulting materials, rap music videos will become increasingly visually stunning after adding special effects. So our other team member, Dima, used Adobe Aftereffect to create a shaking special effect during my rap. The last one is interactivity: we provide interactive elements by imitating some rap music videos, allowing the audience to participate in a unique way. So when we rap, our eyes are fixed on the camera all the time, and we also break the fourth wall
Our music video targets teenagers because rap music is usually aimed at teenagers, as it has always been a popular genre among young people throughout history. The common themes and themes in rap music, such as rebellion, social commentary, and personal expression, resonate with many teenagers who are experiencing a period of self discovery and often feel misunderstood by adults. In addition, teenagers are more likely to accept new and alternative forms of music, and are more likely to explore different genres and subculture. Rap music is often associated with youth culture, fashion, and lifestyle, which further increases its appeal among young people.
How did your research inform your products and the way they use or challenge conventions?
We mainly studied the audience group and their consumption ability, such as examining their wealth and states. Research can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and needs, and provide information for the development of new products and the improvement of existing products. Taking rap music videos as an example, research may reveal which themes, styles, and elements can resonate with the audience and drive engagement. Research can also challenge conventions by identifying new trends, opportunities, or gaps in the market
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