• Sat. Nov 2nd, 2024

An American Flag Tradition in Hip-Hop Albums & Song Covers

Photo Credit: Lil Uzi Vert | Article by Enzo Luna

Lil Uzi Vert released their much anticipated album Pink Tape today with appearances from Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, and Don Toliver. The album, which they announced in July of 2021, continues the hip-hop tradition of using or reimagining the American flag on album covers. 

From Outkast to Sexy Redd, here are eight other albums in hip-hop and r&b where the American Flag appeared on the cover. 

Stankonia by Outkast (2000)

Photo Credit: OutKast

The Atlanta duo used a black-and-white American flag on the cover of their critically acclaimed fifth studio album Stankonia. The monochrome flag is used by Outkast to invite listeners to imagine a different, better America.

Live. Love. A$AP by A$AP Rocky (2011)

Photo Credit: A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky posed in front of an American flag for his 2013 debut solo album. This album would catapult him into stardom, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Standout songs include Peso and Purple Swag

AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM by Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar (2023)

Photo Credit: Beyonce & Kendrick Lamar

Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar teamed up on this remix of Queen Bey’s RENAISSANCE album song AMERICA HAS A PROBLEM. The musical titans used a chainmail-like shiny American flag on the cover of their remix. 

Otis (Single) by Kanye West, JAY-Z, and Otis Redding (2011)

Photo Credit: Kanye West, Jay-Z and Otis Redding

This song was released as a single for Kanye West’s and JAY-Z’s 2011 collaborative album, Watch the Throne. The song features the prolific artists rapping about their luxurious lifestyle over an Otis Redding sample. 

Hood Hottest Princess by Sexyy Red (2023)

Photo Credit: Sexxy Red

Sexyy Red appears on the cover of her sophomore album, Hood Hottest Princess, in an American flag bikini. It’s undeniable that the Pound Town rapper is one of the hottest out, nabbing a feature from Nicki Minaj and a collaboration with NLE Choppa.

Tha Block Is Hot by Lil Wayne (1999)

Photo Credit: Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne’s 1999 debut album Tha Block Is Hot features a young Weezy wearing American flag underwear as he stands in front of a police car squadron. The album cover represents a different time in hip-hop when the South’s art style dominated the scene. 

Diplomatic Immunity by The Diplomats

Photo Credit: The Diplomats

The Diplomats took a lot of creative freedom reimagining the American flag on their 2003 album Diplomatic Immunity. The Harlem group used the cover and their music to criticize former President George Bush’s decision to invade the Middle East following the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Fly or Die by N.E.R.D (2004)

Photo Credit: N.E.R.D

Pharrell, Chad Hugo, and Shay Haley are seen on the cover of N.E.R.D’s second album standing boldly inside of a cracked American flag egg. The album features songs criticizing America’s war in the Middle East.

Article by Enzo Luna