The XXL front cover has a main image of Lil Wayne and Baby; the mast head has a red background with the lettering in diamond as it is the 10th anniversary issue.
it has civer lines stating the exclusive interviews with some of the industries top artists such as Eminem.
the main coverline is blod and at the bottom of the page to make it eye catching.
The mast head connotes wealth as the lettering is incrusted with diamonds. this is a stereotypical convention for hip hop magazines. Wealth is also induced by the main image as both Baby and Lil Wayne have a variety of necklaces and a wide variety of tatoos.
The main image can be interpreted in many ways such as showing Lil Wayne and Baby are comrads and Protection of eachother as Baby's arm is around Lil Wayne; this can also be interpreted as homoerotic as both of these readings subvert the stereotype and this also opens up the audience for potential customers .
However them both being half naked could also symbolise their toughness and power which is stereotypical as hip hop is about power.
There is also Synergy in the image as Lil Wayne is wearing the " young money" necklace that symbolises his record lable. the magazine itself also contains two puffs which add to the status of the magazine as it is boasting it's greatness " 10th Anniversary"
In conclusion i think this cover is very appealing to a wide audience due to the main image it also subverts and confirms stereotypes in the hip hop genre;for example power and wealth. This appeals to the audience as it is what they expect from a hip hop magazine
