VIBE. May 1997. Volume 5, Number 4
New York: VIBE Ventures, 1997. Large quarto, publisher’s stapled photo-illustrated paper wraps.
May 1987 issue of hip-hop culture magazine VIBE commemorating the life of The Notorious B.I.G. Established in 1992 by American music giant Quincy Jones, VIBE was the first hip-hop magazine to be launched by a major publishing company. Aiming to showcase the voices, style, and culture of the urban music scene, it combined artist profiles, in-depth interviews, fashion features, and cultural commentary to provide mainstream visibility to Black artists and the broader Black community. Published two months after the murder of Biggie Smalls (born Christopher Wallace), this issue honors his legacy with his last full-length interview conducted by Cheo Hodari Coker (who would go on to write his biography and the script for biopic Notorious) and several full-page photos and portraits of the rap legend. Originally intended to be the magazine's "sex issue," it also includes a "Special Sex Section," with articles on morning sex, Carmen Electra, Kool Keith, and discussions with Luke Campbell, Andre Benjamin, Roy Ayers, and Vanessa Daou. Illustrated in color and black-and-white. Minor creasing to wraps else fine. Item #11911
$85.00