Analysis of hiphop magaziness

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Conventions: The singer featured has minimal jewellery. This its normal for rap artists to wear statement pieces, to show the audience that they can afford the finer things, however Drake (the artist shown on the cover), has two delicate pieces that must significance to his past. The use of a snapback is conventional and stereotypical for a rap artist.

Layout: The Masterhead has been placed at the top of the page in white ,in a large font size, making it clear for the audience to view against the black background, even though the image has been placed over part the “I” and Layout: The cover highlights on those part of the “B”. Its a well known brand within the hip hop and rap scene. who are well known in the At the top right hand side of the Masterhead it has a sign with the words entertainment industry. One being “new”, making the audience aware that this edition has been published. Drake (who has been pictured) Above the masterhead, holds artists that have been mentioned in the stating that he is “Hip Hops new religion” as he has emerged and magazine become a star.

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On the other side of thee page, a banner shows an “exclusive” interview with Chris Brown. The text has been placed in a way that makes it a focal point on the page, as its outlined in a yellow box with black text. Using two of the industries most known artists allows either the rap market who are interested in Drake or the hip hop/ pop market who are interested in Chris Brown to purchase the magazine.

Price of magazine: The price of each issue is £5.33 each however the company has chosen to sell the magazine as a subscription package.

Representation of model: The image features Drake, a Canadian rapper. In the image he is shown to be down to earth, as there is no extravagant props and don’t need them to make the audience understand him.

Colours : The backdrop is a solid black, which is associated mystery and power. However The use of neon yellow stands out against black , making it look as if its a matter of urgency . Incorporating this technique in a magazine making it easier to read at a long distance.

Camera shot: The image has been taken at a medium close shot, this has been shown as the camera stops near the elbow and displays the text above. Using a shot like this allows the audience to keep focus with the subject. As the photograph has been placed in the middle of the cover with the text strategically placed around, makes the image stand out more. Having the writing in colours other than black means the clothing Drake is wearing can still allow the viewers to understand his expression and from their move to the text beside him.

At the bottom of the photography the words “Unstoppable” whilst his facial expression tell the audience, he is determined to succeed as done so in the industry. On the other hand, some may say he shows no emotion but the relaxed attitude in his body is of a stereotypical rap artist . The barcode has situated at the bottom left hand corner as its an area of the magazine where the barcode normally sits, making it convenient to the audience. However this would vary from one edition of the magazine to the next.


Colour: The background is very simple, as it fades from a faint black to a grey tone. The black is known to be connected to power, sophistication and depth. On the other hand grey is known to be connected to intelligence, modesty and maturity. Having a background like this allows the text to stand out. Having pink within the magazine allows connotations like charming, approachable and a sense of passion whilst blue commutates intelligence, wisdom and peace.

Price of magazine: The price of each issue is £5.33 each however the company has chosen to sell the magazine as a subscription package.

Above the Masthead has an “exclusive” report along with Notorious B.I.G. Film have been emphasized through the italics font style furthermore using the three main colours on the page contributes. Beside the photography of Kanye West, we see the cover line that accomplices it, his name stands out against the off white background as it has been placed in pink to grab the audiences attention whilst his quote “ I am rap” has been placed in blue to contrast each other. The quote itself indicates what the feature would lean towards, especially as some readers may find this controversial. Kanye West has been on the music scene for more than 10 years however his influence has expanded to fashion industry too.

Representation of model: The image on the cover of the magazine is of Kanye West. A rapper. The way he has been portrayed here is as a normal person, where material positions don’t uphold a value to him. Camera angles: The image on the cover is a medium close up shot. Using this shot allows the audience to keep focus on the artist’s facial expression on the cover. With this being said he has a expressionless look yet allows us to wonder what he is thinking through the deep concentration in his eyes. The photograph uses the rule of third, as Kanye West has been placed in the majority of the middle of the page. As a consequence it allows the reader to observe the headlining titles beside the image.

Layout: The Masterhead has been situated near the top of the cover. Its the most eye catching text on the screen and as a result the audience can evidently see the title. Again the image does over lap especially on the “I” and “B” although the magazine as a brand has been proven to be trendy.

Underneath the quote from Kanye West, it states additional information that would be included into the article, again formatted into a similar style, with the pink where Kanye as both are connected. Conventions: The singer featured has no visible though he feature a bomber jacket which was a staple back 1990’s when hip hop was at its peak. In doing this it allows Kanye to be ahead of the fashion trends and allow the audience to know he values the simple things in life.

On the other side of the of the magazine, there are various names of individuals who are in the industry. No detail have been added to the names which indicates that this could make the audience wonder what information would be written about each of them. Nevertheless this keeps the article about Kanye West in the spotlight.


Colour scheme: The colour scheme of this magazine uses the colour green this helps make it eye catching to the audience differentiating itself from other magazines in the marketplace. There is great correlation between the clothing the artist is wearing to the background colour similarly matching making it stand out. The colour scheme has been intentional been placed and have meaning behind them. The shirt green represents money, greed and power and his surroundings which the shot is placed at also displays where he is from, typically in hip hop culture colours have been used to tell people which group or where you from suggests his surroundings is dark in Atlanta His clothing is also an important aspect on the front cover as it shows his ideology from the area he comes from reflecting in the cover line 'Trap', which is also represented in his mise en sene from his hat is wearing 'A' significances Atlanta the part of the country he is part of which is a huge part of the hip hop culture. Camera angle: the photographer shot the angle of the artist Jeezy in an low angle positioned shot, directly facing the audience. This has been directed as it shows authority and confidence in Jeezy, the iconography with the microphone over his shoulder it could show the reader the power he holds in the hip hop community and the dominance he has.

The main image: The image on the front cover features a gangster rapper Young Jeezy.

Front cover analysis: Jeezy XXL Magazine The masthead contains block writing titling XXL which is surrounded by red in an rectangle shape. The font is dark red placed on every issue on the top left hand corner. The writing is large and bold. It is placed just behind the artist which is seem to suggest is an established brand and has been in the industry from 1997 to present and has a large brand identity in the marketplace. The name is synonymous to the brand XXL meaning Extra Extra Large which in fact is the leading publications of hip hop also represents the culture of clothing as during the early 20 century baggy clothes was linked to the music genre a fashion statement. Another view is the name suggests the biggest in the industry, dominating above the rest of the companies which has translated in featuring the biggest and latest stars from 50 Cent, French Montana, Lupe Fiasco and many more. The dark red wine colour surrounding the masthead is an important factor in analysing the masthead as this connotes many messages is very emotionally intense colour and linked to passion, determination and power which relates to the magazines aims, objectives and goals. The front cover image of Jeezy overlaps the masthead but is the generic norm of most magazines in hip hop but having said this the magazine has strong enough power in order to sell units having key artist in front.


The masthead contains block writing titling XXL which is surrounded by red in an rectangle shape. The font is dark red placed on every issue on the top left hand corner. The writing is large and bold. It is placed just behind the artist which is seem to suggest is an established brand and has been in the industry from 1997 to present and has a large brand identity in the marketplace. The name is synonymous to the brand XXL meaning Extra Large which in fact is the leading publications of hip hop also represents the culture of clothing as during the early 20 century baggy clothes was linked to the music genre a fashion statement. Another view is the name suggests the biggest in the industry, dominating above the rest of the companies which has translated in featuring the biggest and latest stars from 50 Cent, French Montana, Lupe Fiasco and many more. The dark red wine colour surrounding the masthead is an important factor in analysing the masthead as this connotes many messages is very emotionally intense colour and linked to passion, determination and power which relates to the magazines aims, objectives and goals. The front cover image of Jeezy overlaps the masthead but is the generic norm of most magazines in hip hop but having said this the magazine has strong enough power in order to sell units having key artist in front.

Cover lines: the magazines holds the power to quote and state interview/article features on the magazine which is a common selling technique. In the XXL issue Jeezy's 'still trap or die' quote in an interview questions the audience into what he means and buying technique. The cover lines which articles are featured inside the cover are displayed in the right hand side in bold capital letters which is displayed clearly in white for the viewer. Cover lines such as drakes leading lady and death of the super producer display eye catching headlines to entice the audience. The use of colloquial language is used in the magazine a example from the word 'trap' meaning street life these words are often associated with the culture and wording in lyrics and speaking in the culture.

Target audience: The age group the publication is aimed at is 13-late 35's and is targeted to the male marketplace from a working class - middle class background and according to C2DE Profession. The targeted market are interested in fashion, hip hop news such as new music, colorations and artist interviews.

The bold sell line above the masthead 'hip hop on a higher level' as a leading magazine in the industry shows the consumer the importance and high scale ranking this publication posers.


The masthead contains block writing titling XXL which is surrounded by red in an rectangle shape. The font is dark red placed on every issue on the top left hand corner. The writing is large and bold. It is placed just behind the artist which is seem to suggest is an established brand and has been in the industry from 1997 to present and has a large brand identity in the marketplace. The name is synonymous to the brand XXL meaning Extra Extra Large which in fact is the leading publications of hip hop also represents the culture of clothing as during the early 20 century baggy clothes was linked to the music genre a fashion statement. Another view is the name suggests the biggest in the industry, dominating above the rest of the companies which has translated in featuring the biggest and latest stars from 50 Cent, French Montana, Lupe Fiasco and many more. The dark red wine colour surrounding the masthead is an important factor in analyzing the masthead as this connotes many messages is very emotionally intense colour and linked to passion, determination and power which relates to the magazines aims, objectives and goals. The front cover image of Jeezy overlaps the masthead but is the generic norm of most magazines in hip hop but having said this the magazine has strong enough power in order to sell units having key artist in front.Â


Layout: The magazine company, vibe is known for there creative outlet through the detail, inputted into the magazine. At the top left hand corner the words ‘Volume’ in the traditional vibe font and placement. Using this makes the audience identify with the brand and there identity. Beside this the words ‘Now’ has been placed blue, whilst the font size is bigger. Indicating that the artist is current. The concept they had incorporated into this feature, had been to allow Solange Knowles to differentiate herself from her sister. This has been implemented into the spread. The photographer has chosen to separate the 7 miniature images from the main article, on the other hand the main image cuts through the barrier. Whilst a quote has been extracted from the article to support the image. The front size is bigger, Below this the article has been placed, before the main article, a lead paragraph explaining who the artist is had been used and summarises the article in front of the audience. Having a lead paragraph grabs the attention especially as this is the one of few areas that has been highlighted to be noticed. As the artist name ‘Solange Knowles’ has been created and coloured with the blue used at the top left hand corner and ties in with the colour scheme. As on this page in particular their is minimal colour throughout and has been placed strategically. Beside the main image, a list has been made to indicate where the clothing and accessories that the model is wearing has been purchased from. Underneath the article, near the bottom on the page, the photographers credit has been given whilst the page number sits at both ends of the page. The article has been positioned under the images, in columns taking over the bottom half of the page’s, to allow the audience to understand its importance within the magazine. As the article has influence on the magazine’s progress which subsequently affects future issues.

Conventions: The singer featured ion the double page spread has been dressed in a short red dress that is fitted at the top and has volume to the end of the dress. In doing this it give the illusion that she is taller. In addition to the dress it has been paired with a fur jacket, a gem necklace and 4 inch purple heels. The heels/ jacket paired with the dress feature analogous colours, with red and purple sitting close together on the colour wheel. The necklace features gold flex on the chain whilst green/blue gem stones have been placed around, meaning its an expensive piece.

Layout: The Masterhead has been placed at the top of the page in white ,in a large font size, making it clear for the audience to view against the black background, even though the image has been placed over part the “I” and part of the “B”. Its a well known brand within the hip hop and rap scene. At the top right hand side of the Masterhead it has a sign with the words “new”, making the audience aware that this edition has been published. Above the masterhead, holds artists that have been mentioned in the magazine. The cover highlights on those who are well known in the entertainment industry. One being Drake (who has been pictured) stating that he is “Hip Hops new religion” as he has emerged and become a star.

Layout: At the bottom of the photography the words “Unstoppable” whilst his facial expression tell the audience, he is determined to succeed as done so in the industry. On the other hand, some may say he shows no emotion but the relaxed attitude in his body is of a stereotypical rap artist . The barcode has situated at the bottom left hand corner as its an area of the magazine where the barcode normally sits, making it convenient to the audience. However this would vary from one edition of the magazine to the next.

On the other side of thee page, a banner shows an “exclusive” interview with Chris Brown. The text has been placed in a way that makes it a focal point on the page, as its outlined in a yellow box with black text. Using two of the industries most known artists allows either the rap market who are interested in Drake or the hip hop/ pop market who are interested in Chris Brown to purchase the magazine.


Colour: This double page spread features minimal colour throughout, with the exception of Solange Knowles who is in colour due to the use of colour splash, allowing the photographs which are beside the main image to have low levels of saturation, making them black and white. The use of this technique makes the viewer focus their attention on the main image. Beside the photography, Solange’s name has been highlighted at the start of the article, with the use of bright blue colour which signifies strength and perseverance complimenting the red on the model’s dress, as it signifies and connotes ambition, determination and a sense of confidence.

Camera shot: On this specific spread , the photographer chose to use wide shots, In doing this, it allows the audience to view her body language towards the camera. Throughout the series, it seems as if she’s dancing from one image to the next, showing each step . Nevertheless the photographer has captured her true essence and show case this to the audience. It allows the audience to see a side they don’t normal get to view.


Representation of model: The artist that features in this content page is Kanye West.

Photograph : In this image, the photographer had chose medium shot. The reason for using this shot is it bring forward any language through the face and body to be show the emotion to the audience. Kanye West has been shown with this arms within his jacket pockets as if he has low self confidence. However the in this particular shot, a arm has been wrapped across this shoulders whilst a heart has been places within the grasp of the hand and been placed on the subjects chest (where his heart is place). The prop (featured in red, making it stand out especially as the photographer has used the editing technique of selective colour, having the audience focus on the colour that emerge off the page), symbolises his own heart, where as the women who has it within the palm of her hand trying to steal his heart. The use of a well known musician being featured makes the image fill the page with his presents allowing the audience to focus on him as the use of colour throughout has been spared to a minimum.

Colour: The background has been kept a wash grey throughout adding a calming effect. However the V within the frame has been made much darker than the background colour. Using grey can have a positive as it shows elegance, maturity and reinforces intelligence. With this being said on the other hand the cover has a sense of emotionless, lifelessness and reinforces the notion that being lonely could be a factor that has been incorporated into the production of this piece. Throughout the image their is a hint of red which connotes love and passion. Making the object stand out within the photograph.

Camera shot: On this specific spread, the photographer chose to use wide shots, In doing this, it allows the audience to view her body language towards the camera. Throughout the series, it seems as if she’s dancing from one image to the next, showing each step . Nevertheless the photographer has captured her true essence and show case this to the audience. It allows the audience to see a side they don’t normal get to view.


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