The Source Magazine (March 1999) — Mase Cover (Issue #114) | Eminem Debut Era

The Artifact

"Welcome Back, Kotter... I mean, Harlem World."

It is March 1999. Mase is on the cover posing with a live tiger, embodying the absolute peak of Bad Boy Records' excess and dominance. But there is a heavy irony here: just one month after this issue hit stands, Mase would shock the world by retiring from rap to become a pastor. This cover is effectively the swan song of the "Harlem World" era.

​Why It Belongs in Your Archive

• ​The Slim Shady Debut: Flip to the interior, and you will find a full-page ad for Eminem announcing "The Slim Shady LP Coming 2/23". This isn't just an ad; it is the starting gun for the biggest career in 2000s hip-hop. Owning this issue means owning the moment Marshall Mathers officially took over.
• ​Roc-A-Fella’s Victory Lap: The back pages feature a massive Jay-Z ad celebrating Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life being "Certified 4x Platinum". It lists his Grammy nominations and declares him "Artist of the Year." This is Jay-Z moving from "star" to "King of New York."
• ​The Roots & The Soulquarians: There is a deep-dive feature on The Roots asking "Hip-Hop's Messiahs?" right as they released their masterpiece Things Fall Apart (which is reviewed in the Record Report with 4.5 mics).
• ​Fashion History: The Pelle Pelle ad featuring Marc Buchanan and the Polo Jeans Co. spread capture the baggy, technical aesthetic of late-90s streetwear perfectly.

​Condition Report

• ​Authenticity: Original March 1999 issue (Issue #114).
• ​Condition Grade: Very Good / Vintage.
  • ​Cover: The Mase cover is glossy and vibrant. The colors of the tiger pop beautifully. There is very minor edge wear, but no major rips or tears.
  • ​Spine: Tight and readable.
  • ​Interior: Pages are crisp. The ads (Eminem, Jay-Z, Pelle Pelle) are suitable for framing if you chose to dissect the magazine.