People always think I’m crazy when I tell them that I still buy CDs. They just don’t understand. Other than supporting the artist and the music industry as a whole (which I realize you can also do through iTunes), there’s something special about holding a compact disc in your hands. And the artists that get this concept have come correct. For example, Lupe Fiasco‘s latest album, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1, features an all-black cover and blank six-page booklet. If not for a 12-second clip to end the record, titled “Things We Must Do For Others,” no one would even know that there are actually liner notes located beneath the blacked-out tray. Another great example is G.O.O.D. Music‘s Cruel Summer. Joe Perez spent an estimated 700 hours to design and execute the album cover and packaging for Kanye West and his creative agency DONDA. The results are amazing. But if I had to choose one design that’s truly blown me away, it’s the debut album from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. For the Deluxe Edition of The Heist, the Seattle duo went above and beyond with individual artwork for every track encased in an awesome faux-alligator skin box. Just see for yourself:

If you want to get your hands on a copy, you can order it exclusively HERE.