The Source Defends 'G-Unot' Issue, 50's Manager Chris Lighty Speaks

Cesare Borgia

The recently released November issue of The Source features a sensational cover story on 50 Cent and G-Unit with the headline "G-Unot! Is Corporate Rap's Top Unit Fading Fast?"

Although insiders have speculated that the article is fueled by a feud with Interscope Records, 50 Cent & his G-Unit crew, The Source's Editor-In-Chief Dasun Allah said the notion is untrue.

"We are functioning as what a journalistic structure and organization is supposed to do," Allah told AllHipHop.com. "We are supposed to be the watchdogs of the industries in our culture that exploit and live from our culture--as has been the traditional role of the press."

Allah said the issue is simply a look at the state of Hip-Hop, with G-Unit as the center point.

"It was an analysis; the G-Unit thing was an analysis," Allah told AllHipHop.com.

The Source questions 50’s image, the rapper's approach to business and the cultural ramifications of his multi-platinum success.

Additionally, the issue takes on New York radio station Hot 97 and the issue of payola, an illegal practice of airing records for gifts or other considerations.

New York's attorney General Elliot Spitzer recently targeted the music industry as a whole due to payola practices and is in the process of settling with major record labels that have been found guilty of the practice.
Last week at New York's Power 105.1, program director Michael Saunders was terminated for allegedly accepting gifts from Sony/BMG. The latest issue of The Source alleges that Funkmaster Flex has taken money from labels to play records on Hot 97.

Funk Master Flex chastised The Source on his Hot 97 radio show on Monday and Tuesday, deeming the magazine a "sinking ship," which prompted angry calls from co-owner Ray “Benzino” Scott to rival station Power 105.1

Violator CEO Chris Lighty told AllHipHop.com that he was disappointed in the cover story and the portrayal of 50 Cent and other artists he manages.

"I deeply regret the turn The Source magazine has made in the last few years and the recent cover with 50 Cent is a testament to the lack of respect for journalism," Lighty told AllHipHop.com. "[It's] just a blatant attack against my client and friend that does nothing to further Hip-Hop. I supported The Source for many years until this dismal turn for the worst took place and journalism was replaced for favoritism. The G-Unit brand and Hip-Hop can't stand for such attacks and I hope they hear the criticism and take heed before it is truly too late."

In addition to 50 Cent, Violator handles the careers of Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, Nore and others.

Countering, Allah adamantly denied Lighty’s assertions, stating the issue transcends 50 Cent and G-Unit.

"Who else is doing what we did as far as Hurricane Katrina was concerned? Who covered Minister Farrakhan the way we did? Who asked those questions? Who put it into perspective and made it so we can grasp and digest the message and ask the questions that are on people's minds?" The Source editor queried.

The current issue of The Source is on stands now.