The Source Misdirect

There's a great article in the past week's Village Voice about the current trials and tribulations of seminal hip-hop magazine The Source. The story chronicles the recent problems plaguing the music and lifestyle mag and its publishers, editors and former staff. It appears The golden age of The Source as the definitive chronicler and voice of hip-hop music and culture are gone, despite what seems like some recent revitalization of its editorial gumption and coverage. The magazines trouble ranges from lawsuits, criminal allegations, massive debts and declining circulation to charges of sexual harassment, trashed editorial credibility, and plain thuggery. It doesn't help that the publication has a legion of angry former staff and rankled industry insiders, including artists, labels and advertisers. Nor does it help that younger mags like XXL and Vibe are gaining readers and proving their relevance by consistent editorial. The impression from the Voice article is that these problems may permanently cripple The Source and cast doubt about its relevance and future. Fascinating stuff. Too bad for The Source. Too bad for hip-hop. Too bad for all of us. But one's mag's problem is another mag's opportunity. XXL, anyone?

Essential Links

The Source Under Fire [Village Voice article]
The Source Magazine Web Site
XXL Magazine
Vibe Magazine

Posted by Robsam at December 2, 2005 01:45 AM