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The Basketball Journey of Lamar Peters: From The Big Easy to Underground Basketball Stardom
Born and raised in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana , Lamar Peters’ basketball journey has been anything but easy. From the jump, Lamar was known around the city as a bucket — a natural scorer with confidence, flair, and a deep love for the game. But while talent was never in question, the road to NBA consideration tested him at every turn. Coming up in New Orleans, Lamar was always a talked-about hooper. His stock truly began to rise in high school when he teamed up wi
INTERVIEWS
Joe Jackson Cried When His Sons Fired Him As Their Manager in 1983. Michael Was The First To Fire His Father In 1979
The Jackson family’s story is one of incredible success, but behind the fame and fortune were also struggles, conflicts, and painful decisions. One of the most emotional chapters came in 1983 , when Joe Jackson—the father who had managed his children’s careers since the beginning—was officially fired as their manager. Michael Jackson, the most successful of Joe’s children, was also the first to part ways with his father’s management. When Michael turned 21 in 1979 , he gained
Nolazine
Jan 14
Did You Know? When Eminem Dissed Michael Jackson, the King of Pop Got the Last Laugh
Back in 2005 , the world watched one of the most unexpected celebrity feuds unfold — between Eminem , the self-proclaimed “Rap God,” and Michael Jackson , the undisputed “King of Pop.” Eminem had released a controversial music video for his song “Just Lose It,” in which he mocked Jackson’s plastic surgery, legal troubles, and public image. The video sparked outrage from MJ’s fans and even caused several TV networks to pull it from rotation. While many expected Michael Ja
Nolazine
Jan 14
Ne-Yo’s “One in a Million” Was Originally Written for Jamie Foxx
Ne-Yo, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, is widely known for his ability to craft smooth, heartfelt R&B hits. One of his standout songs, “One in a Million,” might have sounded completely different if it had been recorded by someone else — because it was originally written for actor and singer Jamie Foxx. Before Ne-Yo became a household name as a performer, he made his mark behind the scenes, writing songs for some of the biggest stars in R&B and pop. “One in a Million”
Nolazine
Jan 12
Remembering Barry White Who Died At Age 58 From Kidney Failure
The world mourned the loss of one of soul music’s most iconic voices when Barry White passed away on July 4, 2003, at the age of 58 from kidney failure. Known for his deep, velvety baritone and romantic ballads, White left an indelible mark on R&B, soul, and pop music, earning a place as one of the greatest love song singers of all time. Born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12, 1944, in Galveston, Texas, White grew up in Los Angeles, where he began singing and playing music
Nolazine
Jan 12
Chanté Moore Wrote "Bitter" About Kadeem Hardison After They Broke Up Because He Didn't Want To Be Married
Chanté Moore, the soulful R&B singer known for her smooth vocals and emotional storytelling, drew from personal heartbreak when she wrote her song “Bitter.” The track was inspired by her real-life relationship with actor Kadeem Hardison, the beloved star of A Different World, after their breakup over a fundamental disagreement — Hardison didn’t want to get married. Moore and Hardison’s relationship was deeply meaningful, but their visions for the future ultimately clashed.
Nolazine
Jan 12
Monica Recorded “For You I Will” While Battling Walking Pneumonia
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 a person
Nolazine
Jan 12
Remembering Minnie Riperton Who Died At Age 31 From Breast Cancer
The music world lost a rare and extraordinary talent on July 12, 1979, when Minnie Riperton passed away at the age of 31 from breast cancer. Though her life was tragically short, Riperton’s influence on soul, R&B, and pop music continues to resonate, largely due to her remarkable vocal ability and the timeless beauty of her recordings. Born Minnie Julia Riperton on November 8, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, she grew up surrounded by music. Her natural talent and unique five-octa
Nolazine
Jan 12
Usher Was On The Verge of Being Dropped By Laface Records Before The "My Way" Album
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, LaFace Records,
Nolazine
Jan 12
Babyface Drew Inspiration From Aaliyah When Writing “Sittin’ Up In My Room” for Brandy
One of the most beloved R&B records of the 1990s, Brandy’s “Sittin’ Up In My Room,” carries a deeper creative connection than many fans realize. According to legendary songwriter and producer Babyface, the song was inspired by none other than Aaliyah — an artist whose youthful spirit and emotional subtlety helped shape the sound of an era. Released in 1995 as part of the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, “Sittin’ Up In My Room” became a defining moment in Brandy’s career. The s
Nolazine
Jan 12
Remembering Isaac Hayes: The Soul Pioneer Who Changed Music Forever
The world lost a musical giant on August 10, 2008, when Isaac Hayes passed away at the age of 65 after suffering a stroke. A trailblazer in soul, funk, and cinematic music, Hayes left behind a legacy that reshaped how Black artists were seen, heard, and respected in the entertainment industry. Born on August 20, 1942, in Covington, Tennessee, and raised in Memphis, Isaac Hayes rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in American music. As a so
Nolazine
Jan 12
Tupac Had a Married Mariah Carey Ready to Risk It All After a Simple “Hey” at the American Music Awards
One of the most talked-about “what if” moments in music history involves two of the biggest icons of the 1990s: Tupac Shakur and Mariah Carey. According to Mariah herself, a brief encounter at the American Music Awards was enough to leave her questioning everything — even while she was married. At the time, Mariah Carey was married to Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola, a relationship she has since described as controlling and emotionally suffocating. Publicly, she was presen
Nolazine
Jan 12
In 2003, Choppa's "Choppa Style" Took Over the World After Signing to Master P's No Limit
In 2003, New Orleans rapper Choppa became a household name when his infectious hit “Choppa Style” had the world singing, dancing, and bouncing along. The high-energy record exploded out of the South and quickly became a cultural moment, fueled by its catchy hook, raw street energy, and unmistakable New Orleans flavor. After signing to Master P’s legendary No Limit Records, Choppa found himself at the center of one of the most memorable breakout moments in early 2000s hip-hop
Nolazine
Jan 12
Remembering Rick James Who Died At Age 56 From Heart Failure
The music world lost a true original on August 6, 2004, when Rick James passed away at the age of 56 from heart failure. Known for his electrifying stage presence, unapologetic personality, and genre-defining sound, Rick James was more than just a musician — he was the embodiment of funk, excess, and raw creativity. Born James Ambrose Johnson Jr. on February 1, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, Rick James lived a life as bold as his music. Before finding fame, he served in the U.S.
Nolazine
Jan 12
Early in Mariah Carey’s Career, Music Executive Tommy Mottola Controlled Her Image — Even Dictating Her Hair
Early in Mariah Carey’s career, long before she became known for her fearless self-expression and genre-blending sound, her image was tightly controlled — including something as personal as her hair. During her marriage to Sony Music executive Tommy Mottola, Mariah has since revealed that she was discouraged from wearing her hair straight because he claimed it looked “too urban.” At the time, Mariah Carey was being introduced to the world as a polished, pop-friendly vocalist
Nolazine
Jan 12
TLC Was the Biggest Girl Group in the World — Yet They Were So Broke They Couldn’t Afford to File for Bankruptcy In The 90's
By the mid-1990s, TLC wasn’t just successful — they were unstoppable. Comprised of T-Boz, Chilli, and the late Left Eye, TLC had become the biggest girl group in the world by 1995, dominating radio, television, and pop culture. With chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and massive record sales, it looked like the trio was living the ultimate music industry dream. But behind the scenes, the reality was shockingly different. In 1994, TLC released CrazySexyCool , an album that wo
Nolazine
Jan 12
Whitney Houston’s 1985 Hit “How Will I Know” Was Originally Intended for Janet Jackson
Whitney Houston’s 1985 smash hit “How Will I Know” is one of the most recognizable pop records of the 1980s, helping cement her status as a global superstar. However, what many fans may not know is that the song was originally written with another music icon in mind: Janet Jackson. “How Will I Know” was penned by hitmakers George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, members of the band Boy Meets Girl. At the time, the upbeat, synth-driven track was crafted for Janet Jackson, who was
Nolazine
Jan 12
Remembering Singer Aretha Franklin Who Died At Age 76 From Pancreatic Cancer
The world lost a true musical icon on August 16, 2018, when Aretha Franklin passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Known globally as the “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin’s voice, influence, and legacy remain unmatched, continuing to inspire generations of artists and music lovers years after her passing. Born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Aretha Franklin was immersed in music from an early age. The
Nolazine
Jan 12
Did You Know Keith Sweat Has Never Won a BET or Grammy Award?
Keith Sweat is a name synonymous with the golden era of R&B—a singer, songwriter, and producer whose influence on slow jams and urban music is undeniable. From his silky vocals to his heartfelt lyrics, Sweat helped shape the sound of contemporary R&B in the late 1980s and 1990s. Yet despite his immense impact and commercial success, there’s one surprising fact about his career: Keith Sweat has never won a BET Award or a Grammy Award. Sweat burst onto the music scene in 1987 w
Nolazine
Jan 12
While Tupac Was in Prison, Jim Carrey Sent Him Funny Letters to Lift His Spirits
Few friendships in pop culture history are as unexpected—and as human—as the connection between Tupac Shakur and Jim Carrey. At the height of Tupac’s fame and influence, during one of the most difficult chapters of his life, an unlikely source of support stepped in to brighten his days. While Tupac was serving time in prison in the mid-1990s , Jim Carrey, then rising fast as one of Hollywood’s biggest comedy stars, took it upon himself to send Tupac handwritten letters filled
Nolazine
Jan 12
Why Diddy Got Wu-Tang Clan Blacklisted From NY’s Biggest Radio Station?
In one of hip-hop’s most notorious industry clashes, Diddy reportedly got the Wu-Tang Clan blacklisted from New York’s biggest radio station —and it all started with an epic on-air fallout. The drama began when Ghostface Killah openly cursed Diddy out , publicly expressing his anger over an unresolved dispute. While the exact details of the beef remain partly behind-the-scenes, the tension between the Bad Boy mogul and the Staten Island collective quickly escalated. Sources s
Nolazine
Jan 6
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