A Pulsating Hotline Bling

Talia Tabbara analyses the music video for Hotline Bling.

Released on Monday 20th October, Drake’s Hotline Bling music video was already resounding. Set at No. 2 on the Billboard charts, the video’s almost instant phenomenon comes as no surprise. Already the video appears to have inspired a series of memes and parodies, even casting a shadow on the Star Wars VII trailer that was released the same day.

Before commenting on the choreography, lets get to the source of the craze: the power of music videos today.

Why is videography a vital tool in fortifying something that is meant to strictly be a sensory experience? It is because we need to make sense of everything we see or hear. Videography helps us construct a story, one that we then associate to ourselves one way or another. The images that help us make sense of the music become ingrained in our memory, creating a new dimension to the sound.

So what is it about Drake’s moves in particular that have gotten everyone hypnotized? He exposes dancing taboos. He effortlessly marks time, except he’s not quite in time, he rejects the notion of dancing to anyone’s beat, not even his own. Drake sets new dancing standards and makes turtlenecks look sleek. Indeed his choreography is minimalistic and approachable. It’s rather refreshing to have someone as big as Drake dance like the majority of us, leaving behind a constructed choreography that would have most people shy away. It appeals to the masses because it represents the masses.

The song itself embodies a combination of music genres. There’s a faint background of ska riff that combines elements of Carribean mento and blues. This is reminiscent of the 2Tone era of The Specials band. But much predominant is the indelible riff of the Hammond organ that is sampled from Timmy Thomas’ “Why Can’t We Be Together”. Another song overlap is with D.R.A.M’s “Cha Cha”. Drake appears to have acknowledged this, equating his “creative process” to the modern rap equivalent of a dancehall artist recording his own spin on a hot riddim.

In the words of Ebe, a third year theology student “the video has a visually striking aesthetic”. Indeed, the fuchsia backdrop to Drake’s suave yet clumsy moves is a smooth reference to the hotline ladies who seem to be running the show. The contrasts between the neon lighting and Drake’s very organic moves only accentuate the paradox of needing to call a hotline to receive a basic human necessity, love and care.

The setting appears to be an echo to James Turrell’s “Breathing Light”, an art installation designed to entirely eliminate the viewer’s depth perception. The room seemingly lit by a pink rectangular orb with no defined boundaries cannot be described in literal terms. The most accurate description of standing in front of “Breathing Light” is to liken it to walking into clouds of colour.

The tonality is so immersive, that all rules of space and perspective are erased, replaced by the illusion of a pink mist. There is nothing concrete to grasp on to. There is only light. The idea of fleeting feelings in Drake’s video is accentuated by the ladies’ fleeting appearance, leaving us begging for more as Drake awaits the Hotline Bling.

Comments

comments

319 thoughts on “A Pulsating Hotline Bling

  1. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you really understand what you’re speaking
    approximately! Bookmarked. Please also talk over
    with my site =). We may have a link trade arrangement between us

  2. Great items from you, man. I have remember your stuff previous to and you’re simply extremely great. I really like what you’ve obtained here, really like what you’re saying and the best way through which you are saying it. You are making it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to learn much more from you. This is actually a great web site.

  3. I believe everything said made a lot of sense. However, what about this? suppose you were to create a killer post title? I mean, I don’t wish to tell you how to run your blog, however what if you added a title that grabbed a person’s attention? I mean BLOG_TITLE is kinda plain. You ought to peek at Yahoo’s home page and watch how they write post titles to get viewers to click. You might add a video or a related picture or two to get people excited about everything’ve got to say. Just my opinion, it might make your posts a little bit more interesting.|

  4. I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as
    nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You are incredible!
    Thanks!

  5. May I simply say what a relief to uncover someone who genuinely knows what they’re talking about on the web. You actually understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. A lot more people must read this and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you surely have the gift.|

  6. We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website provided us with valuable info to work on. You’ve performed an impressive process and our whole neighborhood will probably be thankful to you.|

  7. Pingback: bahis siteleri
  8. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask.

    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
    My website goes over a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel
    we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an email.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Superb
    blog by the way!

  9. It’s genuinely very difficult in this busy
    life to listen news on Television, therefore I just use world
    wide web for that reason, and obtain the newest news.

  10. Hi, Neat post. There is an issue with your website in web explorer,
    could check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader
    and a big component of other folks will omit your fantastic writing due to this problem.

  11. My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different web page
    and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so
    i am just following you. Look forward to looking over your web page yet again.

  12. May I simply just say what a relief to find someone who actually understands what they are talking
    about over the internet. You definitely know how to bring a problem
    to light and make it important. A lot more people should look at
    this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you
    aren’t more popular since you definitely possess the gift.

  13. Everything is very open with a clear clarification of the
    challenges. It was definitely informative. Your website is very helpful.
    Thank you for sharing!

  14. Hey there! I simply want to offer you a huge
    thumbs up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post.
    I’ll be returning to your web site for more soon.

  15. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets
    I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping
    maybe you would have some experience with something like this.
    Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading
    your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

  16. Good day! I simply wish to give you a big thumbs
    up for your excellent information you’ve got here on this post.
    I am coming back to your site for more soon.

  17. Have you ever thought about creating an ebook
    or guest authoring on other sites? I have a blog based on the same topics you discuss
    and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would
    value your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

  18. Hi, i believe that i saw you visited my blog thus i got here
    to go back the desire?.I am attempting to to find things to improve my web site!I assume its ok to use some of your ideas!!

  19. I absolutely love your website.. Pleasant colors & theme.
    Did you build this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and want to know where
    you got this from or exactly what the theme is called. Kudos!

  20. Unquestionably consider that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be at the web the easiest factor to consider of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed whilst other people think about issues that they just do not know about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the highest as well as outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , folks can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thank you|

  21. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off the screen in Firefox.
    I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you
    know. The design look great though! Hope
    you get the problem resolved soon. Kudos

  22. Someone essentially help to make severely posts I’d state.
    This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus
    far? I amazed with the analysis you made to make this particular submit extraordinary.
    Wonderful activity!

  23. Appreciating the persistence you put into your website
    and detailed information you present. It’s great
    to come across a blog every once in a while
    that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Great read!
    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  24. Hello, Neat post. There is an issue along with your website in web explorer,
    could check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a large component to people
    will omit your great writing because of this problem.

  25. I’m not sure why but this site is loading incredibly slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.|

  26. A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I think that you need to publish more about this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people do not discuss these issues. To the next! Kind regards!!|

  27. Wonderful blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?

    I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are
    so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any tips?
    Bless you!

  28. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to claim that I get in fact loved account your weblog posts.
    Anyway I will be subscribing on your augment and even I fulfillment
    you access consistently rapidly.

  29. Hello There. I discovered your blog the usage of msn. This is a really well written article.
    I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to learn extra
    of your helpful info. Thank you for the post. I’ll certainly return.

  30. Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover someone who genuinely knows what they are discussing online.
    You definitely understand how to bring an issue to
    light and make it important. A lot more people ought to check this out and understand this side of your story.
    It’s surprising you’re not more popular because you certainly have the gift.

  31. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog.

    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging
    to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal.

    I must say you have done a very good job with this. Also, the blog loads very fast
    for me on Firefox. Excellent Blog!

  32. Hi there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures
    aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show
    the same results.

  33. Hi I am so excited I found your blog, I really found you by error,
    while I was researching on Yahoo for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say
    thanks for a marvelous post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have
    book-marked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will
    be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the superb
    b.

  34. Thanks for a marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed
    reading it, you are a great author. I will always bookmark your blog and definitely will
    come back very soon. I want to encourage one to continue your great work, have a nice day!

  35. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is important and all. But imagine if you added some great images or videos to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips,
    this site could certainly be one of the very best
    in its field. Excellent blog!

  36. Awesome blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get responses from
    other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

    Appreciate it!

  37. I’m extremely pleased to uncover this page. I want to to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful
    read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it and I have you book-marked to check out
    new information in your web site.

  38. You really make it appear really easy with your presentation but
    I in finding this matter to be really something that I think I would by no means understand.
    It kind of feels too complicated and extremely large for me.
    I’m taking a look ahead in your next post, I will attempt to get the cling of it!

  39. Pingback: 1corners
  40. I have learn several excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you put to make this kind of wonderful informative website.|

  41. My partner and I stumbled over here by a different web address and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to looking at your web page yet again.|

  42. My partner and I stumbled over here different web page and thought I should check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to exploring your web page again.|

  43. You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.|

  44. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks a lot|

  45. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I’ll try to get the hang of it!|

  46. Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!|

  47. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!|

  48. You could definitely see your skills in the work you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your heart.|

  49. I really love your blog.. Great colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as Iím hoping to create my own personal website and want to know where you got this from or just what the theme is named. Appreciate it!

  50. Can I simply just say what a relief to discover someone who really knows what they’re talking about on the web. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More and more people ought to look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular since you most certainly possess the gift.

  51. Greetings, I believe your site could be having web browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in IE, it’s got some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, great website!

  52. This is the right website for anybody who wishes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really will need toÖHaHa). You definitely put a fresh spin on a subject that has been discussed for many years. Great stuff, just great!

  53. You are so awesome! I don’t suppose I have read a single thing like that before. So wonderful to find someone with a few original thoughts on this issue. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that’s needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!

  54. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  55. Pingback: 1essential
  56. Pingback: madridbet
  57. Pingback: madridbet
  58. Pingback: madridbet
  59. Pingback: meritking
  60. Pingback: meritking
  61. Pingback: meritking

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND