1. Mise–en–Scene of Hip-Hop and Rap Magazines
In the Hip-Hop/Rap genre, we see different styles of costumes and iconography that overall define
the genre as a whole. These styles depend on the artist themselves.
For example, in this image of Kanye West, we can see
that he does not wear that typically conventional
clothing that we’d expect to see rap/hip-hop artists to
wear; He is wearing a formal suit. What he is wearing
now would be called unconventional iconography as
usual we, as an audience, have become accustom to
seeing rap and hip – hop. However, as unconventional
as this may be there are a lot of rappers in the hip-hop
and rap genre that dress like this. One common piece
of iconography seen in rap and hip-hop genres is the
sunglasses that Kanye West is wearing.
In this image of Meek Mill, more of the common
typical pieces of Mise – en – Scene are shown. These
are items such as, gold/silver jewellery such as
necklaces and rings, also watches and tattoos.
Other typical iconography that wasn’t included in
these two pictures include; Snapbacks and baggy
jeans. Most artists in the genre sport these items to
make it clear to readers that they represent the Hip-
Hop/Rap music genre.
In terms of costume there are different styles that
the artist could have however one is more common
than the other. Artists can wear jogging bottoms, baggy jeans or designer trousers, hoodies, jackets,
designer tops, shirts, trainers or shoes. The different styles of clothing on a artist of the rap or hip-
hop genre can mean different things. An artist can look poorly dressed if he wants to create a feel of
being comfortable of what he is wearing and that he doesn’t care about following trends by wearing
nice clothes. Although, on the other hand an artist may want the best designer clothes to give off
the impression that he can afford nice clothes, and seem more powerful to his/her audience.
Artists also tend to stand with their hands wide out to give a sense of power and status. They may
also have their hands in their pockets to give the feeling that they are more relaxed. They normally
have angry facial expressions on their face
to make them look intimidating to show
power.