by Jeroslyn JoVonn
January 9, 2026
James Bernard, the trailblazing hip-hop journalist behind XXL and The Supply, has handed away.
James Bernard, the trailblazing hip-hop journalist and co-founder of XXL who helped form The Supply‘s voice within the late ’80s and early ’90s, has died.
No reason behind dying has been disclosed, however Bernard’s passing has been confirmed by colleagues and associates, together with Questlove of The Roots, who shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram honoring the influential journalist and media government, AllHipHop reviews. In accordance with the Grammy and Oscar-winning musician, producer, filmmaker, and DJ, Bernard performed a pivotal position in serving to to form the voice of hip-hop in its early days at a vital time when the artwork type “typically acquired with a form of snark.”
“One of many turning factors was The Supply journal throughout its golden period (roughly 1988–1994). It taught us learn how to hear critically. Even now, I create with that 5-Mic commonplace in thoughts—occupied with all these basic 5 Mic evaluations,” Questlove wrote.
He continued. “On the middle of these debates stood James Bernard, who oversaw their file evaluations. They have been GOSPEL. He taught me that style is subjective, that regionalism issues, and that criticism—accomplished proper—can sharpen your ear and your objective. Paradoxically, Do You Need Extra??!!! grew to become the final evaluation he oversaw in that period.”
Bernard is regarded for his work as co-editor-in-chief at The Supply, 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 items that confirmed how rap music sparked political commentary and cultural evaluation, all whereas staying deeply related to the tradition.
After departing The Supply over artistic variations, Bernard co-founded XXL with fellow editor Reginald Dennis in 1997. The journal rapidly emerged as The Supply’s primary rival and paved its personal lane by long-form journalism, in-depth artist profiles, and a wider editorial scope that showcased the pop-star skills of hip-hop artists. The magazines’ now-iconic XXL Freshman checklist is among the many many components 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 learn how to hear by his phrases. Relaxation In Beats Sir.”
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