An In-Depth Analysis of Nas’ It Was Written Album Cover

The Artist Behind the Cover

The iconic cover of Nas’ second studio album, “It Was Written,” was designed by artist Ernie Paniccioli. Known for his work in hip-hop photography, Paniccioli captured the essence of Nas’ lyrical prowess and storytelling through his visual representation of the album cover. The cover features a young Nas dressed in a suit, holding a pen, and standing in front of a mirror with his reflection showcasing a more mature version of himself. This juxtaposition of the past and present reflects the theme of growth and transformation that is prevalent throughout the album.

The Symbolism of the Mirror

The mirror plays a significant role in the album cover, symbolizing self-reflection and introspection. Nas is seen staring into his own reflection, contemplating his past, present, and future. The mirror represents the duality of Nas’ persona – the young, ambitious rapper striving for success, and the seasoned artist reflecting on his journey and experiences. It also serves as a metaphor for the introspective nature of the album, where Nas delves into his personal struggles, triumphs, and experiences.

The Suit and Pen

Nas is depicted wearing a suit and holding a pen in the album cover, symbolizing his transformation from street hustler to a sophisticated artist. The suit represents maturity, success, and professionalism, reflecting Nas’ growth as an artist and individual. The pen signifies Nas’ lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities, highlighting his skill in crafting intricate and thought-provoking lyrics. Together, the suit and pen showcase Nas’ evolution as an artist and his ability to use his words as a powerful tool for self-expression.

The Color Scheme

The color scheme of the album cover plays an essential role in conveying the mood and themes of the project. The cover features a predominantly black and white color palette, symbolizing the contrast between light and darkness, good and evil, success and struggle. The use of black and white also enhances the visual impact of the mirror, emphasizing the duality of Nas’ persona and the themes explored in the album. The simplicity of the color scheme adds a timeless quality to the cover, highlighting the universal themes of growth, reflection, and transformation.

The Typography

The typography used in the album cover is simple and elegant, with the album title “It Was Written” displayed in bold, uppercase letters. The font choice reflects the classic and timeless quality of Nas’ music, emphasizing the importance of his storytelling and lyrical prowess. The use of clean, bold typography creates a striking visual impact, drawing the viewer’s attention to the album title and highlighting the significance of Nas’ words and message.

The Overall Impact

Overall, Nas’ “It Was Written” album cover is a powerful visual representation of the themes and concepts explored in the project. The use of symbolism, color scheme, typography, and imagery all contribute to creating a cohesive and impactful cover that resonates with the album’s content. Ernie Paniccioli’s artistic vision and Nas’ lyrical genius come together to create a timeless and iconic album cover that continues to captivate audiences and inspire fans worldwide. The cover serves as a testament to Nas’ evolution as an artist and his ability to use his music as a vehicle for self-expression and introspection.