Founded in 1994 by Dennis Page, SLAM magazine emerged as a pioneering publication merging basketball and hip-hop culture. The idea sparked when Page, then working at Harris Publications, had a conversation with record label executive Alan Grunblatt about creating a magazine that combined these two worlds. Page enlisted Cory Johnson as the first editor-in-chief, and together they crafted the magazine's unique voice and content structure. Today, SLAM is owned by JDS Sports, which acquired the magazine in 2020. SLAM covers a wide range of basketball-related content, including professional, college, and high school basketball, as well as sneaker culture and the intersection of basketball with music and fashion. Based in New York City, the magazine has expanded its reach globally and now includes international editions. SLAM has become known for its iconic cover shoots, in-depth player profiles, and its ability to spotlight emerging talent alongside established stars. **One interesting fact**: SLAM magazine's covers have become so iconic that being featured on one is considered a rite of passage for basketball players, with many stars collecting and framing their SLAM cover appearances as career milestones.