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Molek FMVibe Folds
Sadly hip hop and R&B magazine title Vibe takes its final bow on the eve of it’s 16th year in publication. One of the most respected music magazines out there and founded by legendary producer Quincy Jones in 1992, Vibe has transcended trends in mainstream hip hop, R&B and fashion. Considered the black Rolling Stone, Vibe’s covers have proven iconic while its coverage has been unsurpassed and will probably be most remembered for its controversial coverage of the East Coast and West Coast hip hop rivalry. The news comes straight after the death of that other Quincy Jones collaborators, Michael Jackson.Â
Many notable editors took charge of Vibe over the years including Alan Light, Emil Wilbekin, Mimi Valdes and Danyel Smith. The staff were given the news on June 30th “effective imediately”.
“On behalf of the VIBEÂ content staff, it is with great sadness, and with heads held high, that we leave the building today. We were assigning and editing a Michael Jackson tribute issue when we got the news. It’s a tragic week overall, but as the doors of VIBE Media Group close, on the eve of the magazine’s 16th anniversary, it’s a sad day for music, for hip-hop in particular, and for the millions of readers and users who have loved and who continue to love the VIBE brand. We thank you, we have served you with joy, pride and excellence, and we will miss you”, VIBE editor Danyel Smith ws quoted as saying in a release.
The magazine closes owing to debt and ad collapse brought on by the recession periods and follows other music mags like Blender. The recently redesigned Vibe has suffered a difficult transition into the competitive digital world too. The magazine began life as a sexy alternative to rival hip hop rag The Source, and during its time broke barriers, even winning the American Society of Magazine Editors award. Vibe’s influence and impact on the worlds of hip hop and R&B has been overwhelming. Farewell Vibe! RIP.
Go take a last peek at www.vibe.com.