This document analyzes a Jay-Z album advertisement. It notes that the advertisement stands out by not including a picture of Jay-Z, but instead focusing on his name in large font at the top. Musical instruments in the main image suggest a variety of music styles on the album. A simplistic grey background allows other elements like text to stand out. Three red strips reference the album title and record label. Jay-Z's image in the center indicates his fame and roots in graffiti. Logos promote companies involved in the album's production and distribution. Overall, the advertisement catches viewers' eyes through contrast and emphasis on the artist and album name.

2. This advert is extremely diverse in terms of comparing it to other rap/hip hop magazine adverts such as Tinie Tempah, this is because the advert doesn’t
include a picture of the artist. However the artists name ‘Jay Z’ is shown at the top of the advert in the biggest font size. This is effective and shows how
successful Jay Z is as his name is well known and is a big promotional factor as many people recognise it. The colour of the font is also effective as the black
has been used to contrast against the white background, which will catch the eye of the target audience as it stands out clearly. The letters of the text are
also in capital letters which are bold which again is effective as it stands out more, doing this also puts on the artist and his importance.
The main image on this poster contains variety of musical
instruments which links with his previous album ‘collision course’.
Having these instruments as the main image instead of the artist is
effective as it highlights to the audience that the music is more than
just him alone, it suggests that the album is going to contain a
variety of beats and music. This would appeal to the audiences of all
types as it doesn’t focus on a specific style of music. The use of the
instruments also relates to Jay Z and how he like to be creative in his
work, highlighting that he can make music with all types of
instruments.
The background of the advert follows a very simplistic colour
scheme, through the use of it being light grey, allows all other
features such as the text to stand out more. This colour also
highlights the simplicity of Jay Z and how he doesn’t want to reveal
to much about the album in terms of it being different to others. In
addition having the plain background also allows the red line to
stand out more as they two colours contrast.
The three red strips on the front of the advert could be used emphasis the record label ‘A ROC NATAION’ as half of the text is also highlighted in red. This is
done to show the significance of the record label to the artist. However the album name also links with the three strips as it is called ‘The Blueprint 3’,
therefore the three red strips reinforces the album. The use of the colour red connotes danger and love which links back to the artist and his wife,
highlighting their love together as well as how dangers they are together.
The album name is also presented in a black font
which again contrasts with the light background
making it clearly visible. Similarly like the artists
name the album name is also in capital latter
highlighting the importance of it. The album
name is also above the release date which is
effective as it draws attention to it so that the
audience can clearly see the date of release. The
release date itself is also in a bold black font
making it stand out more as well as portraying
the importance of it to the audience. Below the
release date is the record label which is there to
promote the artist as well as the album and
company. This is because Jay Z created RocNation
which is well known for production successful
music.

3. The large mid shot image of the artist which is placed in the
centre highlights how he is the most important feature on
this advert. Not making direct address to the camera,
instead looking away which indicates he is already famous
and recognised without having to make eye contact with
the audience. Showing one side of his face again highlights
how well known he is, could also connote that the target
audience have only seen ‘one side’ to this artist and there is
more to come. Positioning and layout of the image goes
against the idea that this artist is extremely famous due to
his bold name printed at the top, in comparison to other
successful rap artists such as Jay Z, their posters will
generally include one or the other in terms of an image or
name. The neck and arms of the artist have been coloured
in black with a graffiti feel to it which suggests he was
involved in these sorts of activities in the past, this relates
back to his roots and how fame hasn’t changed the person
he is. The audience can clearly see the crucifix/cross is the
artists hand shows both his religious side as well as his
flashy jewellery side. This may also indicate forgiveness for
the music and lyrics he is releasing.
Left hand corner audience can see a picture of the album cover, this is effective as it shows the audience
what it will look like as well as promoting it. This also link with the logos of companies on the bottom
right corner that are involved with this album and poster as again they are trying to promote the album,
this is effective as companies such as HMV are extremely well known and popular which will give the
target audience a bigger incentive to buy this album as HMV wouldn’t be involved with unsuccessful
All other aspects of this advert such as the background, release
dates etc. have been done to catch the eye of the target
audience. The dark black box contrasts with the white text
making it stand out more. The release date and additional
information in the middle follows the same colour scheme and
style as the advert title which reinforces its importance. Next to
the advert title there is a bright light which again assists in
grabbing the attention of the audience. The overall appearance
of the advert is effective as it doesn’t have much information
which means it can be easily read and also leave the audience
wanting to know more. The background of the advert contains
towers or a block of flats which have been used to link to the
artists roots and where he came from, this is effective as many
of his fans can relate to this and may be eager to find out more,
this could also suggest that some of his songs may include his
lifestyle an upbringing. The sky in the background connotes how
this artist wants to go higher in life and that the sky is the limit.
His name being in the sky also suggests that he has moved on
form his past life as it is no where near the blocks.
This album is also quite diverse, however does follow the general codes and convention of a stereotypical rap/hip hop advert. The first sight the audience is
immediately drawn to is the image of the artist and the name of the album. Firstly the title of the album is placed in the middle of the advert which is effective and
has been done to catch the eye of the target audience. Furthermore the colour scheme of the title is effective and the black font contrasts with the white background
making is stand out. The artists name is in different font to the other texts on this advert, this is effective and has been done so that it is stands out and easily catches
the eye of the target audience.