The Source magazine is trying to climb out of the enormous ditch that Dave Mays and Benzino dug years ago. Their 20th-anniversary issue signals a sense of renewal and focus. They even hired revered movie director Spike Lee to oversee the cover shoot for their September issue. The new issue, out next week, features 4 separate covers of hip-hop giants Ice Cube, LL Cool J, Nas, and Queen Latifah.

Part of the transformation takes place in the magazine’s content department. It appears that music coverage will no longer be a major focus, while more emphasis will be placed on social discourse. “We’re just going to expand on what The Source has always done well,” says Londell McMillan, one of the new owners. He added: “a core focus but not 80 percent of the book.”

Best of luck to the team as they try to rebuild The Source brand.

Ice Cube – “Get Used to It” (ft. The Game & WC)
Rumor has it that the Game has been asked to replace Mack 10 in a new and improved Westside Connection. If “Get Used to It” is any indication of what they’re cooking up, don’t even waste my time with that weak sauce.

It’s interesting to see more and more rappers namedropping Obama these days.