top of page
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
The 26-Year-Old Who Brought The Saints And Almost Ruined the League: John Mecom Jr
#NOLAZINE - In 1966, the NFL shocked the sports world when it handed the keys to its newest franchise, the New Orleans Saints, to a 26-year-old oil heir named John Mecom Jr. At the time, he became the youngest owner in league history. What followed was a chaotic experiment that nearly destabilized the league—and ultimately changed how the NFL selects its owners forever. A Bid Born from Oil Money and Politics Mecom wasn’t a self-made businessman. His fortune came from his fami
18 hours ago
How Caryn Johnson Changed Her Name to Whoopi Goldberg and Became a Famous Actress
#NOLAZINE - Before the world knew her as Whoopi Goldberg, she was Caryn Elaine Johnson, a young woman from New York City with big dreams and an even bigger personality. Over the decades, she transformed not only her name but also her career, becoming one of the most recognizable and respected entertainers in Hollywood. Caryn Johnson adopted the stage name “Whoopi” from the novelty whoopee cushion, a nod to her naturally comedic and unfiltered personality. The surname “Goldber
18 hours ago
Joe Jackson Cried When His Sons Fired Him As Their Manager in 1983. Michael Was The First To Fire His Father In 1979
#NOLAZINE - The Jackson family’s story is one of incredible success, but behind the fame and fortune were also struggles, conflicts, and painful decisions. One of the most emotional chapters came in 1983, when Joe Jackson—the father who had managed his children’s careers since the beginning—was officially fired as their manager. Michael Jackson, the most successful of Joe’s children, was also the first to part ways with his father’s management. When Michael turned 21 in 1979,
18 hours ago
Michael Jackson Dedicated "Remember The Time" to Diana Ross: A Hidden Love Story
#NOLAZINE - Michael Jackson’s 1992 hit “Remember The Time” stands as one of his most iconic songs — a smooth blend of R&B grooves, cinematic visuals, and nostalgic storytelling. But behind the infectious melody and legendary music video lies a lesser-known truth: the song was a tribute to someone very special in his life — Diana Ross. According to Michael’s older brother, Jermaine Jackson, the King of Pop penned “Remember The Time” with Diana Ross in mind. In his memoir, Jerm
18 hours ago
Oliver "Power" Grant: The Visionary Behind Wu-Tang Clan & Wu-Wear's Empire
#NOLAZINE - Oliver “Power” Grant is much more than a behind-the-scenes figure—he's a visionary who helped architect the Wu-Tang Clan’s rise from Staten Island’s Park Hill projects to a global hip-hop and fashion phenomenon. As an entrepreneur, executive producer, and streetwear pioneer, Grant has built an enduring legacy at the intersection of music, culture, and business. Growing up in Staten Island, Grant was a childhood friend of Divine—older brother of Wu-Tang’s de facto
19 hours ago
Honoring the Legacy of New Orleans’ King of Bounce Music: Who Was 5th Ward Weebie?
#NOLAZINE - Born on February 19, 1978, in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana, 5th Ward Weebie—real name Jerome Cosey—was more than a bounce music pioneer; he was a cultural icon whose infectious energy, creative genius, and relentless drive shaped the sound and spirit of an entire genre. Known affectionately as the “King of Bounce,” Weebie’s legacy still echoes through speakers and second lines across the Crescent City. Weebie’s path to greatness was paved with an unshakeabl
19 hours ago
Regina Belle Recorded "Baby Come to Me" in Just Two Takes — A Testament to True Vocal Mastery
#NOLAZINE - In an era where studio perfection often takes days or even weeks to achieve, legendary R&B singer Regina Belle delivered vocal excellence with remarkable ease. Her beloved hit "Baby Come to Me" was recorded in just two takes, showcasing her raw talent and seasoned musicianship. Released in 1989, "Baby Come to Me" quickly became one of Belle’s signature songs, a smooth and sultry ballad that showcased her powerful yet delicate vocal tone. The track climbed the char
19 hours ago
Pimp Daddy: A Short-Lived Career with an Enduring Impact on New Orleans Hip-Hop And Cash Money
#NOLAZINE - The vibrant 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 bounc
19 hours ago
Who Is Mecca? The Voice Behind Jay-Z’s Classic Song "Feelin’ It" From His Album "Reasonable Doubt"
#NOLAZINE - When hip-hop fans talk about Jay-Z’s iconic debut album, Reasonable Doubt, one of the standout tracks that often comes up is the smooth and soulful “Feelin’ It.” While Hov’s lyrical brilliance is front and center, the song wouldn’t be the same without the ethereal vocals floating through the chorus — and that voice belongs to none other than Angela “Mecca” Redmon. Though her name might not be widely known to the public, her voice is unforgettable. At just 17 years
19 hours ago
Remembering Young Capone, AKA Dopeboy Ra: The Lasting Legacy of Atlanta’s Slum Lord
#NOLAZINE - In the heart of Atlanta’s influential music scene, Young Capone—later known as Dopeboy Ra—stood out through his raw talent, street knowledge and unwavering dedication to his craft. Coming from East Atlanta, Ra developed an authentic voice that connected with listeners who understood the realities behind his music. Raised between Atlanta’s Zone 3 and Zone 6, Ra faced circumstances that required him to mature quickly. Those early experiences gave him the resilience,
19 hours ago
Meet Rennix: A Rising Name in the New Orleans Music Scene
#NOLAZINE - New Orleans has always been home to artists who bring originality, confidence, and authentic storytelling to hip-hop. One rising talent who deserves more attention is Rennix, an artist representing the Westside of New Orleans—an area traditionally known as the West Bank. Although Rennix comes straight from the Westside, his name and presence extend throughout the entire city. By moving through different neighborhoods, connecting with people, and consistently repre
19 hours ago
Grant Hill & Tamia Started Dating After Being Introduced By Anita Baker
#NOLAZINE - In a world where celebrity relationships often make headlines for their drama and short lifespans, the enduring love story of Grant Hill and Tamia is a refreshing reminder that true love still exists — even in the spotlight. Their journey began with a soulful introduction by none other than legendary singer Anita Baker, who saw something special in both of them and decided to play matchmaker. The pairing turned out to be serendipitous. Grant Hill, a rising NBA sta
19 hours ago
Eddie Murphy Handpicked Lisa Lisa To Play In "Coming To America" But Her Husband Rejected
#NOLAZINE - Eddie Murphy’s iconic 1988 comedy Coming to America is remembered for its legendary cast, timeless humor, and unforgettable romance between Prince Akeem and Lisa McDowell. But what many fans don’t know is that the role of Lisa was originally intended for a different leading lady: Lisa Lisa, the chart-topping music sensation from Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. At the height of her fame in the late 1980s, Lisa Lisa—known for hits like “I Wonder If I Take You Home” and “Hea
19 hours ago
MC T Tucker and DJ Irv: Pioneering New Orleans Bounce and Shaping a Musical Legacy Forever
#NOLAZINE - Among the most influential figures to emerge from this vibrant musical landscape are MC T Tucker and DJ Irv, the architects behind a genre that would come to define an era: New Orleans bounce music. In 1990, MC T Tucker and DJ Irv unleashed a sound that would electrify dance floors and block parties across the Crescent City. With high-energy beats, rapid-fire call-and-response hooks, and a distinctive blend of hip-hop and dancehall flavors, bounce music was born.
20 hours ago
Who Was Supreme AKA Kenneth McGriff? The Man, The Myth, The Queens Legend
#NOLAZINE - Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff is a name that echoes through the streets of South Jamaica, Queens — a figure etched into the annals of New York City’s underworld. Born on September 19, 1960, McGriff rose from the Baisley Park Houses to become one of the most notorious drug lords of the 1980s. His story, from kingpin to convicted felon, is one of power, influence, ambition, and ultimately, downfall. In 1981, McGriff founded The Supreme Team, a drug trafficking organizat
20 hours ago
Tre-8: Remembering the New Orleans Rap Pioneer and True Knight of the Westbank
#NOLAZINE - In the rich history of New Orleans hip-hop, few artists represented the spirit, resilience and authenticity of the city quite like Tre-8. Born Walter McCallon, the talented rapper rose from the Christopher Homes development in Algiers and earned recognition as one of the Westbank’s most respected voices. Tre-8’s journey was more than a pursuit of fame. It was the story of a young artist who used music to document his surroundings, express his reality and contribut
20 hours ago
Maxwell Covered R&B Legend Aaliyah's Funeral Expenses After A Certain Label Backed Out
#NOLAZINE - 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, powe
2 days ago
Remembering American Actor Gary Coleman: A Life of Triumph, Struggle, and Quiet Departure
#NOLAZINE - On May 28, 2010, the world lost beloved child star Gary Coleman at the age of 42 due to a brain hemorrhage resulting from an epidural hematoma. Just two days prior, Coleman had reportedly suffered a seizure and fell down the stairs at his home in Utah. The fall led to a critical head injury that left him unconscious and on life support by the following day. Best known for his iconic role as Arnold Jackson on the hit sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, Gary Coleman captured
2 days ago
13 Years Later: Larry Morrow Is Ready To Reopen Larry’s Poboy’s
#NOLAZINE - 13 Years Later: Larry Morrow Is Ready To Reopen Larry’s Poboys In 2013, Larry’s Poboys & Wings closed just 6 months after opening. At the time, Larry only had about five employees, and when the doors closed, he felt embarrassed — like a complete failure. Looking back, he admits he was young, undisciplined, and more focused on running the streets than running a business. The timing simply wasn’t right. But that loss changed everything. After shutting down the resta
2 days ago
Chuck: The Founder of New Orleans Legendary Label Big Boy Records
#NOLAZINE - Founded in the early 1990s by Charles Temple alongside producer Leroy “Precise” Edwards, Big Boy Records emerged as one of the first independent hip hop labels in New Orleans. In a scene still developing its identity, Big Boy Records was not only groundbreaking—it was fearless. At a time when bounce music was just beginning to take shape, Big Boy provided a home for artists who pushed musical boundaries, delivering a soundscape that was both diverse and uniquely r
4 days ago
LATEST INTERVIEW
bottom of page