The Source, previously considered hip-hop’s most “infamous” magazine, came under the ownership of co-publisher L. Londell McMillan and a group of investors after it nearly went bankrupt last year.
McMillan said the “booty ads” promoting adult films, adult websites and escort services that were previously featured at the back of the magazine will no longer be accepted in an effort to redefine the “raunchy” image of hip-hop and maintain a “commitment to social responsibility.”
According to McMillan, company officials realize their new advertising strategy is risky, but hope the adult advertisements will be replaced by ads from more mainstream companies.
“It’s about time the hip-hop industry stop advertising junk and be more responsible about what we sell to our readers,” McMillan said. “We owe it to our readers and the parents who don’t want their children reading about the latest porn sites and seeing booty ads in the back of the magazine.”
Some current advertisers in The Source include Toyota, Sony, the United Negro College Fund and the Army.
