Hip Hop Connection

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Hip Hop Connection (HHC) is the longest running magazine devoted entirely to hip hop in the world.^[1] HHC has earned international recognition and was described by Chuck D as "the best magazine in the world".^[2]

[edit] History

Under the editorship of Chris Hunt, the magazine published its first issue in 1988, six months before The Source began in newsletter form. Prior to the first issue, the 'Hip-Hop Connection' was a premium rate 0898 telephone information line presented by voice of now Radio 1 DJ Dave Pearce that invited MCs to call up and record their own rhyme after listening to the best rhyme of the previous week.

The early issues were its biggest selling^{[citation needed]} and saw Hunt bringing together a talented group of writers and photographers, including Malu Halasa and Normski, the future television presenter and celebrity, who was given his own section in the magazine to showcase his rap photography. Dave Pearce was also an early contributor to the magazine.

Chris Hunt had two stints as Editor of the magazine before leaving the title for the final time in 1993. His long-time Deputy Editor Andy Cowan took over the title in November 1993 and although it has changed owners several times (Popular Publications, Future Publishing, Ministry Of Sound), Cowan still runs the magazine to this day as its Editor/Publisher, it has managed to survive the rapid decline of the magazine market.

HHC was owned by Music Maker Publishing throughout the early 1990s until Music Maker was acquired by Future Publishing.^{[citation needed]}

Future Publishing sold the title to Ministry of Sound in 2000.^{[citation needed]} The first Ministry issue featured Mariah Carey on the front cover. Ministry tried to continue with its 'female artists only' cover policy which had proved successful for their dance magazine but after Kelis and Lauryn Hill it became apparent that they were rapidly running out of suitable candidates. Ministry sold the title after one year to a company formed by the editor and designers.^{[citation needed]}

In April 2006 Hip Hop Connection published its two-hundredth consecutive edition, re-running many of the classic rap interviews from its 18 year history. It is now owned by Cambridge based Infamous Ink.^{[citation needed]}