Hailing from way down in the bayou, the Hot Boys have stormed the charts with their second album, Guerrilla Warfare. But the success of Master P and his No Limit Records has led many to stereotype southern hip hop as one-dimensional. Although people tend to focus on the ``countriness'' of the Hot Boys, Juvenile, Lil Wayne, B.G. and Turk have proven they all have distinct characteristics. Each of these young men--all but one still in his teens -- is dealing with the rewards and hazards of fame in his own way, enjoying the calm before the storm of adulthood breaks. Although he cites such greats as Nat ``King'' Cole and Thelonious Monk as influences, McKnight's sentimental streak makes it possible for him to appreciate such ``uncool'' singers as Barry Manilow and Steve Perry, of Journey fame. ``There are certain white singers who just translate well to blacks,'' he explains. ``But it always goes back to the songs.''

Since falling out with Louis Farrakhan in 1997 and subsequently leaving the Nation of Islam, hip hop activist Conrad Muhammad has been redefining his role. Now a master's candidate at Harvard, at both the Divinity School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government, he also hosts a radio show on New York's WLIB AM and has founded CHHANGE, which hopes to mold the hip hop nation into a cohesive political force. ``I definitely see a movement that involves people of all colors, different races, and different religions,'' says Muhammad, who wants to succeed Harlem Congressman Charles Rangel when he retires. ``I won't rest,'' he says, ``until we await election returns with as much anticipation as we await a new rap album.'' Plus: Who are the leaders of the new school? VIBE profiles five of the most active political forces of the next generation.

Gypsy fashions as captured in Milan, Italy; the Southern sartorial styles portrayed by Goodie MOb and Youngbloodz; flight suits take off; Tracie Spencer is the VIBE face.