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Darren Ogden’s New Book “40 Ways To Build Leverage” Is a Must-Read for Anyone Serious About Business and Networking
#NOLAZINE - In business, sometimes the difference between staying in the same position and reaching the next level isn’t simply how much money you have—it’s who you know, what value you bring to the table, and what you do with the relationships you build. That message sits at the center of Darren Ogden Sr.’s newest book, 40 Ways To Build Leverage, Business Relationships & Gain Income, an independently released business guide that deserves a place on the bookshelf of entrepren
INTERVIEWS
Whatever Happened to Color Me Badd? The Group Behind “I Wanna Sex You Up” and “I Adore Mi Amor”
#NOLAZINE - During the early 1990s, Color Me Badd became one of the biggest vocal groups in the world. With its combination of R&B harmonies, pop melodies, new jack swing production and hip-hop-inspired style, the quartet produced several records that helped define the decade. Bryan Abrams, Mark Calderon, Sam Watters and Kevin Thornton appeared to have everything needed for a long career. They had international hits, platinum albums, major award nominations and a fan base tha
9 hours ago
Dolamite: The 3rd Ward New Orleans Hustler Who Represented RedRum Records
#NOLAZINE - During the 1990s, New Orleans developed one of the most competitive and independent rap scenes in the country. No Limit and Cash Money eventually became the city’s most successful labels, but dozens of smaller companies were also documenting life across its neighborhoods. One of the artists who emerged from that underground movement was Dolamite, a rapper from New Orleans’ 3rd Ward who released music through RedRum Records. Born Marvin Skinner, Dolamite delivered
9 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
9 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
9 hours ago
Who Was Leroy "Bucky" Davis: The Muscle Behind The Rise of Rapper Will Smith
#NOLAZINE - The story of Will Smith and Leroy “Bucky” Davis is not just about celebrity scandal or street politics—it’s about the bonds of loyalty forged in tough environments. For Smith, it was a chapter that quietly shaped his rise, a reminder of the fragile line between triumph and disaster. For Davis, it was proof that even the muscle behind a superstar’s ascent could become a legend in his own right—though for very different reasons. For Will Smith, having someone like B
9 hours ago
Singer El DeBarge Had to Be Pressured Into Singing His Iconic Falsetto on "I Like It"
#NOLAZINE - El DeBarge’s signature falsetto is one of the most recognizable sounds in R&B history, but it turns out he wasn’t always confident in using it. When recording "I Like It", one of the biggest hits for DeBarge, El initially hesitated to hit the now-iconic high notes that helped define the song’s success. His older brother, Bobby DeBarge, was already a well-known falsetto master as the lead singer of the group Switch. With Bobby setting such a high standard, El was r
9 hours ago
Lloyd Avery II: Tragic Tale From Boyz N The Hood to To Real Gang Member
#NOLAZINE - Born in 1969 in the vibrant and unforgiving city of Los Angeles, Lloyd Avery II appeared destined for stardom. His breakout role in John Singleton’s seminal 1991 film Boyz n the Hood catapulted him into the national spotlight. Portraying a menacing gang member in a brutally honest depiction of South Central LA, Avery’s performance was chilling, authentic, and unforgettable. For many, it was clear: a star had arrived. But as quickly as he rose, Avery’s life began t
9 hours ago
DJ Jubilee: The King of Bounce and Pioneer of New Orleans’ Twerking
#NOLAZINE - Jerome Temple, professionally known as DJ Jubilee, is a legendary figure in the New Orleans music scene. Hailing from the St. Thomas Projects in the 10th Ward of the city’s Lower Garden District, DJ Jubilee has not only helped shape the sound of Bounce Music but has also become an iconic figure in the genre. A graduate of Walter L. Cohen High School and Grambling State University, DJ Jubilee began his journey in music by DJing block parties in his neighborhood. In
9 hours ago
Remembering Muhammad Ali: “The Greatest” Died From Septic Shock but Left an Immortal Legacy
#NOLAZINE - Muhammad Ali was more than a legendary boxer. He was a cultural icon, humanitarian, activist and fearless voice who transformed the meaning of being a professional athlete. Known around the world as “The Greatest,” Ali captured the attention of millions with his speed, confidence, charisma and ability to predict his victories. Outside the boxing ring, he demonstrated an equally powerful willingness to defend his religious beliefs and speak out against racial injus
9 hours ago
Did You Know Janet Jackson Turned Down the Role of Storm in “X-Men” Before Halle Berry Was Cast?
#NOLAZINE - It is difficult to imagine anyone other than Halle Berry portraying Storm in the original X-Men movie franchise, but the Oscar-winning actress was not the only superstar considered for the role. Music icon Janet Jackson revealed that she was asked to play the powerful weather-controlling mutant in the 2000 film. However, Jackson was forced to turn down the opportunity because of her touring commitments. The role ultimately went to Halle Berry, who helped introduce
9 hours ago
Remembering Amy Winehouse: A Singular Voice That Still Echoes
#NOLAZINE - Amy Winehouse possessed the kind of voice that could stop listeners in their tracks. Raw, smoky and filled with emotion, it sounded as though it belonged to another era—yet her music was unmistakably her own. Born Amy Jade Winehouse in London on September 14, 1983, the British singer-songwriter grew up surrounded by music. Jazz became one of her earliest influences, laying the foundation for the soulful style that would eventually make her an international star. T
9 hours ago
Whatever Happened to Az Yet, the R&B Group Behind “Last Night”?
#NOLAZINE - The 1990s produced an unforgettable generation of male R&B groups. Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Dru Hill, 112, Blackstreet and Jagged Edge all helped define the era, but another talented group briefly appeared with the vocals and potential to become just as successful. That group was Az Yet. The Philadelphia-based singers gained national attention with their 1996 debut single, “Last Night.” Powered by smooth harmonies, passionate lead vocals and production from Babyface a
9 hours ago
Remembering Richard Pryor: The Comedy Legend Who Changed Stand-Up Forever
#NOLAZINE - Richard Pryor did more than make people laugh. He transformed stand-up comedy into a powerful form of storytelling that could expose pain, challenge racism and find humor inside the most difficult parts of life. With his animated delivery, unforgettable characters and fearless honesty, Pryor became one of the most influential comedians in American history. His work opened doors for generations of performers who followed him, especially Black comedians seeking the
9 hours ago
New Orleans, LA Native Carl Weathers Had Never Boxed Before Landing the Role of Apollo Creed
#NOLAZINE - When audiences watched Carl Weathers move around the ring as Apollo Creed in the original Rocky, he appeared to be a natural-born fighter. His footwork, confidence, speed and powerful physique made him look like a legitimate heavyweight boxing champion. However, Weathers later revealed something surprising: before being selected to play Apollo Creed, he had never actually boxed. In a 1979 interview, Weathers admitted that he exaggerated his boxing experience while
9 hours ago
Michel'le: The Singer Who Had A Baby With Both Dr Dre And Death Row C.E.O Suge Knight
#NOLAZINE - Michel'le Toussaint, known mononymously as Michel'le, is a seminal figure in the R&B and hip-hop world. Her journey, marked by incredible musical talent and personal adversity, is a testament to her resilience and determination. Michel'le's career began at the tender age of 16 when she met Dr. Dre, whose real name is Andre Romelle Young. She was called in to record vocals for the World Class Wreckin' Cru's track "Turn Off the Lights" in 1987, which later peaked at
9 hours ago
Berry Gordy Initially Rejected Marvin Gaye’s "What’s Going On," Calling It “The Worst Record” He’d Ever Heard
#NOLAZINE - One of the most iconic songs in music history, "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, almost never saw the light of day. Berry Gordy, the legendary founder of Motown Records, was famously against the release of the track. He went as far as to declare, “This is the worst record I’ve heard in my life.” Despite Gordy’s resistance, Marvin Gaye persisted, and the song’s eventual success proved it to be a groundbreaking moment—not just for Gaye but for music as a whole. Rele
22 hours ago
How a Blackjack Gamble Saved The Company FedEx from Financial Ruin
#NOLAZINE - In the early days of FedEx, founder Frederick W. Smith faced a challenge that could have ended the company before it even had a chance to soar. The company was running out of funds, barely able to cover essential fuel bills, and desperate for a solution to stay operational. With FedEx’s future on the line, Smith made an audacious decision that would go down in business history. Taking FedEx’s last $5,000, Smith traveled to Las Vegas and sat down at a blackjack tab
22 hours ago
Preacher: The Man Who Kidnapped Bobby Brown And Made Whitney Pay The Ransom of $400,000
#NOLAZINE - 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
22 hours ago
LL Cool J Knocked Jamie Foxx Out on the Set of Any Given Sunday After Too Many Jokes
#NOLAZINE - Hollywood sets are known for long workdays, intense scenes, and the occasional behind-the-scenes drama—but few stories are as legendary as the clash between LL Cool J and Jamie Foxx during the filming of the 1999 football classic Any Given Sunday. What started as playful teasing quickly escalated into one of the most talked-about on-set altercations in movie history. At the time, both stars were still rising in their acting careers. Jamie Foxx, known for his comed
22 hours ago
The Disturbing Case of Andre Thomas: Death Row Inmate Who Removed and Ate His Own Eyes
#NOLAZINE - The story of Andre Thomas, a Texas death row inmate, is one of the most shocking and unsettling cases in modern American prison history. While awaiting trial for capital murder, Thomas committed acts of self-mutilation so extreme that they left both the public and medical experts stunned. In 2004, while sitting in jail awaiting trial, Thomas removed his right eye with his bare hands. The act drew national attention, raising immediate questions about his mental sta
22 hours ago
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