NEW YORK, April 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Source Magazine (www.thesource.com), the leading publication of Hip-Hop music, culture, business & politics, releases its May 2011 issue with Hollywood star Idris Elba on the cover. The English actor addresses the controversy caused by his role as Heimdall, an all-seeing, all-hearing Norse God in the new blockbuster film "Thor", producing for Jay-Z and his evolution as a thespian.

Source: Your career has exhibited some serious range with the characters you've played.

Idris: "I've challenged my audience. I've taken them from being a drug lord to a preacher to married to Beyonce to American Gangster...versatility is the key to success."

In this issue, the Source also welcomes home Prodigy, one half of New York's infamous rap duo, Mobb Deep. For the first time since his recent incarceration, the Queensbridge MC speaks on his prison bid, the preceding decade of personal and professional turbulence and his new focus with seasoned music journalist Jayson Rodriguez.

The passing of west coast rap singer Nate Dogg saw Hip-Hop lose yet another pioneer of today's sound. To memorialize Nate, The Source reprinted the crooner's very first article (1997).

"Hollywood has embraced Hip-Hop and it is great for The Source to be affiliated with one of the biggest films (Thor) and actors of the year (Idris Elba)," explains publisher L. Londell McMillan.

Also featured in this issue, UK rising star Jessie J and Cam'ron protege Vado represent music's latest commodities; Internationally acclaimed DJ and producer Diplo speaks on his road to success; Broadway and Hollywood vet John Leguizamo discusses his new stage play Ghetto Klown; Former American Idol bad guy Simon Cowell talks on Hip-Hop's place in his new talent show 'X factor'; and boxing's #1 fighter Manny Pacquiao sits down to talk to Source Sports.

For more information please log onto www.thesource.com.  Follow us @thesourcemag and  facebook.com/thesourcemagazine. The new issue of the Source will be on newsstands nationwide May 2nd.

For media inquires please contact: Hanif Sumner, The NorthStar Group; hsumner@thenorthstargroup.biz; 212-253-3773

About The NorthStar Group

The NorthStar Group is a publishing, marketing and consulting firm specializing in music, entertainment, sports and corporate initiatives. Founded in 1997, The NorthStar Group represents some of the nation's leading African-American celebrities, entertainers, websites and magazines including The Source Magazine, JONES Magazine and Black Girls Rock!

SOURCE The Source Magazine