codes and conventions of a hip-hop music magazine

1. Codes and Conventions of a Hip
Hop Music Magazine

2. 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
Main image – model
representing theme
& style keeping to
the genre
Model name in
large text to
attract readers
or even just for
surveillance
Short catchy
tagline to gain
readership
Other big names to draw
the eye of readers not so
interested in the model
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
Text wrapped in a C-shape
around the left
side of the model
Varied camera
shots used – close
up and mid shot
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

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

4. 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
Date
Subheadings – in
a larger bold font
to draw attention
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

5. 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
Plenty of space for
images, not too cramped
Headings in
signature
font
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

6. 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
Large heading
to draw
attention
Quote from one
of the models
about the other
to give the
reader an insight
about the
opinions of the
model
Main text,
neatly laid
out and is
aesthetically
pleasing
Main image – models
correspond with the
genre, taking up the
vast majority of the
space
General
page split –
image one
side and text
the other
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
Body language of
models – Soulja
boy leaning back
with arms out and
50 Cent has his
hands by his
pockets with an
intimidating look.
Connecting links
between the colour
scheme and the mise
en scene
Interview
question written
in bold to draw
attention and
show importance

7. General
convention of
image on left and
text on right
Coloured circles draw
attention and centres the
main title
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
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