 Codes and conventions of Hip Hop

Summary  This is hip hop stereotype magazine which presents the typical African American man however they play with stereotype of women and how they are portrayed and present them as dominate and fit in with the male artists.  The use of colour is also used as an attraction for the targeted audience and again making the front cover image more outstanding.

Masthead, main cover line  The masthead is in the corner of the page signifying it is not important, compared to that seasons issue. The masthead is hidden behind the main image which takes up most of the front cover. The bold red and white sans serif text is also a clear indication to a non-regular reader.

Main image  The main image is taken at a long shot, low angel view as we can see below some of the artists chins.  The image of artist takes up most of the page using it as a clear indication to the reader that the magazine issue is based on them.

Colour convention  The magazine has a fun and edgy side using colours to attract their target audience. Bold and simple colours that go well together to detail main issues in the magazine which is an approach that I know will have the same effect on my target audience. However I plan holding a question air asking what colour schemes they prefer  Red black blue white

Mise-en-scene  I will keep it hip hop few props but loads of colour and image meaning.  I want to use plain and simple clothing and artist to portray my ideas unlike the magazine which have few props but have loud statement clothing for some of their artist presenting them is upcoming dominate men.  The magazine has fun front and catchy colours that seem to attract target audience which is an idea I want to consider. Along with bold font detailing significate things for their target audience to read which is another approach I will consider when doing my magazine.

Male stereotype  Male stereotype is partly presented in this issue however also plays with the idea of a stereotypical African American man in the hip hop industry.  Some play the role of being aggressive and powerful through the stern facial expression and body position. Along with the gold jewellery and tattoos they present a persona of being dominate.  The other males in the cover have innocent and calm looks which defeats the stereotype of a hip-hop male. Wearing casual clothing and presenting themselves as normal which could indeed draw the audience to reading about them as they may feel equal. They also present a new side to hip-hop indicating to readers hip-hop is not always violent and aggressive.

How I will challenge the stereotypes  I plan on changing the perspective view and stereotype of men in the hip hop industry however still show a dominate side in order to cater both to my female and male target audience.  I also plan to make the male artist in my magazine look relatable to my target audience to draw them to picking up and reading the magazine  My main image is have a new image of men and change the minds of the older generation and others within our generation

Female stereotype  Females are mainly presented as sexual beings through out hip hop however this issue of XXL use this stereotype to show a new side to women who are in the hip-hop industry. However they still present the beauty and revealing images of women in the magazine to maintain a stereotype image for their male viewers. Like Goffmans theory women are seen as lower status compared to men as their bodies are used to sell products and make money similar to prostitution.  The front cover have two women who are dressed similar to men presenting a new side to those in the hip hop industry. Their body language and posture portrays a dominate woman who deserves respect in a male dominate industry. This can appeal to the female readers who may want to follow the steps of these two women.

How I will challenge the stereotypes  I plan on changing the perspective view and stereotype of women in the hip hop industry however still show a beautiful and sexy side in order to cater to both of my female and male target audience.  I will also keep the male dominate side however make them seem less than women as my main aim is to play with stereotypes and convey the new generation.  I might also use different fonts instead of sans serif but I will hold a questionnaire in order see if it is something my target audience would want to see.