Album Covers

Feb
28
Album Cover: Santigold – ‘Master of My Make-Believe’

Master of My Make-Believe

Santigold takes on three different roles on the regal cover of her sophomore album Master of My Make-Believe, due May 1. In the photo shot by Jason Schmidt, the Philadelphia-bred singer transforms into a “Bond girl” wearing a gold bodysuit by Alexander Wang, an army officer inspired by a painting by Kehinde Wiley, and a mafia Don (“Some sort of ruler in my own reality,” she says). The artwork is based off 18th-century British artist Joshua Reynolds’ painting of Banastre Tarleton titled “Portrait of an Officer.”

Go behind the scenes of Santi’s cover shoot at Explorer’s Club in New York.

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Feb
9
Melanie Fiona Reveals Release Date, Cover Art for ‘The MF Life’

The MF Life

Melanie Fiona answered her fans’ prayers by unveiling the release date and cover art for her oft-delayed sophomore album The MF Life. The follow-up to 2009’s The Bridge will drop March 27 March 20, she announced via Twitter. It was pushed up (gasp!) from its May release. The Rico Love-produced single “4 AM” debuted at No. 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 this week.

What do you think of the artwork? Share your thoughts below.

Feb
9
Album Cover: Diggy Simmons – ‘Unexpected Arrival’

Unexpected Arrival

Diggy Simmons gets ready to take on the world with his debut album Unexpected Arrival. The project, which touches down March 20, includes the singles “Copy, Paste” and “Do It Like You” featuring Jeremih. The son of hip-hop royalty is seen pushing open the door to his bright future on the cover art. What lies ahead for the rap phenom?

Feb
8
Album Cover: Odd Future – ‘The OF Tape Vol. 2′

The OF Tape Vol. 2

Odd Future unveils the odd cover art for its upcoming album The OF Tape Vol. 2. Due March 20 via Odd Future Records, the follow-up to 2008’s The Odd Future Tape features all-new music from Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, and the rest of the gang. If you’re wondering whose face that is on the cover, it’s OFWGKTA affiliate Lucas Vercetti.

The L.A. collective will launch a 12-city North American tour next month, kicking off March 9 in Tempe, Arizona, with stops in Toronto, New York, Boston, and Atlanta.

Jan
10
Album Cover: Estelle – ‘All of Me’

All of Me

Estelle keeps it simple and classy on the black-and-white cover for her third album All of Me, due February 28 via HomeSchool/Atlantic Records. The follow-up to 2008’s Shine features the singles “Break My Heart” with Rick Ross and the Akon-helmed “Thank You,” along with contributions from Janelle Monáe on the Ne-Yo-penned “Do My Thing,” Common (“Victorious”), No I.D., and Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis, among others.

The British songstress will embark on a month-long U.S. tour in support of the project. The 14-date trek kicks off February 2 in Cleveland.

What do you think of Estelle’s artwork? Share your thoughts below.

Jan
5
Skylar Grey Unveils ‘Buried Sessions’ Artwork

The Buried Sessions of Skylar Grey

Rap-Up.com has your first look at the eerie cover for Skylar Grey’s EP The Buried Sessions of Skylar Grey. The digital release, which precedes the singer-songwriter’s KIDinaKORNER/Interscope debut Invinsible, will be available January 17 on iTunes and include solo versions of the hits she penned including Diddy-Dirty Money’s “Coming Home” and Lupe Fiasco’s “Words I Never Said,” along with the original demo of Eminem and Rihanna’s “Love the Way You Lie.” Preview what Skylar has in store below.

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Jan
2
Rick Ross to Drop ‘Rich Forever’ Mixtape on Friday

Rich Forever

Rick Ross is spreading the wealth with his new mixtape Rick Forever. The Maybach Music boss has unveiled the project’s official artwork and announced a release date of Friday, January 6, at 3:05 p.m. EST.

Rozay, sans his signature shades, smokes a blunt and flashes his gold pinky ring as he gazes into the camera on the black-and-white cover.

Hosted by DJ Scream and Shaheem Reid, the follow-up to 2010’s Ashes to Ashes and The Albert Anastasia EP will feature all-new material and serve as a precursor to his upcoming fifth album God Forgives, I Don’t.

Dec
29
T.I. Unveils Cover Art, Records with Young Jeezy for Mixtape

Fuck Da City Up

T.I. leaves behind a path of destruction on the illustrated cover of his mixtape Fuck Da City Up, dropping on New Year’s Day. In addition to working with the legendary Dr. Dre, Tip recorded with his fellow Trap star Young Jeezy for the project. Check out some footage from their studio sessions and get a first listen to their latest collabo in the third trailer, below.

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