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.

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.

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.