'Hip Hop Connections' Double Page Spread Analysis

• The Image in this article features ‘GZA’. This is the only image that the readers are presented with in this double page spread. The magazine is advertising Hip Hop and we can gather this through the man’s appearance i.e. his clothing, stance and posture. Although there is only one figure in the picture it is extremely prevailing and powerful, it will make the readers look at the picture and acknowledge everything about him. The way in which he poses makes him appear quite stuck up and arrogant, from this we can also gather he is/was a rapper with an attitude and ego.
• The Image/Article could appeal to both male and female teenagers and young adults between an age range of 16-25/30. The male population will find him “cool” and may want to aspire to be like him, the picture itself supports this as he is presented in an overpowering and dominant way and seems very intimidating and unapproachable. However certain fans of his may admire that aspect about him. Some of the female population may also find him “cool” and maybe even attractive, however I feel as though the article appeals more to boys/men than women.
• The Main Colours that have been used in this article are Black, White and Pink. The use of the colour pink is very affective as it stands-out causing the article to become noticed. It contrasts with the other colours on the page which helps the article to achieve its striking and prominent features.
• The Text in this article is an interview, the text colour of the questions is in pink and the text colour of the answers is in black, this is affective as every section is separate and easy to read. The title ‘Pure Genius’ is bold and the font seems as though it was chosen to make a statement, almost fundamental. They seem as though they want the readers to believe what the title reads. The original style of the text is quite plain and basic, it is clear, easy to read and easy to follow.
• The Language that ‘GZA’ has used in the article is quite aggressive and intense. He swears continuously through the interview and seems as though he has spoken his answers to the questions in aggressive and hostile tones. However the actual content of some of his answers contrasts to the way in which he presents himself, in one answer he expresses how he doesn’t care about money, he enjoys music for what it is and he really expresses this fact. He could appear unapproachable and frightening because he is so strong-minded and determined to succeed in life and make meaningful music.
• The article Lay-out is divided into two sections, the text and the image. The image is centred in the middle of the page; it fills the frame from his head to toe, making him look prevailing and dominant to the readers. I don’t think that the image is more overriding than the text; I agree that it is dominant but I feel there is an equal balance of importance between the text and image.
• The Style of the magazine article is similar to the style of the ‘Hip Hop’ magazine cover. They both share the same colour scheme: whites, pinks, and blacks and also share similar font styles. This shows the readers that the magazine has uniformity and consistency, I feel that this is more structured, planned and organized.