James Bernard, founding editor of The Source and co‑founder of XXL, dies

James Bernard, a trailblazing hip-hop journalist who helped build The Source and later co‑founded XXL, has died, Allhiphop.com reported.

Long recognized as one of the most influential editorial voices of hip-hop’s early decades, Bernard helped shape how the culture was covered and understood.

No cause of death have been publicly released.

James Bernard: Harvard Roots Led to a New Era in Hip-Hop Journalism

Bernard graduated from Harvard University, where he joined three fellow students, David Mays, Jonathan Shecter, and Ed Young, to launch The Source in 1988. They began with a small campus newsletter, yet the project quickly grew into a national publication that reshaped how hip-hop was covered.

Because major outlets often dismissed rap music, Bernard pushed for reporting that treated the genre with seriousness and cultural context. His editorial approach helped move hip-hop journalism from the margins into the mainstream.

Editorial Leadership Defined a Generation of Coverage

Bernard later became co‑editor‑in‑chief of The Source. The publication would become one of the most influential hip-hop magazines of its era because of Bernard’s legacy. He guided reviews, features, and investigative pieces that set new standards for music journalism. His work helped readers understand hip-hop’s evolution during a period of rapid artistic and commercial growth.

In 1994, Bernard left the magazine with several senior editors after disputes over business practices and editorial independence. The departure highlighted his long-standing commitment to integrity and transparent newsroom leadership.

Three years later, he helped launch XXL with editor Reginald Dennis. The new magazine quickly became a major competitor in hip-hop media and expanded the genre’s presence in mainstream publishing.

Tributes Highlight James Bernard Cultural Influence

After news of his death circulated, artists and journalists honored Bernard’s legacy. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson shared a tribute on Instagram, crediting Bernard with shaping the standards used to evaluate hip-hop. Questlove wrote that Bernard “helped shepherd Hip-Hop from skepticism to seriousness.”

Bernard’s writing reached far beyond hip-hop magazines. His work appeared in The New York Times, The Village Voice, and Entertainment Weekly. He also co‑authored The New Book of Rock Lists with critic Dave Marsh in 1994.

Career Expanded Into Civic Engagement and Political Organizing

Bernard later shifted toward civic and political work. He served as national field director for the Hip-Hop Political Convention, which aimed to mobilize young voters. He also worked as executive coordinator for the Project Forum on Race and Democracy, an initiative supported by the Rockefeller Foundation.

A Legacy That Continues to Shape the Culture

Bernard’s influence remains visible across today’s music media. His editorial standards helped legitimize hip-hop journalism and guided how the culture tells its stories. Writers, editors, and artists continue to credit him with shaping the field during its most formative years.

His work built a foundation that still supports hip-hop journalism today.