AS Portfolio 2013: October 2013

Genre Research

The History of Trap Music

Trap music started off in the early 90’s and it originates from Atlanta, Georgia which is in the southern areas of America. It was created so the Trappers could have some music to bump (Play) in their whip (Car). Its lyrics are highly controversial as it is mainly about illegal activities such as drug trafficking and murders.

Artists that make Trap Music

Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Rick Ross, Juicy J, Young Scooter, T.I, Young Jeezy, Wooh Da Kid, Frenchie, Young Dolph, Shawty Lo & OJ Da Juiceman.

Audience/Fans

Years ago the main fans of Trap music tended to be black males in the southern area of America. But now it has become a widespread genre attracting fans from all over the world. The main reason why trap music has spread so much could be the fact that so many rappers are now making trap music, despite not being from the trap. Hip-hop fans almost have no choice but to listen to trap music. Over the past few years trap music has become really popular. What makes trap music so popular is its heavy basslines and addicting hooks.

Record Labels

Most trap music artists tend to be indie (independent) and as a result there is isn’t any recognized trap record labels. However there are cliques (Music Groups) that are known for their trap music. Eg: BrickSquad, MMG, Three6Mafia and FreeBand Game. Record Labels are unwilling to invest in artists that make trap music because of the fact that they do not want to be associated with the lifestyles that they lead. A rapper being sentenced for drug trafficking is a really bad look for a label.

Cross Media

Trap music videos are rarely played on TV and this is sometimes because the content inside these videos are really explicit. Some yrap Artists have used Reality TV Shows in order to increase their brand. T.I is an Example; His TV Show ‘The Family Hustle’ is shown on VH1 and is really popular. Trap Music is also present in games, GTA (Grand Theft Auto) is a game that is known to incorporate trap music into its radio stations.

Images

This image would be a really good as a double page spread. This is because the there is space on the left hand side for text. The quality in this image is also really good.

This image would be a really good contents page image. The background is consistent and the quality is really good.

This image would be a really good front cover image. The background is white, this means that it can be easily manipulated. He is also looking straight at the camera which is a common convention for front covers.

This image would be a really good contents page image. The background is consistent and the quality is really good.

This would not be a good image to use because of the fact that there is too much going on in the background. It would be hard for me to add text to it because one colour would not suffice, and it not a convention of music magazines to have multi-coloured text.

This could be a good front cover, the only problem is that he isn't looking straight at the camera. A convention of music magazines is that the model is looking at the camera.

Music Magasine Sketch

Magasine Flat Plans

Masthead Evaluation

These are my masthead experiments. Personally, I prefer the second image, however when I asked my fellow classmates they told me that they preferred the fourth one. The second font is original and understandable, whereas the fourth one is dull and wouldn’t suit a magazine on gangster rap. I feel the second one is more memorable and looks more professional. Glock 9 is the name of a gun. I chose the name 'Glock 9' because trap music is hardcore gangster music, and we all know the relationship between guns and gangsters.