Music Magazines Within My Genre

XXL is an American hip hop magazine, published by town square media, founded in 1997. The magazine's past editors include Reginald C. Dennis, Sheena Lester (former editor-in-chief ofRapPages and Vibe music editor), Elliott Wilson and Datwon Thomas. In May 2009 Datwon Thomas resigned from XXL and executive editor Vanessa Satten, who had been with XXL since 1998, was named the new Editor-in-Chief. In August, 2005, Eminem and XXL teamed up to release a special issue titled XXL Presents Shade 45, and was designed to give maximum exposure to Shade 45 as a radio station, and at the same time give maximum exposure to the Shady records label as a whole, as well as the radio DJ's and G-Unit records' artists. XXL executive Publisher, Jonathan Rheingold, stated that typically magazines based around particular artists were not favorable, but "since Shade 45 is a truly authentic and uncensored rap radio channel, the marriage with the XXL brand made sense," with the feeling that it is what would interest rap fans. In November 2008 XXL released XXL Raps Volume 1, which included music from 50 cent, G-unit, Common, Jim Jones, & Fabalous. In September 2006, XXL put a special 90 minute DVD called XXL DVD Magazine Vol. 1, which featured exclusive interviews and content with big name rappers such as 50 cent, Ice Cube, Fat Joe, Paul Wall & Mike Jones. On August 20, 2013 XXL released its 150th issue, also celebrating its sixteenth anniversary. The issue featured the first solo cover on the magazine from Drake, and rappers such as Kendrick Lamar and B.O.B reviewing classic albums. XXL also releases an annual Top 10 Freshmen list. The issue features the ten picks of whom to watch out for, and on the cover of the magazine and showcases new rappers that aren't well known, but are considered to be on the rise. The list has become known to create buzz and is credited for giving many artists their first taste of fame. There are only 6 editions published a year so therefore produced every 2 months. The magazine therefore will contain a lot more content then what a weekly magazine would. XXL is priced at £2.39 or to subscribe it is £9.56 for 12 issues which works out at £0.80 per issue. 

Vibe is a music and entertainment magazine founded by producer Quincy Jones. Quincy launched vibe in 1993. On June 30th 2009 it was announced that Vibe was shutting its doors ceasing publication immediately. 2 years which was 12 issues was £14.95 and 1 year which was 6 issues was £9.95. The target audience is ages between 18 and 34. Vibe's circulation recent statistics show that in 2007 it was approximately 800,000. Vibe is currently owned by InterMedia partners which is private equity. They distribute their magazines through their online website which provides some articles form the magazine. Also the magazines get distributed to a variety of shops ranging from corner shops to big supermarkets.  Vibe magazine draws their audience's attention in by adding images of key RnB artists on the front that the audience will recognize and instantly want to read about. They think this approach is more effective than having upcoming artist's that the audience know nothing about.