When NIGO returned to music with I KNOW NIGO in 2022—his first full-length album in nearly twenty years—he enlisted longtime friend and collaborator KAWS to create the visual identity. The cover featured a black-and-white portrait of NIGO with his eyes replaced by KAWS’ signature “XX”s, rendered with a crisp, cartoon-like edge. Simple, bold, and instantly recognizable, it distilled two creative legacies into one frame.

The Cover Art (2022)
The imagery recalls the early 2000s, when KAWS and NIGO were building parallel empires—KAWS in art and design, NIGO in streetwear—crossing paths through collaborations, events, and a shared creative circle. By applying the “XX” treatment to NIGO’s own image, KAWS tied the album to their shared history while giving it a sharp, modern feel. (1, 2)

Cultural Context & Release
I KNOW NIGO wasn’t just a reunion for old fans—it showcased a roster of modern heavyweights including Kid Cudi, Tyler, the Creator, A$AP Rocky, and Pusha T. The cover became a bridge between eras: a nod to the Harajuku scene roots of KAWS and NIGO for veteran followers, and a striking brand statement for new listeners encountering them for the first time. (1, 3)

Why It Matters
While not a merch collaboration, the project stands as a significant visual milestone in the KAWS timeline. It reflects over two decades of trust and mutual influence, showing how KAWS’ graphic language can define an entire era’s creative output with a single image.