Article

Blazing threw the speakers are new upcoming duet *Name not decided yet* .Comming  from the cold streets of north west , the two are proving them self to succesulf young artists. The pair have worked together collaberating the smooth tunes of RNB and the powerful lyrics for grime to create something unique and special.’We made it ‘ being there upcomming single is climbing its way up the uk charts ,  As weeks fly by , *name* are soaring above the sky .

Lets see if *Name* really have ‘made it’ ? In this weeks edition of Rhythm and Grime we get a special insight into the duets life , there struggles and battles in the music industry,Rhythm and Grime get the truth on how life is like to go from having nothing to having it all.

How did you both meet?

Female Artist: (Giggleing) Funnily enough we both met at a youth club in monks park . orginally hating each other  , we resolved our difference and our friendship grew stronger. Having the same aspirations and family background our frienship was so easy flowing , we could relate to each other in a way no one could.We decided to combine our talents and work together for a better future out of the streets . *Name* and i both knew we wanted to get out of the gritty cold council estates . We where destined for a better striving in a persuit for success.

How was life befor you began to make music ?

 Male Artist : Well what can i say , lifes always been a struggle , some days have been extremly difficult . Not having food on the table , money in my pocket . My parents seperated befor i was born so i never really met my father . Growning up in a single parent family with no father figure was a big battle in my life that has made me the successful young man i am today and i couldnt have done it with out my mums love and intense support.

Female Artist : I couldnt agree more *name* . comming from the same council estate , we have had similar upbringing , unsure of when your next hot meal will be , or when you going to have money to get new shoes . Going threw my teens experimenting with drugs and alcohol after the death of my mum , but again agreeing with *name* it has made me who i am today , stronger individual . (Laughing) WE MADE IT !!

What artist's have influenced you ?

Female : ive been influenced by artist such as Alicia Keys , Beyonce , K.Michelle . However my greatest influence is Mary J Blige she is a true insparation to women and young people as a whole .


Male : my influences have been men like Notorise BIG , Tupac , Giggs , Devlin .

Front cover Analysis

In the main image we can see that , Leona lewis has been chosen as the model for the front cover , being a successful winner of the well known television show X-Factor this will grab major media and public attention .  in this shot Leona is biting her thumb , this sort of gesture conotes a sexual nature, this also appeals to a male audience. Looking at her facial expression she is look directly at the camera , this creates the idea that she is looking out at her audience almost seducing them into the magazine. She is dressed in plain black with silver detail on the neckline , the simplicity of her clothing then brings the initial focus on her face and her facial expressions . 

Focusing on the mast head "BLENDER" it is a bright orange colour , which immediately grabs the audiences attention , it conotes a fun exciting feel to the magazine. The mast head is placed behind the main image , reenforcing the focus of the front cover to the main image .

The main cover line  'Leona Lewis' is in a bold font to make it stand out and obvious to the audience , the fact they have just used her name as the main cover line shows that she is the main focus of this particular issue of the magazine.

Looking at the additional cover lines such as ' Whats Perez shaving ? P96.' this kind of text is usually seen in gossip magazine and not music magazines which is a clever approach to try and sell the magazine 

Front cover Analysis (Lil Wayne & Baby)

Observing the Main image we are presented with rap idols Lil wayne and Baby (Birdman) who are apart of the rap/urban celebrity culture ,which is seen as a competitive industry. Both artist are wearing excessive amounts of jewellery , virtually covered in bling this conotes the idea of wealth and luxurious life style. The men are both standing topless witch appeals to a female audience and also a male audience as it is Homo-erotic. The large surface area of tattoos covering there bodies instantly depicts an image of masculinity and ruggedness, it can also justify there individuality and independent persona.  Concentrating on Lil Waynes hands , we see he is holding a red bandana/balaclava also his hat has aspects of red patterns, babys chain has  hints of red and his hat is in a red colour , connoting the idea of power and superiority. 

Focusing on The Background , we can make out the image of a run down broken house , this contrast there physically appearance of being glamourous and living a luxury filled life . The broken house is symbolic of there past and where they came from..showing there struggle relating to the idea of 'Survival of the fittest'.

The Mast Head is in large font with a red background , using the colour red carrys on the idea of power and supremacy. The letters 'XXL' are incrusted with diamonds , this relates to the physical appearance of Baby and Lil Wayne , linking to the bling culture.

Examining the Puff ,'Decade of Dominance'relates to the artists image and the competitive nature of the rap game , also use of the word 'Dominance' conotes the idea of achieving control in the rap game .

Front cover Analysis (Usher)

In the Main image we see the world famous RNB vocalist usher , the image is at a low angle witch depicts the idea of superiority and power . ushers pose is very eye catching , it appears that he is portraying an awful hand gesture .However it is his ring finger , with is dressed in a diamond incrusted  wedding ring . also looking at his attire  he is dressed in casual and neutral colours this conotes an image of class and simplicity adding to idea of simplicity he is wearing jus a watch and sunglasses . in addition to the sunglasses , they connote the idea of mysteriousness and again the superior nature of the image. Furthermore , ushers posture and his body language connects to the superior feeling , his head is tilted and he seems to be lent back , looking kool and collected . however the tilt of his head depicts arrogance and supercilious nature. 

Lastly the positioning of usher , he is places infront of the mast head showing that he is possibly more important and interesting , the mast head loosing its importance and the focus is all on usher .

Looking at the Mast head we see the word 'VIBE' in bold bright blue font this relates to the actual genre RNB (rythme and blues) blue is a colour that is usually linked with calm and cool feelings , however it is bright and eye catching drawing the reader to the magazine . Also blue is a unisex colour witch appeals to both male and female readers.

The Background image is vaguely seen , but it seems to be a cream/off white coloured wall , it just enhances the focus on usher and drawing the reader to the magazine.

 The Main cover line  reads 'USHER The king is back HES NO1 and married with a vengeance'  the words 'Usher ... Hes NO1' this is to attract readers to buy the magazine. also the 'Married with a vengeance' could link to the wedding ring in the main image.

observing the Additional cover lines the word 'SWAGGER' is written diagonally across lower left hand side of the front cover , the font used is in a graffiti style wich relates to the RNB street culture and the colour red could signify the idea of power and dominance as it stands out and contrast with the colour scheme on the front page.

Questionnaire

Please complete this questionnaire.

1. What gender are you?

Male                      Female                 Prefer not to say

2. How old are you?

16-18                     19-21

3. What ethnicity are you?

White British/Irish

Black British/Caribbean/African

Mixed Race

Asian British/Pakistani

Asian British/Indian/Bengali

Asian British/Oriental

Other

4. What are your hobbies? (Choose no more than 2)

Playing sports                    Shopping             Playing videogames           Raving/Clubbing

Drawing               Reading               Other

5. What genre of music do you listen to?

R&B                       HipHop                 Funky House             Rock and roll               Grime  

Other

6. When purchasing a music magazine , how much are you willing to spend?

£1-£2                     £3-£4                     £5 or more

7. What kind of features would you be drawn to in a music magazine?

Gossip                  Fashion                                Celebrity Interviews            Quizzes’ and  Games

Horoscopes            Other

8. What freebies would you like in a music magazine?

CD/Mix tape                      Mobile phone/iPod case              Jewellery

Cosmetic samples            Other

9. How often do you buy music magazine?

Regularly/daily           Weekly                Monthly            Rarely                Never

10. Who are your favour artist or bands ?

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