RESEARCH | Conventions of an R&B Music Video

Slow R&B songs are often about love or breaking up, the location is usually basic, for example a bedroom, and the makeup and hair of those in videos will be minimal and natural to convey the sense of natural beauty. Lots of jewellery is worn to show females as desirable.

In Beyonce's 'If I Were a Boy' music video, she is seen to be wearing a plain white vest with minimal makeup at first, however then goes on to become more glam with big earrings and glam makeup; both these scenes follow convention of this genre.

Slow songs are usually done by females and often follow a narrative. Shots will be slow to match the tempo of the song and close ups will be used to convey emotion and suit the lyrics. These slow songs often use a greyscale or sepia tone with soft lighting in order to show emotions.

In more upbeat R&B songs, like Ella Mai's 'Boo'd Up' the music video consists of flashing lights and bright colours and may use quick cutting or split shots in order to keep the pace and match the upbeat song.

In 'So Into You' by Fabolous ft Tamia, the music video follows conventions of the genre and uses a dark, greyscale background, however the artist is wearing bright pink; this makes her stand out and could also convey a sense of reality. She has a subtle spotlight upon her which depicts her in the same light as a goddess.

Males in conventional R&B videos often include fashionable clothing, for example baseball caps, baggy jeans and designer trainers. Tattoos are often shown on males as they are seen as desirable to women.

Male R&B artists wear jewellery but it is often more subtle than hip-hop artists.