January 9, 2026
James Bernard, the trailblazing hip-hop journalist behind XXL and The Source, has handed away.
James Bernard, the trailblazing hip-hop journalist and co-founder of XXL who helped shape The Source‘s voice within the late ’80s and early ’90s, has died.
No reason behind loss of life has been disclosed, however Bernard’s passing has been confirmed by colleagues and buddies, together with Questlove of The Roots, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram honoring the influential journalist and media govt, AllHipHop studies. According to the Grammy and Oscar-winning musician, producer, filmmaker, and DJ, Bernard performed a pivotal function in serving to to form the voice of hip-hop in its early days at a vital time when the artwork type “usually acquired with a sort of snark.”
“One of the turning factors was The Source journal throughout its golden period (roughly 1988–1994). It taught us how one can hear critically. Even now, I create with that 5-Mic normal in thoughts—fascinated with all these basic 5 Mic critiques,” Questlove wrote.
He continued. “At the middle of these debates stood James Bernard, who oversaw their file critiques. They have been GOSPEL. He taught me that style is subjective, that regionalism issues, and that criticism—carried out proper—can sharpen your ear and your goal. Ironically, Do You Want More??!!! turned the final evaluate he oversaw in that period.”
Bernard is regarded for his work as co-editor-in-chief at The Source, the place he helped cement the journal because the defining voice of ’90s hip-hop. He formed an editorial strategy that introduced legitimacy to the then-burgeoning artwork type by means of items that confirmed how rap music sparked political commentary and cultural evaluation, all whereas staying deeply linked to the tradition.
After departing The Source over artistic variations, Bernard co-founded XXL with fellow editor Reginald Dennis in 1997. The journal shortly emerged as The Source’s fundamental rival and paved its personal lane through long-form journalism, in-depth artist profiles, and a wider editorial scope that showcased the pop-star talents of hip-hop artists. The magazines’ now-iconic XXL Freshman listing is among the many many parts which have positioned XXL as a long-lasting establishment in hip-hop media.
“His ardour of music was legendary. A Class Act,” Questlove added. “James helped shepherd hip-hop from skepticism to seriousness, from novelty to tradition. This loss hits deep for everybody who discovered how one can hear by means of his phrases. Rest In Beats Sir.”
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