The Making Of: Stalley’s New Album Cover

With Stalley‘s latest album, Savage Journey To The American Dream, slated to drop March 30, the Ohio-native has unveiled the cover by talented artist Patrick Martinez. Combining traditional painting techniques with neon elements inspired by store front signs, the mixed media result is simply awesome.

“I get asked to create art for various album covers often and I choose to decline because there is no connection with the music,” says Martinez. “To be honest, I am really critical and skeptical about rap music right now, but Stalley is changing that for me, no bullshit. I listened to Intelligent Trunk Music and I loved it. The album was a cross between Nas and Masta Ace, relevant lyrics combined with hard-hitting beats. A refreshing combination. When the Stalley camp asked me to work on the cover, it was a big yes.

“I was automatically drawn to the title of the album, Savage Journey To The American Dream, and I could relate to it because my work deals with similar themes. I had this image of a fractured American flag and I pictured Stalley’s portrait behind it. Working with neon and plastic I have broken a few pieces in the past… I thought to myself that shattered look/aesthetic would be appropriate for the project if I could control it. I think you can view the piece as if the flag is broken or coming together. I heard ‘City of 30,000 Wolves’ when developing the piece. It hit hard, and I used that as fuel when actually creating the art. That song sealed the deal and solidified this direction, a real collaboration.”

Check out a detailed look at the creation of Martinez’s powerful image via Arrested Motion.