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After Selling Over 3,000 Copies of His Debut, Darren Ogden Celebrates His Birthday with the Release of His Second Book in Six Months
NEW ORLEANS, LA — June 24, 2026 — Entrepreneur, media executive, and author Darren Ogden Sr. is celebrating more than another year of life—he's celebrating another major milestone in his entrepreneurial journey. On his birthday, June 24, 2026, the Nolazine CEO officially released his second book, 40 Ways To Build Leverage, Business Relationships & Gain Income, just six months after launching his debut bestseller, Speak Like a Media Mogul. Ogden entered 2026 with a clear missi
INTERVIEWS
Before You Walk Out My Life Was Written For Toni Braxton But Clive Davis Demanded That It Goes To Singer Monica
#NOLAZINE - 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 w
4 days ago
Jay-Z Was Upset With Singer Ne-Yo for Giving His Song "Let Me Love You" to Mario Instead of Keeping It
#NOLAZINE - "Let Me Love You," Mario’s chart-topping hit from the early 2000s, is a song etched into R&B history. Written by Ne-Yo and produced by Scott Storch, the track spent an impressive 9 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains Mario’s most successful single to date. However, behind its success lies a story of what might have been—a moment that reportedly left Jay-Z, then president of Def Jam, frustrated with Ne-Yo. At the time, Jay-Z recognize
Jul 30
Kelis Was Originally Supposed To Sing The Hook On Mystikal’s "Danger" Instead of Nivea
Nolazine - 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,
Jun 29
The Story of How Keith Sweat Never Received Credit For Johnny Kemp's "Just Got Paid"
Johnny Kemp’s 1988 smash hit “Just Got Paid” is one of the most iconic R&B and dance tracks of its era, a feel-good anthem that has stood the test of time. Nominated for a Grammy Award in 1989 for Best R&B Song, the track has long been celebrated for its infectious beat and signature new jack swing flavor. However, behind the glossy production and chart success lies a tale of uncredited songwriting, industry exploitation, and a hidden name in the story—Keith Sweat. While offi
Jun 20
Big Freedia: The New Orleans Bounce Pioneer Who Changed Music Forever
When you think of New Orleans culture—its energy, rhythm, spirit, and unapologetic authenticity—there is one name that stands out as a global ambassador: Big Freedia, the undisputed Queen of Bounce. Born Freddie Ross Jr. in the Third Ward, Big Freedia transformed a once-underground local sound into an international movement, reshaping music, dance, and pop culture along the way. From Church Choirs to Bounce Royalty Long before the world knew her name, Big Freedia was a child
Jun 5
Did You Know Ciara Leaked "Promise" After A Sony Executive Called It The Worst R&B Song—It Became a #1 Hit
In the world of music, not every hit song starts with universal praise. For Ciara, her sultry 2006 single Promise almost never saw the light of day due to industry skepticism. A Sony executive reportedly dismissed the track, calling it "the worst R&B song," a critique that could have buried it before its release. But Ciara believed in the song’s potential and took matters into her own hands—leaking Promise herself. Her bold move paid off. Promise resonated deeply with list
Apr 22
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
Mar 18
Diddy Demanded 100% Of The Publishing Rights For "Nobody's Supposed To Be Here" Montell Jordan Refused And Gave The Song To Deborah Cox
One of the most iconic R&B ballads of the late 1990s almost had a completely different voice behind it. Originally penned by Montell Jordan , along with Anthony “Shep” Crawford , "Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here" was first offered to legendary vocalist Patti LaBelle . But when Patti passed on the track, the song instantly became a hot commodity within the industry. Record labels scrambled to secure it for their top-tier female artists. One such label was Bad Boy Records , helme
Mar 18
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