Album Artwork Analysis (50 Cent)

The album artwork for 50 Cent's Get Rich Or Die Tryin', is very focused upon one main aspects, 50 Cent. The background of the album cover red, red is can be viewed as a rather fierce colour, it can be associated with violence. In the top right of the cover is 50 Cent's name in its well known logo form. It is very loud and unmissable, the text is incredibly bold which works against the album title text. The album title text is a much more elegant style, which works well as it goes against the normal conventions of a Rap album cover. Also important to review is the 'Explicit Content' warning in the bottom left of the album cover. This acts almost a a sense of pride on a rap album cover, it adds to the image that 50 Cent is portrayed as, very violent, aggressive, as a gangster. Finally The main spotlight, 50 Cent himself, he is staring directly at the viewer, he is also topless and there is a good sense of focus upon his muscular appearance and tattoos, this is to make him appear as a more rough individual which again provides back up for the star image he portrays. He is wearing a strap over his shoulders and around his waist which is known for carrying guns. It is not completely clear from the picture wether there is a gun in the strap but the fact he is wearing one makes him appear as ruthless and gives the idea to people that he is a gangster and could go as far as a killer, this is very good evidence to support his image, and the way he is wanted to be perceived by the public. Also two accessories he is wearing, a belt with large, shining belt buckle and a watch again covered in diamonds. This gives the impression he is rich and cares about his accessories, which is important for two reasons. Firstly is goes with the album title 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin' and also because the public have become very aware that gangsters and thugs are very involved with big diamond crested accessories to show of their money. Finally the key part to the album cover, the fact there is a bullet hole in the glass in front of him, and through the bullet hole the viewer can see the diamond cross around his neck. This is so important as it brings such a criminal aspect into the situation and compliments it with a very holy symbol, two so incredibly different ideas. This gives the impression 50 Cent is involved with the violence of crime and guns but also is a firm believer of specific things, the perfect 'gangster' image. It is clear that 50 Cent is wanting to be perceived as a criminal, careless and reckless, this will go with the music he is making and when joining those two elements successfully, music and image, a star is created.