Mimi Valdes, ousted Vibe E-in-C

This just in…

After more than a year on the block, urban music and fashion monthly
Vibe is said to have found a buyer. Sources familiar with the deal say Keith Glen Media, the parent company of progressive fashion and culture monthly BlackBook, is expected to take over Vibe magazine, women¹s quarterly Vibe Vixen and Vibe¹s Internet, television and mobile offerings. Keith Glen Media is led by CEO Eric Gertler and president Ari Horowitz.

The strategy behind the acquisition is to step up the Vibe brand, according to a source familiar with the deal. The deal would marry Black Book¹s fashion forward approach with Vibe¹s urban music and culture content and provide significant investment to grow Vibe’s global and online properties.

So, that explains the random firing squad that transpired earlier in the week. Thanks to Bitter Vibes and my AOL gang, word has it that Mimi Valdes (Editor-in-Chief), Erik Parker and other big enchiladas have been kicked out of Vibe, with Vice President Kenard Gibbs expected to resign next week. Allegedly, Vibe’s circulation and ad pages fell 2.8% and 8.2% respectively. I guess Keith Glen wanted to clean up the house and start on a fresh note. They don’t like it unless it’s brand new…

Rick Ross - Down & Out(Akon diss)
Sounds like someone’s starving for attention. I don’t know what stirred this lame beef, but, if you’re going to battle at all, at least try to ‘whip it whip it real good.’

DMX Says “Good morning jail” Since No One Bothered to Post Bail
Busta Drops to #5 with only 66,000 Sold this Week
Questions About a Questionable Draft (StraightBangin’)
Bow Wow Retires at 19?

He won’t be the first to complain about Jay’s nonchalant attitude towards business. But, with his upcoming album–4:21…The Day After–billed for an August 22nd release, I wonder if Meth isn’t “messing up his promotion” by calling out el presidente Hov, albeit on some justified grounds.

“Whatever happened to artist development? They’ll take a Ne-Yo, they’ll take a Rihanna and develop them. They don’t do that with us rappers. You know why? They look at us as fast food.”

“I don’t have anything against The Roots or Nas. But, there’s a lot of hungry muthaf****s out there that deserve those slots. The Roots had a deal, Nas had a deal and still has a deal. Jay, stop sitting in that office, b. Go out there and find those talents. N***as is mad at you, b. Stop signing all these established acts…

Watch Method Man’s video interview with Breakdown TV (windows)

Big Boi - “Morris Brown”
Andre 3000 - “Idlewild Blues “

I’m no big fan of the do-your-own-thing approach Dre and Big Boi have been adopting lately. But, hey, if it ain’t broke… Both tracks complement each other very well. Intentional or not, Dre’s influence bears heavy on his partner as you can tell from the retro blues flava of “Morris Brown,” which is almost submerged by a marching band. There’s really no need to juxtapose or ramble on about whose single is better. Enjoy ‘em both.

1. 7.5/10
2. 8/10

“I’m a heavyweight, you n—as is lighter than my complexion,” Chris Bridges

DJ Quik Begins 5 Month Sentence
Do We Need More Convictions Like These?
Arrest Warrant Issued for DMX
Gnarls Barkley Reschedule Show to Avoid World Cup Conflict
Is Ludacris Making an Album Full of Disses?
Download Adult Swim’s Chocolate EP ft. Mos Def, Vast Aire, MF Doom, etc

Dear 50 Cent,
Not only has The Game already massacred you and your brow-plucking corny a–, but, this so-called beef is officially the least interesting thing in hip-hop right now. I’d rather watch The Oprah Winfrey show than desecrate my ears with your speech impediment-laden ghost-written rhymes. Shame on you Curtis for pulling yet another publicity stunt just to keep your name in the press. You almost had me Mr Chicken Little, but, I promise I won’t fall for your little stunts again. Now you and your sister Whoo Kid can go back to Lebanon and enjoy your little sleep over with that other Jackson.

Peace, Love and Respect,
Rizoh

I usually leave the soul searching to O-dub, but I’d be selfish not to share this deliciously daft jawn. Get Used to It, recently released on Delicious Vinyl, ranks up with the Brand New Heavies’ finest work.
Listen to Brand New Heavies’ Get Used to It here

Growing up truly must be a beautiful thing. Some of these rappers are finally starting to smile for some reason. Nas is finally crawling out of his shell and attending award shows. Snoop is no longer running off throgh the backstage to avoid po-po. Great call on Harry Bellafonte, it’s about damn time. And you say black leadership is currently in extinction?
Full Recap, Winners and Nominees

(Source)

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Rev Run’s Daughter to Pose for Maxim(Flickr Page)
Producer Dallas Austin Facing Drug Trafficking Charges
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The Game Announces Engagement
Busta Rhymes Trashes Ex Girlfriend for Turning Lesbian
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