Textual Analysis 1

The magazine XXL specializes in Hip-Hop and was founded in 1997.XXL has also started releasing the annual Top 10 Freshmen list, a tradition which has been growing more every year. As well as teaming up with international artists Eminem to release a special issue titled XXL Presents Shade 45, and was designed to give maximum exposure to Shade 45
The title “XXL” can relate to the main image, for example it can be interpreted as 50 cent one of the key models of this cover is trying to hide his face with a white cloth therefore he is unknown which is what “X” often refers to. This suggests he is a rebel and prefers to be hidden, Soulja Boy can also be preserved as being a rebel as he has his underwear showing with his trousers low even though this might be a common trend circulating the Hip-Hop and Rap genre it is still informal and looked down upon in society. Soulja Boy also has many tattos which is also a key trend this might encourage young people to buy this magazine as it is a popular trend. The main image of the cover is 50 cent and Soulja Boy, male rap artists are often the cover of this music magazine for example Eminem, Lil Wayne , The Game have all previously featured on XXL. Both 50 cent and Soulja Boy have large muscles which suggests he is strong, powerful and can be intimidating this is stereotypical as men are often represented as physically powerful also this indicates they take pride in their image and health , the links between health and fitness suggests the target audience for this issue is young males between 16-25. The target audience can be seen as having a narrow range of music interests as “ 50 cent” “R-Kelly” “Lloyd” “Soulja Boy” “B.O.B” are all Rap artists this also reinforces the target audience of males as females are unlikely to be interested in this genre of music.
They are both wearing a lot of expensive jewelry and Soulja Boy is without a shirt this reinforces the stereotype of males as they often represented as show offs which both 50 cent and Soulja Boy fall into as they are wearing a lot of expensive jewelry and Soulja Boy shows off his muscular body, this again attracts a male audience as they aspire to gain a muscular body like Soulja Boy so are encouraged to but the magazine as they might be let in on some of his exercise and eating pattern, however this might also attract females that are interested in male rap artists. Soulja Boy’s facial expression’s suggests he is very serious which is very stereotypical of the rap genre he represents ,as it is identified with rhyming of real life often serious issues also rap is a male dominated genre so seriousness is incorporated as it is to a stereotyped representation of a male.

Most of the text involved in the copy is presented in bold black and white colours which indicates that the magazine is aimed at a male audience, as they are often represented as straight forward. The font is in capital which can suggest power and success as it is there to draw customers in. The only statement on this front cover is “ 50 CENT SOULJA BOY A HATER‘S WORST NIGHTMARE” this directly relate to the key image as it is very threatening and intimidating. The colour red is also used on this cover which can suggest blood and danger which can also relate to this statement as both 50 Cent and Soulja Boy look very aggressive and violent. as a radio station. More recently In November 2008 XXL released XXL Raps Volume 1, which included music from 50 cent this could be a reason why he is featured on this cover.