NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Squeakywheel Promotions) VIBE's April/May 2011 International Issue (on newsstands April 5th), is the first to cover the overseas music industry, with a look at trends and artists in the UK, Japan, Africa, Ibiza and everywhere in between.
Triple threat rapper/actor/entrepreneur and global gangster 50 Cent covers the issue and talks God, growth, girls and keeping it global. 'Spin the globe and stop it wherever you want and say 50 Cent and they know exactly who you're talking about,' he says in 'Is There a Heaven for a G?'
On the international front, the issue looks at how Akon kicked off the international craze, UK music makers Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Mark Ronson; Morocco's RedOne, and the ongoing influence of Jamaican icon Bob Marley.
Also featured are interviews with Grammy's Best New Artist Esperanza Spalding, rapper Lil B, Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt and WorldStarHipHop founder Q.
'The global impact of hip-hop has transcended race, boundaries and culture to become the most transforming cultural movement ever,' said Brett Wright, Chief Creative Officer of Vibe Lifestyle Network. 'VIBE felt it was time to show who has made a lasting impact.'
'The sounds of Ibiza and the UK had an undeniable impact on American music for some time now,' said VIBE Editor-in-Chief Jermaine Hall. "We wanted to introduce the readers to some leaders in the international space that helped craft the sound as well as artists that are successful outside the US."
New advertisers in the issue include Ford Explorer, Ford Edge, New Balance, NBA TV, Stacy Adams, Blast by Colt 45, Wrigley 5 Gum, SoftSheen Dark and Lovely and Lexus CT Hybrid.
About VIBE Lifestyle Network
VIBE Lifestyle Network is the parent company of VIBE Magazine and VIBE.COM and is the premier destination for the hip-hop generation. VIBE Lifestyle Network is a vertical content and advertising network which represents over 25 websites reaching over 19 million unique users per month. VIBE Magazine is published six times per year and reached 300,000 readers with the latest in hip-hop, entertainment, fashion and trends. The new VIBE.com and VIBE Lifestyle Network are the premier destinations for urban music, entertainment, culture and lifestyle for the aspirational 18-34 year old.