The Source Magazine (February 1999) — The Power 30 "CEO" Cover (Issue #113)

The Artifact

"Money, Power, Respect."

You are looking at the holy trinity of 90s hip-hop business. The cover features Puffy (Sean Combs), Russell Simmons, and Master P standing shoulder-to-shoulder. This wasn't just a photoshoot; it was a coronation. This issue, celebrating the 3rd Annual "Power 30" list, documents the shift from rappers being employees to rappers being owners.

​Why It Belongs in Your Archive

• ​The Blueprint of Ownership: This issue breaks down the economics of the culture. With Master P representing the South (No Limit), Puffy representing the shiny suit era (Bad Boy), and Russell representing the foundation (Def Jam), it is a masterclass in leverage and branding.
• ​The Big Pun Era: Inside, Big Pun is crowned "Crusher of the Year". The feature captures him at the absolute height of his powers, right after Capital Punishment went platinum. It’s a bittersweet snapshot of a legend gone too soon.
• ​Political Activism: The "Last Days?" feature on Mumia Abu-Jamal reminds us that The Source always kept one foot in the streets and one foot in the struggle. It details his fight against execution, linking the music to the movement.
• ​The Future Sound: A major feature on Timbaland ("Future Funk") documents the exact moment he started changing the sonic landscape of radio forever.

​Condition Report

• ​Authenticity: Original February 1999 issue (Issue #113).
• ​Condition Grade: Very Good / Vintage.
  • ​Cover: The image of the three CEOs is glossy and sharp. Colors are vibrant. There are minor "stress marks" near the spine, which is common for a magazine of this thickness.
  • ​Interior: Pages are clean and crisp.
  • ​Back Cover: Features a classic Tommy Hilfiger "Real American Fragrance" ad, capturing the preppy aesthetic that hip-hop adopted and remixed in the late 90s.