39. Schoolly D, Schoolly D
The first time the world got to meet the chief representative of the Park Side Killer Schoolly D was with the dropping of his 1985 self-titled album. Considered the Godfather of Gangsta Rap, his cover art incorporated hood sketch comics drawn in an old school graffiti style on a bright yellow canvas. Like the Doggystyle cover, it inspired almost ten years later, there are bubble quotes that recited lyrics to hit songs. The difference here is that instead of dogs yelping lines from another artist, Schoolly D had flat-top wearing fans reciting his rhymes. With their hands in the air, the cover is a storyboard of the lyricist’s popularity and how his songs “Gucci Time” and “P.S.K.” were hits almost everywhere.
Featured on the lower right corner, above the double “L’s” of his name is a self-portrait with a halo over his head. Next to the halo … There is a proclaiming title that says, “Star of The Story!” In the mid-80s, his cover was not rocking hyperbole. He indeed was the star of Philly’s rap story.