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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
Magnolia Shorty: The Queen of Bounce and The Most Sampled New Orleans Music Artist
In the vibrant, rhythm-soaked streets of New Orleans, few names carry as much weight in bounce music history as Magnolia Shorty . Born Renetta Yemika Lowe-Bridgewater on September 30, 1982, she rose from the heart of the Magnolia Projects to become a pioneering voice in a male-dominated genre, earning her the crown as the undisputed Queen of Bounce . Though her life was tragically cut short on December 20, 2010, her influence continues to echo through clubs, radio stations,
Nolazine
Nov 7
Frank Matthews Bailed Out of Jail, Grabbed 20 Million From His Safe And Has Never Been Seen Ever Since The Year 1973
In the underworld of American crime history, few figures loom as large—and as mysteriously—as Frank Matthews . By the early 1970s, Matthews was a kingpin of epic proportions , running a sprawling heroin and cocaine empire that rivaled even the infamous Mafia families. But in June 1973 , just when the law was closing in, Matthews vanished without a trace , leaving behind a trail of questions, a $20 million fortune, and one of the most legendary disappearances in U.S. criminal
Nolazine
Nov 7
MC Thick: From Marrero to Atlantic Records – The Story Teller Who Had The World Saying "MARRERO"
In a music scene dominated by bounce beats and club-ready anthems, one artist from just across the Mississippi River carved out a unique and uncompromising lane. MC Thick, hailing from Marrero, Louisiana, stood tall in the early 1990s as a voice for the streets — unfiltered, lyrical, and authentic. While the New Orleans rap landscape was thriving with energy, Thick offered a different perspective, one rooted in raw storytelling and real-life struggle. MC Thick's defining mome
Nolazine
Nov 7
Why Did Marvin Gaye’s Father Marvin Gay Sr Take His Own Son’s Life?
The tragic death of Marvin Gaye remains one of the most shocking stories in music history. On April 1, 1984 , the world lost one of its greatest soul singers when Marvin was shot and killed by his own father, Marvin Gay Sr. , at their family home in Los Angeles. The heartbreaking event left fans devastated and raised a painful question: why did Marvin Gaye’s father take his own son out? At the time, Marvin was living with his parents, struggling with personal issues, includi
Nolazine
Nov 5
One of The First Rappers To Rap Off Beat and Still Become A Star: No Limit Rapper Silkk The Shocker
In the rich and evolving story of hip-hop, few artists embody the spirit of perseverance and innovation quite like Silkk The Shocker , born Vyshonne King Miller. Rising from the streets of New Orleans , Silkk transformed personal struggle into powerful storytelling and helped define an era of Southern rap that forever changed the genre’s landscape. Silkk’s journey began alongside his brothers Master P and C-Murder , forming the group Tru in the early 1990s. While Tru’s earl
Nolazine
Nov 5
Maxwell Covered R&B Legend Aaliyah's Funeral Expenses After A Certain Label Backed Out
When R&B legend Aaliyah tragically passed away in a plane crash in 2001, the world was devastated. At just 22 years old, she had already left an extraordinary impact on music, fashion, and pop culture. As fans and fellow artists mourned, a heartbreaking detail emerged behind the scenes— Aaliyah’s record label allegedly backed out of paying the $68,000 required for her funeral expenses. In the midst of this tragedy, one of Aaliyah’s peers stepped up in a quiet, powerful way.
Nolazine
Nov 5
Kelis Was Originally Supposed To Sing The Hook On Mystikal’s "Danger" Instead of Nivea
In the early 2000s, Mystikal's high-energy anthem "Danger (Been So Long)" became a staple on airwaves and club speakers alike, propelling itself to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and landing the #1 spot on the Rap Singles chart. While the track’s aggressive delivery and unforgettable hook helped define the era, a surprising behind-the-scenes revelation has recently resurfaced: Kelis was originally supposed to sing the hook instead of then-newcomer Nivea. At the time, Kelis w
Nolazine
Nov 5
The Chilling Tale of Ronald Dominique, Louisiana's Most Gruesome Serial Killer: The Bayou Strangler
Beneath the serene charm and rich cultural tapestry of South Louisiana lies a dark chapter in its history—one marred by the unspeakable crimes of Ronald Dominique, infamously known as the Bayou Strangler. Over a terrifying span of nine years, Dominique carried out a chilling series of rapes and murders that claimed the lives of at least 23 men, shaking the communities of the Bayou State to their core. What makes Dominique's crimes even more harrowing is the profile of his vic
Nolazine
Nov 5
From Christopher Homes to Big Boy Records: G-Slimm The Rising Star Cut Down Too Soon
In the heart of Algiers , one of New Orleans’ most storied neighborhoods, a young voice was rising from the streets—raw, real, and ready to make his mark. That voice belonged to Kenneth Jackson Jr. , known to the world as G-Slimm . Emerging in the early 1990s, G-Slimm quickly became a promising figure in the city's booming rap scene. But just as his career was poised to break through nationally, tragedy struck—cutting short a life and legacy that was only beginning to unfold.
Nolazine
Nov 5
How The 18-Years-Old Music Artist Prince Changed the Music Industry Forever With A Six-Figure Deal
In 1977, while most teenagers were figuring out life after high school, an 18-year-old musical prodigy from Minneapolis named Prince Rogers Nelson was already rewriting the rules of the music industry. That year, Prince signed a groundbreaking six-figure, three-album deal with Warner Brothers Records —but what truly made the deal historic was the unprecedented creative control it granted him. Prince’s contract gave him producer rights , allowing him to be in full control o
Nolazine
Nov 5
Did You Know Rapper T.I. Gifted Michael Vick $75,000 After Prison to Help Him Rebuild His Life?
In a powerful testament to loyalty, redemption, and brotherhood, rapper T.I. once stepped up in a major way for former NFL star Michael Vick during one of the darkest chapters of his life. Following Vick’s highly publicized fall from grace — which included bankruptcy and a prison sentence — the former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback found himself in dire financial straits. According to reports, T.I. reached out to Vick with a simple but impactful question:
Nolazine
Nov 3
Who Was Messy Mya? The New Orleans Artist Who Beyoncé Featured on her Song "Formation"
In the vibrant, culturally rich streets of New Orleans, few voices stood out like that of Messy Mya . Born Anthony M. Barre on December 15, 1987, Barre would grow into a beloved and controversial figure whose unique blend of bounce music, raw comedy, and unapologetic street commentary made him a star both online and in his city. Though his life was tragically cut short, his influence continues to resonate — even reaching the highest levels of pop culture, including a posthum
Nolazine
Nov 3
The Connection Between Richard Pena and No Limit Rap Group Kane & Abel That Almost Ended Their Music Careers In 1999
In hip-hop’s long and complex history, the story of Kane & Abel intertwines music, fame, and the gritty realities of the streets. The twin brothers, Daniel and David Garcia , known as Kane & Abel, went from New York City to New Orleans in the 1990s, carving out a name for themselves on Master P’s No Limit Records . But behind the glitz of platinum-selling albums and chart-topping records, their career was shadowed by their alleged ties to New Orleans drug lord Richard Pena .
Nolazine
Nov 3
The Story of Sylvester Stallone — The Hollywood Legend Born With a Medical Error That Left His Face Partially Paralyzed
Before he became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action stars, Sylvester Stallone faced challenges that could have easily ended his dream before it began. What many don’t know is that the “Rocky” and “Rambo” actor was born with a medical error that left part of his face permanently paralyzed . Stallone was born on July 6, 1946 , in New York City. During his birth, doctors reportedly used forceps — a surgical tool — to assist in delivering him. Unfortunately, the proce
Nolazine
Nov 3
Samuel Monroe Jr: Labeled as One of the Most Hated Actors After Playing Some Controversial Roles
In the 1990s, Samuel Monroe Jr. became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces in urban cinema—not because audiences loved him, but because of how convincingly he played some of the most hated characters on screen. Known for his menacing presence and ability to fully embody controversial roles, Monroe often found himself typecast as the villain, the troublemaker, or the character you couldn’t help but despise. His performances were so believable that many viewers admitted
Nolazine
Oct 31
Bobby Womack Wore Music Artist Sam Cooke’s Suit to Marry His Widow — One of Music’s Most Controversial Moments
In one of the most shocking and controversial moments in music history, soul legend Bobby Womack made headlines when he wore Sam Cooke’s suit to the courthouse to marry Cooke’s widow, Barbara Campbell , just months after Cooke’s tragic death. Sam Cooke, one of the most beloved voices in soul music, was fatally shot in December 1964 under mysterious circumstances. His death left the music world — and his loved ones — devastated. But what happened next stunned fans and colleag
Nolazine
Oct 31
The $400K Engagement Ring Swap: The Wild Story of Gilbert Arenas’ Breakup Scheme And More......
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas was no stranger to flashy plays and bold moves during his basketball career—but one of his most jaw-dropping plays didn’t happen on the court. Instead, it unfolded in real life, involving a $400,000 engagement ring, a whirlwind breakup, and a courtroom battle that stunned fans and legal observers alike. At the height of his off-court life, Gilbert Arenas proposed to his then-girlfriend with an extravagant $400,000 engagement ring —a rock that i
Nolazine
Oct 31
Who Was No Limit Records’ Own Suave Bob?
When people talk about the legendary rise of No Limit Records , names like Master P , C-Murder , and Silkk the Shocker often come to mind. But behind the label’s success was a team of sharp minds who helped build the empire — and one of the most vital figures among them was Bobby J. “Suave Bob” Sardie Jr. Born on March 5, 1971 , Suave Bob played a key role in the financial foundation of No Limit. As the CFO and personal banker for Master P and the rest of the No Limit famil
Nolazine
Oct 31
Uncle Luke Brought Group H-Town Houses With Their Own Money As If He Was Doing Them A Favor
The music industry has long been a battleground of creativity versus commerce—and sometimes, those worlds collide in ways that leave lasting damage. One such example involves the iconic R&B group H-Town and hip-hop mogul Uncle Luke. While H-Town made their mark with timeless hits and smooth vocals, their behind-the-scenes financial dealings told a much different story—one marked by alleged betrayal and financial hardship. According to reports, Uncle Luke orchestrated a deal i
Nolazine
Oct 31
Lil Derrick (Bulletproof): The 5th Hot Boy Member of Cash Money Records
Cash Money Records is one of hip-hop's most storied labels, producing legendary artists like Lil Wayne, Juvenile, B.G., and Turk. But while these names dominate the headlines, there’s another foundational figure whose contributions deserve more recognition— Lil Derrick , also known as Bulletproof . A true son of New Orleans and an original member of the Hot Boys , Lil Derrick played a pivotal role in shaping the early identity of Cash Money Records before his life was tragica
Nolazine
Oct 31
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