Textual analysis of XXL

The hip hop magazine that I will be analysing is XXL. In terms of presentational devices the magazine consists of a masthead, puff, coverlines , a main coverline and a main image.
Firstly the masthead XXL is written in capitals filled with dimonds and this relates with wealth and bling. The background of the masthead is red which suggests wealth and passion. The masthead is also quite large and draws the readers attention due to the style it has been made. This is then reinforced by the main image of Lil Wayne and Baby who are rappers wearing multiple chains(bling) and props. This also represents the sterotypical image of the rappers and meets the audiences expectations.
The background is hardly on display as the main image and the writing covers most of it. The main image of the famous rappers Baby and Lil Wayne topless suggests courage and them being tough. Also their pose/posture implies arrogance and also as they are looking down at the camera shows they seem more superior. Their bodies are covered with tattos which suggests wealth as tattos are very expensive and the chains symbolise wealth and the "gangster" image. This aspect of the main image meets the conventions of hip-hop and a hip-hop magazine.
The fact that Baby has his arm around Lil Wayne as if he is hugging him shows support and love for each other and protection which subverts black male characteristics but also the typical hip hop representations. The fact that Baby’s arm is around Lil Wayne creates positivity about hip-hop which shadows the negative stereotypes associated with hip hop through audiences awareness.
The coverlines of the magazine lists different music artists which show various artists that will be included in the magazine. This persuades audiences to purchase the magazine even if they aren’t interested in the artists in the main image, they may be interested in one artist included in the coverline therefore they would have to purchase the magazine.
There is also a puff included in the magazine which persuades audiences to purchase the magazine. One of the puffs “A decade of dominance” includes alliteration which makes it memorable and stays in the audiences mind. There is also another puff used "10th Anniversary”.
The main sell lines are also quite big and white, which draws the readers attention and is eye-catching. The sell lines meantion other artists and promotes them, they are all Hip Hop and R&B artists of the same genres. The slogan suggests they are the best as it says "survival of the fittest". Baby also has Lil Wayne's face tattoed on his chest and this could symbolise that he looks up to him and sees him as an idol/role model.

• Genre - Hip Hop
• Mast head - XXL
• Main image - baby and lil Wayne
• Cover lines - interviews with various artist
• Puff - our biggest issue ever a decade of dominance - alliteration
• Other images - background
• Typography - bold
• Props- hats, rings, chains and watches