The recently released
November issue of The Source features a sensational cover story on 50 Cent and
G-Unit with the headline "G-Unot! Is Corporate Rap’s Top Unit Fading Fast?"
Although insiders have speculated that the article is fueled
by a feud with Interscope Records, 50 Cent & his G-Unit crew, The Source’s
Editor-In-Chief Dasun Allah said the notion is untrue.
"We are functioning as what a journalistic structure and
organization is supposed to do," Allah told AllHipHop.com. "We are
supposed to be the watchdogs of the industries in our culture that exploit and
live from our culture–as has been the traditional role of the press."
Allah said the issue is simply a look at the state of Hip-Hop,
with G-Unit as the center point.
"It was an analysis; the G-Unit thing was an analysis,"
Allah told AllHipHop.com.
The Source questions 50’s image, the rapper’s approach
to business and the cultural ramifications of his multi-platinum success.
Additionally, the issue takes on New York radio station Hot
97 and the issue of payola, an illegal practice of airing records for gifts
or other considerations.
New York’s attorney General Elliot Spitzer recently targeted the
music industry as a whole due to payola practices and is in the process of settling
with major record labels that have been found guilty of the practice.
Last week at New York’s Power 105.1, program director Michael
Saunders was terminated for allegedly accepting gifts from Sony/BMG. The latest
issue of The Source alleges that Funkmaster Flex has taken money from labels
to play records on Hot 97.
Funk Master Flex chastised The Source on his Hot 97 radio show
on Monday and Tuesday, deeming the magazine a "sinking ship," which
prompted angry calls from co-owner Ray “Benzino” Scott to rival
station Power 105.1
Violator CEO Chris Lighty told AllHipHop.com that he was disappointed
in the cover story and the portrayal of 50 Cent and other artists he manages.
"I deeply regret the turn The Source magazine has made
in the last few years and the recent cover with 50 Cent is a testament to the
lack of respect for journalism," Lighty told AllHipHop.com. "[It’s]
just a blatant attack against my client and friend that does nothing to further
Hip-Hop. I supported The Source for many years until this dismal turn for the
worst took place and journalism was replaced for favoritism. The G-Unit brand
and Hip-Hop can’t stand for such attacks and I hope they hear the criticism
and take heed before it is truly too late."
In addition to 50 Cent, Violator handles the careers of Busta Rhymes, Missy
Elliott, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, Nore and others.
Countering, Allah adamantly denied Lighty’s assertions, stating the issue
transcends 50 Cent and G-Unit.
"Who else is doing what we did as far as Hurricane Katrina
was concerned? Who covered Minister Farrakhan the way we did? Who asked those
questions? Who put it into perspective and made it so we can grasp and digest
the message and ask the questions that are on people’s minds?" The Source
editor queried.
The current issue
of The Source is on stands now.