The Notable Influencers * Listed in No Specific Order of Importance
Jermaine Hall
Jermaine Hall has steered VIBE magazine back to the forefront of hip hop and pop music and culture. The magazine Editor-In-Chief, Hall has been guiding the iconic magazine brand for the better part of two years and in 2011... Read More
Dr. Teeth
The man born John Tucker has quietly become one of the most sought-after directors in the world of hip hop music videos. The skilled Houston native realized when he was a music major at Texas Southern University that he... Read More
Big Boy
Big Boy's 5-10 a.m. weekday show, "Big Boy's Neighborhood," has pushed 106 FM into the stratosphere, giving station KPWR some of the most enviable ratings in urban radio. In 2010, Big Boy's show was No. 6... Read More
Ice Cube
Ice Cube's reputation as a hip hop renaissance man continued well into 2011, without he rapper/actor embarking on a dizzyingly varied array of projects. Having released his latest album, I Am the West in late 2010... Read More
Pete Rock
Legendary superproducer Pete Rock came into 2011 with a bold announcement. The acclaimed beatsmith assured fans that he would be releasing a whopping five albums before year's end. While producing tracks for other... Read More
Bruno Mars
After penning one of the biggest summer hits in recent years, B.o.B.'s "Nothing On You," Bruno Mars wrote the monster breakup anthem of late 2010, Cee-Lo Green's smash "Forget You." And Mars wasn't through--with... Read More
Harvey Levine
How did we exist for so long without TMZ? The gossip brand is one of the most cited entertainment news sources in the business. Since launching in 2005, the website and TV show have grown to become the most cutting-edge... Read More
DJ Kay Slay
DJ Kay Slay remains one of the most respected DJs in hip hop. In 2011, his interview show has had explosive features with a unique and eclectic array of emcees, ranging from newcomers like Mac Miller and Jon Conner to... Read More
Magic Johnson
Early in 2011, Magic Johnson Enterprises and investor Ron Burkle's Yucaipa Companies announced a strategic investment in Vibe Holdings LLC. Johnson himself was named Chairman of the company, which also... Read More
Ludacris
Ludacris is one of the hardest working men in hip hop. While the Atlanta rapper is prepping his forthcoming album Ludaversal for a late 2011 release, he's kept busy throughout the year with a myriad of business... Read More
