Textual Analysis front cover 1

The music magazine Vibe is founded and produced by Quincy Jones, who is renowned for producing the albums such as, “Bad” and “Thriller” for the legendary Michel Jackson. Quincy has not only been in the music industry, but his company has also produced “The Fresh Prince of Bell Air.” Vibe shut down production in the summer of 2009. However, it was then purchased by the private equity investment Fun Inter Media Partners and is now issued quarterly.

The connotations of the word “Vibe” suggests sound, movement and vibrations which are all associated with music. So, it suits the genre of the magazines, as it is Hip hop and R&B which has a very upbeat genre. The magazine caters for a large target audience this is due the wide range of genre and music artists from rap( Jazz) to hip hop (beasties Boys)to R&B (Rhianna) and pop (Janet Jackson).

Vibe uses famous artist to promote and attract a variety of audiences, the key image consists of a medium shot of the famous hip hop artist known as “Akon”. Akon is placed in front of the mast head, this is a well known convention of magazines this could also show that the magazine has a strong brand identity and can afford to cover up their name and still be recognised. Many magazines like Vibe tend to use shots in front of the mast head as it allows the key image to stand out, the contrast between the white background, the key image and the typography. Magazines like Vibe, do not have to show the consumer their magazine name as they already are well know and established. Most consumers will know the magazine name by just looking at the magazine.

Akon is not wearing a t-shirt this helps the magazine appeal to females as they are known to be attracted to men with no tops on. He has a long sliver chain with his name on it (Akon Konvict), a watch and a large belt buckle. Many hip hop artist/ rappers are known to be wearing “bling” as this portrays status within their industry. This connotes his wealth and fame and as a result, people may aspire to be like him.  A mood of direct address is created with the magazine this is achieved by the key image looking and pointing directly at the audience enticing them.

The copy in the mast head denotes “Steve Harlvey Ain’t Having’ It”. Steve Harley is a famous film maker. The copy also denotes “how to save mix tapes” this suggest mix tapes are a dying trend just like magazines and they are both working together to promote each other. The copy is only written in three main colours this follows a continuous colour scheme, thus making it easier to read and also makes the cover more readable and eye-catching. The copy contains alliteration “Rap Radio” this is a widely used convention as it draws readers attention. It also says “Akon last hit maker” this could be a pun as it could mean the word hit in the scene of a physical act where someone/something is  physically hurt, this is stereotypical of rappers as they are seen to be very violent. This could also suggest a “hit” as a record sale “hit”.

Vibe Annotated