In this classic throwback episode of Drink Champs, N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN chop it up with the legends themselves, Dave Mays and Benzino! Co-founders of The Source magazine—Dave & Benzino talk about the legacy, controversy, and cultural impact of the iconic publication. From the origin story of The Source as a Harvard newsletter to becoming the “Hip-Hop Bible,” Benzino and Dave Mays recount how they changed the game with the legendary 5 Mic rating system and gave a platform to countless rap legends before they blew up. The episode touches on the rise and fall of The Source, the magazine’s fierce rivalry with XXL, and how internal beefs and external pressure—including industry politics and legal troubles—impacted their careers. Benzino opens up about his time on Love & Hip-Hop, reality TV’s effect on his image, and addresses long-standing controversies surrounding Eminem and Dr. Dre. Dave Mays shares insights on how race and authenticity in hip-hop media shaped their editorial vision. With raw stories, wild behind-the-scenes moments, and unfiltered opinions, this episode is a true celebration of hip-hop history, journalistic legacy, and resilience. It's a must-watch for anyone who lived through the golden era or wants to understand how The Source helped shape the culture forever. Make some noise for Dave Mays and Benzino!! 💐💐💐🏆🏆🏆 - This episode was originally published on May 26th, 2016 *Listen and subscribe at https://www.drinkchamps.com Timecodes: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:47 - The Power of The Source & 5 Mic System 00:03:17 - Benzino Defends His Mic Ratings 00:08:19 - Harvard Meets Roxbury: The Source Origin Story 00:11:30 - Race, Crime & Authenticity in Hip-Hop Media 00:14:29 - Benzino’s Infamous Wheelchair Story 00:19:53 - Life Lessons Over Lunch Meat 00:25:12 - Selling The Source: $55 Million Offer 00:30:18 - Dot-Com Bubble & Source Collapse 00:33:27 - Race vs. Culture in Hip-Hop 00:37:10 - Suge Knight & the East/West Coast Tension 00:42:25 - Backstage Drama at The Source Awards 00:45:33 - Birth of Hip-Hop Weekly 00:51:56 - XXL Rivalry & Early Artist Discoveries 00:54:47 - Eminem, Dr. Dre & Benzino’s Perspective 00:57:46 - Legal Troubles & Media Mislabeling 01:01:08 - Five Mics & Real Source Chains 01:06:46 - Can The Source's Impact Ever Be Recreated? 01:09:21 - Decades in Hip-Hop: Still Standing 01:12:00 - Brotherhood & Family Ties in the Industry 01:15:04 - Unreleased Verses & Studio Sessions 01:19:16 - Regrets, the Internet & Changing Eras 01:25:18 - Queensbridge Pride & Prodigy Article Fallout 01:28:33 - Hip-Hop's Racial Dynamics & Media Bias 01:34:06 - Love & Hip-Hop Reflections 01:39:34 - Benzino’s Restaurant Business & Crazy Stories 01:45:08 - The Source’s Legacy & Final Reflections 01:47:57 - Shoutouts, Gratitude & Farewell Toast Follow Drink Champs: https://www.instagram.com/drinkchamps https://www.twitter.com/drinkchamps https://www.facebook.com/drinkchamps https://www.youtube.com/drinkchamps DJ EFN https://www.crazyhood.com https://www.instagram.com/whoscrazy https://www.twitter.com/djefn https://www.facebook.com/crazyhoodproductions N.O.R.E. https://www.instagram.com/therealnoreaga https://www.twitter.com/noreaga