Tila ja paikka suomalaisissa räp-musiikkivideoissa

Abstract

This article explores the conventions of visualizing Finnish rap music in 112 music videos released between
1998 and 2010. All individual scenes were first classified according to their site and location. The subsequent
spatial categories were then set against the origins of hip hop culture, its localization to Finland, and the
commercialization of the scene. I argue that there are three distinct ways of arranging spatial settings in
Finnish rap music videos. The first emphasizes the alleged authenticity of artists and filming locations. The
Finnish context and artists’ autobiography create significant frameworks for these visualizations. The second
type relies on generic spatial arrangements, so that links to actual locations are cut off. The audience
needs to possess a cultural understanding of hip hop’s roots in order to interpret these representations.
The third category brings forth imaginary spaces, i.e. digital, animated and staged settings. While rap music
has spread globally, it is shown that in contrast to many other fields in popular culture, rap is a diversified
field that deliberately mixes local elements with migrating musical practices.