The Source is an American hip hop and entertainment website and magazine that publishes annually or semiannually. It is the world's longest-running rap periodical, being founded as a newsletter in 1988 by David Mays.
Mays, a Harvard undergraduate at the time, started The Source as a way to promote his hip hop radio show. The first issue was a two-page newsletter with a concert calendar and hip hop news items. It was produced on a budget of $250 and sent out to 1,000 fans of the show.
The response to the first issue was so favorable that Mays and his co-editor, John Shecter, decided to expand the newsletter into a full-fledged magazine. In 1990, they moved operations to New York City and launched the first issue of The Source Magazine.
The Source quickly became the go-to publication for hip hop fans around the world. It was known for its in-depth interviews with artists, its coverage of the latest hip hop news and culture, and its iconic five-mic rating system for albums.
In the early 1990s, The Source was at the forefront of the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry. The magazine published a series of controversial articles that helped to fuel the tension between the two coasts. However, The Source also played a role in bringing the two coasts together, publishing interviews with artists from both sides of the rivalry and hosting events that featured artists from both coasts.
In 1994, The Source launched its annual Source Awards show. The show quickly became one of the most prestigious events in hip hop, and it helped to launch the careers of many artists.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, The Source faced increasing competition from other hip hop publications, as well as from the internet. However, the magazine remained a popular destination for hip hop fans, and it continued to publish high-quality content.
In recent years, The Source has undergone a number of changes. In 2012, the magazine was sold to L.A. Reid's Hitco Entertainment. In 2016, the magazine ceased publication of its monthly print edition and switched to an annual print edition.
Despite the changes, The Source remains an important voice in hip hop culture. The magazine continues to publish in-depth interviews with artists, coverage of the latest hip hop news and culture, and its iconic five-mic rating system for albums.
The Source has played a major role in shaping hip hop culture. The magazine has helped to launch the careers of many artists, and it has documented the evolution of hip hop over the past three decades. The Source is a must-read for any fan of hip hop culture.
Comments