VIBE And Rolling Stone Merge To Expand Hip-Hop Coverage

VIBE and Rolling Stone are becoming a member of forces in a merger geared toward strengthening and increasing hip-hop and R&B protection throughout each legacy music manufacturers.

Introduced on Oct. 16, the partnership will broaden VIBE’s protection of hip-hop and R&B on Rolling Stone whereas diving deeper into hip-hop tradition, Billboard stories. As a part of the collaboration, VIBE will launch particular collector’s print editions and debut a brand new video interview sequence spotlighting influential figures throughout music, sports activities, and vogue.

VIBE’s longtime editor-in-chief, Datwon Thomas, will function strategic advisor to help with the transition.

“Coming again to VIBE on this function is deeply significant to me, and I’m proud to stay linked to such an iconic model that has been such an enormous a part of my life,” Thomas mentioned. “The chance to assist information VIBE into the following part of its progress and continued legacy is an honor.”

The merger could have Rolling Stone investing in VIBE throughout video, podcasts, longform journalism, social media, and experiential initiatives.

Stated Julian Holguin, CEO of Rolling Stone, “This historic team-up will allow Rolling Stone to degree up the publication’s hip-hop and R&B protection, permitting RS to dive deeper into the tradition.”

Legendary music visionary Quincy Jones based VIBE in 1993.

“VIBE will proceed to energy cultural conversations and reestablish itself as a driving pressure for commentary and reporting,” Holguin mentioned. “Our purpose is to proceed the mission VIBE was based on whereas leveraging Rolling Stone to amplify its presence throughout all platforms.”

The merger of the 2 Penske Media Corp. (PMC) manufacturers comes amid a Justice Division overview of PMC’s three way partnership cope with rival MRC, which might consolidate lots of the nation’s main music and leisure information shops. Final month, MRC—proprietor of The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard—and PMC—writer of Rolling Stone, Selection, and Deadline—introduced the creation of a joint publishing enterprise combining their editorial manufacturers.

A supply acquainted with the deal says the Justice Division informed Axios that the company remains to be evaluating whether or not the merger between these two main leisure media corporations may very well be anti-competitive.

Following the announcement, revered R&B journalist Mya Abraham confirmed her departure from VIBE because of the merger.

“As a result of VIBE/Rolling Stone merger, my time as R&B Reporter has come to an finish,” Abraham wrote on X. “I’m nonetheless processing at this time’s information, so bear with me as I get by means of the calls/texts/emails/DMs. Simply realize it’s been the enjoyment and honor of my life to doc R&B on this capability. 🤎”

RELATED CONTENT: Rhonesha Byng Forges A New Path, Advocating For Black-Owned Media