It’s really all about the album cover. If done correctly, a cover photo alone can speak volumes, and actually circle up more anticipation for the music without fans hearing so much as song a snippet (“Anaconda” is an example).
Lil Wayne’s new cover for Tha Carter V, which dropped today, shows Tunechi as a youngin’ just as his last two album in the series. Keeping the same theme has been done before of course. Nas pretty much cornered that market after Illmatic‘s iconic cover, and Weezy is apparently picking up where he left off.
But there are some other pretty interesting covers out there that don’t involve baby pictures. Some of them are classics, some of them are brand new, and all of them standout.
Like other art, covers are up for interpretation. Check out some of the unforgettable album artwork we pulled together in the gallery below.
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Photo: Amazon
Ice Cube – Death Certificate
Ice Cube’s was pretty clear about his thoughts on Uncle Sam.
50 Cent – Get Rich Or Die Trying
50 Cent’s got rich, and he literally almost died trying.
Jay Z & Kanye West – Watch the Throne
Nothing says royalty like “all gold everything.”
2 Chainz – Based on a T.R.U. Story
This was probably one of the most anticipated rap albums in the summer of 2012. 2 Chainz kept his debut simple but memorable.
DMX – Blood of My Blood, Flesh Of My Flesh
X drenched in blood, came about from photographer Jonathan Mannion. He was inspired by African voodoo images.
Tyler the Creator – Wolf
It doesn’t always have to be so serious. Tyler’s personality is shinning all through this hilarious cover.
Kanye West – Graduation
Yes, all of Yeezy’s album artwork has meaning. The cartoon artwork on Ye’s Graduation was definitely eye-catching.
2 Live Crew – As Nasty As We Wanna Be
25 years ago, 2 Live Crew tested the decency boundaries with all those cheeks.
2 Pac – All Eyes on Me
It may not seem like it at first glance, but Tupac’s All Eyes On Me cover captured a moment in rap history. Pac proudly reps the West and clutches his Death Row chain to show his loyalty, which reflected in the music.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version
Big Baby Jesus used his ID for food stamps, as an album cover.
RIP ODB.
De La Soul – 3 Feet Hight And Rising
De La’s “daisy age” cover was light years ahead of the game. British artist Paul Spencer designed the cover.
