2 cover stories in our archive
Behind the Covers' archive includes 2 album covers documented under the "transformation" design theme, spanning the 1990s, 2010s. These covers sit within the r&b, electronic, alternative, hip-hop tradition and feature work by FKA twigs, OutKast. 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.
Artist Matthew Stone transformed FKA twigs into a living sculpture using liquid latex and metallic paint, creating an otherworldly portrait that perfectly captured her ethereal R&B sound. The cover required hours of delicate application to achieve the alien-like transformation that became iconic in 2014.
OutKast's groundbreaking sophomore album cover transformed the duo into literal aliens landing in Atlanta's skyline, visualizing their concept of being outsiders in both hip-hop and their hometown. The stark sci-fi imagery marked a bold departure from typical rap album covers of the era.