Hip-Hop In Design: Album Artworks Designed By @Infadizle Over The Years

They say one shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but they never mentioned judging the contents of music by its artwork. First impressions last, and album artworks affect an audience' perception of an artist.

Over the years, aesthetic design has played a major role in music, from vinyls and as we move onto the digital world. Bridging the gap between hearing and seeing, album artworks don't only play the role of packaging, promotion and distribution, but they communicate a certain feeling vital for the receiver's decision to purchase. Former Skwatta Kamp member, Infadizle, is an overall creative. Serving the industry not only as a rapper and producer, but he's designed some of the most iconic album artworks in South African hip hop, all which will forever be remembered. From Skwatta Kamp's most successful album, to the return of Fortune with Abomrapper2, as well as HHP's memorable Motswako High School and more. Digging into his archives in search for some his favourite covers he's designed. Infadizle shares them with you below as he reflects on the relationships with the artists, thought process and history of each artwork.

 

 

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Mkhukhu Funkshen This artwork/record was ahead of it's time! Africa was represented here! The energy of this album changed how most SA young black people viewed themselves post apartheid. This is here is Black Excellence. You can argue with your art direction/design/sound engineer/history/music lecturer...shhhheeeet most rappers even stopped using the 'Parental Advisory' logo when they saw this cover. SA Hip hop magazines, blogs, endorsements, concerts, were born off this record. #SouthAfrican #HipHop #Music #Culture #Artwork #History #GameChanger #Legendary #ArtDirection

A post shared by  Infadizle® (@infadizle) on Mar 25, 2019 at 4:20am PDT

 

 

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Zone 5... Selwyn brought it on this one. I designed the cd artwork on a very tight deadline. I had about 6 hours to deliver the final artwork to Gallo and had to leave next morning to go perform out of town. So if @mrselwynthelegend didn't approve the artwork, I'd have to miss a show or let go of the job. Decisions decisions... Shout out to @rossgarrett one talented photographer I've ever worked with! #CDartwork #HipHop #MrSelwyn #SouthAfrican #ArtDirector

A post shared by  Infadizle® (@infadizle) on Mar 24, 2019 at 4:20am PDT

 

 

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ZAKWE One of my favourite cd artwork I've done over the years. Lemme see how many I find in the archives... ???? #DigitalArt #painting #Art #CDartwork #SouthAfrican #HipHop #Zulu #Rap

A post shared by  Infadizle® (@infadizle) on Mar 23, 2019 at 10:55am PDT

 

 

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Motswako High School Been trying to work with Jabba for a minute. First it was on YBA 2 NW. Made beats for him, the day we were supposed to meet, it didn't happen. Years later he bumps into me at @sticktainment studio and the opening line is "Kana Infa monna o ira di cover? I'm busy mixing my album, hare spaane jo." 3 days later "Yooooh o lenyora bra!" Walks out, comes back again "O bosso ma nigga. I'ma put you on, niggaz must know" - Jabba R.I.P ma nigga! ???????? #Motswako #HipHop #God #Energy #HHP #Legend #Artwork

A post shared by  Infadizle® (@infadizle) on Mar 26, 2019 at 6:25am PDT

 

 

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ABOMRAPPER 2 Had mad fun working on this cover/album. @fortunemasina is one of the best/professional clients I've ever worked with. Designers will tell you how important a clear brief is. Oh I also dropped a hot verse on The Reunion. I wrote that verse in less than 10 minutes and Fortune was like "Bra, this has to be rap, none of that 'bounce on my...' shit" LOL. I walked in the booth dropped the verse and left him speechless. Thanks for the feature homie! #Abomrapper #Real #HipHop #Art #Design

A post shared by  Infadizle® (@infadizle) on Jun 5, 2019 at 11:37pm PDT