(August 04, 2009 – New York City) The Source Magazine, the leading publication of Hip-Hop music, culture and politics, unveils their August 2009 cover, a special tribute Issue featuring the late, great King of Pop Michael Jackson. The carefuly selected cover image is a performance shot taken by veteran rock photographer and longtime friend of Jackson, Harrison Funk, whose exclusive photographs of Michael Jackson are featured throughout the special collector’s issue.
The in-depth, commemorative issue opens with extensive personal quotes from a spectrum of living legends and artists such as Berry Gordy, Diddy, Wyclef Jean, Mary J. Blige, and Diana Ross among others, each paying their respects to Michael Jackson, in their own words.
Funk, who has photographed everyone from Madonna to Nelson Mandela, from U2 to Ice-T, reminisces with The Source in “Behind the Lens” on his first tour with The Jackson’s in 1983 to eventually becoming Michael’s personal photographer. “Michael must have been the most energetic artist I have ever worked with in my life, and also the most inspiring,” shares Funk.
“On a personal and professional level, I am profoundly pleased to have The Source offer a special tribute to Michael Jackson (the best entertainer ever) and his wonderful legacy. I am also honored to serve as legal counsel to his loving mother, Mrs. Katherine Jackson, in gaining custody of his children and oversight of his estate,” says Source Publisher L. Londell McMillan.
From a trip down memory lane in “Michael Jackson: History” with an extensive timeline of Michael Jackson’s life from 1958 to 2009 to “Music of a Lifetime,” a recollection of some of the most memorable tracks of an icon, from “Rock with You” a reflection on the innovative and trademark dance moves that literally influenced the world to the humanitarian side of the star explored in “You Are Not Alone,” The Source takes a long and expansive look back at the extraordinary influence Michael Jackson had on us all.
In “No Man’s Land”, The Source enlists underground Hip-Hop artist Immortal Technique to share his self-penned autobiographical story on his journey into war-torn Afghanistan to open an orphanage. “Men with AK-47’s lined the sides of the empty road that led towards the city of Kabul, and then it hit me. After months of meticulous planning, fundraising, paperwork and a pit stop in Dubai, I had finally arrived at the center of America’s global War on Terror and arguably one of the most dangerous countries in the world – Afghanistan,” shares Immortal Technique in this first part of a two part exclusive report.
Following Jay-Z’s “D.O.A.” (Death of Auto-Tune) jamming the airwaves, denouncing the overuse of T-Pain’s trademarked recording style, The Source’s Kevin Fairbanks rewinds and takes a look at the introduction and creeping infiltration of this loved and hated technology in “D.O.A.: Auto-Tunes on Life Support?”
Also in the issue is “Takeover” a look at four Hip-Hop acts set to release new albums: Raekwon, 9th Wonder and Skyzoo, Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden with Joell Ortiz, Crooked I and Royce da 5’9″) and Dead Prez with Green Lantern, who are bucking the trend, keeping their sound and lyrics close to the street; “Back to School Buyers Guide” a mash up of what’s new and necessary for your fall look and “Ear to the Street”, The Source’s regular front of book round-up on the freshest sights, sounds, happenings, news and artists. Flip to the back of the book for the latest reviews of what’s hot and what’s not in the world of music, films, games, books and DVDS.
The Source magazine’s August issue will be available on newsstands nationwide on August 11th. For more information, visit www.TheSource.com.
About The New Era of the Source Magazine
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2008, The Source has been a legendary publication within the music and lifestyle genre since its inception in 1988. The publication is responsible for introducing the music world to top-notch Hip-Hop acts such as Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., DMX, Common, and a variety of others. The publication is now under the new leadership of renowned entertainment lawyer L. Londell McMillan and Greenwich Street.
