Our Fave Magazine Covers For The Culture
By: Kala Fogg
What a time to be alive! This fall we are witnessing true melanin magic surface; a number of notable magazines have chosen black stars, who have been influential throughout their careers to be featured in the fall issues of their magazines. These issues not only feature their amazing versatility through photographs but the depth of their success and their reality in interviews. I'm ready to jump into fall if this is what fall looks like!
Here are some of the cover stars making headlines this season:
LeBron James for GQ
GQ has named LeBron "The King" and has placed him high on the list of the world's greatest athletes; so it's only right James steps out on the cover of GQ pictured as an ancient king. For this special anniversary issue, readers will get to understand why many have supported his great physical ability for about 14 years and get details on his activities off the court. James is a businessman who is now taking a stab into politics himself...how could one forget a tweet calling number 45 a bum?
Cardi B for Rolling Stone
In Cardi's own words, "They see pictures, they say goals!" Cardi wasn't lying - her Rolling Stone cover has everyone swooning. Cardi is surely owning 2017, with Bodak Yellow making it #1 on the Billboard, her engagement to Migos' Offset, and landing the cover of Rolling Stone. She rocks lingerie, glossy lips, and some fierce poses- staying true to herself. She talks her relationship with Offset, success, and the price of fame.
Rihanna for Vogue Arabia
It seems like there is nothing Bad Gal Riri can't conquer She's now taking over Vogue Arabia, featured on the cover with a bold and dramatic, blue eye. She's channeling the iconic Queen Nefertiti, who ruled over Egypt almost 3,000 years ago. The cover's official release is slated for November 1st.
Kerry Washington for Allure
Kerry Washington better known as Ms. Olivia Pope, takes on the topic of beauty in Allure's November issue. The A-list celeb goes natural for the cover, exposing her natural hair texture with a completely makeup free face. Throughout her spread she elaborates on how Scandal paved the way for many black women starring in network dramas today, and the importance of defining beauty and giving it personal meaning. This queen isn't afraid to rock a twist out or a cornrow, according to Washington, it helps her teach her children to love themselves.
Zendaya for Glamour
One really cool thing about Zendaya's interview featured in Glamour is that it was conducted by Black-ish Star Yara Shahidi. The two are both young black and talented, and opening the door for many young girls to be in their positions. The two discuss blackness, competition in the industry, and the importance of representation. Zendaya also known as Disney's youngest producer has always been known to speak her mind and inspire young women to do the same. Everything comes full circle when Shahidi who mentions her respect for Z's bravery, gets to do the same for the newer generations.
Nicki Minaj, 50 cent, Diddy, Wiz Khalifa, Cam'ron, Lil Uzi Vert, Migos, Snoop Dogg, Pusha T, Future, T.I., Fabolous, Rae Sremmurd, Birdman, Run the Jewels, Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane, Tech N9ne, E-40, and The Lox for XXL.
History has been made for the hip-hop magazine, with XXL reaching it's 20th year in the hip-hop industry they've decided to release 20 magazine covers. The 20 covers all feature vets and newcomers in the game who have left their mark on the charts. XXL openly stated that choosing the 20 artists to feature did not come easy, but their roster sure does seem like a strong one!
Yara Shahidi for Seventeen Magazine
The 17 year old actress seems to be ruling the world. Shahidi has shown her intelligence through academia and activism, and her talent on hit show Black-ish, which landed her a spin-off Grown-ish. Shahidi is the ultimate role model and has used her voice and platform to help people; it's rare that we ever get to here about her future plans yet alone dating life. With a spot secured at Harvard U, who knows what this young lady is planning to do next!