The picture to the left, is the cover of the April 16th edition of Rolling Stone. The main image of the cover is of current rap sensation Lil' Wayne. The picture shows the artist in what can be percieved as deep thought. This, in conjunction with the subtext of "Rap Genius Changes His Game" suggests to the audience that the artist is thinking of how to portray himself as a 'rock' performer, and also thinking of the more 'complicated' lyrics of the Rock genre rather than the stereotypically ignorant 'Guns, Babes and Bling' lyrics associated with rap.
On the contrary however, the picture, with the artists eyes closed looking down, as if he was asleep also adds to the arrogant front that Lil Wayne has created for himself, the idea that despite his planned astronomical change of style, it is boring to him, and that his talent all comes naturally and subsequently isn't as much of a bombshell as it would be to others.
Further dissection of the image shows the artist with his top off, revealing numerous tattoo's. One would presume that this was too attract those who are aware of the artists under-privileged background and subsequent meteoric rise, as it shows that although he plans an astronomical change in style and attitude, he still represents where he is from, and his roots in the rap industry. This is done by showing off the tattoo's that go some way to glorifying the aforementioned rap 'staples' of 'Guns, babes and bling,' such as the dice on his left shoulder, which connotates the idea of making money. Although the tear drops he has tattooed under each eye, are the most tell tale sign of his dedication to the gangster image, as they are a symbol used in American gang culture to symbolize how many murders a person has committed.

The headline and the lines that separates the puffs are in a light shade of yellow, this connotates to the audience that with the change of music the artist has actually had a change in attitude also, as yellow connotes mellowness and calmness, a severe contrast to the lifestyle that his 'former' gangster lifestyle portrays. On the contrary however, the colour could also be percieved as a gold rather than yellow which connotes money and also power, something that again goes back to the previously mentioned 'Guns babes and bling' lifestyle that some artists wish to adhere too.

One of the puffs, situated in the top right corner of the image, which reads 'The Bush Crimes, inside the interior department' is in white text, and placed on a black background, the contrasting colours make it easy for the audience to read, and ultimately makes the text standout, which suggests that the topic is important, and something that the publishers/editors feel strongly about.