The three cuties on the official issue of the Summer 2014 Vibe Magazine cover are the acclaimed "Future of R&B." August Alsina, Ed Sheeran, and Mack Wilds were all picked to be featured in Vibe and this issue gives a sneak peek to what each of these guys are bringing to the table.
There were two different covers of the magazine, the other can be seen here, which showcases the trio bringing together two sides of R&B: hard-hitting street sounds and classic baby-making soul. In an exclusive sneak peek, fans are given a chance to see a little bit of each guy's personality and the fun that went into the photo shoot. The shoot took place in Los Angeles and fans were invited out to take pictures and some were even chosen to be models for a few shots.
For those of you who don't know anything about the three young men, each artist has a distinct sound and personality that shines in their music.
Ed Sheeran is a United Kingdom native whose EP, No. 5 Collaborations Project, caught the attention of Jamie Foxx and Elton John. He just released his second studio album, x (read as "multiply") and will be going on tour later this year. When talking about his music Ed says:
“Just because I’m a man with an acoustic guitar doesn’t mean I have to play love songs. I want to straddle all worlds at once. I want to do my acoustic stuff, write for the biggest pop acts in the world, and also work with all the rappers I like, underground or not.”He has written songs for CeeLo Green, Usher, Hilary Duff, Taylor Swift and One Direction. His single 'Sing' (prod. by Pharrell), is not only one of my summer favorites, but peaked at Number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Now on to Mack Wilds. I actually didn't know that The Wire and 90210 star had an album out! After listening to his single 'Henny (Remix)' featuring French Montana, Busta Rhymes, and Mobb Deep, I'm really excited to hear more from the Salaam Remi produced album. The young singer even reflected in the issue how hard it was to be taken seriously:
“Where am I gonna survive in a world of 2 Chainz and Drake? Frank, Miguel and all of these guys. I remember coming across them and being like, ‘Yo, bro, I got some music coming up.’ And they’re like, ‘Okay, cool, how’s that movie going?’”At the past Grammy's, Mack received his first nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album for New York: A Love Story, which released in Sept. 2013. He will also be in attendance at he 2014 BET Awards this Sunday and will begin touring in mid-July.
August Alsina on the other hand is a fast rising star in the R&B world and has been nominated for 4 BET Awards. He is also set to perform at the show before going on tour. In this issue the 'Ghetto' singer reflects on his past and how his reckless lifestyle influenced the songs we love today. His album Testimony is in stores and on iTunes now.
The Summer 2014 issue releases on July 22, and if you're interested in learning more about these "soul brothers," be sure to check out their official websites linked below.
What do you think about the new cover? Upset that your favorite artists wasn't picked as the "future" of R&B? Let us know in the comment section what you really think!
August Alsina Official Website
Ed Sheeran Official Website
Mack Wilds Official Website
CONVERSATION