Bye bye Vibe Magazine?!?!

How do you prefer to read a magazine or book? Are you more traditional and prefer the physical book or have you’ve gotten into the trend of reading them on tablets? Me personally, I’m still old school. I like to actually feel the book and smell it. I cannot stare at a screen and read it as if it was a book. Times have changed and reading material is being distributed digitally. Hip Hop’s music and entertainment Vibe magazine may have to deal with this in the near future.

Vibe Magazine was created by the great Quincy Jones and Time Warner, Inc. It was established 21 years ago in 1992. This magazine featured news and entertainment from the lasted R&B and Hip-Hop artists. The magazine was originally named Volume, until the co-founding editor changed the name to Vibe. Vibe Magazine has achieved much success, it featured artist such as Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Lil Wayne, T.I., and Rihanna. It was the year 2009, when the company suffered and had to close its publication. Founder Quincy Jones felt as if the company could operate online. With help from some private investors, Vibe magazine was re-established and they acquired other magazine titles under their company. They have managed to reach 1.4 millions visitors a month.

As of Thursday, April 25, 2013, SpinMedia bought Vibe magazine and they re looking to take it into a new direction. SpinMedia was originally named Buzz Media, but after it acquired Spin last summer, the name quickly changed. SpinMedia has consumed a lot of different entities of the past years. With more the 40 different titles, SpinMedia has taken these companies and tried to improve their image. After they bought out Buzz Media, they decided to due away with its print content and focus on its online platform. They were able to achieve much success by doing this. The site’s traffic has doubled.

CEO, Steve Hansen plans are similar to Vibe magazine. Later on this year, he plans on getting rid of Vibe’s print publication and increasing its online presence. As a more traditional reader, I don’t know how to feel about this. I much prefer to hold a book, but at the same time I’ll read one on my tablet. I just hope that Vibe does not look some its subscribers, because there are people out there who strictly prefer to read a physical book. 

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From a Mic to a Tie

When Jay-Z is not spitting a few bars in the studio or on the stage, he is handling business in his suit and tie. Mr. Shawn Carter is the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records and the founder of Roc Nation Entertainment. Roc Nation has managed artists such as J. Cole, Willow Smith, Wale, and Rihanna. Jay-Z has achieved much success during his career as a rapper and now as a businessman. Not too long ago, Jay-Z launched his sports agency under Roc Nation. He will join Creative Artists Agency to represent different athletes. Mr. Carter has recruited New York Yankees second baseman, Robinson Cano as part of his roster. “At this point in my career, I am ready to tak Cano.

e a more active role in my endeavors both on and off the field,” said

Jay- Z has also joined forces with one of the largest music company in the industry, Universal Music Group (UMG). Roc-A-Fella Records will act as anJay-Z responded.

independent label under UMG. After four years, he left his home of Sony Records where Roc-A-Fella Records was apart of the company. This is a great opportunity for Jay-Z and his artists that are signed on his label. This deal was described as very competitive and all major record companies wanted to have Jay-Z’s label under their company. Luckily Universal Music Group was able to come out on top. “This agreement presents a unique opportunity for Roc Nation’s artists -- being able to continue to operate as an independent label with the strength, power and reach of the best major,” responded Jay-Z.
           As a celebrity, it is important to be versatile and not limit yourself to just your craft as a singer, rapper, actor, dancer, etc. Venture out to different business entities and make a difference. Many famous people have been successful in owning their own business. It is a great back up plan when your career does not go as planned. I am excited to see how this agreement plays out with both companies. I think it’s going to help grow the brand of Roc Nation, because UMG is a pretty big deal in the entertainment industry. 

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