Music Magazine Analysis - Front Cover

Masthead:

The logo for this magazine 'The Source' is presented to the audience behind the music artist on the front cover. This is a common convention to show that artist (Kendrick Lamar) has the main emphasis on the page but also gives the impression that it's ahead. In addition where it says 'Compton's crown Jewel' implies royalty but shows that the artist has significance thus attracting the reader. The font used for their magazine is sharp and bold which connotes a clear sign for readers, it also gives a sense of seriousness and dominance to it. Furthermore the logo colour used is light green, this colour has been used repeatedly in the cover lines. The effect of the green connotes many things; green is the colour of money in which giving a message towards audiences that the artist is rich or on the verge of becoming rich due to this rapping abilities. Secondly green can express the mood of envy, which suggests that people are envious of Kendrick. Finally in the logo, a microphone has been used to show to initially target audiences (Rap/ Hip-Hop).

Date:

A date is specified in small font on the right 'Dec 2012/Jan 2013' this date is around holiday time therefore people are celebrating and reflecting on the year, hence the fact that it states on the top of the front cover '2012 in review' which connotes an evaluation of the year: what has been memorable, current affairs relating towards Rap and Hip-Hop. The effect of writing the the date in small font suggests that it is not important, the main concentration would be mainly on the music artist. 

Image:

Props - The only props that are shown in the main image is the crown and the diamond ring on his finger. This relates to his royalty status and could infer that he is something special for the music industry hence the diamond ring. The crown on his head  symbolises that he is king, emphasising king of the rap game at this point. Secondly the crown is placed/ tilted to his right which connotes informal behaviour and a sense of rebellion the fact he is challenging royal status.

Lighting - The photo of Kendrick Lamar has a shadow to light effect which connotes two sides Kendrick; his past reflects the shadow implying mysterious and negative and the light represents what he is now, the result of being known worldwide and his status in the rap game. 

Costume - Kendrick Lamar is wearing a black jumper, which connotes a simplicity to him, he is not flashy compared to other rap artists thus he's bringing the old into the new music wise. The black jumper adds onto his mysterious character.

NVC - In the image, Kendrick is not making any emotion so therefore audiences question the character of Kendrick Lamar. Additionally it also connotes seriousness, suggesting that he means business to bring back real rap. Moreover he has his hand on his chin which suggests sophistication and prominence. 

Setting - The image only consists of the rapper which emphasises the attention on Kendrick, he is the main topic therefore people will infer that he is important in this magazine. 

Cover lines:

The size of the cover lines vary in this front cover which connote a criteria of the least to most important of topics in the magazine. The colour differ from black and green, the same green used on the logo. The use of having black font such as 'Kendrick Lamar' 'Obama' stands out as apposed to the other colour (green).

Barcodes and Social Media:

The common convention on every magazine is also having  barcodes. The magazine 'The Source' have added social media icons to their page allowing connectivity with fans who favour this particular magazine.