The Best Hip Hop Music Magazines
If you’re looking for the best hip hop music magazines, you’ve come to the right place. Here at The Hip Hop Blog, we pride ourselves on our extensive list of publications that cover the genre. From mainstream to underground, we’ve got you covered. So check out our list and find the perfect magazine for you.
The Source
The Source is a magazine that covers hip hop music, culture, and politics. It was founded in 1988 and is currently published by Townsquare Media. The magazine has a long history of providing readers with the latest news and information on hip hop music and culture.
History
The Source is a hip hop music magazine founded in 1988. The magazine is published in the United States by townsquaremedia. It features many popular rappers on its cover, such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Drake. The Source was once a power player in the music industry, with a lot of clout. However, it has since been eclipsed by newer publications, such as XXL and Complex.
Content
In terms of content, The Source is unrivaled. Every issue is packed with in-depth features on the biggest names in hip hop. Want to know what Jay-Z is really like? The Source has got you covered. Are you dying to find out the latest gossip on Lil Wayne? The Source will keep you up to date. But it’s not just about the big names – The Source also shines a light on up-and-comers, shining a spotlight on new talent and fresh perspectives. In short, if it’s happening in hip hop, The Source will have the scoop.
XXL
XXL is a hip hop music magazine that was founded in 1997. It is one of the most popular hip hop magazines in the world. XXL is known for its annual top 10 lists, which rank the top 10 hip hop songs and albums of the year.
History
Started in the late 1980s, XXL is a New York-based hip hop music magazine owned by Townsquare Media. It is published bi-monthly and features articles, interviews, reviews, and columns on hip hop music and culture. The magazine’s target demographic is young men ages 18–34.
In 2017, XXL was ranked as the 13th most popular magazine in the United States by media analytics company Nice Global.
Content
At XXL, we deliver the freshest hip-hop to our loyal readership each and every day. But we also recognize the need for something with a little more staying power—a beautiful, printed collectors item that you can flip through again and again. That’s why we’ve decided to bring back the XXL Print Magazine.
The XXL Print Magazine will be a quarterly publication filled with never-before-seen photos, in-depth features, raw and uncut interviews, and all of the original artwork that made XXL an iconic brand in hip-hop. Plus, we’ll be bringing our world-renowned eye for fresh talent to the print magazine with regular showcases of the culture’s most exciting new stars.
The first issue of the XXL Print Magazine will be available on newsstands nationwide on Tuesday, March 20. So make sure to pick up a copy and let us know what you think!
Vibe
History
Hip hop music first emerged in the early 1970s from New York City’s African-American Bronx neighborhood. It grew out of a merging of different cultures, including soul music, reggae, rock, and rhythm and blues. Early hip hop was characterized by itsParty sound, which was created when DJs looped breaks (sections) of songs to extend the energy and dancing. This type of music was popular in dance clubs and block parties.
As the hip hop movement developed in the 1970s and 1980s, it began to split into various strands. These included old-school hip hop, which focused on the original party sound; new school hip hop, which combined elements of the old school with rap; and alternative hip hop, which combined elements of the old school with jazz and funk.
Content
Hip hop music has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the Bronx. Today, hip hop is a global phenomenon, with fans all over the world. And there are plenty of great hip hop magazines out there to help you stay up-to-date on all the latest news, fashion, and music.
Here are our picks for the best hip hop magazines:
– XXL magazine is one of the most popular hip hop magazines out there. XXL covers all the latest news in the hip hop world, from new albums to fashion trends. And every year, XXL releases their highly-anticipated Freshman Class issue, which features up-and-coming rappers that are sure to make a big impact in the industry.
– The – Source magazine is another great option for those looking to stay up-to-date on all things hip hop. The Source has been around since 1988, and it remains one of the most respected voices in the industry. In addition to news and reviews, The Source also features in-depth interviews with some of hip hop’s biggest stars.
– Complex magazine is a great option for readers who want more than just music coverage. Complex covers all aspects of urban culture, from fashion to art to sneaker culture. And their website is a great resource for breaking news and longform stories about all things hip hop.
No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be a hip hop magazine out there that’s perfect for you!
Complex
Complex is a New York-based media platform for youth culture which was founded as a bi-monthly magazine by fashion designer Marc Ecko. Complex reports on trends in style, pop culture, music, sneakers, food, and fitness.
History
Complex is an American New York-based media platform for youth culture which was founded as a bi-monthly magazine by fashion designer Marc Ecko in 2002. The magazine covers many topics including music, sneakers, style, and pop culture. Complex reached over 90 million unique users per month in 2013, across its owned and operated and partner sites, socials, and YouTube channels. The magazine publishes several annual special issues. In 2012, Complex partnered with Mountain Dew to launch Green Label Studios, an original content channel that produces original web series, music videos, and documentaries. In August 2013 Complex launched a Sneakers App for iPhone which became the No. 1 Nike+ Fuelband music application with over 300K downloads its first month. In October 2014 Complex launched Draw Something infrastructure provider OHNO Clothing.
Content
As one of the most influential genres of music, hip hop has a far-reaching impact on popular culture. Hip hop music magazines are a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the industry. Here are some of the best hip hop music magazines:
-The Source
– XXL
– Vibe
– Rap Genius
– Complex