Introduction
People create a variety of content that can be both creative and entertaining while also revealing influential topics. One example is the music parody “Friendos” featured on Saturday Night Live (SNL, 2018). The video was shot in the parody genre of the rapper’s clip. The tone at the beginning of the video can be considered swagger, which shifts into a ridiculing narrative as the setting changes from a nightclub to a psychotherapist’s office. Despite the emphasis on humor, the clip is a vivid social commentary that examines mental health, criticizes rap culture, and contrasts the image and reality of the performers’ lives.
Thematic Analysis of the Video
The analyzed media can be divided into several thematic sections. The video begins with a typical setting for a rap clip – rappers in exclusive clothes and jewelry, an expensive car, and a nightclub full of dancing women and money (SNL, 0:04-0:34). However, after 30 seconds, the lyrics shift to the primary issue – therapy. The setting changes and the actors are already in the office of Dr. Ajela, undergoing treatment and talking about their feelings (SNL, 0:35-2:34).
In the middle of the clip, the lyrics report breakthrough, which goes into a group hug and personal growth thanks to therapy (SNL, 2:35-3:40). For a few seconds, the clip is distracted by a small scene between the band members, which calls the doctor “bitch” and the therapist, who confidently rebuffs the insult (SNL, 3:00-3:07). The last section shows the end of the therapy session, the progress of the participants, and the next client, also a well-known performer.
One can also identify the story arc by considering the features of the video sections. The introduction establishes the video’s confident tone and style, but the main part begins by revealing the topic of therapy through the setting of treatment sessions. The arc continues through a discussion of conflicts between the performers and their solutions, culminating in a demonstration of progress in their friendship. Umbrella, which can describe a music video with such history and style, is a form of social commentary that reflects the media’s sphere of influence.
Social Analysis of the Video
Analysis of the video clip as social commentary is based on a few points. First, it addresses the topic of caring for mental health, which is often accompanied by stigma in society. In a humorous approach, the media demonstrates that mental health support is essential: “If we want to stay shining, we go to therapy” (SNL, 0:32-0:34).
Secondly, the video criticizes aspects of rap culture that emphasize hypermasculinity and objectify women. The plot presents men as highly emotional and sensitive, while the female therapist is portrayed as strong. Thirdly, the video juxtaposes the way the lives of famous rappers are presented with the reality of therapy, where everyone needs to work on themselves.
Highlighted topics supporting social commentary can be expanded upon. For example, rap culture is criticized through the main characters of the performers who represent it. Working on their relationship, as well as on recognizing feelings, is also associated with themes of masculinity and differences between public and private life. Their interaction with the therapist shows that she can achieve respect and recognition, which also destroys expectations for a rap-style video. Moreover, unlike typical rap clips, women are almost absent from defiant images – they often remain in the background, or their figures are hidden and darkened.
Conclusion
Thus, the analyzed parody clip, “Friendos,” is a form of social commentary. Using humor to present ideas, the video emphasizes the importance of mental health, challenges stereotypes about rap culture, and highlights the differences between the real lives of famous people and their public image. The clip combines several sections into a single story arc and effectively uses transitions to convey the audience’s concerns.
Reference
Saturday Night Live. (2018). Friendos (featuring A$AP Rocky) – SNL. YouTube.