Product Design
Harlem King
Harlem King
The Concept
Cornell Stokes AKA Cottonmouth is the lead antagonist in Netflix’s show “Luke Cage”. Stokes progressed from a young aspiring musician to the most powerful crime lord in Harlem. His rise to power was never the life he wanted, but was one forced upon him by his family’s dealings. The Harlem King albums are a series of music albums based on periods of his character arc. Their designs feature the iconic window in the Harlem’s Paradise club, as well as colors and materials inspired by Cornell’s own style.
Harlem King
The Visual Identity
The Harlem King logo is inspired by the window in the Harlem’s Paradise club. It is said that whoever runs this club runs Harlem. Cornell would often look down on the club through this window as a king would look down on his kingdom. The Albums are made of wood to mirror the aesthetic of Cornell’s “throne room”. They are meant to be luxurious and modern as the display the story of his life.
Harlem King
The Construction
Each album is constructed from two layers of stained walnut. The bottom layer features a CNC milled slot to hold the album book, while second layer has been precision cut with a laser to hold the disc in place. Each lid is held in place with magnets to give a pleasing and functional look.
Harlem King
The Albums
Each album represents a period of Cornell’s complex character arc. The first Album “Family First” represents his youth and passion for music. This album is all about the music. It features bright colors and songs evoking his passion for music. The second album “The King” is all about Cornell at the height of his power. It’s heavily inspired by the Notorious B.I.G. photo in his office, and is meant to show Cornell as the king of Harlem. The final album “Mama Mabel” is named after his grandmother who forced him into the family’s life of crime. This album visualizes Cornell’s reflection at the end of his life and his sense of regret of being unable to fulfill his dream of becoming a musician.
