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

About this issue and its era: Dr. Dre stands beside an empty chair under the headline Dr. Dre Leaves Death Row. A founding N.W.A member and architect of the G-funk sound, Dre helped shape West Coast rap’s production language. This issue documents a major label transition in the year he established Aftermath, making it a strong period artifact for collectors interested in the business and sound of 1990s hip-hop.

Issue: The Source, July 1996, No. 82. Physical vintage magazine; one copy available.

Visible cover condition: Visible edge rubbing, light cover creasing and corner wear. The lower corners show small bends and handling marks.

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.