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Lizzo, born Melissa Viviane Jefferson, is an American rapper and singer who achieved mainstream success with her third studio album Cuz I Love You (2019). One of her breakthrough songs, "Good as Hell," was initially released in 2016 as part of her Coconut Oil EP and gained popularity after being featured on the soundtrack of the film Barbershop: The Next Cut. The music video, directed by Alan Ferguson, premiered in 2019 and showcases Lizzo's commitment to self-love, empowerment, and body positivity. Set at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the video highlights the themes of unity, confidence, and overcoming personal struggles.

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The video for Good as Hell is performance-based, featuring Lizzo singing and dancing with a large ensemble of students from the university's marching band and dance groups. The narrative aspect of the video is intertwined with the performance, following three female students who face personal challenges. Nicole, one of the students, struggles with her chemistry class because of her passion for music. Another student deals with a romantic breakup, while the third feels isolated from her bandmates. These characters can be seen as "Proppian heroes," characters who undergo a transformation with the help of others, ultimately gaining self-confidence and empowerment. Lizzo, as both a mentor and role model, helps them overcome their obstacles, reflecting the song's central themes of self-love and empowerment.

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The mise-en-scène of the music video adds layers to its meaning. The video is set at Southern University, and the colour palette shifts from subdued navy tracksuits to vibrant gold and blue costumes as the students transition from practice to performance. Lizzo’s gold costume is a key symbol of her star persona, evoking glamour and success. The gold used in the costumes for the dancers and marching band reinforces the theme of triumph and unity, aligning with the celebratory mood of the video. The iconography, centered around the marching band, positions music as the dominant force in the video rather than sport, with brass instruments contributing to the triumphant atmosphere.

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The video’s costume choices also play a significant role in representing Lizzo’s connection to the students. She wears a marching band uniform during certain performances, signaling her alignment with the group, and later dons a dance costume when performing with the "Dancing Dolls." These costumes not only represent Lizzo’s unity with the students but also highlight the themes of teamwork and collective strength that run through the video.

In terms of codes and conventions, Good as Hell follows traditional music video tropes by emphasizing performance. However, it also incorporates narrative elements, blending personal struggles with performance-based empowerment. The direct address from Lizzo to the camera builds intimacy, inviting the female audience to connect with the song’s themes of overcoming adversity and achieving confidence. The use of wide shots throughout the video emphasizes the teamwork and unity among the students, while the diegetic sound at the end of the video—capturing the real sounds of students cheering and dancing after practice—adds a sense of authenticity and realism to the narrative.

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In the context of industry, Good as Hell was strategically released as part of Lizzo’s Coconut Oil EP, and it was featured on the Barbershop: The Next Cut soundtrack. The video was well-received, earning nominations for 'Best Editing' at the MTV Music Awards and 'Video of the Year' at the Soul Train Music Awards in 2020. The song itself also received significant recognition, being nominated for 'Top R&B Song' at the Billboard Music Awards.

Through Good as Hell, Lizzo demonstrates her ability to blend music with important social messages, positioning herself as a powerful advocate for self-love, body positivity, and women’s empowerment. The video’s message is clear: no matter the struggles, every woman has the power to feel "good as hell" when she embraces herself and her worth.

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Questions to Check Learning

1. What central themes are explored in Lizzo's Good as Hell music video?

2. How does the video blend performance and narrative to convey its message?

3. What role do the three female students in the video play in the narrative, and how do they align with Propp’s theory of character types?

4. How does Lizzo’s gold costume in the video reflect her star persona and the video’s themes?

5. What is the significance of the colour palette changing from navy to gold throughout the video?

6. How does the iconography of the marching band contribute to the celebratory and triumphant mood of the video?

7. In what ways do the costumes represent Lizzo’s connection to the students and the theme of teamwork?

8. How does Lizzo’s direct address to the camera build intimacy with the audience, particularly women?

9. What role does diegetic sound play in the final shot of the video, and how does it enhance the sense of realism?

10. How does Good as Hell challenge conventional representations of women in music videos, especially in terms of empowerment and self-love?