The Source chronicled hip-hop music, culture and politics through artist features, scene reporting, reviews and fashion.

About this issue and its era: Busta Rhymes and Flipmode share the cover with the prominent Break Up! headline announcing an interview about A Tribe Called Quest’s split. Busta’s rapid delivery, animated performance style and distinctive visual identity helped define late-1990s rap spectacle. The cover also advertises Fat Joe, Ras Kass and a report on the drug game, placing music-business transitions beside broader social coverage.

Issue: The Source, October 1998, No. 109. Physical vintage magazine; one copy available.

Visible cover condition: Visible handling creases, spine rubbing, edge wear and worn corners, including a small bend near the lower-right corner.

Interior pages, inserts, posters and binding have not been inspected; no claim of completeness or a formal condition grade is made. Photograph shows the actual copy offered. The background has been removed, with artwork, labels, creases and wear preserved.