The document discusses the mise-en-scène of hip-hop and rap magazines. It notes that artists in these genres have distinct styles of costumes and iconography that define the genres. Kanye West is used as an example of unconventional iconography, as he wears a suit rather than typical baggy jeans or jewelry in one magazine photo. The document also shows an image of Meek Mill, displaying more common elements like gold chains, watches, and tattoos. Artists choose their clothing and accessories to convey meanings like power, wealth or a sense of not following trends.

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 costume 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 photo, kanye wears a suit to give off
a sense of wealth and power to the readership. It’s
conventional for hip-hop and rap artists to pose and dress in certain ways on music magazines to
perceive themselves in different ways to be seen as powerful and successful. Kanye has done this in
a suit.
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 an 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
costumes 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 and Often the hands in their
pockets pose or hands on belts pose is use to draw
attention to the artist’s masculinity, another suggestion of

2. power. 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.