Top 10 album covers

An album is made or broken by the music in it, but a huge supporting factor is the album cover.  Here I have compiled a list of the top 10 album covers from rap.  They will be judged based on coolness, meaning, and how they relate to the music.

10. “God Forgives, I don’t (Deluxe)” – Rick Ross

This album cover is purely cool, as it portrays Rick Ross as a godfather-esque figure, much as the title implies.

9. “All Eyez on Me” – 2pac

since his death many album covers of 2pac have become iconic, but this one stands out as the coolest picture of him, flashing a west coast sign over a black background.

8. “Long Live A$AP” – A$AP Rockey

Featuring A$AP Rockey wrapped in a flag and looking down, this album cover is intriguing, ambiguous and stylish.

7. “Before I Self Destruct” – 50 Cent

50 Cent looks angry? What is his face doing? Self destructing that’s what.  The album cover coincides with the name of the album and looks awesome.

6.”The Carter IV” – Lil Wayne

This album cover goes along with the theme of Lil’ Wayne’s last album cover which featured a tatted baby in a suit.  This is Lil’ Wayne as a young boy looking dope at a young age

5. “Straight Outta Compton” – N.W.A.

This group photo of a shot looking up at the member of N.W.A. has becoming iconic of both west coast and 90’s rap.

4. “good Kid m.a.a.d. City” – Kendrick Lamar

This album cover is meant to represent the poverty and low standard of living in Compton and other cities.  The crappy car in the crappy neighborhood proves the point well, and also coincides with other parts of the album.

3. “Slim Shady LP” – Eminem

This album cover seems cute and childish at first with its bright moon, colorful writing, and purple color.  That is until you see the gloved man in the background and the body in the trunk.  This cover also goes along with the song ’97 Bonnie and Clyde.

2.“American Gangster” – Jay Z

This cover in keeping with Jay-Z’s gangster persona, puts him in place of Frank Lucas in a famous shot from the movie American gangster.  This picture Is so cool it has to be included.

 

1.

Biggies last album before his death, and one of the best in the rap game, this album cover has become an icon of rap music.  What is more haunting though is that weeks before its release, biggie was murdered, making him standing by the hearse, and the album name more haunting.  No matter what this album cover will always be iconic.