Image via Complex Original
What started as a simple cross promotion between Run The Jewels and the Marvel Comics Group has developed into the most sought after series of variant comic covers ever. Marvel clearly struck a chord when they introduced these hard-to-find alternate covers that tribute classic or commercially successful hip-hop albums just a little over a year ago. They pay homage to favorites from as far back as 1979 (Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight”) and as recently as 2015 (Vince Staples’ “Summertime ’06”).
With over 80 Hip-Hop Variants already on stands, what the comic publisher planned as a limited series has taken on a life of its own. Hip-hop fans who haven’t bought a comic book in decades have been piling into their local comic shop to snatch up these nostalgia-inducing mash-ups. And the series has done so well for Marvel that it even warranted a hardcover that collects the first “season” of Hip-Hop Variants, which dropped in October at a list price of $34.99.
But there are plenty more variants on the way. So, without further ado, here is a look at the world premiere of three upcoming Hip-Hop Variants that pay tribute important releases from Roc Nation boss, Jay Z, Kanye West, and one of the franchise players on the Roc roster, Vic Mensa. These are too dope.
