Singer John Duff Plays With Internet Fame in Video for 'Rich'

The singer, dancer, choreographer, and more has created a self-reflexive video about the trappings of internet fame.

Tracy E. Gilchrist

Tracy E. Gilchrist is the VP of Editorial and Special Projects at equalpride. A media veteran, she writes about the intersections of LGBTQ+ equality and pop culture. Previously, she was the editor-in-chief of The Advocate and the first feminism editor for the 55-year-old brand. In 2017, she launched the company's first podcast, The Advocates. She is an experienced broadcast interviewer, panel moderator, and public speaker who has delivered her talk, "Pandora's Box to Pose: Game-changing Visibility in Film and TV," at universities throughout the country.

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Tracy E. Gilchrist

September 20 2019 8:00 AM EST

September 21 2019 2:27 AM EST

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Performer John Duff has released the video for his song "Rich," a song that walks a line between mocking and celebrating pop culture's love-hate obsession with those who are already rich and famous.

"The subject matter is nothing new for hip-hop music, but you rarely hear such themes sung so unapologetically in pop music," Duff says of the song.

A pastiche of images from web culture, the video for "Rich" features internet stars Rebecca More (Cock Destroyer), Justin Jedlica (Human Ken Doll), and Chris Crocker ("Leave Britney Alone"). The video also nods to the Kardashians, Yeezy's Met Gala ensembles, and Kim Kardashian's infamous magazine cover.

"I feel like Jewel when she released 'Intuition' in 2003. People didn't really understand what she was doing then, though ... she was holding a mirror to society," Duff told The Advocate about his song. "Rich" is the same type of commentary, but I think society is ready for it now. I've been blown away by how many people recognize and appreciate some of the subtleties I've slipped in this video. As an artist, my tongue is lightly in my cheek, but my efforts as a musician are totally genuine. I'm glad people can see that and respect it. It's an art in itself."