Keyshia Cole VIBE MARCH 2009

Keyshia Cole VIBE MARCH 2009

VIBE magazine, the definitive voice of urban culture, will feature Multi-Platinum, Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter Keyshia Cole on their March 2009 cover, which is also their Style issue. Each page of this issue embodies style as VIBE's internationally renowned Fashion Director Memsor Kamaraké guides readers through a fashion journey featuring Presidential élan, shoes, suits, drinks, hotels, clothes, music, and the 31 most stylish celebrities. This special two-cover issue -- one featuring the star solo, and the other showcasing Keyshia with her biological mother, Frankie Lons for their first cover together -- are both available at newsstands nationwide on February 17th.

VIBE Editor-in-Chief Danyel Smith interviews Keyshia in Los Angeles where they discuss the changes in Keyshia's life -- from her style and attitude to her new teeth -- and why she is working on becoming a better person. In an insightful and candid interview, Keyshia explains her relationship with both her biological and adoptive mothers. Keyshia also reflects on how her personal style has evolved over the course of her career and why she is "getting turned off by the names, the print [logos] and all that" comes with designer fashion. She says, "I got money now. I don't have to prove to anybody that I have money by wearing a handbag."

In beautiful photos taken by photographer Kenneth Cappello, both mother and daughter were given makeovers by VIBE's glam squad, with Frankie Lons receiving a dramatic transformation that will shock and delight readers. In her interview with VIBE's Shirea L. Carroll, Frankie discusses her relationship with her children and her refusal to change for anyone. Frankie also pontificates on fashion and unapologetically states, "I love Payless, the ghetto mall, and the flea market. Payless got the same thing as Louis Vuitton, except Louis Vuitton is a bigger name..."

Beginning February 9th Keyshia Cole fans can enter themselves into the "Make Me Over Keyshia Cole Sweepstakes" presented exclusively for VIBE readers. Participants can register themselves by logging onto VIBE.com to submit a line about how Keyshia has encouraged them to make their lives over. The fan with the winning submission will receive a bundle of gifts which includes a RIAA certified plaque as Keyshia's biggest fan, a pampering set and personal call from the songstress among other prizes. Deadline for submission is March 9th.

VIBE's editorial team also compiles "31 Flavors," (Keyshia lands the No. 16 spot) a colorful breakdown of which 31 entertainers -- all 31 years old and under -- have the most flavor and flair. Some of the chosen, which include Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, Justin Timberlake, Kim Kardashian, Estelle, Pittsburgh Steelers Star Troy Polamalu and Lil Wayne, among others, may surprise some readers.

In "Sasha Fierce Takes J-Setting Mainstream," VIBE enlists author Terrance Dean to dissect the underground phenomenon called J-Setting - a dance style that was largely popular in the black gay community in the South until pop diva Beyoncé brought it global attention with her infectious "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" video. Likening it to Madonna bringing voguing to the masses, Dean breaks down the culture of J-Setting and how it has permeated the mainstream. J-Setting footage is also available on VIBE.com.

With an entire issue dedicated to celebrating fashion and style, VIBE also introduces the next black male models to reign the runways, each selected by the first black male supermodel, Tyson Beckford in "Black Men Rule." VIBE remembers the late, great artist Stephen Sprouse's revival with Louis Vuitton's limited-edition tribute collection in "Stephen Sprouse's Wild Style." The issue also includes an in-depth report of the tragic and untimely death of celebrity stylist, Sadia A. Morrison in "Fresh To Death." A package solely dedicated to the "Rebirth of Fresh" touches on "The Statement Shoe," "The Hotel," "The Spring Suit" and "The President's Style," so fresh and modern today.

VIBE magazine's March 2009 issue will be available on newsstands nationwide on February 17th. For more information and soon-to-be-released, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the cover shoot with Keyshia Cole, visit VIBE.com.