2 cover stories in our archive
Behind the Covers' archive includes 2 album covers documented under the "anime" design theme, all from the 2000s. These covers sit within the hip-hop tradition and features work by Kanye West. Each entry below includes the cover artwork, the designers and photographers behind it, and a short story about the visual choices that defined the release.
Takashi Murakami's anime-inspired dropout bear illustration launched one of hip-hop's most iconic visual collaborations, transforming Kanye's college trilogy into fine art that bridged streetwear culture with contemporary gallery scenes.
Kanye West's collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami created one of hip-hop's most colorful covers, featuring the iconic Dropout Bear soaring over a psychedelic landscape that merged street culture with high art gallery aesthetics.