Album Covers

May
20
J. Cole Reveals ‘Born Sinner’ Cover Art, Moves Up Release Date

Born Sinner

J. Cole battles good and evil on the cover art for his sophomore album Born Sinner, which was revealed on his Instagram account. The standard (above) features the gates of heaven, while the deluxe (below) shows a devil.

“You’re gonna hear sonically and soundwise as a producer how I’ve grown,” Cole said of the follow-up to his 2011 debut Cole World: The Sideline Story. “I’m not trying to make my old stuff and I’m not trying to make anything that was made in the past. I’m trying to concoct new creations.”

The album, which has spawned the Miguel-assisted single “Power Trip,” will now arrive a week earlier on June 18 and compete directly with Kanye West’s Yeezus.

“Kanye West is one of the greatest artists of our generation,” tweeted Cole. “Which is exactly why I’m moving my release date up.”

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May
19
Kanye West Unveils ‘Yeezus’ Artwork

Yeezus

The last two days have been full of surprises for Kanye West fans. Following the worldwide debut of “New Slaves” and his performance on “SNL,” Mr. West has unveiled what appears to be the artwork for his sixth solo album Yeezus, available June 18.

The unconventional cover looks like a melted gold object, possibly a Jesus piece. A piece of red duct tape is stuck to the side, with the title “Yeezus” handwritten with a Sharpie. The black-and-white CD shows behind the clear jewel case. The image was posted on ‘Ye’s official site along with a pre-order link, but it was later removed.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye’s manager Don C. also posted a photo of the CD on their Instagram accounts.

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May
15
Album Cover: Wale – ‘The Gifted’

The Gifted

As he gets closer to the release of his third album The Gifted on June 25, Wale unveils the artwork. The Maybach Music rapper illustrates the different aspects that make up his life including his hometown of D.C., money, women, and faith. A stone bust of his face appears on the cover, designed by tattoo artist Mister Cartoon.

The album’s first single “Bad” featuring Tiara Thomas is currently No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the follow-up “LoveHate Thing” will premiere on Monday.

He has also recorded a mysterious collaboration with Rihanna.

What do you think of the artwork? Sound off below.

May
8
Album Cover: Mac Miller – ‘Watching Movies With the Sound Off’

Watching Movies with the Sound Off

Mac Miller takes it all off on the cover of his sophomore album Watching Movies With the Sound Off. The tatted rapper sits against a red wall with nothing but a table covering his crotch.

The album is due June 18 featuring the single “S.D.S.” He will kick off “The Space Migration” tour with Earl Sweatshirt, Action Bronson, Chance the Rapper, and more on June 25.

What do you think of Mac’s revealing artwork? Sound off below.

May
7
Album Cover: Kelly Rowland – ‘Talk a Good Game’

Talk a Good Game

Kelly Rowland shows off her body of work on the black-and-white cover of Talk a Good Game. Rap-Up.com has your first look at the smoking-hot artwork for the singer’s fourth solo album. Kelly goes braless underneath a sheer black top, wearing only panties as she strikes a seductive pose.

The album arrives June 18 featuring contributions from Wiz Khalifa (“Gone”), Pharrell (“Feet to the Fire”), The-Dream (“Dirty Laundry”), Harmony, The Runners, and Mike WiLL Made It, who produced the lead single “Kisses Down Low.” She also reunites with fellow Destiny’s Child divas Beyoncé and Michelle Williams on the soulful “You Changed.”

Kelly will kick off the “Lights Out” tour with The-Dream on May 23 in Minneapolis.

What do you think of Kelly’s cover art? Share your thoughts below.

Apr
29
Mixtape Cover: Hustle Gang – ‘G.D.O.D.’

G.D.O.D.

All hail to the chief. T.I. debuts the Native American-inspired cover art for the Hustle Gang mixtape G.D.O.D. (Get Dough or Die). The project arrives May 7 featuring the Grand Hustle crew including Tip, B.o.B, Travi$ Scott, Trae Tha Truth, Iggy Azalea, and Kris Stephens, plus collaborations with French Montana, Mystikal, Problem, and Pharrell.

Earlier this month, Tip debuted the video for “Memories Back Then” featuring B.o.B, Kendrick Lamar, and Kris Stephens.

The Hustle Gang album will follow in September/October.

What do you think of the cover art?

Apr
15
Ciara Renames Album, Reveals Cover and Tracklisting

Ciara

Ciara assembles the troops on her self-titled fifth album (previously titled One Woman Army). The R&B diva has been teasing with track titles and lyrics, but she reveals the full tracklisting today on Instagram.

The 10 tracks feature the single “Body Party,” with production from Rodney Jerkins, The Underdogs, and Soundz. She grabs a verse from Nicki Minaj on the opening track “I’m Out” and duets with her beau Future on “Where You Go.” CiCi channels her inner rapper on “Super Turnt Up” and toasts to the good life on “Livin’ It Up,” penned by Wynter Gordon.

“She overcame a lot and through time you will tell when she puts this album out, it’s gonna be one of those albums that you look back on,” said Future. “Today, I’m already calling it a classic before it even come out.”

Ciara arrives June 4 July 9. See the tracklisting below.

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Apr
10
Album Cover: Chrisette Michele – ‘Better’

Better

Chrisette Michele is a vision in all white on the cover of her fourth album Better. The R&B songstress shows off her legs as she lays across a couch in the striking image.

“I’m wearing mostly white this year just because I feel I’m in the best space I’ve ever been,” Chrsiette told Rap-Up.com. “And I think white exemplifies that pure feeling.”

Due June 11 on Motown Records, the project features the single “A Couple of Forevers,” with appearances from 2 Chainz, Wale, Musiq Soulchild, Dunson, and her brother Lem Payne.

Chrisette is currently on tour with Keyshia Cole and will launch her own “Better” tour later this year.

What do you think of the artwork? Sound off below.