Credit: Exclaim! magazine
Vibe was a cultural touchstone in hip-hop and R&B, originally co-founded by music legend Quincy Jones and Time Warner in 1993. Its history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Black music and culture.
The decision to consolidate the two publications under PMG indicates a strategic pivot. It is widely expected that Rolling Stone will significantly expand its editorial focus on hip-hop and R&B moving forward.
However, the merger suggests a bittersweet conclusion for the Vibe brand. The pioneering magazine is anticipated to be gradually phased out as its content and identity are integrated into the Rolling Stone platform. This marks the end of an era for the magazine’s independent voice in music journalism.
