Wiley: Playtime is Over
Wiley’s latest, and said to be last, album “Playtime is Over” is a great example of how hip hop doesn’t always take itself too seriously. I love the subtle humor and juxtaposition of colour, you almost do a double take. It reminds me of when I used to colour my lego black with a big marker pen to make it look “cooler”.
The first edition of the cd came with a gloss black plastic tray and a black-on-both sides CD. (ala PS2 game discs). The designers wanted to avoid imposing any text on the photos, so all additional text was on a sticker on top of the cases.
Oscar & Ewan said that Wiley briefed them for something “gangster” which I find pretty funny. This cover was a colab job between O&E and Eat Sleep Work/Play.
Here’s what Per Crepin’s photo looked like before the retouching by Christopher Peabody. Everything except the climbing frame was spray painted black and then re-shot.
Here’s a sneak peak behind at the photo shoot.
The albums track listing is written on a black board which also carries across to the other type on the covers.
Different artwork, but continiuing the theme, is featured on the 12 & 7″ singles for “My Mistake”.
The black bucket of shapes would make a great present for a goth.
Simon:
I think this is an example of “arty” gone wrong. The visual outcome is pretty cool but the mood of the picture and the stilleben-feel of the scattered objects just doesnt go with the music.
Which means they failed.
# 27 Mar 08 at 4:01 am