Editor Andy Cowan First issue 1988 (1988) Company Infamous Ink | Categories Music Magazine Final issue 2009 Country United Kingdom | |
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Hip Hop Connection (HHC) was the longest running monthly periodical devoted entirely to hip hop culture. HHC earned universal recognition and was described by Chuck D as "the best magazine in the world".
Contents
History
Under the editorship of Chris Hunt, the magazine published its first issue in July 1988, six months before The Source began in newsletter form. Prior to the first issue, the magazine's parent company had also run a premium rate 0898 telephone information line using the same name, 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 and saw Hunt bringing together a talented group of writers and photographers, including Ekow Eshun, Malu Halasa, Vie Marshall and Normski the future television presenter and celebrity, who was given his own section in the magazine to showcase his rap photography. Chris Hunt had two stints as Editor of the magazine before leaving the title for the final time in 1993. His longtime 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), HHC and Popular Publications were owned by Music Maker Publications throughout the early 1990s until Music Maker was acquired by Future Publishing. Future Publishing sold the title to Ministry Of Sound in 2000. 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 and Andy Cowan continued to run and publish the magazine. In April 2006, Hip Hop Connection published its 200th consecutive edition, rerunning many of the classic rap interviews from its 18-year history. It is now owned by Cambridge based Infamous Ink.
Each year the magazine's writers and critics compiled a list of the best hiphop albums of the year in addition to a readers poll.
In 2009 the magazine published its final and 232nd issue.
Readers Greatest Album
Readers Best Album Of The Year
2009: Roots Manuva - Slime & Reason
2008: Panacea - Scenic Route
2007: unknown
2006: unknown
2005: unknown
2004: unknown
2003: unknown
2002: Jay Z - Blueprint
2001: Eminem - Marshall Mathers
2000: The Roots - Things Fall Apart
1999: Gang Starr - Moment Of Truth
1998: Company Flow - Funcrusher Plus
1997: Rass Kass - Soul On Ice
1996: Raekwon - Only Built For Cuban Linx
1995: Notorious BIG - Ready To Die
1994: Cypress Hill - Black Sunday
1993: unknown
1992: unknown
1991: unknown
1990: unknown
1989: NWA - Straight Outta Compton
Readers Best Single Of The Year
2009: unknown
2008: unknown
2007: unknown
2006: unknown
2005: Klashnekoff - It's Murda
2004: unknown
2003: unknown
2002: Pharoahe Monch - Fuck You
2001: MOP - Ante Up
2000: Pharoahe Monch - Simon Says
1999: Canibus - Second Round Knockout
1998: Gang Starr - You Know My Steez
1997: Jeru The Damaja - Ya Playin Yaself
1996: Mobb Deep - Shook Ones Part II
1995: Craig Mack - Flava In Ya Ear
1994: Onyx - Slam
1993: unknown
1992: unknown
1991: unknown
1990: unknown
1989: Public Enemy - Fight The Power
Readers Best Group Of The Year
2009: unknown
2008: unknown
2007: unknown
2006: unknown
2005: unknown
2004: unknown
2003: unknown
2002: unknown
2001: Dilated Peoples
2000: The Roots
1999: Gang Starr
1998: Company Flow
1997: unknown
1996: unknown
1995: unknown
1994: Wu Tang Clan
1993: unknown
1992: unknown
1991: unknown
1990: unknown
1989: NWA
Readers Best Of The 80s
Best Album: Public Enemy - It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Best Single: Public Enemy - Rebel Without A Pause
Best Group: Public Enemy
Best Rapper: Chuck D
Best DJ: Cash Money
Best British Artist: MC Duke
Best Record Label: Def Jam
Best Non Hiphop: Michael Jackson
Most Important Human Being: Nelson Mandela