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After Selling Over 3,000 Copies of His Debut, Darren Ogden Celebrates His Birthday with the Release of His Second Book in Six Months
NEW ORLEANS, LA — June 24, 2026 — Entrepreneur, media executive, and author Darren Ogden Sr. is celebrating more than another year of life—he's celebrating another major milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. On his birthday, June 24, 2026, the Nolazine CEO officially released his second book, 40 Ways To Build Leverage, Business Relationships & Gain Income, just six months after launching his debut bestseller, Speak Like a Media Mogul. Ogden entered 2026 with a clear missi
INTERVIEWS
Bimmy and Bobby Brown: A Bond Between Music and the Streets
#NOLAZINE - In the early '90s, the worlds of music and the streets collided through the friendship of Bimmy, a prominent figure in the Supreme Team, and Bobby Brown, the R&B icon known for his time with New Edition and a solo career that took him to the top of the charts. Their bond was a blend of street loyalty and mutual respect, bridging two powerful cultures: the music industry and the hustle of the streets. In 1993, Bimmy found himself behind bars on a drug charge. It wa
5 days ago
He Borrowed $15,000 and Built a $3 Billion Television Empire: How Robert Johnson Became America’s First Black Billionaire
#NOLAZINE - Robert L. Johnson did not begin his journey with billions of dollars, a major television studio or the support of an established media empire. He started with an idea, a $15,000 loan and a belief that Black audiences deserved a television network created specifically for them. Approximately 21 years later, that vision became a multibillion-dollar company and made Johnson America’s first Black billionaire. Born in Hickory, Mississippi, in 1946, Johnson grew up in a
5 days ago
Anthony Carollo: The Man Federal Authorities Identified as the Last Boss of the New Orleans Mafia
#NOLAZINE - For decades, Anthony Carollo was widely identified by federal authorities and organized-crime investigators as the final boss of the historic New Orleans crime family, an organization that once held significant influence throughout the Gulf Coast and maintained connections with some of the most powerful Mafia families in the United States. Born in 1923, Carollo was part of one of the most well-known Mafia bloodlines in Louisiana. His father, Silvestro “Silver Doll
5 days ago
Half On A Baby" Was Written For Bobby Brown, But He Passed On It, So R. Kelly Kept It For Himself
#NOLAZINE - “Half on a Baby” became one of the most recognizable R&B records of the late 1990s, but the song reportedly was not written with R. Kelly in mind. According to the story behind the record, it was originally created for Bobby Brown, who ultimately passed on it. The song was reportedly intended for Brown’s fourth studio album, Forever. Released in 1997, the project marked an important moment in his career because Brown took greater creative control over his music. B
5 days ago
Usher’s "That’s What It’s Made For" Was Originally Intended for Janet Jackson
#NOLAZINE - Usher’s Confessions is widely regarded as one of the greatest R&B albums ever recorded. Released in 2004, the project delivered unforgettable hits such as “Yeah!,” “Burn,” “Confessions Part II” and “My Boo.” However, one of the album’s most memorable deep cuts nearly belonged to another R&B icon. According to Grammy Award-winning musician and producer Bobby Ross Avila, “That’s What It’s Made For” was originally intended for Janet Jackson. The revelation adds an in
5 days ago
When Mase Signed To Bad Boy Records In 1996, He Received A One-Time Payment of 20,000 For His Publishing Rights
#NOLAZINE - When Mase signed with Bad Boy Records in 1996, he received a one-time payment of $20,000 in exchange for his publishing rights—a deal that would later spark a long-standing dispute between him and Diddy. In 2020, Mase publicly called out Diddy, revealing that he had offered $2 million to buy back his publishing rights. However, Diddy refused, stating that Mase would have to match the offer from a white investor in order to regain ownership. After years of frustrat
5 days ago
Before Singer Tina Turner Passed Her Husband Erwin Bach Donated His Kidney to Save Her Life
#NOLAZINE - The legendary Tina Turner found not only love but also unwavering devotion in her longtime partner and husband, Erwin Bach. The couple, who were together for nearly 40 years, shared a bond built on love, sacrifice, and deep admiration for one another. In 2017, Bach made the ultimate gesture of love by donating one of his kidneys to save Tina’s life. The singer had been battling kidney disease, and without a transplant, her condition was dire. Recalling the moment,
5 days ago
Jada Pinkett Donated $100,000 Towards 2Pac's $3-Million Dollar Bail To Help Him Get Releases From Jail in 1995
#NOLAZINE - Jada Pinkett and Tupac Shakur shared a deep and well-documented friendship, one that remained significant even as their lives took different paths. In 1995, when 2Pac was serving time at Clinton Correctional Facility, Jada stepped up in a major way—donating $100,000 towards his $3 million bail, which ultimately helped secure his release. At the time, 2Pac was facing legal troubles and had been sentenced to prison, but Suge Knight and Death Row Records orchestrated
5 days ago
How Brendan Fraser Went From Earning $45 Million to Going Broke
#NOLAZINE - At one point, Brendan Fraser was one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. With blockbuster hits, leading-man roles, and a string of box office successes, he reportedly earned tens of millions at the height of his career — with estimates placing his earnings around $45 million during his peak years. So how did one of the biggest stars of the late ’90s and early 2000s face serious financial hardship by 2013? Fraser became a household name through films like The Mummy
5 days ago
What Led to Master P and Pimp C’s Beef That Ended With Pimp C Getting Assaulted?
#NOLAZINE - Hip-hop in the ’90s and early 2000s was full of collaborations, alliances, and legendary moments—but it was also a time when misunderstandings and street politics could turn small issues into major conflicts. One of the most talked-about tensions from that era was the beef between Master P and Pimp C, a situation that eventually led to Pimp C being assaulted during a heated period between No Limit Records and UGK. While both men are now remembered as Southern rap
7 days ago
Tammi Terrell Was Happily Engaged To Music Artist David Ruffin When She Found Out He Was Already Married With Kids
#NOLAZINE - In the golden era of Motown, few voices shined as brightly and soulfully as Tammi Terrell’s. Known for her timeless duets with Marvin Gaye, Tammi embodied charm, talent, and an effervescent spirit that captivated audiences across the country. But behind the scenes, her personal life was riddled with emotional pain—much of it stemming from a tragic love story that rocked her world. In 1966, Tammi Terrell began a whirlwind romance with David Ruffin, the electrifying
7 days ago
The Real Reason Bernie Mac Refused to Do Another Kings of Comedy: The Steve Harvey Betrayal
#NOLAZINE - The world remembers Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley as the legendary quartet behind The Original Kings of Comedy—a groundbreaking stand-up tour and film that changed comedy forever. But behind the laughter and sold-out arenas was a lesser-known tension that left a permanent fracture between two of its biggest stars. One of the most shocking stories to surface over the years involves what happened when Bernie Mac landed his major
7 days ago
Tom Anderson Sold His Business My Space For $580 Million, Retired and Focused On Photography
#NOLAZINE - Tom Anderson, famously known as “Myspace Tom,” was once the default first friend for millions of users on the pioneering social media platform Myspace. As the co-founder of Myspace, Anderson was instrumental in shaping the early days of social networking. In 2005, he made headlines when he sold the platform to News Corp for a staggering $580 million. By 2009, Anderson had stepped away from the tech industry, officially retiring. But Anderson's story didn’t end wit
7 days ago
Did You Know? The Role of O-Dog in Movie Menace II Society Was Originally Written for Eazy-E
#NOLAZINE - The 1993 cult classic Menace II Society is remembered for its raw depiction of inner-city life, gritty realism, and unforgettable performances. One of the most iconic characters from the film was O-Dog, portrayed by Larenz Tate. His ruthless, unpredictable energy made the role legendary—but what many fans don’t know is that the part was originally written for a very different figure in hip-hop history: Eazy-E. Yes, before Larenz Tate made O-Dog a household name, t
7 days ago
Lloyd Avery II: Tragic Tale From Hollywood Stardom to Gang Member
#NOLAZINE - Born in 1969 in the vibrant and unforgiving city of Los Angeles, Lloyd Avery II appeared destined for stardom. His breakout role in John Singleton’s seminal 1991 film Boyz n the Hood catapulted him into the national spotlight. Portraying a menacing gang member in a brutally honest depiction of South Central LA, Avery’s performance was chilling, authentic, and unforgettable. For many, it was clear: a star had arrived. But as quickly as he rose, Avery’s life began t
7 days ago
Monica Recorded “For You I Will” While Battling Walking Pneumonia
#NOLAZINE - Monica, one of R&B’s most enduring voices, showed true professionalism and dedication when she recorded the heartfelt ballad “For You I Will” while battling walking pneumonia. The song, which became one of her signature hits, was part of the Space Jam soundtrack and highlighted not only her vocal talent but also her determination to deliver music at the highest level, no matter the circumstances. Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia that can still leave
7 days ago
DMX Went Directly at Irv Gotti After Learning He Didn't Like His Energy on "What's My Name"
#NOLAZINE - Few artists in hip-hop history possessed the raw energy, passion, and intensity that DMX brought to every record he touched. Whether he was barking on a track, delivering emotional lyrics, or commanding a stage, DMX had a presence that could not be ignored. That's why many fans were surprised to hear stories about legendary music executive and producer Irv Gotti initially having concerns about X's energy on one of his biggest records, "What's My Name?" The song, r
7 days ago
Usher Was On The Verge of Being Dropped By Laface Records Before The "My Way" Album
#NOLAZINE - Before Usher became one of the most successful R&B artists of all time, his career was hanging by a thread. In the mid-1990s, long before sold-out arenas and diamond plaques, Usher was on the verge of being dropped by LaFace Records — a reality few fans would ever imagine today. Usher released his self-titled debut album in 1994 at just 15 years old. Despite strong vocals and industry support, the album failed to make a major impact commercially. At the time, LaFa
7 days ago
Faith Evans’ “I Love You” Was Was Co-Written By Jennifer Lopez And Meant For HerAlbum
#NOLAZINE - Faith Evans has always been celebrated for her soulful delivery and heartfelt songwriting, but one of her most emotional records carries a surprising backstory. Her 2001 song “I Love You” was actually co-written by Jennifer Lopez and was originally intended for Lopez’s sophomore album, J.LO. At the time, Jennifer Lopez was transitioning from movie star to full-fledged pop and R&B powerhouse. As she worked on J.LO, she collaborated with a wide range of writers and
Jul 26
Eve Was Never Credited Or Awarded For The Roots' Grammy-Winning Hit, "You Got Me"
#NOLAZINE - One of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of the late 1990s, “You Got Me” by The Roots, took home a Grammy Award, yet not everyone who contributed to the song received recognition. Among those overlooked was Eve, the Newark-born rapper who helped make the hit unforgettable with her distinctive flow and commanding presence on the track. Released in 1999, “You Got Me” featured The Roots, Eve, and Erykah Badu on vocals, blending live instrumentation, sharp lyricism, and
Jul 26
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