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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
Did You Know That The Notorious B.I.G's Song "I Got a Story to Tell" is about NBA Star Anthony Mason?
#NOLAZINE - Among The Notorious B.I.G.’s catalogue of gritty street tales and hard-hitting rhymes, one track has continued to intrigue fans and stir up debate for decades — “I Got a Story to Tell.” Featured on his iconic posthumous album Life After Death, the song showcases Biggie’s brilliant storytelling ability as he recounts a tense, almost unbelievable scenario involving a secret affair, a home invasion, and — as later revealed — a New York Knicks player. In the song, Big
3 days ago
Samuel Monroe Jr: Labeled as One of the Most Hated Actors After Playing Some Controversial Roles
#NOLAZINE - 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 viewe
3 days ago
Who Is Layton Simon? The Real-Life Inspiration Behind "Lamar Silas" in BMF Show on Starz
#NOLAZINE - In the gritty world of the BMF series on Starz, Layton Simon, known by his alias “Lamar Silas,” emerges as a formidable adversary to the infamous Black Mafia Family in their early days in Detroit. While the show portrays Lamar as a psychopathic character, his real-life counterpart Layton Simon was a force to be reckoned with in the streets of Detroit, particularly in the Ecorse and Southwest areas, long before the rise of Meech and Terry Flenory. Layton and his br
3 days ago
Days After Hurricane Katrina Jabbar Gibson Stole a School Bus To Transport 70 People To Houston: A True Hero
#NOLAZINE - When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in August 2005, thousands of residents were stranded without food, water, or transportation. Amid the chaos, a young man named Jabbar Gibson made a bold decision that would etch his name into history as an unlikely hero. Three days after the storm, with government aid moving slowly and thousands still trapped in deteriorating conditions, the then–20-year-old Gibson took matters into his own hands. Spotting an idle Orle
4 days ago
There Wouldn’t Be a Roc-A-Fella Without C.E.O Dame Dash: Hip-Hop’s Boldest Mogul
#NOLAZINE - When conversations arise about the rise of Roc-A-Fella Records or the cultural explosion of hip-hop in the late '90s and early 2000s, one name that deserves just as much spotlight as any chart-topping rapper is Damon Dash. Often painted in the media with a focus on controversy or personal missteps, what gets overshadowed far too often is the undeniable truth: There would be no Roc-A-Fella without Dame Dash. Born May 3, 1971, in New York City and raised in Harlem,
4 days ago
Havoc Almost Deleted the Beat for Mobb Deep’s "Shook Ones, Part II"—Until Prodigy Saved Hip-Hop History
#NOLAZINE - Hip-hop is often built on moments of chance, instinct, and timing. One of its most iconic tracks, Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones, Part II,” nearly never saw the light of day. In a candid revelation, Havoc, one half of the legendary Queensbridge duo, admitted he was this close to deleting the very beat that would become the cornerstone of a rap classic. While working alone in his Queensbridge apartment, Havoc was piecing together what would unknowingly become one of the m
4 days ago
Remembering Michelle Thomas Who Died At Age 30 From Stomach Cancer
#NOLAZINE - Michelle Thomas was a rising star whose warmth, talent, and on-screen presence left a lasting impression on television audiences in the 1990s. Best known for her roles on Family Matters and The Cosby Show, Thomas’ life and career were tragically cut short when she passed away from stomach cancer at just 30 years old. Born on September 23, 1968, in Boston, Massachusetts, Michelle Thomas grew up around entertainment. Her mother, Phynjuar Thomas, was a stage actress,
4 days ago
TLC Was the Biggest Girl Group in the World — Yet They Were So Broke They Couldn’t Afford to File for Bankruptcy In The 90's
#NOLAZINE - By the mid-1990s, TLC wasn’t just successful — they were unstoppable. Comprised of T-Boz, Chilli, and the late Left Eye, TLC had become the biggest girl group in the world by 1995, dominating radio, television, and pop culture. With chart-topping hits, sold-out tours, and massive record sales, it looked like the trio was living the ultimate music industry dream. But behind the scenes, the reality was shockingly different. In 1994, TLC released CrazySexyCool, an al
4 days ago
Did You Know? Sanaa Lathan Had Never Played Basketball Before The Movie Love & Basketball
#NOLAZINE - It’s hard to imagine Love & Basketball without Sanaa Lathan’s iconic performance as Monica Wright — a fiercely competitive hooper whose love for the game was just as strong as her love story. But here’s a surprising fact that still shocks fans today: Sanaa Lathan had never played basketball before landing the role. Released in 2000, Love & Basketball became an instant classic, praised for its authenticity, emotional depth, and realistic portrayal of athletes chasi
4 days ago
Did You Know Comedian Redd Foxx Intentionally Ate Soap to Avoid the World War II Draft?
#NOLAZINE - Before Redd Foxx became a television icon and one of the most influential comedians of all time, his life story was already filled with bold, controversial, and unconventional choices—very much in line with the persona he later brought to the stage and screen. One of the most surprising anecdotes from his early life is the long-circulated story that Foxx deliberately ate soap to avoid being drafted into World War II. Born John Elroy Sanford in 1922 in St. Louis, M
4 days ago
Suge Knight Told Master P “It’s Not Enough Room in California for the Both of Us.” Master P Replied, “When Are You Moving?”
#NOLAZINE - Hip-hop history is filled with legendary clashes, but few moments capture the fearlessness, confidence, and business mindset of Master P quite like his unforgettable exchange with Suge Knight during the height of Death Row and No Limit’s rise. In the mid-90s, Master P had moved No Limit Records from New Orleans to the West Coast, setting up shop in Richmond and later expanding throughout California. At the same time, Suge Knight and Death Row Records were at the p
4 days 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
4 days ago
Shabba Ranks Chased Marlon Wayans Around the Set of In Living Color For Playing With Him With Mr Ugly Man! LOL
#NOLAZINE - In the early ’90s, In Living Color was one of the most unpredictable, unfiltered, and wildly entertaining television shows on air. The Wayans family pushed boundaries every week, blending sharp satire with unforgettable characters. But one sketch in particular sparked a behind-the-scenes moment that has lived in comedy legend: the day Dancehall icon Shabba Ranks chased Marlon Wayans around the set after seeing his parody character, “Mr. Ugly Man.” Marlon Wayans, k
4 days ago
Dmx's Ex-Wife Believed Him And Aaliyah Became Too Close
#NOLAZINE - After filming Romeo Must Die and collaborating on "Come Back in One Piece," DMX and Aaliyah became extremely close. Fans loved their chemistry, but according to DMX's ex-wife, Tashera Simmons, she struggled with what she saw. During an episode of Unsung, Tashera recalled visiting the set of the music video and feeling uncomfortable after seeing DMX and Aaliyah together. She admitted she became jealous and said she felt like "ripping up the whole set." However, wha
4 days ago
The Rest of Dru Hill Did Not Want To Record "Beauty" When Nokio First Presented It To Them
#NOLAZINE - Before becoming one of Dru Hill’s most memorable tracks, “Beauty” almost never saw the light of day. When group leader Nokio first presented the song to his bandmates, the rest of the members were hesitant to record it, unsure if it fit their signature sound or if fans would connect with it. At the time, Dru Hill was known for their smooth harmonies, R&B grooves, and emotionally charged ballads, but “Beauty” was different—it had a unique vibe that blended their vo
4 days ago
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
R&B Singer Case Almost Passed on His Biggest Hit Because It “Felt Too Pop”
#NOLAZINE - Before it became one of the most emotional and recognizable R&B songs of the late 1990s, “Missing You” wasn’t even a record Case believed in. In fact, the R&B singer initially didn’t like the song at all, feeling that it leaned too far into pop territory and away from the soulful sound he was known for. At the time, Case was building his reputation as a heartfelt R&B vocalist with raw emotion and street-rooted soul. When “Missing You” was presented to him, he repo
4 days ago
YgTrezzy Is Becoming One of the Hottest Rising Artists in New Orleans
#NOLAZINE - New Orleans has always been home to talented artists who bring their own voices, experiences, and styles to the music industry. One rising artist who is steadily separating himself from the crowd is YgTrezzy. Nolazine was first introduced to YGTrezzy’s music some time ago, and since then, we have watched him remain consistent while building a strong buzz throughout the city. Instead of waiting for an opportunity to come his way, Ygtrezzy continues to create his ow
4 days ago
Who Really Won the Rap Battle Between Nas and Jay-Z?
#NOLAZINE - Few rivalries in hip-hop history have sparked as much debate, passion, and lyrical analysis as the legendary feud between Nas and Jay-Z. Emerging from New York City in the late 1990s and early 2000s, this clash wasn’t just about ego—it was about legacy, authenticity, and who truly held the crown as the greatest rapper alive. Decades later, fans still argue one question: who really won the rap battle between Nas and Jay-Z? How the Beef Began The tension reportedly
4 days ago
Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody?”: A Hit Born in Just 4 Hours
#NOLAZINE - Aaliyah, the late R&B queen, proved once again why she was a musical force to be reckoned with when she recorded “Are You That Somebody?” for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack—all in just four hours. Faced with the pressure of delivering the lead single for the film, Aaliyah didn’t hesitate. Working with Timbaland, who co-produced the track, she brought her signature smooth vocals and unmatched timing to a song that would go on to become one of the defining hits of her
4 days ago
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