The Source (magazine)

The Source is a U.S., monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture. The magazine was founded as a newsletter in 1988 by David Mays, and is co-owned by Mays and hip-hop artist Benzino. Since its beginnings, The Source has grown into one of the largest and most influential music publications in the United States. Its main rival is XXL magazine.

History

The Source was started originally by David Mays and Jon Shecter while they both attended Harvard University. The two were once radio DJs and hosted "Street Beat" on the college radio station. Mays and Shecter, both white men, were influenced by hip-hop and wanted to give praise by devoting coverage to the rising music genre. The Source originally started as a concert newsletter. Its popularity became known when The Source scored a interview with LL Cool J. The Source was growing from one small newsletter to a mainstream magazine.

Related Topics:
Harvard University - LL Cool J

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The two decided to hire their college friends James Benard, Reginald Dennis, and Ed Young. The music editor at the time was Dave Mays but he decided to handle orientating advertising for the magazine. The Source was moved from Boston to New York. Their move was to expand the magazine in a mainstream market.

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The Source became a household name. Subscribers would notice the magazine for its articles on their favorite artists. The magazine included many notable features, including Unsigned Hype (a monthly profile of an up-and-coming rapper or group; DMX, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., Common, and 50 Cent are among the many who have been featured) and the Record Report (reviews of the latest albums). Its ratings are judged by "mics", the equivalent to a star rating. A rapper who earned a 4 1/2 mic rating or a 5 mic rating on an album is considered an acclaimed rapper by The Source Magazine.

Related Topics:
DMX - Eminem - Notorious B.I.G. - Common - 50 Cent

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The magazine also featured cover stories on the crack/cocaine epidemic, police brutality, and New York's investigation of high-profile rappers. The magazine has over 8 million subscribers worldwide, and is the most popular hip-hop magazine in the world.

Related Topics:
Crack/cocaine - New York

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