7) Front cover analysis (Representation and Stereotypes)

The cover of XXL is graced by the rapper Nas, who is looking directly into the camera. This creates direct address, which is an attempt to draw in readers. He is the main focus of the magazine and every other item on the page revolves around his attire. The colour scheme of silver and black are utilised to match his clothes and chains while the final colour; red, aligns itself with the magazine logo/image. The masthead of the magazine gives way to the artist seen by the fact it lies below him. However, due to the magazines clear house style, people are able to tell it is a XXL magazine.  The plugs are placed along the left side, while the right features names of artists appearing in the magazine. The hook is the largest text, and uses a strong masculine font to draw in its primarily male readers. It provides further expansion below, yet is ambiguous enough to make the viewer read on. Standard conventions appearing on the cover are: barcode, issue, colour of three and date. The mid shot reflect the emotion of anger and contempt. This, paired with the chains around his neck and casual hoodie attire, replicates the stereotype of the rap community. This archetype suggests that rappers are aggressive, of low intelligence and are against the law. The term 'N#GGAZ' is used to describe him which affiliates him with the slang term for black people. This therefore creates the link between himself and gang relations. The strong language suggests a ruthless environment, which shows that the rapper could be violent and brutish. The group reference 'N#IGGAZ WITH ATTITUDE' placed above his name creates a link between the two, and suggests that Nas belongs to the anarchist group. I believe that the front cover bows to the conventions made out against rappers. However, the male's haircut is shown to be well kept which connotes a grooming habit. While the rapper being a metrosexual is a reach, the small evidence that suggests it strays from the conventional rapper, thus breaking stereotypes. The target audience for XXL is suited to the rapper, which consists of males aged 16-30. Uses and gratification theory can be applied here, due to the fact that the demograph may use the magazine to find information on the industry and the latest rap news. The page follows the conventional 'C' layout which allows the image of the rapper to be the main focus and thus emphasise his presence in the issue.

The low shot of the rapper Ice Cube gives him a sense of greater authority than the reader. It makes him seem like a larger threat. The discerning impression breaks the convention of angry black rappers; instead he is calm and collect. Emphasise of the letters 'KKK' in misspelt America not only draws attention to the magazine, but also creates a direct contrast between the two. It depicts a conflict with America hanging in the balance, signified by the flag in the background. This only makes him seem even mellower due to the overwhelming stakes. This magazine contradicts the stereotype of the rap community. The artist looks directly into the camera which creates direct address, which attempts to establish a link between him and the reader. The cover features no plugs which also challenged the conventions of a rap magazine.