“BarbWire” isn’t your typical rap video. It avoids using tropes which have saturated music videos for years now, instead relying on its innovation instead. The latest work of 999Mob rappers Drownmili and Burnkas, maintains the same type of adrenaline rush as any other video to hit the scene in recent memory, if for no other reason than due to the duo’s raw energy.
With the violent imagery that comes to mind with a track name like “BarbWire,” it should come as no surprise that the song itself is a twisted, bass-heavy nightmare. The effectiveness of the production lies in its simplicity. The only melody in the track comes from a repeating, hypnotic synth which allows the percussion to shine through.The drums are made of minimal claps and hats and combined with a powerful bass which takes centre stage, which it does with incredible prowess.
Produced by Purpdogg, the beat is an example of how impactful simplicity can be, especially with Drownmili and Burnkas’ aggressive vocals on the track. With violent references to the video game character Max Payne, and countless others to weapons, the bars bring an incredibly sadistic twist to traditional trap topics.
The video for “BarbWire” itself is shot and recorded in the underbelly of New York, making the visual experience feel grimy. The filters used alongside the lack of natural light give the video a sense of rush and adrenaline. Shots in the backseat of a car and in front of an abandoned lot only further elevate the environment that @DirtyBlondeOfficial has masterfully created. His edits are minimal, letting the shots speak for themselves, but impactful when actually used. For example, at one point DirtyBlonde layers multiple shots over each other, producing a glitchy moment matching well with the energy of the song.
Overall, the visuals for “BarbWire” are exactly what the track needs, and add to it heavily with their impressive ability to harness seemingly simple shots and flip them to create a dark and unsettling product. “BarbWire” may be a violent ode to the street lifestyle, but it is also an incredibly layered and well produced. Burnkas himself best summarizes the track when he states “And I am an underdog, like a damn beagle.”