Analysing a magazine (1)

The music genre 'Hip hop' has been presented via a variety of methods within this magazine cover. The main image on this cover represents the different talented artists who are to be the 'upcoming generation' to continue Hip hop. This image is relevant to the genre because the image contains relevant people to the hip hop industry. This image covers up the whole  cover as it attracts attention and the interest of the reader. The  title and other information is overlapped over the image, this portrays the importance of the image. The title 'XXL' is smudged behind a character's face, this is a professional method used as it is a clever way i which the main image also overlap's the text. 

The use of mise-en-scene is very good as the characters are wearing relevant and appropriate clothes accordingly to the genre. The masthead XXL gives the impression of something Big, something huge. This title represents how and whatever information this Magazine contains, will have a big meaning and great importance. This title is only overlapped by the character because it is a short title XXL, which is easy readable yet it is overlapped. The concept behind these costumes for the characters is to emphasise a new look and style for a new generation. All the characters are mainly wearing black jackets and jeans which represents the characters altogether as a group. The effect of this costume represents more of a 'Bad Boy' look which is relevant to quick, high-beat hip hop music. The whole concept of the image brings a more gangster and rough feeling as the reader first looks at the image. Four main colors are used throughout the cover of the magazine, which are white, yellow, black and red. This is an appealing technique as there is consistency throughout the colors on the cover. Too many colors on one page can ruin the ordinary look of a magazine. The yellow and white text appeals over the black background, this suggests the suitable color combination and the way in which it has been structured and orientated.


This magazine is aimed to more youngsters and the teenagers, who are more likely to buy such a magazine. This is because it represents young talented artists who are singing within the hip hop genre, who seem to be a 'new generation' to success in the forthcoming years. This cover is representing the hip hop artists, and promoting a group for their upcoming album. The image has a more natural look, it has not been edited with a number of different effects, this gives the image a more realistic effect. Only one image is used, however it represents the whole subject and objective of the magazine. The main cover altogether is neither too dull nor too bright, this is a key factor as it suggests a more realistic perspective, and is clearly visible without straining the reader's eyes. The Kicker "10 FRESHMEN FOR 10" impacts the cover as it emphasises the message that is being conveyed across to the reader. This reflects to the objective as it represents their title portrays the image of the group. The characters are wearing black clothes with a white back background, this refers to the status of the characters and make them look more visible and clear. Limited amount of text on the cover, which is a positive aspect as too much information has not been placed on the cover which could make it look dull, boring and too much to read. Also the posture in which the characters within the image are standing/sitting represents the Hip Hop, Bad Boy style. Facial expressions, looking confident and relaxed, suggests the attitude within the group. The contrast between the yellow and white text appeals as it is clearly visible and relates to the content of the magazine. Some characters within the image are wearing baseball caps back to front, this portrays the style, mood and background of the group.