As the lackluster economic times rage on in America, another staple institution finds itself shutting its doors for good. For a year that has already seen several print publications expire, including the Chicago Sun Times and KING Magazine, the Quincy Jones start-up, VIBE, will also add its name to the list only days before what would have been the magazine’s sixteenth anniversary.

Throughout the 1990’s, the publication became a staple in urban journalism detailing the careers of Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher and thousands of others. Chief Content Editor, Danyel Smith, through a statement to AllHipHop.com, recalled receiving the news while working on a tribute issue to the late-Michael Jackson.

“It’s a tragic week in overall, but as the doors of VIBE Media Group close, on the eve of the magazine’s sixteenth anniversary, it’s a sad day for music, for hip hop in particular, and for the millions of readers and users who have loved and who continue to love the VIBE brand. We thank you, we have served you with joy, pride and excellence, and we will miss you.”

Karen Civil, who received her first interview with the publication in August 2008, reflected on the news of its cancelation.

“I was shocked and upset to learn about VIBE’s closing. They were the first magazine to interview me, which was featured in their ‘Rap Beef 2.0′ piece, and for that I will be forever grateful to the staff over there,” said Civil.

Before shutting its doors, however, the magazine managed to spawn an off shoot publication entitled, The MOST!, which saw its first issue hit newsstands two weeks ago. Headed by the aforementioned Danyel Smith, the magazine looks to provide in-depth coverage of celebrity lifestyles.

The final issue, seen above, will allegedly not be available on newsstands.

UPDATE: YN reports the issue WILL be sold on newsstands.

**Kudos to RR for the pic.**