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How James Mayes Turned an Idea Into a Million-Dollar Fashion Brand: EMLINE
Every major fashion empire starts with a dream, but for New Orleans native James Mayes , that dream transformed into EMLINE —one of the fastest-rising high-end fashion brands coming out of the South. What began as a simple idea and a trunk full of clothes has evolved into a million-dollar brand with its own flagship store, celebrity cosigns, and a rapidly growing national presence. From Fly Kid to Fashion Visionary Growing up in New Orleans, James was always known as one of t
INTERVIEWS
Maxine "Red Top" Walters — Harlem’s Teenage Millionaire Queenpin
At just 16 years old , Red Top defied all odds, amassing a fortune that made her a teenage millionaire and leaving a mark on Harlem’s history that still resonates today. Known for her extravagant lifestyle, she was a striking sight, often arriving at school draped in fur coats, confidently boasting to her teachers that she could make $300,000 in a single month . Her generosity matched her wealth — she frequently treated teachers and classmates to lavish shopping sprees, shar
Nolazine
Nov 19
Killa Stone: The Pen Behind The Big Tymers "Still Fly" and a Force in New Orleans Music and The Streets
In the world of hip-hop, some figures make waves not just with their presence on the mic, but with the power they wield behind the scenes. One such figure was Killa Stone —a name well-known in New Orleans’ streets and music circles alike. Though many associate the Cash Money classic "Still Fly" with the Big Tymers, few know that Killa Stone played a pivotal role in writing the track that became one of the label’s most iconic hits. Born and raised in New Orleans, Alvin Nelson
Nolazine
Nov 19
Nicky Barnes: Who Was Mister Untouchable?
In the shadows of 1970s Harlem, Leroy “Nicky” Barnes reigned supreme. A charismatic and calculating figure in New York City’s criminal underworld, Barnes built a drug empire that earned him wealth, power, and the nickname “Mr. Untouchable.” But while many law enforcement efforts tried and failed to bring him down, it was a single magazine cover —bold, defiant, and unforgettable—that ultimately triggered his downfall. Barnes’ journey from a small-time hustler to a heroin kin
Nolazine
Nov 19
Warren Mayes: The First New Orleans Rapper With a Major Deal With Atlantic
Warren Mayes stands as one of the true pioneers of New Orleans hip-hop, remembered not just for his talent but for blazing a trail no one had walked before. As the first rapper from New Orleans to sign a major record deal—with Atlantic Records—Mayes played an instrumental role in shaping the city’s rap identity during a time when the South had yet to be recognized as a serious force in hip-hop. Raised in the 9th ward but made his name in the 4th Ward’s Iberville Projects alon
Nolazine
Nov 15
Rick Ross: A Legacy That Influenced TV Show Snowfall and Music Artist Rick Ross
Ricky Donnell "Freeway Rick" Ross is a man whose life story could rival any Hollywood script—and arguably has. Once known as a notorious drug kingpin during the height of the 1980s crack epidemic, Ross has since undergone a transformation few could have predicted. Today, he's an advocate for critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. His life has not only influenced pop culture, including the hit TV series Snowfall and the namesake of rapper Rick Ross, b
Nolazine
Nov 15
How Anita Baker’s Pregnancy Led to Singer Toni Braxton’s Breakout Hit With "Love Shoulda Brought You Home"
In the ever-evolving world of R&B, one artist’s twist of fate can often become another’s golden opportunity. This was precisely the case when legendary songstress Anita Baker found herself stepping back from a project due to her pregnancy—unintentionally helping to launch the career of one of R&B’s most iconic voices: Toni Braxton. Originally written by Babyface, "Love Shoulda Brought You Home" was penned with Anita Baker in mind. The track, brimming with emotional intensity
Nolazine
Nov 15
Pimp Daddy: A Short-Lived Career with an Enduring Impact on New Orleans Hip-Hop And Cash Money
The streets of New Orleans have long been fertile ground for hip-hop innovation, cultivating legends who shaped not just the local scene but influenced the genre on a national scale. Among these influential pioneers was Pimp Daddy—a charismatic rapper whose life was tragically cut short, yet whose contributions remain deeply embedded in the DNA of New Orleans hip-hop. Born and raised in New Orleans, Pimp Daddy emerged at a time when the city’s unique bounce sound was beginnin
Nolazine
Nov 15
The Real-Life Corrupt Cop Who Inspired Denzel Washington’s Training Day Character: Rafael Pérez
In the 1990s, Rafael Pérez became one of the most infamous names in Los Angeles law enforcement—a man whose actions would ultimately inspire Denzel Washington’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Detective Alonzo Harris in the 2001 crime thriller Training Day . Pérez’s career, which began with the prestige of a badge, spiraled into one of the most notorious police corruption scandals in U.S. history. A former U.S. Marine , Pérez joined the LAPD in 1989 and quickly earned a reputa
Nolazine
Nov 15
Did You Know? Music Artist Chaka Khan Wasn’t a Fan of Mary J. Blige’s Version of "Sweet Thing"
Legendary singer Chaka Khan , known for her powerhouse vocals and timeless hits, has never been one to hold back her opinions — and that includes her thoughts on other artists covering her classics. One of the most talked-about moments in recent R&B history came when Chaka candidly admitted she wasn’t a fan of Mary J. Blige’s version of “Sweet Thing.” The song, originally recorded by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan in 1975, became an R&B staple and one of Chaka’s signature tracks
Nolazine
Nov 15
Bobby Womack's Betrayal To Sam Cooke And Scandalous Affair With His Wife Barbara
Few tales capture the mix of heartbreak, controversy, and scandal quite like the union between R&B legend Bobby Womack and Barbara Cooke, widow of the iconic soul singer Sam Cooke. Their story, which stirred widespread media frenzy and public outrage, is a testament to the deeply personal trials faced by artists navigating the intense pressures of fame and tragedy. The timeline leading up to Bobby Womack and Barbara Cooke's marriage could easily be mistaken for a dramatic fil
Nolazine
Nov 13
From Child Star to Joining A L.A Gang: The Story of Actor Dee Jay Daniels
Dee Jay Daniels, born Dorian Mitchell Daniels, once captured America’s heart with his bright smile and natural comedic timing. Best known for his role as Michael Hughley on the hit sitcom The Hughleys , Daniels was a familiar face in households across the country in the late '90s and early 2000s. With a resume that included appearances in Grace Under Fire and other TV shows and commercials, it seemed Daniels was destined for a long-lasting career in entertainment. But as so
Nolazine
Nov 13
Preacher: The Man Who Kidnapped Bobby Brown And Made Whitney Pay The Ransom of $400,000
In the annals of history, certain events stand out as extraordinary intersections of celebrity, crime, and intrigue. One such incident occurred in 1993, involving Clarence "Preacher" Heatley, Whitney Houston, and Bobby Brown. Set against the backdrop of Harlem, this gripping tale of kidnapping and ransom captivated the public imagination and remains etched in memory to this day. The story begins with Bobby Brown finding himself in debt to the tune of $25,000 to an individual
Nolazine
Nov 13
Prisoner Who Died and Came Back to Life Argued His Life Sentence Had Ended! What You Think?
We mean, technically—he had a point. In one of the most bizarre legal arguments in recent history, an Iowa prisoner named Benjamin Edward Schreiber claimed that he had already served his life sentence—because he briefly died. Schreiber, convicted of first-degree murder in 1997 for the brutal killing of 39-year-old John Dale Terry with a pickaxe handle, was serving a life sentence without parole at the Iowa State Penitentiary. His conviction stemmed from a 1996 crime near Age
Nolazine
Nov 13
Did You Know The Rap Beef Between Rapper Mystikal and Rap Group UNLV Wasn’t Real?
In the rich history of New Orleans hip-hop, few rivalries have stood out quite like the one between Mystikal and the legendary rap group U.N.L.V. . Representing opposing sides of the city’s booming rap scene in the 1990s, Mystikal held it down for Big Boy Records , while U.N.L.V. represented Cash Money Records —two powerhouse labels that defined an era. But what many fans don’t know is that this infamous rap beef wasn’t actually real . Both acts were rising stars at the time
Nolazine
Nov 13
Actor Giancarlo Esposito Thought About Ending His Own Life To Give His Kids The Life Insurance Money
Giancarlo Esposito, best known for his chilling portrayal of Gus Fring in Breaking Bad , endured one of the darkest periods of his life before landing the role that would change everything. Following a devastating divorce , Esposito found himself in severe financial turmoil , struggling to make ends meet. The pressure became so overwhelming that he even considered taking drastic measures— ending his own life —just so his children could benefit from his life insurance money .
Nolazine
Nov 8
Tim Smooth: The Knight From Kennedy Heights And A Pioneer of New Orleans Hip-Hop
In the rich and storied history of New Orleans hip-hop , few names carry the reverence and respect that Tim Smooth does. Born Timothy Smoot , the legendary emcee became a pivotal figure in the early 1990s rap scene, using his lyrical brilliance and genuine love for the craft to carve out a lane that would influence an entire generation of Southern hip-hop artists. Tim Smooth recently passed away at the age of 39 after a courageous battle with cancer. As the New Orleans comm
Nolazine
Nov 8
The Story Behind 2Pac’s Inspiration To Write "Brenda’s Got a Baby"
On the set of the 1992 film Juice , Tupac Shakur came across a heartbreaking news article that deeply affected him. The story detailed the tragic case of a 12-year-old girl who gave birth to her 21-year-old cousin’s baby and then discarded it in a trash chute . The disturbing reality of the situation struck a chord with the young rapper, inspiring him to put his emotions into words. By lunchtime that same day, the song was finished . In his trailer, Tupac poured his raw emot
Nolazine
Nov 8
Tre-8: A True Pioneer of New Orleans Hip-Hop
In the rich tapestry of New Orleans hip-hop, few figures embody the spirit, resilience, and authenticity of the city quite like Tre-8 , born Walter McCallon . His journey from the heart of the Christopher Homes development in Algiers to national recognition remains a powerful testament to his dedication to music and culture. Tre-8’s musical roots were evident from a young age. As a high school student, he honed his craft in the marching bands of L.B. Landry and O. Perry Walke
Nolazine
Nov 8
Robert "Yummy" Sandifer: A Tragic Tale of Inner-City Gang Violence
It began not with a headline or a mugshot, but with a child—a boy barely four feet tall, with a round face and a nickname that suggested sweetness. Robert “Yummy” Sandifer didn’t look like a threat. But by the time he was 11, his name would be etched into America’s consciousness as a symbol of everything broken in the nation’s inner-city youth systems. Before his death shocked the nation in 1994, Yummy was just another forgotten child navigating the harsh streets of Chicago’s
Nolazine
Nov 8
Lil Phat: A Tragic Tale of a Baton Rouge, Louisiana Young Rap Prodigy
Melvin Vernell III, better known by his stage name Lil Phat , was more than just a promising rapper—he was a symbol of raw talent, Southern authenticity, and artistic potential. Born on July 25, 1992 , in Baton Rouge, Louisiana , Lil Phat rose quickly in the rap game with a style that felt both real and resonant. Though his life ended tragically at just 19 years old , his contributions continue to echo throughout the hip-hop world. Lil Phat started rapping in his early teens,
Nolazine
Nov 8
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