Duke was a short-lived men's magazine formed by ex-employees of the Johnson Publishing Company. It is notable as an early attempt at an upscale adult periodical for African-American audiences.It was primarily a black and white publication, although the cover and centerfold were color printed. Like many of its contemporaries, the magazine was heavily inspired by the runaway success of Playboy magazine, although it featured no outright nudity and remained very tame all around. It was based in Chicago, both Playboy's hometown and a hub for African-American intellectuals of that era.