Nicki Minaj – Anaconda (Lyric Video + Official MV)

by Rodrigo · August 17, 2014

I may talk about music videos here from time to time if I feel like talking about them myself. Now the question here is: why would you talk about a Nicki Minaj music video, Rodrigo?

Maybe it was the single’s cover picture showcasing her ass — I’m not a fan of her music, but she’s better off keeping her hair colour as black instead of her usual multi-changing colourful appearances that makes her look like a black Lady Gaga. Or maybe it’s the fact that she uses Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1992 hit Baby Got Back [MV] and that’s easy to notice.

Anyways, the lyric video directed by Colin Tilley — who also directed the official music video, ~~which will be released in 3 days~~ — includes plenty of close-ups of derrieres, obviously, including the rapper’s own featured on the cover art for the single. Additionally, it includes Minaj rapping the lyrics as vintage-looking fonts and animations, straight out of the late 80’s and early 90’s, splash across the screen. Those retro visuals looked interesting in spite of the song’s eye-rolling, fast-paced, dick-and-ass-themed lyrics. And I gotta hand it to Tilley for not including a fly near that red and white capsule because that would have otherwise triggered a lawsuit from Red Hot Chili Peppers [see: album cover for I’m With You].

In 2012, the song was originally recorded by Missy Elliott, however due to undisclosed reasons she shelved the track and was then re-recorded by Minaj. In Elliott’s case, I think she dodged a bullet given the lyrical content. Then again, I’m not too familiar with her music for the most part except for her big hits (and the same goes for Minaj). On the other hand, in Nicki Minaj’s case, I think this would be something you would expect from her.

Honestly, I don’t have an idea why folks are labeling this song as “sexy”, unless it’s about the cover and that’s understandable — it suits Minaj nicely, unlike Miley Cyrus [1] who rightfully got slammed by Minaj. If anything, “naughty” and “dirty” would fit the song’s description better. And while this will be inevitably blasted on the radios and elsewhere in the States (and worldwide too), the places where this song fits better are nightclubs, stripclubs and brothels.

Anaconda is the second single from Minaj’s third studio album The Pinkprint, and will be performed live next week at the 2014 MTV VIdeo Music Awards. While she’s gonna guarantee headlines if she actually bares her ass, she stands a chance at earning my respect a bit if she manages to take a shot at Cyrus (and Robin Thicke too, because why not?) for what happened last year at the VMAs. As far as the album’s release date is concerned, it is supposed to be released sometime this year.

August 20, 2014 update: The official music video for Anaconda was released today. The sexual references remain intact, but it’s more twerking-driven and ass-focused (with more emphasis on Minaj, obviously). It also includes a cameo from Drake near the end of the video.

This video should easily trigger a bunch of articles regarding female sexuality, objectification (in general as well as in hip-hop), race, etc.