NEWS: VIBE MAGAZINE FOLDS
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

According to DailyFinance.com, VIBE MAGAZINE has folded:
“Vibe magazine, the urban-music magazine founded in 1993 by Quincy Jones, is the latest victim of the media recession. An assistant in the office of editor in chief Danyel Smith confirmed that the title is ceasing publication. No further information was immediately available. A call to Vibe Media CEO Steve Aaron went to voicemail.”
VIBE’s P.R. spokeswoman, Tracy Nguyen, said the Vibe staff was formally notified in a meeting at 2 p.m. and that she did not know how many people would be laid off as a result of the closure.









93 Comments
COMMENT PAGES: [1] 2 » Show All
1.
LMAO
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
The cover featuring Ciara’s asshole is my favorite.
2.
Yes I am tipsy
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I’ve never read Vibe before but its sad to see a black magazine go down; black people really need to support our own businesses
3.
ninamosley
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
awww man! i luv vibe! but how CL demote me to #2 when i commented on le toya???
4.
LMAO
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
That Aaliyah cover looks more like Megan Goode.
5.
sigh
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Seriously, with the internet and blogs, who really buys magazines anymore?
Anyone…?
6.
peacekeeper
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I’m not surprised. The articles and pictures are posted on the net, so what’s the point of buying the mag. Plus, Vibe has been messy the last few years.
7.
Ant$
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
wow…i remember subscribing to Vibe when it first came out. They promised to send goodies to charter subscribers…the only thing they sent is a box of stickers and a promo cd single…
8.
angeladaina1983
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
wow! that is really messed up! it’s really unfortunate because so many people will be out of a job.
9.
Chris
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Proves the recession will not get better. It is getting worst! Such a famous black publication.
10.
QUEEN NETTIE
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Bye Bye Vibe!! I never really read the magazine, but it was black own!!
11.
Oh Snap
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
#2 you should take your own advice. youve never read vibe before but think black ppl need to support. are you not black?
12.
Geyonce[tha]Great
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
True #5
13.
MiSSSEXY
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
damn That’s crazy ….man this recession sh** is getting on my nerves…. man everyone is losing their jobs and everything’s going bad… this really sux…and vibe mag was a cool mag.
14.
iam-me
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I FEEL BAD FOR KEYSHIA COLE RIGHT NOW WHAT OTHER COVER SHE GON DO? I swear she had even cackhead frankie on it
and I hate with a passion the moderation sh!t for real,f yall really wanted to do it correctly no comment here would be allowed and pms or jscene would be banned SMH
15.
Young MONEY
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Vibe was not a good magazine and I I don’t buy mags anyway unless I’m flying on a long trip to Europe or something. Mags are cool if you like them but Vibe was nothing special. Fashion mags are cool but again Vibe had no cool fashion. Blogs don’t have articles they just post images. But Vibe.com was lame and no person posted there LOL Vibe was also not black owned.
16.
Young MONEY
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
LMAO @ Box of stickers…LMAO
17.
Brooke
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
The last issue will have The-Dream & Christina Milian on the cover. The-Dream has his hand over her boob. It looks sick and trashy. They could’ve atleast made a better last issue.
18.
Liya
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
It used to be good but then it downgraded.
19.
A huge shame
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Wow!! Vibe magazine folding? It’s not a good sign. Hopefully it will be back after the recession. A large amount of people are always going to prefer to have detailed, lengthy articles ( and glossy pics) on their favourite stars in their hands, but maybe Vibe became too big to survive with just die-hard traditional media fans.
I won’t say RIP cos I expect them back soon. Easily the best black music magazine out there.
20.
pink panther
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
sucks to be them i never read vibe anyway
seriously the only magazines i buy are GQ and DETAILS. and MENS FITNESS..and i collect any magazine with beyonce on the cover i have just about all of them
21.
MY2SENSE
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
they should have focused on intelligent commentary that promoted intellectual dialogue but nope they focused on promoting ghettoness, baby mamas & daddies now they’ll be on the welfare iine like the others looking for an increase in their welfare benefits.
READ MORE HISTORY SO U WONT REPEAT IT!!!
side note - Angel will u guys be posting the rumors that Rev Al opposed Cbrown from performing at the BET then Jay “i need to mind my own business” put in his 2 cents w/ an ultimatum to BET that if Brown performs - he wouldnt - which i find that hard to believe cuz BET would have said ooh well see ya later Jay
22.
D-Most
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Break
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Ok im done!!
23.
Elvis
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
damn as i subscriber im sad. I hope this mag will be resurrected
24.
JstBReal
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
damn I just bought the Vibe with Eminem on the cover lol. its madd funny theres an ad for an annual subscription to Vibe right under the leave a reply link.
25.
Kimberly
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
another popular blog site reported this 2 months ago but Vibe came out and said it was false i figured it had some validity. it was garbage toward the end mostly ads, anyway what does this mean for my subscribtion and why yall still plugging Vibe ads????
26.
OH MY
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
OH MY CIARAS COVER IS A COLLECTABLE ITEM I HAVE 5 DAMN SHE HOT, BEST COVER BEHIND MJ
27.
Yes I am tipsy
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@11 I’m not American thats why I haven’t read vibe, i’ve only heard about it on black blogs
28.
Meat
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
——Artist like Jay Z, Kanye, and Beyonce’ should have invested money to insure
——Vibe stays viable. Vibe ceasing to publish shows just how much vision Diddy
——and Simmons really have. I also fault Quincy for not going to the people who
——benefited from Vibe and getting their financial support. Lack of vision!!! What’s
——next, Ebony, Jet, and Hip Hop?
29.
dukesman2000
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
That magazine should have folded years ago. They’ve fed into the stereotype of this black ghetto mess; black women with their azzes hanging out and n!ggas shucking and jiving and cooning. A little black girl seeing that automatically believes the only way she’ll ever get noticed or recognized is to spread her legs on the front cover of some magazine. Good riddance…
30.
pink panther
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@ my 2 sense
since you brought it up..CB performing had nothing to do with JayZ
this is the deal..COVergirl sponsored the awards show and you know they have a contract with Rihanna…they are the ones that told BET no or they would not sponsor the show anymore ( remmber every other commercial was covergirl related even the after show?)
they are the ones who pulled that plug . BET was not gonna cancel the awards over no CB..he isnt that important.
it had nothin to do with JAy..cuz he really aint that important either..that was all business and covergirl didnt want him performing..it was conflict of interest
31.
Jvixen
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I loved magazine and still think their covers are collectables. I dont see all the stereotype, ‘ghettoness’ u lot are talking about?? Where are the half naked women some are referrin to? Vibe eye candy was always tasteful…the photography in vibe was good, the articles were also and i loved the fashion photography! Sad to see it go!! Oh well, back to touch magazine (uk urban mag).
32.
bajan
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
the best of those covers posted are michael jackson one and the rihanna one with the blue contrast.
33.
spikewebbe
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
The only time I’ve read VIBE was in the library when I was homeless a few years ago but I thought it was a good magazine for the hip hop and rap crowd. I always meant to pick up an issue but never did.
34.
lilkunta
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I didnt know that Quincy Jones pulled his stake in the mgazine 3yrs ago. So he knew the mag was doomed.
I never had a subscription bc it always had 2 many ads.
35.
TJACK25
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
#5… EXACTLY! Who reads magazines anymore? Since blogs hit the scene there is no need for them. They’re usually a week or so behind in news and filled with a SH!T load of ads….
The only thing good was the perfume/cologne samples (lol)
36.
TJACK25
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
The best thing about VIBE was that the pages were HUUUUGE.
37.
ANON.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
=[ That’s sad. I had/have a subscription.
38.
lilkunta
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@30
That actually makes alot of sense. But do u have proof?
Bc even BET ppl who work the show say it was j z who gave the ultimatum.
If it was the sponsor company that does makes sense.
…& jz does have power & is important. I aint sweating but alot of ppl say he is 1 of the last few actually doin decent rap. Plsu after wards BET premiered his DOA vid.
|
30 / pink panther Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@ my 2 sense
since you brought it up..CB performing had nothing to do with JayZ
this is the deal..COVergirl sponsored the awards show and you know they have a contract with Rihanna…they are the ones that told BET no or they would not sponsor the show anymore ( remmber every other commercial was covergirl related even the after show?)
they are the ones who pulled that plug . BET was not gonna cancel the awards over no CB..he isnt that important.
it had nothin to do with JAy..cuz he really aint that important either..that was all business and covergirl didnt want him performing..it was conflict of interest
39.
FARFRUMLUZIN
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Damn…Now I will never be on the cover!
40.
8baller
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
After seeing the latest issue with Christina Milian on the cover with The-Dream rubbing her clit, this magazine needed to fold.
Ever since Quincy Jones sold it was trash.
And it has nothing to do with people not buying magazines anymore cause Time Magazine still sells boat loads. Its all about content. People didnt want to buy that foolishness Vibe was presenting.
41.
UM...I GUESS
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
awww. sorry to hear that. can we get some good news? sheesh.. JUNE hasn’t been kind.
42.
Star-Dust
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@38
It was Covergirl. Toure (who works at BET) said on his twitter it was them.
Chris Brown’s managment said neither Al Sharpton or Jay-Z had anything to do with Chris not being on the show
43.
oneofakind
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I am not surprised at this….ya’ll on CL, bossip, the YBF, have replaced these urban msgazines because you can get instant access on these Blogs.
44.
natalia
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
VIBE went down ever since Danyel took over. It was a better magazine when Mimi was the editor-in-chief.
Can’t say I am disappointed because I had no intention of renewing my subscribtion.
It just sucks that more people will be out of employment.
45.
Kyla
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Never really read VIBE but after reading posts about the Christina Milian and The Dream cover I “Googled” it and it looks horrible. His hand is slightly going down her pants and she’s topless and he’s covering her breasts - and he’s topless .. NOT a good look.
46.
MY2SENSE
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I LIKE TO THANK ALL OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED ABOUT MY INQUIRY ABOUT CHRIS NOT PERFORMING……………………..
the dirty new york newspapers said it was Rev Al then Jay added his 99 problems but a B!TC# ain’t one. But Jay does not have that type of power to give ultimatums to BET since he’s really not a “major” player on the B.E.T scene. Now Viacom is scared to death of Rev. Al - now that is power. If Rev. Al wanted a million men to appear right now, trust me they would appear, anywhere the good ‘ole Rev said to appear.
In hip hop as far as respect Jay Z is very well respected amongst his peers but he doesnt have that type of power to shut $#!T down. No not just yet. But let’s not forget that Queen Latifah is a covergirl as well & she was very instrumental in the show hence forth covergirls interest in the advertising - not just b/c of rihanna. The Queen has her very own collection - that’s power.
Well anyways thanks for clearing it up, the covergirl story maks more sense! & that’s my2sense
47.
T
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Yes, I am Tipsy is HILARIOUS - Ive never read Vibe magazine but black folks really need to support black businesses. Really? Does that exclude you? Im soo confused.
48.
twitter.com/ReBeLR
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I have a subscription, so what do I do? Lol but the mag been falling off anyway.
49.
LULU
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
To me they fell off once Emil W. left some years ago…the articles used to be really good, the concepts and ideas exceptional, making it more than just your average run of the mill R&B/Hip-Hop magazine. But I’m definitely going to hold onto my old issues.
50.
q.deon
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
………you couldn’t find ONE mary j blige cover?
………i mean, c’mon. WHO has more vibe covers than mjb?
51.
Q.B.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Wow @ #1 not holding back I see lol Thats really sad everyone is going through this recession. I read on another site it was said that J.Timberlake & Usher were to make an appearance @ the BET Awards don’t know what happen. But it’s reported that Usher couldn’t make it because he was overseas & he says he regrets not being able to be there. Usher said he was gonna start his own tribute or something of that matter.
52.
CALL TYRONE
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Another one bites the dust. R.I.P Vibe.
53.
BSStinks
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@ Meat.
People kill me with the whole Hip Hop is dead thing. Hip Hop will never die, because it’s profitable. What probably can cease to be apart of Hip Hop is black people. The culture is global; there is more than just blacks across this country and the world. And as long as the public keeps buying into the Hip “Pop” that’s being pumped into our society, then the people who really own this industry–and if you didn’t know, it isn’t us or those rappers and other entertainers–will forever have a product to sell.
As for those other urban publications, it’s highly possible that they can go out of business too. There is no one helping them to stay on top—not the consumers and definitely not any real investors.
54.
Busymomrn
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
This weekend’s BET awards was an awkward (and embarrassing) wake up call to the state of Black Music. Real artists get no shine and the big “mainstream artists” are more machine than anything. I am a child of the 80’s, my father played the oldies and sang to us..but sadly I think real R&B as a popular and respected genre of music exited in the 90’s with those great groups like Boyz to Men, Jodeci, Silk and others. As far as vibe goes, I am really tired of seeing the same 4 artists on covers, just like Essence. Our own publications have no interest in real music and overall Black entertainment, so you can’t be mad when the over saturated singers/rappers and their fans get instant access through the internet. I was never a big magazine buyer..but I’ve been so disgusted with music (Hip Hop and R&B) these last few years, it’s such a joke. I loved the look of Vibe, but I honestly cannot say that this was not in the works…
Black folks don’t even OWN our own mags , productions companies, etc. But there are plenty of rich black celebs that could start a legacy worth keeping around…
55.
YEEESSS!!!!!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
This is the best news I’ve heard all week!!!!!!!
56.
BAD BAD BITCH
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
who buys magazines anymore? they are good to look at while your grocery shopping, but they are tooooo expensive. i have the internet, i dont need magazines. well, unless its vogue. hehe.
57.
Nothing But Love
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Why am i not suprised, that magazine was way overpriced and there was never anything decent to read in it and it was just filled with pure adverts. I have a couple of issues in my magazine collection the last copy i bought was probably back in 02 or 03 if that.. my favourite cover was the Aaliyah tribute cover with the white background but CL didn’t put it up….but anywho to be honest i couldn’t tell you the last time i bought a magazine, to be honest i just dont see the point if you have the internet..
58.
PYTMissyouMIchael
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Not surprised at all Vibe hasn’t been doing good in a long time. There are too many other magazines out there that more people read thus are more profitable.
59.
Nunya
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Surprise, surprise…NOT!!!!! As a youngin’ (let me stop im only 23) I used to live for VIBE because I love entertainment. I was actually one of the few who had a subscription up until not too long ago..BUT VIBE was doing the most! They harassed me like crazy to keep my subscription and like someone said earlier, who needs it sittin around collecting space and dust when we can get info any and everyday on blogs and other news sources. When I would finally get my magazine the stuff in it would be so old and dated. The Rihanna issue was supposed to be all big but it fell flat bc all the info we had already heard! oh well, the mag was historic but all good things must come to an end. By the way, good look on the Mike Jackson spread in the back!
60.
TOONS
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@ MY2SENSE and Busymomrn I agree 100%
61.
A&E girl
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
i get that VIBE was huge in the ’90’s but they were so messy these past few years. I mean look at Cici’s cover. WTF was that? No wonder she was mad when she saw it. she posed like she’s taking a dump. Just terrible and they made the others look so ugly. Seems like bad karma to me.
62.
808 HeartBreak
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
I felt like I grew up on VIBE. But honestly, they have been slacking and also they have done some mess in the past. Maybe it was karma, who knows? But I will cherish the GOOD times when I was young reading VIBE. I still have a crap load of old VIBE magazines.
63.
808 HeartBreak
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@58,
Wow, I didnt even read your comment. But its interesting to see that you believe its karma as well.
64.
Nothing But Love
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
And might i add if BET dont change their ways they’re gonna be next, BET has really and truly gone to dogs, seriously something needs to be done before its too late. Because for me the BET Awards was the last straw.. Debra Lee is acting like she dont have a lick of sense, some of the shows she allows to be broadcast has me just shaking my damn head…i mean really..
ANOTHER reality tv show.. “Toya &Tiny”?? what fool thought of that?? does anybody REALLY CARE about these two?? just whats the point?? theres just too much FOOLISHNESS happening on one station.
Sorry guys i just had to get that off my chest..lol
65.
Goliano
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
“she did not know how many people would be laid off as a result of the closure.”
Is it just me or does that not make any sense? If the magazine is folding how can there be any staff left or a layoff? Layoff means there’s a chance you’ll be called back to work.
66.
Q.B.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
Hey its reported that Quincy Jones is trying to buy back Vibe
67.
annie :o)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
awww, this really sux… Vibe is my fave magazine
(and y don’t u have Beyoncé’s cover… what is that CL?! lol @ least u have Chris Brown and Jay’s. but u defo shoulda replaced Ciara with Beyoncé)
68.
Going through Vibe's site
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
There’s a press release on the site mentioning another venture. It’s called The Most Magazine…haven’t seen it, but the page says it’s on newsstands now and there’s a twitter page link. Anyone else heard of it?
69.
ciara = greatness
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
@64
SHUT THE F*** UP. THEY PUT THE RIGHT REAL WOMAN UP THERE NOT THAT FAKE GIRL. CIARA ALL DAY CL KNOW WHAT’S UP.
70.
kmniles
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 /
In my best Florida Evans voice: “damn Damn DAMN!!!!”
I’ve been a subscriber since 1992 at least (if not longer) and still have old issues. We’ve lost something that won’t be recaptured for a long time folks. Vibe covers were a source of validation and a right of passage for these artists and now it’s gone
My favorite covers are the Aaliyah, Biggie & Faith, TLC and EnVogue issues.
R.I.P. VIBE aka the “urban Rolling Stone”
71.
twitter:DOC_holla_day
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 /
all these magazines are goin under very sad
72.
Kaylonie
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 /
Man that’s bad. I wasn’t a subscriber to Vibe, but it was extremely affordable.
73.
Nick
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 /
If anyone who is a journalist are appreciates the hard work that goes into creating a magazine, would still buy regardless of the if its on the net or not. being in advertising I always buy the mags to support. Vibe was our black Rolling Stone, it will be missed. Damn first Mike, now VIBE…WTF?!?!?
74.
Janay
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 /
TONI BRAXTON COVER WAS THE BEST.
75.
tigermichal
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 /
GIANT magazine seemed to be taking over anyway
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