Rolling Stone has merged with VIBE, Billboard reports. According to Rolling Stone CEO Julian Holguin, the merger will allow the outlet to strengthen its content in Hip-Hop and R&B. Rolling Stone will make investments in VIBE’s “video, podcasts, long-form journalism, social media, and experiential opportunities,” Holguin told the outlet. As part of the merger, Vibe will also launch a new interview series featuring conversations with notable names in music, sports, and fashion . “We are thrilled to announce that VIBE is joining forces with Rolling Stone. This historic team-up will enable Rolling Stone to level up the publication’s Hip-Hop and R&B coverage, allowing RS to dive deeper into the culture … VIBE will continue to power cultural conversations and reestablish itself as a driving force for commentary and reporting. Our goal is to continue the mission VIBE was founded on while leveraging Rolling Stone to amplify its presence across all platforms,” Holguin said, according to...

The cannabis industry continues to thrive! According to PR Newswire, the cannabis market ended 2020 with more than $600 million in deals. The success is expected to continue with an anticipated backlog of $2 billion in deals as 2021 continues. Factors like COVID-19 and election results that opened up five new states to legalize cannabis use and possible federal regulatory reform continue to boost prospects. Per the Cannabis Industry Journal, analysts predict that the U.S. cannabis market is positioned to double by 2025. “Growth is expected to be led by multi-state operators who have achieved scale, cleaned up their balance sheets, and stockpiled dry powder for roll-up acquisitions,” reads the article on the website. “Cannabis companies raised nearly $134 million in the two weeks before Election Day, a 185% increase over the same period last year. Most of the money flowed to multistate operators. In addition, the biggest stocks by market capitalization saw a roughly 20% bump ahead of...