The Analects
2010
Description
The Analects is a hip-hop primer, a series of albums that would cover the various styles in the genre. Inspired by nutrition labels and laundry detergent, the packaging uses the language from such to speak in a comical and bold manner.
Fields
Graphic Design, Illustration, Packaging
  • The Analects*
    *Knowledge Yourself
  • The Analects* is a hip-hop primer that focuses upon the two major branches (or what I feel are) of the music genre -- music that focuses on lyricism, beats and culture, and music that focuses upon power, sex, money and decadence. These two albums are meant to inform the listener, for those who are new to the genre and want to explore either the historical and more classical side of hip-hop, to the side that is what mainstream and contemporary hip-hop displays today. Created for a packaging class assignment, the main guidelines were as follows: 
     
    1.  Look at detergent labels along with nutrition labels for inspiration, whether it be typographic hierarchy, color, voice, or overall style
    2. The subject matter and medium we choose was up to ourselves

    Upon researching for this project, I had looked at existing laundry detergents to find common uses to attract the viewer. Intentionally overlapping elements such as violators and graphics on how to wash the garments were some key factors, as much how much more you were getting for your money if you were to purchase such items. The packaging is the first in the series, and is intended to a poke at hip-hop culture, while informing the aduience.
         Dating from Eric B and Rakim, often considered an echelon of classic hip-hop (focusing more on lyrics and beats) to contemporary hip-hop such as Jay-Z & Lil Wayne, who are known more for focusing music on braggadocio, women, money, drugs, and other fast life subjects. The icon system also stems from this history and language, with influence from representing where you come from, “dropping science” and positivity, to rocking ice and chains,  getting money, drinking expensive liquor and getting women.
     
    *The Analects is a reference to the writings popularized by Confucius on how to live. In this case, by listening to these tracks you can learn about the culture of hip-hop and "knowledge yourself." What path you choose is up to you and how to act it out.
  • Packaging fronts. The left album displays Eric B. & Rakim, with Rakim famously known for complex lyricism and delivery, a staple of classic hip-hop. The right album displays Jay-Z and Lil Wayne, currently two popular mainstream rappers known today.
  • The CD packaging used here would reflect the origins of the music, being on records, with a CD in the middle instead of the traditional record label in place. Color was used to reflect opposing sides and takes on hip-hop, being from wanting to be the best MC lyrically or being the best hustler in the game itself.
  • As a set together
  • Design on CD label is echoed on record sleeve with slits to hold the disc
  • *WARNING: This content contains material that is only built for real Cuban Linx. Please bump these crafted classics wisely and appropriately. Certain rules may apply.

  • *WARNING: Listening to this music may give you high amounts of arrogance, the desire to buy a new wardrobe for some fresh kicks, and to hit up the club with some hoes.