Derick G provides the official Behind-The-Scenes look at "God Bless Amerika". There's no flag footage, so anyone looking to Zapruder that segement is out of luck. Instead you get an artful look at the NOLA neighborhood where they shot.
Anyone who tried to score easy "Real American" points with the non-story of Lil Wayne dancing on the American flag will probably regret calling attention to this video. What was a powerful idea to begin with — a return to his Hollygrove, NOLA roots — has taken on infinitely more resonance after the nationwide discussion simmering after the Trayvon Martin decision.
Are all these people outraged about Lil Wayne stepping on an American Flag equally outraged that the hometown of Hollygrove, NOLA — where this video was shot — is still dirt poor and still recovering from Hurricane Katrina?
There is a lot going on in this new Chris Brown video, least of which is that he directed the video himself. At one point, Breezy seems to be making an anti-gang violence plea with the Boyz in the Hood 'bailing out of the drive by' scene. Then there's the ghostly Aaliyah performance which is sure to inspire calls for a duet remix with the Pac-ogram from last year's Coachella. Throughout, the ramped up red and blue colors recall Sean Penn driving around in a yellow car, and the star/director's hair and shimmering wardrobe make it look like he walked right up to the line of going full-Sisqo. In the midst of all this, we are left with the message: How bad of a guy can he be? Look at all those adorable kids!
Doug Stern also writes music video treatments and solves gang violence.
