Yesterday FLAME announced the March 6th, 2012 release of his sixth album title The 6th (peep the interview), and since then there has been a lot of discussion about what the album cover artwork means. People have been trying to determine the symbolism and meaning behind the artwork designed by Barton Damer of Already Been Chewed. Without a doubt, the cover is one of the dopest I've seen, yet it leaves the onlooker trying to figure out what it all means. If you know FLAME, that's probably the goal of the cover in the first place - to spark discussion.

DaSouth.com is having a LIVE video chat with FLAME on March 5th at 11pm EST, so we can find out for sure then, but for now, lets see if we can break it down!

The Number Six

Take a look at it. You'll see several interesting things, and each more than likely have meaning. First, and probably the most obvious, is the number six made up of several objects. This being FLAME's sixth album, it more than likely represents just that. It's also the name of the album, so, I'm probably right. But that doesn't mean it couldn't have more than one meaning. Thoughts?

Apple Tree

If you look at the top of the number six, there is a tree branch with leaves and apples on it. Is this supposed to be the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? The one that Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat from? (Yet they did and now look at the mess we're in! LOL! Thank God for Jesus!) Birds build their nests in trees, which brings up the next object of focus.

The Doves

In the bible doves are always associated with the Holy Spirit, but on the cover there are five of them instead of one. Five is the number of grace, so perhaps this symbolizes the grace of God that is given to man. Or, quite possibly all of the doves just symbolize the Holy Spirit Himself. I'm quite sure I'm in the ballpark somewhere. 

Are the doves flying out of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? It's God's tree, so He can do that! :)

The Vault

This is the only part of the cover that is truly throwing me off the most. The vault door is on the number six, it is wide open, and it also has light coming out of it. Also, spilling out of the "six vault" is an abundance one dollar bills and gold bars.

The first thing someone would probably say is "this is FLAME's sixth album and he is bank rolling now!" LOL! That sounds like it could be right, but I highly doubt it. If you are familiar with FLAME's music and ministry, you already know that he isn't someone who flaunts chasing riches. So, obviously this part of the cover has a deeper meaning. I could be wrong though. The first and seemingly obvious observation may actually be the right one, but again - I doubt it.

It surely means something, and something deep I suppose. What do you think it means? Any ideas?

The Heart

You missed this one didn't you? It's not that easy to see because it is at an angle. But there is a heart of the left side of the six, and to the left of the marquee. This could only mean love, God's love more specifically.

FLAME

Lastly, FLAME is straight chillin' in front of the six. He's wearing jeans, a clean white v-neck tee, a nice jacket, some "stunna shades," fishing boots, and what appears to be a diamond crusted watch. As well, FLAME stands in front of everything, and he has his back directly toward the open vault door.

Any meaning here?

What Say Ye?!

So, there you have it! I didn't go over every single thing, only the things that potentially have symbolism and meaning. Was anything missed in your opinion? What do you think everything means? I'm not quite sure, but maybe we'll find out during the LIVE Video Chat on March 5th at 11pm EST, or even when the album drops!

Are you looking forward to the album? It drops March 6th, so get your iTunes money ready! I can tell you this, I'm looking forward to it. :)

The 6th... March 6th...