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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
En Vogue's Song "Hold On" Was Actually Two Different Songs Merged At The Last Minute
En Vogue’s breakout hit “Hold On” is one of the most iconic R&B records of the early 1990s, but what many fans don’t know is that the song almost never existed in the form we know today. In fact, “Hold On” was created by merging two completely different songs at the very last minute —a risky decision that ended up making music history. Originally, the track began as a traditional R&B song written and produced by Thomas McElroy and Denzil Foster (Foster & McElroy) . However,
Nolazine
Jan 2
Did You Know Nick Cannon Didn’t Like Love Don’t Cost a Thing — And Only Did It for the Check?
For many fans, Love Don’t Cost a Thing is a classic early-2000s teen movie, remembered for its humor, heart, and Nick Cannon’s breakout performance as Alvin Johnson. But here’s a surprising fact: Nick Cannon didn’t even like the movie — and only took the role for the money. At the time, Cannon was still building his career and trying to establish himself in Hollywood. While the film eventually became one of his most recognizable acting roles, it wasn’t a project he was perso
Nolazine
Jan 2
Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” Was Largely Written by Aaron Hall
When people think of Bobby Brown’s classic hit “My Prerogative,” they think of confidence, rebellion, and a defining anthem of late-’80s R&B. The song became one of Bobby Brown’s signature records, cementing his image as a fearless solo star after his departure from New Edition. But what many fans don’t know is that the song was largely written by Aaron Hall. Aaron Hall, best known as the powerhouse vocalist of the R&B group Guy, played a major role in shaping the attitude a
Nolazine
Jan 2
Remembering James Avery Who Died At Age 68 From Open Heart Surgery Complications
James Avery, a beloved actor whose work left a lasting imprint on television and film, is remembered not only for his commanding presence but for the depth and warmth he brought to every role. Avery passed away at the age of 68 due to complications from open-heart surgery, a loss that resonated deeply with fans across generations. To many, James Avery will forever be Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air —a character that represented strength, discipline, compassion, an
Nolazine
Jan 2
Virgil Abloh: The Visionary Who Brought Streetwear Into Luxury Fashion
Virgil Abloh wasn’t just a fashion designer — he was a cultural architect who reshaped how the world viewed style, creativity, and luxury. Long before streetwear was embraced by high fashion houses, Abloh envisioned a future where art, music, architecture, and youth culture could exist on the same runway. That vision changed fashion forever. Born in Rockford, Illinois to Ghanaian immigrant parents, Abloh was trained as an engineer and architect, backgrounds that heavily influ
Nolazine
Dec 29, 2025
Did You Know The Best Man Was Originally Written for Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith?
When The Best Man hit theaters in 1999, it instantly became a classic in Black cinema. The film’s sharp dialogue, relatable friendships, and emotional honesty helped define a generation, launching memorable performances from Taye Diggs, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall, and Terrence Howard. But what many fans don’t know is that The Best Man was originally written with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith in mind. Writer and director Malcolm D. Lee initially envisioned Wi
Nolazine
Dec 29, 2025
Bad Boy Artist Craig Mack Was So Broke At His Peak That He Considered Joining Death Row
Craig Mack’s name will forever be etched in hip-hop history as one of the artists who helped launch Bad Boy Records into the mainstream. His 1994 smash hit “Flava In Ya Ear” was a cultural moment, dominating radio, clubs, and MTV, and positioning Mack as one of the hottest rappers in the game. From the outside, it looked like success had arrived in full force. But behind the scenes, Craig Mack was quietly struggling. At the peak of his fame, while his music was still ringing
Nolazine
Dec 29, 2025
Remembering Brittany Murphy Who Died At Age 32 From Pneumonia
Brittany Murphy was one of Hollywood’s most unforgettable talents—an actress whose charm, vulnerability, and versatility allowed her to stand out in an industry crowded with stars. Born on November 10, 1977, Murphy rose to fame in the mid-to-late 1990s, quickly becoming a fan favorite thanks to her infectious personality and undeniable screen presence. Many first fell in love with Brittany Murphy through her breakout role as Tai in the cult classic Clueless (1995). From ther
Nolazine
Dec 29, 2025
Did You Know R. Kelly Produced and Arranged Chante Moore’s Vocals for “Contagious” Over the Phone?
Behind many classic R&B records are stories that sound almost unbelievable, and one of the most fascinating involves Chante Moore’s hit song “Contagious.” While the track is widely remembered for its smooth vocals, emotional delivery, and dramatic storytelling, few fans know that R. Kelly reportedly produced and arranged Chante Moore’s vocals entirely over the phone —without being physically present in the studio. Released in 2000, “Contagious” became one of Chante Moore’s
Nolazine
Dec 29, 2025
Columbia Records Almost Did Not Release Beyonce's "Dangerously In Love" Album Because They Felt It Had No Hit Songs
In 2003, Beyoncé took a bold step away from Destiny’s Child to release her debut solo album, "Dangerously in Love." However, her record label, Columbia Records, was initially unimpressed , believing the album lacked hit songs. Years later, Beyoncé humorously recalled the moment at a concert, saying, "When I played it through for my record label, they told me I didn’t have one hit on my album. I guess they were kinda right—I had five!" She was referring to the chart-topping s
Nolazine
Dec 29, 2025
Remembering James Brown Who Died At Age 73 From Congestive Heart Failure After Bout With Pneumonia
James Brown, one of the most influential figures in music history, passed away on December 25, 2006 , at the age of 73 , from congestive heart failure following a battle with pneumonia . His death marked the end of an era, but his impact on music, culture, and Black excellence continues to echo across generations. Born James Joseph Brown on May 3, 1933 , in Barnwell, South Carolina, Brown rose from extreme poverty to become a global icon. His early life was filled with hards
Nolazine
Dec 29, 2025
J. Cole’s Landlord Let Him Slide on Rent — Years Later, the Rapper Paid Him Back With Interest
Before Grammy nominations and sold-out arenas, J. Cole was just another hungry dreamer in New York City — a college kid with ambition, living in a modest Queens apartment and surviving off pure determination. But one man saw something in him before the world did. That man was Mohammad , J. Cole’s landlord. During Cole’s early years in New York, money was tight. Between school, studio time, and chasing his dream of being a rapper, paying rent sometimes fell to the bottom of th
Nolazine
Dec 28, 2025
The New Orleans Rapper Who Brought Quality Control Their First Music Plaque With "Moolah": Young Greatness
Before Quality Control Music became a dominant force in hip-hop with chart-topping stars and platinum records, their first real breakthrough came from an artist who carried the soul of New Orleans in his sound — Young Greatness . Often overlooked in conversations about the label’s rise, Young Greatness played a historic role by delivering Quality Control’s first-ever music plaque with his breakout hit “Moolah.” Born Theodore Joseph Jones III in New Orleans, Young Greatness
Nolazine
Dec 28, 2025
Did Lil Wayne's Sqad Up Mixtapes Changed Music History and Fueled His Rise to Greatness In Hip-Hop?
Before Lil Wayne was crowned one of the greatest rappers alive, before Tha Carter series and his feature-dominating run, there was Sqad Up —a tight-knit crew from New Orleans that played a critical role in shaping not just Wayne’s legacy, but also the blueprint for modern-day mixtape culture. Formed in the early 2000s , Sqad Up was more than just a rap group; it was a movement born from friendship, street credibility, and a shared hunger for greatness. The original lineup in
Nolazine
Dec 28, 2025
Devine: The Music Group That Never Trademarked Their Name And Lost Out After Hit Record "Lately"
In the golden era of late '90s R&B, few groups made an impact as swiftly and beautifully as Divine . Formed in 1995, the all-female trio captivated audiences with powerful vocals and a classic soul sound that stood out among their peers. Best known for their 1998 chart-topping hit "Lately," Divine seemed destined for long-lasting success. But behind the scenes, a series of business missteps and industry pitfalls would bring their promising journey to an early end. Divine was
Nolazine
Dec 28, 2025
Al B. Sure! Help Wrote Jodeci's Hit "Forever My Lady" To Show Dedication To Kim Porter
Behind every timeless R&B hit lies a story—and few are as heartfelt as the one behind Jodeci’s 1991 classic “Forever My Lady.” The emotional ballad, which helped catapult the group to stardom, was co-written by none other than R&B artist Al B. Sure! as a dedication to his then-girlfriend, Kim Porter . At the time, Al B. Sure! and Kim Porter were in a relationship and had a son together—future actor and musician Quincy Brown . Wanting to express his love and devotion, Al B. S
Nolazine
Dec 28, 2025
Josephine Johnny: A True New Orleans Music Icon
New Orleans has always been a city where music isn’t just entertainment — it’s identity, culture, and survival. Few artists embodied that spirit more authentically than Josephine Johnny , a pioneering bounce rapper whose influence stretched far beyond the neighborhoods that raised him. Born Johnny Watson on April 2, 1976, Josephine Johnny became a cultural force in the late 1990s and early 2000s, helping shape the sound and movement of New Orleans bounce music during one of
Nolazine
Dec 28, 2025
Remembering George Michael Who Died In His Sleep From Natural Causes At 53 On Christmas Day
On December 25, 2016, the world woke up to heartbreaking news: George Michael , one of the most influential pop stars of his generation, had died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 53. The timing of his passing — on Christmas Day — made the loss feel even heavier for fans across the globe who had grown up with his music as the soundtrack to their lives. George Michael was discovered in bed at his home by his longtime partner, Fadi Fawaz . Authorities later confirmed there
Nolazine
Dec 27, 2025
How Lex Luger Went From “The Next Hulk Hogan” to Life in a Wheelchair
In the early 1990s, Lex Luger was positioned as the future face of professional wrestling. With his chiseled physique, undeniable charisma, and main-event push from WWE (then WWF), many insiders believed he was being groomed as “the next Hulk Hogan.” He headlined major shows, toured the country aboard the iconic Lex Express, and stood shoulder to shoulder with wrestling’s biggest stars. But behind the spotlight, Luger’s life was quietly unraveling. Luger’s wrestling style re
Nolazine
Dec 27, 2025
How Did MC Hammer Go Broke After Massive Success
At the height of his career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, MC Hammer wasn’t just a rapper — he was a global phenomenon. With diamond-selling albums, chart-topping hits like “U Can’t Touch This,” blockbuster tours, endorsements, and even his own Saturday morning cartoon, Hammer was reportedly earning over $30 million a year at his peak. So how did one of the biggest stars in music history end up broke? The downfall of MC Hammer is often cited as one of the most famous fi
Nolazine
Dec 27, 2025
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