Good Vibes (Thanks For The Memories)

One of my best Vibe Magazine memories relates to networking. It was December 1995, and I was hanging out at one of the many music industry holiday parties. I’m talking to Danyel Smith, who at the time was the Music Editor at Vibe. At the time, I was Manager, Media Relations at Tommy Boy. For some reason, the topic veered to my performance review coming up. I told her that despite what I thought were great results, my review was probably already decided. I would get a tepid pat on the back and a very tiny raise. I told her that I would have to figure out what I should do when (not if) that happens.
Danyel told me that Vibe had been discussing hiring an inhouse publicist to get their editors and top writers quoted and referred to whenever anything “urban” and “music” was being discussed in the mainstream media. She said that I was to call her after my review.
No surprises with my review. I ran to the phone and dialed up Danyel’s extension. I told her that I was more than interested in this new position. Next thing I know, I am in various meetings with Alan Light (then the EIC) and Keith Clinkscales (the Publisher).
Long story short. I didn’t get the job. I’m not sure when Vibe finally hired someone (Fall 1996, maybe), I had already left Tommy Boy to go to Jive. But the experience of being courted and playing “the game,” was invaluable. The fact that Danyel thought I could do the job meant alot to me. I also think that Alan and Keith looked at me in a different light after those meetings. I think their respect level for me went up a notch (I hope).

Vibe leaving the game is significant. Especially to those of us who remember the Preview Issue (Treach) and the Debut Issue (Snoop). And to those of us who remember that it was originally going to be called Volume. I met a lot of good people, many of them now friends, in those 17 years. Even though I jumped off the bandwagon at times, I was always glad that Vibe existed.
So, I pour out a lil to all those who put in the time over there to execute Quincy’s vision.
I’m looking forward to your next projects.

Technorati Tags: networking, Vibe Magazine, Danyel Smith, Alan Light, Keith Clinkscale, publishing, music industry