Nicki Minaj’s music video, “Anaconda,” resulted in many fans and detractors revealing that the graphic intensity struck them. Viewers expressed vastly differing opinions in response to the video.
Minaj is a Trinidadian-born singer, rapper, actress, and songwriter based in the United States. She has sold well over 100 million records and has a personal net worth of over 130 million. However, her fame and financial strength did not come without controversy.
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views Inappropriate
In her review, Carolyn Menyes from Music Times stated that both the song and the video were a bit “raunchy,” though this was to be “expected”. As she pointed out, “Anaconda” was proof that Minaj was keeping to her promise to move away from poppier singles like “Super Bass” and “Starships”, and return to her more hardcore rap roots.
And hardcore was the word being used by many to describe both the lyrics and the video. Although only a few critics seem to be put off by the lyrics, the video was definitely a point of contention for many viewers.
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views
Throughout the video, scantily-clad women twerk in a variety of outfits. At the same time, Minaj is seen in a pool with a barely-there swimsuit, pouring whipped cream over herself and shoving bananas down her throat. The extreme sexual overtones are impossible to deny.
For those that have not seen the video, there is a fine line that some feel Minaj crossed between artistic expression and something more disturbing. The video leaves little to the imagination, for example, when she gives fellow rapper Drake a lap dance at the end to top all the bootylicious action off.
Responses from viewers and critics were varied, with some supporting Minaj’s creative marketing prowess and others displaying shock, distaste, and even disbelief that it was broadcasted on national television stations without censorship.
One online response got straight to the point: “I seriously don’t know how they’re going to air this on any of the music video channels. It literally borders softcore porn. These are music channels grade schoolers watch.”
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views Record Setting – video hits 1 billion views
Another critic stated their opinion this way, “The video is Totally Inappropriate, no question. But on top of all the reasons listed above, people, especially parents, need to understand the lyrics. The lyrics talk about Minaj having a man to buy her expensive clothing, taking “half a pill of some dumb s***” and fornicating in a car.
People have grown accustomed to hearing swear words in songs, especially in the hardcore rap category, but some feel Minaj borders on hate speech. For example, towards the song’s end, she calls out to her “fat a** b*****” and describes her hate for skinny girls.
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views Record Setting
Now, with an understanding of why the video was off-putting to so many, others fully support the work as both creative artistry and marketing success.
There is no denying that Nicki Minaj is provocative, shocking, and sometimes highly inappropriate. However, many in the music industry are also not denying that Nicki Minaj is potentially a bonafide marketing genius.
The first time most people watched the video, the sensory overload that kicked in almost demanded that they view it again. Many described it as so shocking that when they watched it again for the second or even third time, they could begin to see several different products Minaj was promoting.
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views Marketing Genius
Placed discreetly and with shots only lasting two or three seconds, the product placement is surprisingly hard to detect for those not looking specifically for them. Upon closer inspection, viewers can determine four different and distinct brands promoted by Minaj.
Of course, everyone is familiar with Beats By Dre as a top listening product brand. But in 2014 when “Anaconda” the placement of the branded pink boombox in the first half of the music video was well though out.
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views – Image credit – https://www.facebook.com/nickiminaj
In the gym portion of the music video, Minaj is seen wearing a VSX Sports Bra. Minaj puts great stock in her physical appearance throughout the video, and the brand VSX has a prominent place on her body.
Also in the gym scene, Minaj is seen drinking from a water bottle with the words “MateFit” on it. No doubt the product placement is intentional; the only question is how much the singer got paid for it.
And then, finally, but most important to Minaj, there is the MYX Fusions: This was the most genius placement of all. Upon looking up the company that sells wines infused with tropical flavors, you can see that Minaj is both co-owner and spokesperson.
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views Record Setting
What better way to get your product seen than in a music video you know will be replayed again and again, thanks to the world’s fixation with your outlandish performance? The more the controversy, the more the views, right?
Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video Hits 1 Billion Views – Image credit – https://www.facebook.com/nickiminaj
And the more the views, the more discreet product placement comes into play. Seriously, this is subliminal messaging at its finest. So kudos to Nicki Minaj for expertly using her body and genius marketing skills to sell your products far beyond her music.
The simple truth is that Nicki Minaj Anaconda Music Video hits 1 Billion views because it is controversial. However, with success like this, it is hard to believe that others won’t follow suit with more product placements in their music videos.
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