The masthead is partially covered by

the image of 50 Cent. This subverts a

convention of a magazine as the
masthead is usually placed where it is
easy to see and read. The connotation
is that NME is a well-known magazine,
so the audience are likely to know
what the masthead says already. This
also emphasises the importance of the
50 Cent as she is shown over the
masthead.

The main image on the magazine

cover is of 50 Cent. This immediately
informs the reader that there will be
an article about her in the magazine.
The fact that 50 Cent is the main
image connotes that the target
audience are likely to know of him and
would want to read his interview. It
also immediately informs the audience
that this is a rap music magazine as a
world-renowned rapper

The barcode is placed in the bottom

right corner of the magazine as to not
take away from the aesthetic of the cover. It is standard to all purchased
magazines and includes the price and product code.

The main coverline is '50 Cent the future is now', this is done to inform audiences
straight away on what this issue of the magazine will principally focus on. It
supports the main image which is of 50 Cent, which places all the more emphasis
on his importance to the magazine. Having a recognisable celebrity or band name
on the front cover is a common convention of magazines as it draws in audiences
who are likely to know and/or be fans of the artists

The costume 50 Cent is wearing supported the typically costume of the time of
the magazine (2010). He is wearing baggy jeans, a white tee and a typical Yankees
‘NY’ cap which is typical of rapper or “gangsters” as it shows they are claiming
their area. The pile of money he is sitting on and hand cuffs around his right arm
help create the mise-en-scene of a gangster lifestyle, which is a common topic in
his music and genre. This mise-en-scene is supported by colour-scheme. Around
50 there is a light around him, this highlights him from the dark mysterious
background, which could be implicit of his upbringing from a criminal lifestyle. The
light emerging could be his successful rap career from his dark criminal
background/past.