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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
Whatever Happened to Field Mob? The Rise, Label Problems and Legacy of the Southern Rap Duo
#NOLAZINE - Field Mob was one of the most original Southern rap duos of the early 2000s. Consisting of Shawn Jay and Darion “Smoke” Crawford, the group formed after the two competed in freestyle battles while attending high school in Albany, Georgia. Instead of allowing their competition to become a rivalry, they joined forces and created Field Mob—a name inspired by the rural Albany community where they grew up. The duo signed with MCA Records and released its debut album, 6
9 hours ago
How a 25-Year-Old Man Posed as a Hurricane Victim To Play High School Basketball Again
#NOLAZINE - In one of the most bizarre high school sports scandals in recent memory, a 25-year-old man named Sidney Bouvier Gilstrap-Portley was accused of posing as a 17-year-old student to join a Dallas high school basketball team. Authorities say Gilstrap-Portley, originally from the Dallas area, claimed to be a Hurricane Harvey evacuee to gain sympathy and access to Hillcrest High School. Using this false identity, he was able to enroll as a student and quickly made his w
9 hours ago
The $400K Engagement Ring Swap: The Wild Story of Gilbert Arenas’ Breakup Scheme And More......
#NOLAZINE - 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 r
10 hours ago
Jodeci's Attempt to Collaborate with Lil' Kim Blocked by Biggie Due to Suge Knight Connection
#NOLAZINE - Jodeci's iconic track "Love U 4 Life" almost saw a remix featuring the Queen Bee herself, Lil' Kim. However, plans for the collaboration never came to fruition, thanks to objections from The Notorious B.I.G. and Sean "Puffy" Combs. The controversy stemmed from Jodeci's association with Suge Knight during the infamous East Coast/West Coast hip-hop feud. Despite being initially signed to Uptown Records under Puffy's mentorship, Jodeci maintained a complex relationsh
10 hours ago
Did Lil Wayne's Sqad Up Mixtapes Changed Music History and Fueled His Rise to Greatness In Hip-Hop?
#NOLAZINE - 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
10 hours ago
Jason Weaver: The Kid Who Outsmarted Disney
#NOLAZINE - When Disney released The Lion King in 1994, the film instantly became a global phenomenon. But behind the scenes, a young actor and singer named Jason Weaver—with the guidance of his mother—made a decision that would forever shape his future. Weaver, who provided the singing voice for young Simba, was originally offered a flat fee for his work. At the time, the upfront money seemed attractive, especially for a young talent. But Jason’s mother, who recognized the l
10 hours ago
Did You Know Singer Mariah Carey's "My All" Was About A Night Spent in Puerto Rico with MLB Star Derek Jeter?
#NOLAZINE - Mariah Carey’s heartfelt ballad “My All” isn’t just a chart-topping hit—it’s a deeply personal reflection of a life-changing moment. While the world sang along to its emotional lyrics and haunting melody, few knew it was inspired by a secret night spent with baseball icon Derek Jeter in Puerto Rico—a night that marked a turning point in Mariah’s personal life and career. At the time, Mariah was trapped in a highly publicized and controlling marriage with Sony Musi
10 hours ago
Labeled One of the Most Dangerous Men In Jamaica Christopher Coke AKA Dudus: Leader of Jamaican Gang The Shower Posse
#NOLAZINE - In the heart of Kingston, Jamaica, the neighborhood of Tivoli Gardens stands not only as a symbol of resilience but also as a battleground for power, politics, and criminal enterprise. It was here that Christopher “Dudus” Coke—a name now etched in Jamaica’s complex history—rose to lead one of the most infamous criminal organizations in the Caribbean: The Shower Posse. Dudus was born into a legacy of both reverence and infamy. His father, Lester Coke—also known as
10 hours ago
Whatever Happened to Rome? The R&B Singer Behind the ’90s Classic “I Belong to You”
#NOLAZINE - During the 1990s, R&B music was filled with unforgettable singers, romantic ballads, powerful vocal performances, and songs that became the soundtrack to countless relationships. One artist who made an immediate impact during that era was Rome, the soulful vocalist responsible for the timeless hit “I Belong to You (Every Time I See Your Face).” Released in 1997, the song became one of the decade’s most memorable R&B records. Rome appeared to have everything needed
10 hours ago
Keenen Ivory Wayans: The Comedy Visionary Behind "In Living Color" and The Wayans Empire
#NOLAZINE - Keenen Ivory Wayans, born on June 8, 1958, in Harlem, New York City, is a prominent figure in the world of entertainment, known for his work as an actor, comedian, and filmmaker. As a member of the iconic Wayans family, Keenen's influence on comedy and film has been profound, particularly through his groundbreaking sketch comedy series In Living Color and his work on several successful films. Keenen's journey to fame began in New York, where he was raised in a lar
10 hours ago
The Real Reason Why Rapper The Notorious B.I.G. Couldn’t Use the Rap Name "Biggie Smalls"
#NOLAZINE - Before the world knew him as The Notorious B.I.G., Brooklyn rap legend Christopher Wallace originally went by the name Biggie Smalls — a nickname inspired by his large frame and smooth lyrical delivery. However, what many fans don’t realize is that Biggie couldn’t legally use that name due to another rapper who had already claimed it years before. On the West Coast, a lesser-known Los Angeles rapper named Tim Bigelow, who went by Biggy Smallz, had already been usi
10 hours ago
He Sold His Dream Car to Start a Pizza Shop — It Became a $3 Billion Empire. The Sacrifice That Created Papa John's
#NOLAZINE - Before his face appeared in countless commercials as the smiling “Papa John,” John Schnatter was just a young man with a dream — and a classic car he was willing to sacrifice to make it happen. What started with one small pizza oven in the back of a broom closet would eventually grow into a $3 billion global pizza empire known as Papa John’s. In 1984, Schnatter sold his beloved 1971½ Chevrolet Camaro Z28 for about $2,800 to fund his first pizza business. He set up
10 hours ago
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
10 hours ago
Meet James Mayes: The New Orleans Visionary Behind Emline Is Using Fashion to Inspire the Next Generation
#NOLAZINE - New Orleans has always been a city filled with style, creativity, culture, and originality. From the way residents speak and celebrate to the way they dress, the city has never been afraid to stand apart from the rest of the world. Fashion designer and entrepreneur James Mayes has taken that same New Orleans confidence and transformed it into Emline, a luxury streetwear and lifestyle brand with a growing presence and a powerful purpose. Founded by Mayes in 2017, E
10 hours ago
Did You Know American Gangster AL Capone Is The Reason We Now Have A Expiration Dates On Milk?
#NOLAZINE - When most people hear the name Al Capone, they think of bootlegging, speakeasies, and the iron grip he held over Chicago during Prohibition. But few know that the infamous gangster also played a surprising role in shaping a reform that affects Americans to this day: milk safety. In the 1930s, the story goes, Capone’s young niece fell ill after drinking spoiled milk. At the time, there were no standardized sell-by dates, and consumers often had no way of knowing wh
11 hours ago
Remembering Shawty Lo: The Bankhead Legend Who Helped Change Atlanta Hip-Hop Forever
#NOLAZINE - Atlanta has produced countless hip-hop stars, but few represented their neighborhood as proudly and authentically as Carlos “Shawty Lo” Walker. From building D4L from the ground up to becoming a successful solo artist, entrepreneur and voice of Bankhead, Shawty Lo created a legacy that remains deeply connected to Atlanta culture. With his unmistakable voice, relaxed delivery and street credibility, Shawty Lo never had to pretend to be someone he wasn’t. He represe
3 days ago
Method Man’s Love Story: The Inspiration Behind His Classic Hit "You're All I Need to Get By"
#NOLAZINE - Hip-hop has long been a space for raw storytelling, street wisdom, and lyrical grit—but every now and then, it births a timeless love song that transcends the genre. One of the most iconic of those songs is "You're All I Need to Get By" by Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige—a track that not only shook the charts but also told a story rooted in real love. While fans praised the chemistry on the track and the soulful sample of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s origina
3 days ago
T.I. Gifted Michael Vick $75,000 After Prison to Help Him Rebuild His Life
#NOLAZINE - 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 impactf
3 days ago
Whatever Happened to Shai? The Howard University Group Behind “If I Ever Fall in Love”
#NOLAZINE - The 1990s gave R&B fans some of the greatest male vocal groups in music history. While Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Silk and Dru Hill often receive recognition for helping define the era, Shai also deserves a place in that conversation. Consisting of Carl “Groove” Martin, Marc Gay, Darnell Van Rensalier and Garfield Bright, Shai became an overnight sensation with the unforgettable a cappella ballad “If I Ever Fall in Love.” Although the group never duplicated the enormous
3 days ago
The Showboys’ "Drag Rap" AKA Triggerman: The Forgotten Record That Built Southern Rap
#NOLAZINE - When people talk about the foundations of Southern rap, names like UGK, Outkast, and Master P often dominate the conversation. But one of the most influential records that shaped the sound of the South doesn’t come from Atlanta, Houston, or New Orleans—it comes from Hollis, Queens, New York. In 1986, teenage duo The Showboys, made up of Orville Hall (Can Can) and Phillip Price (Phil D), recorded a track that would quietly become one of the most important songs in
3 days ago
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