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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
Who Was Kilo G? The Cash Money Records Rapper Who Voice Was Ahead of His Time in New Orleans Hip-Hop
#NOLAZINE - Before the world knew of Lil Wayne, Juvenile, or the Hot Boys, a teenager from New Orleans helped lay the foundation for what Cash Money Records would eventually become. His name was Robert L. Johnson Jr., better known as Kilo G—a pioneering artist whose talent surfaced too soon and whose life ended far too early. In the early 1990s, New Orleans was buzzing with a new, high-energy sound known as bounce music. It was loud, fast, and uniquely Southern. But when brot
Aug 5
Aaliyah Wasn't A Fan Of 'I Don't Wanna" Initially And Did Not Want To Record It
#NOLAZINE - It’s hard to imagine Aaliyah passing on a song as smooth and emotionally resonant as “I Don’t Wanna,” but according to those close to its creation, the late R&B icon initially wasn’t a fan of the track and didn’t want to record it. Written by a powerhouse team of Johntá Austin, Jazze Pha, Donnie Scantz, and Kevin Hicks, “I Don’t Wanna” was crafted with the intention of capturing vulnerability and strength—two qualities Aaliyah effortlessly embodied in her music. B
Aug 5
Marlon Favorite Opens Up About Winning Championships, Being Released by the Saints and Battling Depression
#NOLAZINE - Former LSU and New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Marlon Favorite recently sat down with What’s Yo Story Podcastfor an honest conversation about football, success, disappointment and rebuilding his life after the game. Favorite’s journey is filled with accomplishments many athletes can only dream about. The Gretna, Louisiana, native became one of the nation’s most highly regarded defensive tackles while playing at West Jefferson High School. His talent eventuall
Aug 5
Montell Jordan Originally Wrote Deborah Cox's "Nobody Supposed To Be Here" For Patti Labelle, But She Turned It Down
#NOLAZINE - What if one of the greatest R&B ballads of the late '90s was actually meant for another legendary voice? That’s the case with Deborah Cox’s iconic hit, “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here.” Originally written by Montell Jordan, the song was first intended for none other than Patti LaBelle—but she turned it down. In a 2022 interview with VladTV, Montell Jordan revealed the backstory behind the track’s origins. While many fans associate the emotional ballad with Deborah C
Aug 5
The Song "Best Friend" Was Supposed To Be A Duet Between Siblings Brandy and Ray J
#NOLAZINE - Brandy’s 1995 hit “Best Friend” remains a beloved anthem celebrating loyalty and unwavering support, but few know the heartfelt story behind the track. Originally intended as a duet with her younger brother, Ray J, the song was a tribute to their close bond. While the duet never came to fruition, Brandy’s dedication to her brother shines through, making the track a cornerstone of her debut album. In a 2014 interview with Billboard, Brandy revealed, “That was about
Aug 5
Boyz II Men Almost Passed On "I'll Make Love To You" Because They Felt It Sounded Like There Song "End of The Road"
#NOLAZINE - Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men almost made a decision that could have drastically changed the course of their career. According to a 2019 interview with Entertainment Weekly, group member Shawn Stockman revealed that the quartet initially hesitated to record one of their most iconic hits, "I'll Make Love to You," because they felt it sounded too similar to their previous chart-topping success, "End of the Road." “The funny part is that we felt like it sounded too
Aug 5
Remembering Jesse Powell: The Soulful Voice Behind The Song "You"
#NOLAZINE - Jesse Powell, born on September 12, 1970, in Gary, Indiana, left an indelible mark on the R&B and soul music landscape. Best known for his hit single "You," which soared to No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, Powell's incredible four-octave range and heartfelt performances captivated audiences nationwide. His talent was discovered by music executive Louil Silas Jr., and Powell quickly rose to fame, releasing four albums that showcased his u
Aug 5
Record Labels Told Mint Condition That They Had No Hits On Their Demo. Which Included Hit Song "Breakin' My Heart" (Pretty Brown Eyes)
#NOLAZINE - In the early days of R&B group Mint Condition, record labels repeatedly dismissed their demo, claiming it lacked hits. Among the tracks written off was "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)," a song that would later go on to become their defining hit. Hailing from St. Paul, Minnesota, Mint Condition blended smooth vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and impeccable musicianship. But convincing the industry of their potential was a battle. Determined to prove the doubters wr
Aug 5
R&B Artist Ginuwine Wrote "Differences" As A Tribute To His Ex Wife Solé For Her Support
#NOLAZINE - Ginuwine, the R&B legend known for his soulful hits, created a timeless love song in "Differences," but few fans know the deeply personal story behind its creation. Written as a tribute to his ex-wife Solé, the song captures a moment of vulnerability, love, and gratitude during one of the most challenging times in his life. In reflecting on the track, Ginuwine revealed, “That song was really during a time when I was going through a depressed state because my dad a
Aug 5
Who Is Karen Civil? The Digital Maven Transforming Hip-Hop and Empowering Communities
#NOLAZINE - Karen Civil, also known as "KC," is a name synonymous with innovation in the digital media and music industries. Born on November 8, 1984, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Civil has carved out an influential career as a music executive, digital media marketing strategist, and public speaker. With a career that spans from building fan sites in her college dorm room to managing some of hip-hop's biggest names, Civil has become a force to be reckoned with in the entertainme
Aug 5
DJ Jimi: The New Orleans Pioneer Who Brought Bounce to the World
#NOLAZINE - New Orleans, Louisiana, a city steeped in musical tradition, has birthed countless legends across genres. Among these pioneers stands Jimi "DJ Jimi" Payton, a trailblazer whose contributions in the early 1990s helped define and popularize the bounce music genre. His journey from local club DJ to an influential figure in hip-hop is a testament to his talent and vision. DJ Jimi began his career spinning records and hyping crowds at Big Man's, he honed his skills in
Aug 5
The Vitamin Water Deal That Changed 50 Cent Financial Future
#NOLAZINE - In the world of hip-hop, few artists have successfully transitioned from music to business like 50 Cent. His story is one of ambition, savvy decision-making, and the pursuit of financial freedom. A pivotal moment in his journey occurred in 2004 when he was offered a lucrative endorsement deal with Vitamin Water. Instead of settling for the five to six-figure sum initially proposed, 50 Cent made a bold move that would ultimately redefine his career. The rapper dema
Jul 31
Did You Know That Jagged Edge Did The Background Vocals For Usher's Hit Single "Nice & Slow"?
#NOLAZINE - In the realm of R&B, collaborations often yield some of the most memorable tracks, and Usher's "Nice & Slow" is no exception. Released in 1997 as part of his self-titled debut album, this sultry slow jam not only showcased Usher's smooth vocals but also featured the remarkable contributions of the renowned group Jagged Edge. Did you know that Jagged Edge provided the background vocals for "Nice & Slow"? The Atlanta-based group, known for their harmonious melodies
Jul 31
El DeBarge Had to Be Pressured Into Singing His Iconic Falsetto on the Song "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
Jul 31
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
Jul 30
Janet And La Toya Jackson Sang Background Vocals On Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T" Pretty Young Thing
#NOLAZINE - Michael Jackson's "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" is a standout track from his legendary 1982 album Thriller. While the song is widely celebrated for its infectious energy and iconic groove, many fans may not realize that Michael’s sisters, Janet and La Toya Jackson, provided the background vocals that added an extra layer of charm to the hit. Released in September 1983 as the sixth single from Thriller, "P.Y.T." is a testament to the Jackson family’s musical synerg
Jul 30
Rosie Perez Was Supposed To Play The Role of Peaches Which Was Played By Jada Pinkett In "A Low Down Dirty Shame"
#NOLAZINE - The 1994 cult classic A Low Down Dirty Shame, starring Keenen Ivory Wayans and Jada Pinkett (Smith), remains a fan favorite for its mix of action, comedy, and charm. However, many fans might not know that the iconic role of Peaches, portrayed with unforgettable sass and charisma by Jada Pinkett, was initially meant for another talented actress: Rosie Perez. Rosie Perez, known for her distinctive voice, fiery energy, and standout performances in films like Do the R
Jul 30
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
How 2 Pac Made A High School Student Dream Come True By Attending Her Prom
#NOLAZINE - Tupac Shakur, known for his raw talent and profound lyrics, also left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to encounter his generosity and compassion. One of the most touching examples of his kindness involves an unforgettable act of goodwill: attending a high school prom with a fan named Tashaunna Howard. The story began with a simple joke. Tashaunna Howard, a high school senior, found herself without a prom date after her boyfriend broke up with her. In a
Jul 30
Tammi Terrell Recorded "You're All I Need To Get By" After Recovering From Brain Surgery
#NOLAZINE - Tammi Terrell, a name synonymous with timeless duets and soulful melodies, demonstrated an extraordinary spirit and resilience that has left an indelible mark on the music world. Diagnosed with brain cancer at the tender age of 22, Tammi faced incredible challenges but never let her condition silence her voice or dim her passion for music. One of her most iconic recordings, "You're All I Need to Get By", was created during a particularly trying period in her life—
Jul 30
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