Codes and Conventions of a Hip Hop Music Magazine

Masthead in signature font – stand out colours draw the

eye of the reader

Direct mode of address drawing the readers eye towards the models to get them to have a look at the magazine

Model name in large text to attract readers or even just for surveillance

Other big names to draw the eye of readers not so interested in the model

Short catchy tagline to gain

readership

Main image – model representing theme & style keeping to the genre

Colour scheme consistent – green of the money corresponds the fade of the back light

Handcuffs/Golden teeth grill convey a thug-like character part of the genre

Sell lines

Sell lines

Strong back lighting used

Male readership targeted

Varied camera shots used – close up and mid shot

Text wrapped in a C-shape around the left side of the model

Text wrapped in an inverted C-shape around the right side of the model

Red, white and black colour scheme consistent throughout the cover, corresponding with the black beanie of the model

Idea of what is inside – big names draw new readers to read about

them

Direct mode of address gives the

reader the idea the model is looking at them, drawing their

eye towards the magazine

Hint of gossip – makes the reader

want to find out who its about, the use of

alliteration also helps to attract readers

Masthead in signature font in a stand-out colour instantly attracts the reader

Sell lines

‘exclusive’ draws the reader, makes them think they will only see it in this magazine

Tagline

Main image – model representing theme and style to correspond with

the genre of the magazine

Colour theme is consistent on the whole cover

Sell lines

Strong lighting, backlighting used

Clearly aimed at the male readership

Red, white and black colour scheme, fairly simplistic

Gold masthead with a transparent navy blue corresponding with the models clothing and accessories

Text wrapped around the model in an inverted U-shape

Language fits genre and draws target audience

Camera shot is medium close up

Mast head in signature font

Strapline

Magazine name in

signature font and colours

Sell quotes from the models

Main image relates to cover image/story and

genre

List of features within the

magazine with page numbers

Language that fits the genre

Corresponding header and footer

Corresponding header and

footer

Consistent colour theme of red, white and

black

Subheadings – in a larger bold to draw attention

Subheadings – in a larger bold font to draw attention

Date

Other big names to attract other readers not so interested in the main story

Plenty of space for images, not too cramped

Strong back lighting

Aesthetically pleasing – simple layout with

few colours

Varied camera shots used – mid shots

Varied camera shots used – long shot

Masthead in same signature

font in same position

Outstanding ‘V’ shape to indicate the name of the

magazine

Direct mode of address

gives an emotional connection

with the model

Consistent colour theme

throughout

Headings in signature font

Headings in signature font

Plenty of space for images, not too cramped

List of features

within the magazine

Offers an alternative fashion section other than

music

Models look to have a lot of disposable income because of their attire/accessories

Models correspond to the genre – Kanye’s slightly squinted eyes and Plies’ jewellery and teeth grill

Varied camera shots - medium close up

Varied camera shots – mid shot

Subheadings in larger bolder font to draw attention

Subheadings in larger but not as bold font to draw attention

Front lighting

Direct mode of address establishes an personal connection with the reader

Language to match the genre and the music of the model – ‘ni**a’ and ‘f**k’ used a lot in the music of the two models

Quote from one of the models about the other to give the reader an insight about the opinions of the model

Large heading to draw attention

Main text, neatly laid out and is aesthetically pleasing

Main image – models correspond with the genre, taking up the vast majority of the space

Body language of models – Soulja boy leaning back with arms out and 50 Cent has his hands by his pockets with an intimidating look.

Mise en scene – the black tee and grey jumper represent ‘ghetto-like’ lifestyle. The sagging jeans of Soulja, the hat of 50 Cent to the side and the neckwear of the two correspond to the hip hop culture

General page split – image one side and text the other

Connecting links between the colour scheme and the mise en scene

Interview question written in bold to draw attention and show importance

General convention of image on left and text on right

Pose of the model dominates the page Use of

different fonts draws attention to the title

Model’s name integrated into the title, anchors image and text

Article set out neatly in columns, informing of the artist

Title catches the eye of the reader because of the large bold font, and seasonal use of colours

Coloured circles draw attention and centres the main title

Direct mode of address establishes a personal relationship

Mise en scene – model wearing colourful jacket, summer issue of this magazine. White tee with a white background and the neckwear corresponds to the genre