The visualization of Killer Mike’s song “Untitled”. A comparison of the lyrics and Benjamin Dickinson's video clip

Abstract or Introduction

This paper analyzes Benjamin Dickinson's video clip for Killer Mike's song "Untitled". Therefore, I will start by examining the visualization in general. As a second step, the analogies between the song and the visuals will be dealt with. Thus, I will answer the question: In how far are the lyrics or musical elements represented in the music video? Last but not least, the paper ends by giving a conclusion.

Michael Render, better known by his stage name Killer Mike, was born in Atlanta in 1975. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s he made a name for himself as battle rapper in Atlanta’s underground Hip-Hop scene. A few years later Mike met Antwan André Patton aka Big Boi from the famous Hip-Hop Duo Outkast. After their breakthrough, the Duo approached Mike and recorded the song “The Whole World” with him.

Shortly after, he signed to Columbia Records and released his first single and album in 2003. In the following years, he put out various LP’s on different record labels and in the year 2012 he released R.A.P. Music. This piece of work received widespread acclaim e.g. from the Chicago Tribune, Okayplayer, Spin Magazine, Pitchfork Media, etc. The song "Untitled", which will be discussed in this paper, appeared on R.A.P. Music and is a rather personal track that touches on different subjects. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that only the verses are rapped by Killer Mike, whereas the hook is sung by the artist Scar.

Benjamin Dickinson is a director, writer and actor. He is known for his work as a director for various movies and short films, such as Super Sleuths, First Winter and Creative Control. Moreover, he directed the video clips for North American Scum (LCD Soundsystem), Gettin Up (Q-Tip), Get Myself Into It (The Rapture), etc.