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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
The Rest of Dru Hill Did Not Want To Record "Beauty" When Nokio First Presented It To Them
Before becoming one of Dru Hill’s most memorable tracks , “Beauty” almost never saw the light of day. When group leader Nokio first presented the song to his bandmates, the rest of the members were hesitant to record it , unsure if it fit their signature sound or if fans would connect with it. At the time, Dru Hill was known for their smooth harmonies, R&B grooves, and emotionally charged ballads , but “Beauty” was different—it had a unique vibe that blended their vocal str
Nolazine
Jan 6
Eve Was Never Credited Or Awarded For The Roots' Grammy-Winning Hit, "You Got Me"
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 soulf
Nolazine
Jan 6
Remembering Aaliyah Who Tragically Died At Age 22 In A Plane Crash
The music world lost a true icon far too soon when Aaliyah Dana Haughton , known simply as Aaliyah , tragically passed away at the age of 22 in a plane crash on August 25, 2001 . The young singer, actress, and model had already left an indelible mark on R&B, hip-hop, and pop music, and her sudden death stunned fans across the globe. Aaliyah’s rise to stardom was meteoric. She debuted as a teenager, captivating audiences with her smooth vocals, effortless style, and unparalle
Nolazine
Jan 6
Before You Walk Out My Life Was Written For Toni Braxton But Clive Davis Demanded That It Goes To Singer Monica
One of the biggest R&B hits of the late ’90s almost went to a completely different singer. “Before You Walk Out My Life” , the chart-topping single that cemented Monica ’s place in R&B history, was initially written for Toni Braxton . However, music industry heavyweight Clive Davis had other plans. According to the songwriter SoulShock , Clive personally intervened and insisted the song be recorded by Monica instead. Davis’s message was blunt and unforgettable: "You will rec
Nolazine
Jan 6
Did You Know? Faith Evans’ “I Love You” Was Was Co-Written By Jennifer Lopez And Meant For HerAlbum
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 producer
Nolazine
Jan 6
Remembering Irish Grinstead Who Died At Age 43 After A Long Battle With Liver Disease
Irish Grinstead, best known as one-third of the iconic R&B group 702, is remembered not only for her powerful voice but for the impact she left on ’90s and early 2000s R&B. Irish passed away at the age of 43 after a long and private battle with liver disease, a heartbreaking loss that resonated deeply with fans who grew up on the group’s music. Rising to fame as part of 702 alongside her twin sister Orish “Orish Grinstead” and bandmate Kameelah Williams, Irish helped define a
Nolazine
Jan 6
Mannie Fresh Once Feared His Career Was Over After Leaving Cash Money — Until Jeezy’s “And Then What” Dropped
For years, Mannie Fresh was synonymous with Cash Money Records . His unmistakable production style helped define Southern hip-hop and played a massive role in the rise of artists like Juvenile, Lil Wayne, B.G., and Turk . From booming 808s to catchy, minimalist melodies, Mannie’s sound was the backbone of Cash Money’s golden era. So when he parted ways with the label, many wondered what was next — including Mannie himself. Behind the scenes, the legendary producer admitted h
Nolazine
Jan 6
Remembering Natina Reed of Blaque Who Died At Age 31 After Being Struck By A Car - Just 2 Days Shy of Her 32nd Birthday
Natina Reed, a founding member of the R&B girl group Blaque , left behind a legacy of talent, promise, and unfulfilled potential when her life was tragically taken at just 31 years old , only two days before her 32nd birthday . Her sudden passing shocked fans, friends, and the music industry, serving as a painful reminder of how quickly life can change. Born October 26, 1980 , in New York City, Natina Reed was drawn to music and performance at an early age. She later moved to
Nolazine
Jan 6
Actor Laurence Fishburne Really Slapped Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway on Set for What’s Love Got to Do With It
The 1993 biopic What’s Love Got to Do With It remains one of the most powerful and emotionally intense music films ever made, telling the harrowing yet triumphant story of Tina Turner’s life and career. Behind the unforgettable performances, however, are lesser-known moments from the set that continue to spark conversation decades later—one of them involving Laurence Fishburne and Vanessa Bell Calloway . During the filming of a particularly intense scene, Laurence Fishburne,
Nolazine
Jan 6
The New Orleans Rapper Who Started Hitting Hustles When He Was Just Lil: Who Is Fila Phil?
New Orleans hip-hop has always had its own heartbeat—raw, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in the realities of the city. Long before bounce music became a global movement, one artist was already documenting street life with unfiltered honesty and unmistakable local flavor. That artist was Fila Phil . Born Philip Anthony , Fila Phil is widely regarded as a pioneer of New Orleans hip-hop , particularly within the lane known as “gangsta bounce.” Coming out of the 9th Ward , his musi
Nolazine
Jan 6
Did You Know Christopher Williams Didn’t Collect a Check for “Dreamin’” Until 3 Years Ago?
For decades, Christopher Williams’ smooth voice has been synonymous with classic late ’80s and early ’90s R&B, and few songs capture that era quite like his breakout hit “Dreamin’.” Released in 1989, the record became a staple on radio, in clubs, and on R&B playlists, helping solidify Williams as one of the standout voices of his generation. But behind the success of the song lies a surprising and lesser-known truth: Christopher Williams didn’t actually collect a check for “
Nolazine
Jan 6
R&B Singer Case Almost Passed on His Biggest Hit Because It “Felt Too Pop”
Before it became one of the most emotional and recognizable R&B songs of the late 1990s, “Missing You” wasn’t even a record Case believed in. In fact, the R&B singer initially didn’t like the song at all , feeling that it leaned too far into pop territory and away from the soulful sound he was known for. At the time, Case was building his reputation as a heartfelt R&B vocalist with raw emotion and street-rooted soul. When “Missing You” was presented to him, he reportedly fel
Nolazine
Jan 6
Who Really Won the Rap Battle Between Nas and Jay-Z?
Few rivalries in hip-hop history have sparked as much debate, passion, and lyrical analysis as the legendary feud between Nas and Jay-Z. Emerging from New York City in the late 1990s and early 2000s, this clash wasn’t just about ego—it was about legacy, authenticity, and who truly held the crown as the greatest rapper alive. Decades later, fans still argue one question: who really won the rap battle between Nas and Jay-Z? How the Beef Began The tension reportedly started quie
Nolazine
Jan 4
Michelle Williams’ Iconic Recovery: The 106 & Park Slip That Showed True Professionalism
Live television leaves no room for mistakes—but sometimes, it’s how an artist recovers that defines the moment. In 2004, Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams experienced one of the most talked-about on-stage mishaps in pop culture history during a performance on BET’s 106 & Park. What could have been a career-derailing moment instead became a lasting example of poise, resilience, and professionalism under pressure. As Destiny’s Child took the stage to perform their hit si
Nolazine
Jan 4
How Cam’ron Made Wearing Pink Cool in Hip-Hop Culture
Before Cam’ron, pink wasn’t exactly welcomed in hip-hop. For years, the color was often stereotyped, avoided, or outright mocked in a culture that leaned heavily into toughness, street credibility, and hyper-masculine imagery. Then Cam’ron came along—and changed everything. In the early 2000s, at the height of his career and Dipset’s dominance, Cam’ron unapologetically embraced pink. Whether it was pink mink coats, pink bandanas, pink Range Rovers, or full pink outfits, he wo
Nolazine
Jan 4
Why Nelly’s Band-Aid Became One of Hip-Hop’s Most Iconic Symbols
At the height of his rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Nelly stood out instantly—not just for his smooth Midwest flow or crossover appeal, but for the small white Band-Aid he wore on his cheek. At first glance, it looked like a fashion statement. In reality, it carried a much deeper meaning rooted in loyalty, pain, and friendship. Before the fame and chart-topping hits, Nelly wore the Band-Aid to cover an actual injury on his cheek. It wasn’t meant to become a trademark
Nolazine
Jan 4
Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?”: A Hit Born in Just 4 Hours
Aaliyah, the late R&B queen, proved once again why she was a musical force to be reckoned with when she recorded “Are You That Somebody?” for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack— all in just four hours . Faced with the pressure of delivering the lead single for the film, Aaliyah didn’t hesitate. Working with Timbaland , who co-produced the track, she brought her signature smooth vocals and unmatched timing to a song that would go on to become one of the defining hits of her career.
Nolazine
Jan 2
The Notorious B.I.G. Was Supposed to Be in London — Not Los Angeles — When He Was Killed
The tragic death of The Notorious B.I.G. on March 9, 1997, remains one of the most heartbreaking and mysterious moments in hip-hop history. But one detail that often gets overlooked is this: Biggie wasn’t even supposed to be in Los Angeles when he was killed. Originally, Biggie had plans to travel to London shortly after promoting his highly anticipated album Life After Death . The UK had become a strong market for his music, and overseas promotion was part of the rollout s
Nolazine
Jan 2
Did You Know Clive Davis Removed Music Artist C-Murder Verse On Monica's "Street Symphony" Becuase of His Name
Before Street Symphony became one of the standout tracks from Monica’s 1998 album The Boy Is Mine , the song had a very different original vision. In its early stages, C-Murder , the controversial rapper from New Orleans and a key member of No Limit Records, was initially featured on the record. At the time, Monica was pushing a more mature, street-influenced sound, and Street Symphony was meant to reflect the realities of inner-city life. C-Murder’s gritty presence fit the
Nolazine
Jan 2
Otis Redding Died In A Plane Crash After Being Warned Not To Fly Due To Poor Weather Conditions.
Otis Redding is remembered as one of the greatest voices in soul music history, a once-in-a-generation talent whose passion and emotion reshaped R&B forever. But behind the timeless records and unforgettable performances is a tragic ending that shocked the music world and cut his life short far too soon. In December 1967, Otis Redding was riding the momentum of a career that was reaching new heights. Just days after recording what would become his signature song, “(Sittin’ On
Nolazine
Jan 2
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