Vibe textual analysis

Front cover analysis

The name of the masthead- vibe tells us that the genre- Hip hop is  something you can Vibe to, enjoy. The masthead could also represent the feeling you get from listening to Hip Hop. Vibe also includes other music magazine conventions like a skyline, cover lines, the main cover line which is bold font which is bigger than the other cover lines, this makes it easier for the audience to see who the main feature is. It may also suggest that he is more successful or more important. Other conventions used is a mid shot of the cover star who has a direct mode of address.
The direct mode of address makes it more personal so when a reader of the magazine walks past they feel as if the cover star is looking at them so they are more likely to purchase the magazine. 
The model is wearing a white shirt which is not the typical attire for a Hip Hop artist this may be trying to convey that he is unique or has his own style, and the fact that his sleeves are rolled up may imply that he has done a lot of hard work. the connotations of white is perfection and purity, this sends positive subliminal messages to the reader so they will be drawn to the magazine.
The cover star conforms to the Hip Hop attire by wearing a few gold chains showing wealth and success which is like evidence of his hard work.
Kendrick Lamar has his hands in a fist this may convey to the audience that he is serious about his work and his goals.

context page analysis

Like XXL Vibe also has a double sided contents page, the first on list the features, whilst the second part list articles they have regularly. On the first page the features are to the right hand side creating space for the main cover star, the main feature article can be identified easily as it is on the other side of the page and the page number is in a bigger font. It also has a V for Vibe to remind the reader that they are reading vibe magazine. The model on this page does not have a direct mode of address this may be so that the reader focuses on the features, which is emphasised by the fact that the model is in black and white. Paradoxically it makes him stand out against the white background. The model has an assortment of jewelry and a hat that is back to front which coneys he is cool as it is seen as rebellious. 

The contents pages sticks to the three colour scheme of white red and black.

On the second page there are only two images as these articles are normally there so there is nothing new.But there are two numbers who have a larger font, this may for articles that may be have a change. At the bottom of the page  it says the date that the magazine was issued.   

Double page spread analysis

The cover artist wears glasses which blocks the direct mode of address. However this can be interpreted as him having a higher status as if he is too busy to give people attention. or that he will be revealing something as they say eyes are the window to the soul so by covering them up there is something he has not mentioned. However wearing glasses for fashion rather than for pratical reason is seen as cool. this will make the readers gravitate towards him as he will be seen as a force to be recon with. He also wears all white, this may show purity. He is wearing a leather jacket emphasises the idea of him being cool or even rebellious which is almost glorified by some rappers in the Hip Hop industry.

A drop capital is not used however there are three collums with a pull quote that goes across two of the collums. The pull quote is all in bold however some is in black and some is in red. this may be to catch the readers eye. The questions are in the same font but are bold, which maes it easier for the reader to identify the question.