Analysis of XXL Magazine

The first image is the front cover of XXL's 2007 magazine edition. The lead article is on the artist Jay Z and the appearance of the artist gives a hint to the readers about what the article is about. The model image of Jay Z connotes that he is very wealthy and successful. There is a strict colour scheme of black and white with the exception of the red branding logo of XXL. This may have been done to draw the readers eye as the magazines branding is the brightest aspect of the front cover. The consistent and plain colour scheme may suggest that the issue in the article is serious which may draw readers in. The direction in which Jay z's eye line is facing is used as a direct mode of address to the viewers. The use of large font on the title and in particular 'JAY-Z' emphasises the focus on the artist and what he is saying. The positioning of the branding and artist is also important because if the left half of the magazine was covered on the shelves then a potential buyer will see the large XXL logo and only a part of the artist body and therefore out of curiosity may pick the magazine up in order to find out who the artist is and what the article is about.

The second image is the first contents page from the same XXL magazine edition. The model image is of the artist 'Rick Ross'  who I a very well known and popular hip-hop rapper. The contents page is broken up into different sections from his interview with quotes from Rick Ross as the sub-headings. The appearance of the artist including the diamond ring and bracelet is conventional of how Hip-Hop rappers dress and how they look. The title on the top of the contents page says 'Top Billin' which is also a quote from Ross's interview. The entire page is dedicated to just this one artist with a reference to rival rapper '50 Cent' which reinforces the focus on the model image as it is one of the most important aspect in terms of drawing the reader in.

The last image is the second contents page in the magazine. There is a gap of a double page spread of advertisements from this contents page and the one above which represents the importance of advertisement to this magazine and their role of providing vital income. The image which covers most the page is of a female dressed very provocatively on purpose in order to attract male attention and viewers. The contents start of with an editorial section and then additional interviews and articles in connection to the rapper 'Busta Rhymes'. At the bottom there is a reviews section and an article referring to the model image called 'Eye Candy'.