In a distant future where the black race and rap music are considered to be the epitome of artistic perfection and cultural aesthetic... a world where secret organizations dedicate themselves to the production of the ultimate pop artist... a world where the club setting is not just a place to hangout but a test of one's character and ability to reach his destiny... one man lays down the hook.
Afro-futurism, being about exploring the black experience through the projection of possible futures pertaining to technological, social, or dystopian developments, is often seen outside the scope of popular culture. The primary exceptions to this are blockbuster theater features and video games. What we see in Fiddy's video are those same projective values applied to the production process of pop artists.
We see the "Shady/Aftermath Development Center" where, presumably, Eminem is working with scientists to develop a pop star. The "aftermath" seems to be an allusion to the destruction of the Earth's surface (possibly). The scientists seem to be applying information derived from the study of Eminem's previously successful music videos and music. Why these survivors need a pop star to show up and drop sick rhymes is another topic for speculation entirely but, at any rate, we see the implementation of advanced technology to birth or modify 50 Cent into being. He works out, he hones his good looks, he raps, he becomes the very best. And that's pretty much the premise for the video. It casts a black artist and black mainstream pop culture as not just existing in the future but being some sort of savior to the human race. The song, of course, is about how awesome 50 Cent is and how the people need him and that hate just feeds him because he's just so damned cool. Which he is.
Of course, it is just a music video so it doesn't necessarily have a coherent beginning and end in terms of the plot and story progression. (Might add some more things to this post by midnight... not sure.)
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