2 cover stories in our archive
Behind the Covers' archive includes 2 album covers documented under the "underground" design theme, spanning the 1990s, 2000s. These covers sit within the hip-hop, rock tradition and feature work by Wu-Tang Clan, At the Drive-In. 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.
The stark yellow cover featuring the Wu-Tang 'W' logo became one of hip-hop's most recognizable symbols, despite being created on a shoestring budget. The minimalist design perfectly captured the raw, underground aesthetic that would define East Coast hip-hop.
Chicago artist Damon Locks illustrated the cover using Trojan War imagery, centered around the iconic Trojan Horse. Layout designer Jason Farrell arranged the visual elements. The concept was based on vague band descriptions of espionage and chaos.