Jay-z's 99 problems video
 

Jay-Z says that his video represents the ending of one career and the start of a new one. I think that we will see a very different Jay-Z from what we are accustomed. We usually see the "big pimpin" Jay-Z, but now we are about to see the "conscious" Jay-Z. In his "99 problems" video, Jay-Z tries to present an authentic picture of inner-city life. Through his lyrics and his visual images, jay-z shows those in mainstream society the pain and struggles that the black community, especially black men, experience in America. He represents those who are often ignored, neglected, and silenced. With their being so much police brutality in this country, I can understand why he chooses to get shot multiple times at the end of the video. It seems to me that he wants to show Americans that he relates to the struggles that his brothers face. That he is no different from them. No matter how much money he has, he's still a black man in this racist country. Matter fact, if it wasn't for hip-hop, he probably would be in jail, selling drugs, or dead. He's even admitted this. Let's face it, the federal and local goverments continue to make it difficult for black men to succeed. It's sad that the basketball court seems like the only place where black men dominate. I know some would disagree with me, thinking that because we live in a democratic country, the land of the free and the home of the brave, there is no excuse for black men not advancing politically, educationally, and economically. Yes, there are more opportunities for black men to move ahead. But unfortunately, many of our black men are locked up behind bars or on the streets slingling. We have some brothers who have paid their debt to society, but cannot vote or find a decent job because they have a felony on their record. Now, who should we hold accountable for this? Schools in the inner-cities are underfunded. Most black boys are discouraged from learning, often being placed in special education classes. Many teachers just don't give a damn. We are to blame in part, because we are allowing these conditions to continue.


Back to Jay-Z's video, I feel like Jay-Z is trying to represent reality, as opposed to fantasy. The scene in which the group of black men, dressed in all black, step in unity, reminds me of a fraternity. When these black men end their stepping routine by extending their arm, showing their closed fists, I am reminded of the Black Panther Party ( who usually dressed in black berets, black outfits, and guns) and the Black Power movement. Matter of fact, black and latino youth in the Bronx gave birth to hip-hop in the mid 1970's when the Black Panther Party was dying out, owing to their contradictions, infighting, as well as the goverment's political pressure, jailings, and murders of Panthers.

damn aniles who r u Colin powell

damn nigga but i like the video

yea that shit was tight

Yeah,I understand the meaning of the video....but does the song fit it?

"I got 99 problems but a bitch ain't one"
"If ya having girl problems I feel bad for ya son"
^^ Now how does these lines fit with black struggles?
Those lines are more like one you'd put in a video where Jay-Z goes for a girl.

reply to ktrini
 

I like your observation. Yes, I agree. At first glance, it seems like those two lines don't go with the rest of the song. Why is he calling women bitches, when his song never really talks about women? Well, firstly, I think he's drawing attention to the fact that there are many problems and issues he must face as a black man, but at least he doesn't have to put up with a woman who acts like a bitch. A man that has a woman who often acts like a bitch, doesn't have a woman who understands him and stands by his side." But, then again, we must ask ourselves how is Jay-Z defining the word "bitch." I have Jay-Z's "Black Album" and towards the end he actually says, "I got 99 problems, but being a bitch ain't one." This word has so many connotations.

its a good Video i like old school beatz so i like the song also.

..I think he's saying that so many people are complaining about girl problems... when there are so many worse problems they should be worried about.

^^^yup like black struggles!!!!

Jay-Z's interview with Jacque Reid
 

Did anyone see Jay-Z's interview with Jacque Reid on Bet Nightly News. I fell asleep before I could hear him talk about the meaning of the "99 problems" video.

Liquor of Tears,

I totally agree with you.

aniles

that video is one of the nicest videos ive ever seen

lol at liquior of tears..the video has nothing to do with women dumbass

Yo i was feelin that video i liked that symbalism when he got shot to end his career
to me symbalism is tight if a person sees one thing but in reality it means two things and makes the viewer think thats dope!

tha end was tight he just got shot but in most videos that
happens but the video was cool

Love the video. Shows projects n shit. i grew up on the project block. Finally someone at the top reppin fo the projex! Best video(cep fo the gay ass guitar sounds in the beat)!!

same I like the video too

Immortal Technique,

You got skillz, shorty. Be sure to keep writing.

aniles

i really dont like the 99 problems video. this guy is always biting off of biggie and pac but says he does it out of "respect", thats the biggest fuckin lie i've ever heard. i dont like him as an MC nor a person, i think hes so badly on big and pacs dick that he idolizes death and being shot. he thinks that to be "good" or the "best" (which he aint, not even close) you have to get shot up and the thinks its a loyalty or something, the video is popausterous and him getting shot at the end was taken as an insult to the rap game to me.

The video is pretty hot but i dont really like the song though but thats juss my opinion
but o well

Clarification please
 

Why do you think the "99 problems" video is an insult to the rap game? Do you think that it perpetuates negative images of hip-hop music? What's up?

I heard that video was fire...and i dont doubt it...
Jay is my favorite rapper. I havent seen it yet,
cuz i dont watch tv that much. But, when i do
I know i wont be let down.

u are whack man who cares about jay-z

...Umm, obviously a lot of people do. Shut your face. :), Thank you

"i got 99 problems but a bitch aint one"
That was bittin from an Mc battle bak on mtv

the video was aigth. it didn't aww me or nothin. i understand what it stood for. but he culd have portrayed it better. one

You know....on rap city,Big Tigger made an interesting comment.He says that Jay-z claims that gettin shot meant he's leaving the "Jay-Z" name and going to "Sean Carter" name.So does that mean that he gonna make another album..but just with the Sean Carter name?Big Tigger also said that if he does..that means he was marketing us with the Black Album.

I don't know...I honestly think Jay-Z would do sumtin like dat too.Everyone think he gone..then he comes back as Sean Carter.That would piss a lot of people off..cause that meant he used the whole retirement shit as a marketing scam.

Only time will answer/
~1~

its o damm k

^^^ Wat.....stop Freeposting...wat You Said Made No Sence!!!!!!!!

I think its lame without a doubt

niggas stop freeposting...give a reason.

I swear..mods need to be here to clean things like these up.

ya that video tight like bout the end of his carrer but its tigjht

yo that video is tight and so rn't his lyrics jay-z will be remembered.....
yo im startin a group called "d bloack"......yo niggaz get at me with some rhymes ight mybe we can show up this fuckin knghts or weteva that gay ass name is...

1 nigga D BLOCK!!