Jennifer Lopez (also known as J-Lo) began her career as a dancer. This role took place on a television program called 'In Living Color'. She also starred in an action-thriller in 1995 called, 'Money Train', where she gained quite abit of recognition. However it was in 1997 where she was given a lead role in the movie, 'Selena', an american biographical film, from which she was arwarded with an ALMA (American Latino Media Arts award). In the following year she acted in another movie called, 'Out of Sight', a film based on the novel written by Elmore Leonard. After making this film she was given yet another ALMA award. Since then Lopez has starred in many other films such as, The Wedding Planner (2001), Maid in Manhattan (2002), Monster-in-Law (2005) and her most recent one, 'The Back-Up Plan (2010).
'The Back-Up Plan' (2010) trailer -
J-Lo & the Music Industry
'J-Lo' was the name of her second album, released in 2001. It differed from her first album as it had more of an urban flavour to it. The image on the album cover has a style which reflects upon this. Lopez has made appearances with many different styles, but the main genres she falls into would be Pop, R&B and a slight touch of hip-hop.
In most of her videos the outfits worn by her are from an urban background. Her style and representation reflects mainly upon the R&B and hip-hop genre. Other artists and background dancers featured in her videos follow this style. Some examples of the costumes worn in her video are caps, hoodies, big chains etc.
As well as appearance, their performance and style of dance conforms to the genre. Most of J-Lo's videos contain a narrative, plus her performing a choreographed dance (sometimes with back-up dancers).
She is seen in most magazine covers to be giving fashion statements. This would obviously appeal more to the female gender. The magazines would contain things like the latest trends, best places to shop, beauty products etc.
These two album covers contain an image of her with a very serious facial expression. The message we receive from this shows that this is all about her and no other person matters - all attention should be directed at her. Also the images put on her album covers are glamorous, sexy and quite revealing. This could be aiming to gain attention from the opposite sex aswell.
Her music video's also at times contain revealing images plus clothes which would be seen as 'in fashion'. Alot of her actual tracks are 'love songs' from a female's point of view, which would obviously be seen to be aiming at that specific gender.
The age of the target audience would come in from the 'love songs' and also the interest in the 'latest trends'. This would be people from the ages around 16 to 18 and above. Going back to the audience from the opposite gender; alot of her tracks feature male artists therefore this could have an impact towards who her audience will be.
MOTIF
One recurring theme she is well-known for would be her rather large posterier also known as 'J-Lo's Booty'! This is how she gained her sex appeal.
Most dresses worn by J-Lo are tightly fitted, enough to show off her curvs.
