When it comes to music albums, presentation is just as key as the actual product itself. Especially in the digital age when online music stores offer countless options of various images before one song is even heard. The need to stand out is more vital than ever and artists have to differentiate themselves from competition if they’re going to get advantage for a listener’s short attention span.
Common knows this little tidbit is important and he followed the same visionary model for the rollout of his forthcoming album, Nobody’s Smiling. Pictures of him and various rappers–who hail from Chicago–all take turns gracing a sinister black backdrop to convey the bleak sentiment currently brewing in their city.
The idea is nothing new per se but still remains a welcomed creative platform for audiophiles worldwide.
To showcase how artistic rappers have been with their rollout, we’re rehashing 25 Hip-Hop albums that have multiple covers to give you a look down memory lane.
Most of the covers look cool, even if the contents of the album are debatable.
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Photo: Amazon/Quit Mumbling
Photo: Amazon/The Couch Sessions
The Roots – Things Fall Apart (1999)
A history lesson outside of the music.
Photos: Amazon
ScHoolboy Q – Oxymoron (2014)
A family tree of gangsterness.
Photos: Amazon
Nicki Minaj – Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2013)
My, what a colorful imagination you have, Ms. Minaj.
Photos: Amazon
Jay-Z – Kingdom Come<(2006)
Shawn, meet Jay.
Photos: Egotripland
A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders (1993)
The gang’s all here.
Photos: Amazon
Eminem – The Marshall Mathers LP (2000)
The humble beginnings of a kid from the Midwest.
Photos: Amazon
Eminem – Recovery (2010)
Ten years later, he had to trek back home to rehab.
Photos: Amazon
YG – My Krazy Life (2014)
Konvict music.
Photos: Amazon
Soulja Boy – The DeAndre Way (2009)
This is the equivalent of selecting the same character in Street Fighter.
Photos: Amazon
Rick Ross – God Forgives I Don’t (2012)
Hell hath no fury like two images of the Bawse.
Photos: Amazon
Kid Cudi – Man On The Moon: The End Of Days (2009)
Trippy. Mane.
Photos: Amazon
Young Buck – Buck The World (2005)
It just wouldn’t have been right if the bird wasn’t involved.
Photos: Amazon
Outkast – Stankoinia (2000)
Power music, electric revival.
Photos: 2DopeBoyz
Rapper Big Pooh – The Delightful Bars (2009)
Bangin’ Candy indeed.
Photos: Amazon
Bow Wow Shad Moss – New Jack City II (2009)
The sequel nobody asked for.
Photos: Amazon
Fabolous – Loso’s Way (2009)
“If you can’t see the angles no more, you’re in trouble.” ~ Carlito Brigante
Photo: Amazon
T.I. – T.I. Vs T.I.P. (2006)
Although there isn’t much of a difference in the music sides, you can clearly see who was the gangster and who was the gentlemen.
Photos: Amazon
Three 6 Mafia – Last 2 Walk (2008)
Also known as the last Three 6 Mafia album.
Photos: Amazon
The Game – Doctor’s Advocate (2006)
Some fathers pass the torch. Jayceon passes the dubs to his youngin’s.
Photos: Amazon
Nelly – Brass Knuckles (2008)
Something for the fellas and the ladies.
Photos: Amazon
Jadakiss – The Last Kiss (2009)
Jada’s outfit was too fly not to get a 360° shot.
Photos: Amazon
Talib Kweli – Ear Drum (2007)
Sounds of New York City.
Photos: Amazon
Drake – Nothing Was The Same (2013)
Upon its release, Drizzy unintentionally created one of the most popular meme templates of all-time.
Photos: Amazon
Kendrick Lamar – good kid, m.A.A.d. City (2012)
Momma always said that scrapbook would come in handy.
Photo: Amazon/Quit Mumbling
Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)
Runaways behold the gorgeous power when you turn on all of the lights.
Balance & Options: 25 Hip-Hop Albums That Have Multiple Covers
