Analysis of the generic codes and conventions of a music magazine

1. Codes: The colour black conveys the
harsh dark backgrounds of most hip hop
artists such as Jay-Z responsible for
their success, which the target audience
can identify with.
Conventions: The size of the masthead
is biggest text in the cover which stands
out for the reader. This is due to the fact
that it is the title of the magazine which
has to be appealing and striking for the
reader as it is the first thing they see.
Conventions: The main image is of a
famous hip-hop artist/rapper which
appeals to a male target audience and
other fans. Him being on the cover of
the magazine resembles the genre of
the magazine, which is appealing to the
target audience as they will be
interested in him.
Conventions: The image is anchoring
over the masthead, but the title is still
readable. Jay-Z is holding his hands
which resembles his superiority. Also,
the image is positioned over the
masthead to imply the magazine’s main
content, as it is based on him. It
communicates to the audience that he
his a ‘Hip-Hop’ icon which is the
magazine title. This convention appeals
to the audience as it outlines what the
magazine is about, using the main
image and the masthead positioned
behind it.
Codes: Acidic yellow is conventionally
associated with black artists such as
Jay-Z. The yellow represents all black
musicians in hip-hop. This appeals to
the target audience as they will be able
to identify with this colour. The colour
yellow is associated with hip hop as it is
a stand out colour and is frequently
mentioned in the lyrics of black
rappers, i.e. ‘yellow cars.’ It is a
distinctive colour for hip hop as it
connotes ‘swag’ and appears very
stylish.
Conventions: The size of the text varies
by importance. The main headings are
larger than the information. This
appeals to the target audience as they
become aware of the main content
almost instantly, as the size of the text
is big and eye-catching.

2. Codes: Smooth light blue suggests
purity which further conveys the
model’s superiority in the industry
of hip-hop. The blue colour is
traditionally associated with boys,
which attracts a male target
audience as well as females.
Conventions: The image is
anchoring over the masthead,
which suggests that Bruno Mars is
taking over and taking the spotlight
in the magazine. The fact that it is
positioned over the mast head,
suggests he has a lot of authority
and is a demanding figure in the
magazine. He is holding his collar
which suggests he is trying to make
clear his flawlessness.
Conventions: The title of the
magazine as well as the model’s
name, are the largest texts on the
cover which exhibits their
significance. The reader is lured
into reading these texts.
Conventions: The main image is of
Bruno Mars who is an icon in the
hip-hop industry which appeals to a
wide range of hip-hop fans. The
main image is effective in outlining
the magazine’s genre and instantly
appealing to its target audience.
Codes: The bright red shirt worn by
Bruno Mars conveys his elegance
which is appealing for the audience
as they will be intrigued to read the
content. This convention is
especially effective because it
appeals to a unisex gender, as the
red and blue invites both genders.
Conventions: The main image is
taken in a studio which implants a
professional feeling for the
magazine, which contributes to the
representation of the artist as it
makes him look important.

3. Conventions: The image is slightly
anchoring over the masthead,
where the model is saluting. This
suggests that the model, Meek Mill
is in control and of high
significance. This is appealing to
the target audience as they are
directly addressed by the main
image which tempts them to read
the magazine.
Codes: The colour red represents
an aura of swagger and style. Red is
usually associated with danger
which brings a sense of ‘badness’
to this magazine. This is highly
appealing to the target audience as
they will be impressed and can
relate with it as that is what they
aspire to be like.
Conventions: The title is the largest
text which shows the magazine
title’s importance. The model’s
name is also fairly large. The size of
text are both utilized to stress the
importance of the magazine’s
content. This appeals to the
audience as they become aware of
the magazine’s content and will be
interested.
Conventions: The model is Meek
Mill who is an iconic figure in the
rap industry and he is seen saluting
which sets a patriarchal mood. He
is of much significance in the rap
industry, which is appealing to the
target audience as they will easily
recognise this artist.
Codes: The natural colours in the
background add a sense of realism
to the magazine cover. The model is
in a real environment instead of
any studio. The main image not
being taken in a studio connotes a
‘street’ influence for rap music. The
representation of the artist also
emphasises this as he is saluting
and riding a moped, which is
associated with a ‘gang culture’.
This appeals to the target audience
as they can identify with the main
image easily and will be intrigued
to read the magazine.