Soul Fixin'

VIBE: 1993-2009
The recent death of Michael Jackson is followed by the death of another urban music & cultural icon, VIBE magazine. The brainchild of legendary producer, Quincy Jones, VIBE magazine made its' debut 16 years ago. After nearly two decades in circulation, the beloved magazine has become the latest victim of the media recession. As a teenager, the thought of working at VIBE was the dream job. I still look forward to mid-month when my copy of VIBE arrives in the mailbox. VIBE was the premier magazine chronicling urban music, fashion and culture. I wonder if I'll get a refund on my two year subscription. The magazine has yet to release an official statement but it is being reported that an assistant in the office of editor in chief Danyel Smith confirmed the sad news. Goodbye, VIBE.

Soul Fixin'

Kanye Covers VIBE Magazine
A much older looking Kanye West is gracing the upcoming issue of VIBE where he declares 'I AM RAP.' Believe it or not, this is Yeezy's first solo vibe cover. The Feb 09 issue also includes a piece on the conflict for producer J Dilla's legacy and an up close look at the making of Notorious, hip hop's first biopic.

Soul Fixin'

Plies Is The 'Future' According To VIBE
While others have dismissed VIBE as a mere shadow of it's former self I still love the magazine dedicated to urban culture. I took a peek at the cover of the upcoming issue and my side eye reared it's ugly head. I was shocked to discover that VIBE has declared Plies the 'future of rap.' If Piles is the 'future of rap,' T-Pain must be the 'future of rhythm & blues.'  It seems like frequent late night bust it baby action has gotten to VIBE's head. Has Plies released a critically acclaimed debut album? No. Is he at the forefront of a new movement in hip-hop? No. Is he in the process of resurrecting hip-hop? I doubt it. While we all enjoy hearing his commercial, run of the mill music in the club, no one in their right mind would go out and cop a Plies album or consider him to be the 'future of rap.'  What criteria has Plies met to be labeled the 'future of rap'? I'm dying to get my hands on this issue and find out.There was a time when rappers such as Jay-Z, Nas, Scarface, or Common could have easily been described as the 'future of rap.' Plies doesn't fit the mold. VIBE has got some explaining to do.  Am I wrong? Is Plies the 'future of rap.'? Is VIBE becoming a shadow of it's former self? Speak on it.