The infamous Dead Prez required a certain aesthetic for their highly anticipated third album ‘Information Age’ which was a bold, sonic shift for the provocative hip-hop duo.
This project was a complete passion project and career highlight for me personally. To work with inspiring artists and create something that is timeless.
Dead Prez
2012
The artwork had to embody everything that group stand for yet also convey the new message of evolution, change, positivity as well as attempt to break genre limitations and reach out into new areas with creativity.
After numerous late night skype conversations, discussing ideas and references to be included, I went away and began sketching up rough ideas on how to combine all these elements to form one composition or mural.
From this point I began designing in as many different styles as possible to explore what would artiscally fit.
I must have done upwards of 50 different variations. From abstract, illustrations to full on photo realistic renditions.
The final cover was an iteration of real photography and illustrations layered together to form and work as one.
For example, the fire and DNA molecules being illustrations, layered with real images such as the hands and the main Buddha statue to emphasise a more realistic connection.
The cover embodies a plethora of messages; chaos on the outside with the message of calm and enlightenment at the center; symbolised by the Buddha and lotus flower.
The background also encompasses a grounding background is made up of ancient sands, hieroglyphics overlayed with digital circuit boards to give that contrast between old and new. Past and Future. Ancient and Tech.
The client was that impressed with the final outcome the initial brief was extended to a complete booklet of artwork.
Once complete we then worked together to formulate a marketing strategy and what assets would be needed to support the launch, making my involvement full circle from start to launch.
