Front Cover Analysis - XXL

• This magazine is evidently one of a rap genre following the various elements which craft the front cover; these are outlined below.
• Both artists are wearing excessive excessive amounts of jewellery, which instantly projects their exceptional levels of wealth.
• The background depicts their humble origins, ultimately alluding to the idea that they had to struggle and work hard to obtain the position in which they have in the music industry.
• The fact that they are topless has intentionally been done in order to appeal to female readers, as well as some male readers; it is therefore homo-erotic.
• The masthead has been crafted with 'diamonds' in order to enhance the bling culture associated with rap music.
• The large mass of tattoos on their bodies immediately depict their masculinity and highlight their toughness due to the pain in which they would have had to endure in the process.
• Furthermore, their overall image is quite aspirational for some as they too would like to imitate their rough, urban style.
• The main cover line is bold and eye-catching despite the simplicity of the lettering, I believe that this has intentionally been done due to the fact that the rest of the magazine cover is so busy that it is significantly more effective with limitive fanciness of the lettering.
• Similiarly, the phrase 'surival of the fittest' indicates to readers what the lead feature article will be based upon, ultimately engaging their interest.
• The additional cover lines provide readers with an insight into what kind of artists this magazine will discuss, in this case 'Eminem, Nelly and Kanye West. In essence, if readers are fans of these artists they would be drawn in and so be more interested to purchase this magazine.
• The colour scheme of 'red' is consistant over this front cover, perhaps suggesting power, dominance or even blood, which would ultimately reinforce the phrase 'survival of the fittest'.
• Moreover, the composition of the copy is fairly straight-forward, with the image of the two artists as the main focus and a limited range of additional sell lines.