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.

The Future of The Source Magazine

Currently the future of The Source is uncertain. The magazine is losing subscribers due to not delivering magazines on time and is facing numerous lawsuits totaling over a million dollars. Rival magazine XXL is now the best-selling hip-hop magazine, and The Source is losing major advertising from the battle with Eminem.

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In addition, The Source is still facing a lawsuits over travel expenses for the 2003 Source Awards. The Smoking Gun claimed The Source owes over 1.2 million dollars in unclaimed jewelry and unpaid airline tickets for both Benzino and Mays families. Also lawsuits from former employees of the magazine also plague The Source.

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Benzino and Mays were filming a video in the Dominican Republic, and while they were away The Source staff had another walk-out. The protest came from paychecks not clearing and Benzino and Dave Mays were nowhere in sight. The Source avoided paying freelance writers for the stories they wrote in the magazine.

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Rumors around the rap websites state that The Source is close to bankruptcy. The financial stress from losing advertisers, losing subscribers, and lawsuits may force the company into involuntary bankruptcy and a possibility that the magazine will go out of business. The effect of The Source Magazine's departure will greatly affect the fans due to the 15 years of impact the magazine had on the hip-hop community.

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