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
How Brendan Fraser Went From Earning $45 Million to Going Broke
#NOLAZINE - At one point, Brendan Fraser was one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. With blockbuster hits, leading-man roles, and a string of box office successes, he reportedly earned tens of millions at the height of his career — with estimates placing his earnings around $45 million during his peak years. So how did one of the biggest stars of the late ’90s and early 2000s face serious financial hardship by 2013? Fraser became a household name through films like The Mummy
Jul 30
Dentist & New Orleans Native Dr. Bre’ Releases New Children’s Book to Help Kids Conquer Their Fear of the Dentist
#NOLAZINE - New Orleans native and respected dentist Dr. Bre’ is preparing to make a meaningful impact beyond the dental office with the release of her upcoming children’s book this summer. Published by Williams Commerce, the book is designed to help children overcome one of the most common childhood fears—the fear of visiting the dentist. Through a fun, encouraging, and educational story, Dr. Bre’ hopes to give young readers the confidence they need to view dental visits as
Jul 30
What Led to Master P and Pimp C’s Beef That Ended With Pimp C Getting Assaulted?
#NOLAZINE - Hip-hop in the ’90s and early 2000s was full of collaborations, alliances, and legendary moments—but it was also a time when misunderstandings and street politics could turn small issues into major conflicts. One of the most talked-about tensions from that era was the beef between Master P and Pimp C, a situation that eventually led to Pimp C being assaulted during a heated period between No Limit Records and UGK. While both men are now remembered as Southern rap
Jul 28
Tammi Terrell Was Happily Engaged To Music Artist David Ruffin When She Found Out He Was Already Married With Kids
#NOLAZINE - In the golden era of Motown, few voices shined as brightly and soulfully as Tammi Terrell’s. Known for her timeless duets with Marvin Gaye, Tammi embodied charm, talent, and an effervescent spirit that captivated audiences across the country. But behind the scenes, her personal life was riddled with emotional pain—much of it stemming from a tragic love story that rocked her world. In 1966, Tammi Terrell began a whirlwind romance with David Ruffin, the electrifying
Jul 28
The Real Reason Bernie Mac Refused to Do Another Kings of Comedy: The Steve Harvey Betrayal
#NOLAZINE - The world remembers Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, and D.L. Hughley as the legendary quartet behind The Original Kings of Comedy—a groundbreaking stand-up tour and film that changed comedy forever. But behind the laughter and sold-out arenas was a lesser-known tension that left a permanent fracture between two of its biggest stars. One of the most shocking stories to surface over the years involves what happened when Bernie Mac landed his major
Jul 28
Tom Anderson Sold His Business My Space For $580 Million, Retired and Focused On Photography
#NOLAZINE - Tom Anderson, famously known as “Myspace Tom,” was once the default first friend for millions of users on the pioneering social media platform Myspace. As the co-founder of Myspace, Anderson was instrumental in shaping the early days of social networking. In 2005, he made headlines when he sold the platform to News Corp for a staggering $580 million. By 2009, Anderson had stepped away from the tech industry, officially retiring. But Anderson's story didn’t end wit
Jul 28
Did You Know? The Role of O-Dog in Movie Menace II Society Was Originally Written for Eazy-E
#NOLAZINE - The 1993 cult classic Menace II Society is remembered for its raw depiction of inner-city life, gritty realism, and unforgettable performances. One of the most iconic characters from the film was O-Dog, portrayed by Larenz Tate. His ruthless, unpredictable energy made the role legendary—but what many fans don’t know is that the part was originally written for a very different figure in hip-hop history: Eazy-E. Yes, before Larenz Tate made O-Dog a household name, t
Jul 28
Lloyd Avery II: Tragic Tale From Hollywood Stardom to 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
Jul 28
Meet Lil Soulja Slim: The Son of New Orleans Rap Legend Soulja Slim
#NOLAZINE - Being the son of a New Orleans legend comes with great pride, but it also brings tremendous expectations. For Lil Soulja Slim, carrying the name and legacy of his father, the late hip-hop icon Soulja Slim, has been both an honor and a major responsibility. Soulja Slim was more than a respected New Orleans rapper—he became an influential voice in Southern hip-hop. Although his life and career ended before he received the full mainstream recognition he deserved, his
Jul 28
Monica Recorded “For You I Will” While Battling Walking Pneumonia
#NOLAZINE - Monica, one of R&B’s most enduring voices, showed true professionalism and dedication when she recorded the heartfelt ballad “For You I Will” while battling walking pneumonia. The song, which became one of her signature hits, was part of the Space Jam soundtrack and highlighted not only her vocal talent but also her determination to deliver music at the highest level, no matter the circumstances. Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia that can still leave
Jul 28
DMX Went Directly at Irv Gotti After Learning He Didn't Like His Energy on "What's My Name"
#NOLAZINE - Few artists in hip-hop history possessed the raw energy, passion, and intensity that DMX brought to every record he touched. Whether he was barking on a track, delivering emotional lyrics, or commanding a stage, DMX had a presence that could not be ignored. That's why many fans were surprised to hear stories about legendary music executive and producer Irv Gotti initially having concerns about X's energy on one of his biggest records, "What's My Name?" The song, r
Jul 28
Usher Was On The Verge of Being Dropped By Laface Records Before The "My Way" Album
#NOLAZINE - Before Usher became one of the most successful R&B artists of all time, his career was hanging by a thread. In the mid-1990s, long before sold-out arenas and diamond plaques, Usher was on the verge of being dropped by LaFace Records — a reality few fans would ever imagine today. Usher released his self-titled debut album in 1994 at just 15 years old. Despite strong vocals and industry support, the album failed to make a major impact commercially. At the time, LaFa
Jul 28
Faith Evans’ “I Love You” Was Was Co-Written By Jennifer Lopez And Meant For HerAlbum
#NOLAZINE - Faith Evans has always been celebrated for her soulful delivery and heartfelt songwriting, but one of her most emotional records carries a surprising backstory. Her 2001 song “I Love You” was actually co-written by Jennifer Lopez and was originally intended for Lopez’s sophomore album, J.LO. At the time, Jennifer Lopez was transitioning from movie star to full-fledged pop and R&B powerhouse. As she worked on J.LO, she collaborated with a wide range of writers and
Jul 26
You Haven’t Had a Good Cheesesteak Until You’ve Had A Real Philly Jawn
#NOLAZINE - When most people think about enjoying an authentic Philly cheesesteak, they immediately think they need to travel all the way to Philadelphia. However, A Real Philly Jawn is bringing that same bold flavor and cheesesteak experience directly to the New Orleans area. Located at 7007 Saint Claude Avenue, A Real Philly Jawn offers a delicious variety of cheesesteaks that can leave you speechless after the first bite. From the flavorful meat and melted cheese to the fr
Jul 26
Eve Was Never Credited Or Awarded For The Roots' Grammy-Winning Hit, "You Got Me"
#NOLAZINE - One of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of the late 1990s, “You Got Me” by The Roots, took home a Grammy Award, yet not everyone who contributed to the song received recognition. Among those overlooked was Eve, the Newark-born rapper who helped make the hit unforgettable with her distinctive flow and commanding presence on the track. Released in 1999, “You Got Me” featured The Roots, Eve, and Erykah Badu on vocals, blending live instrumentation, sharp lyricism, and
Jul 26
Richard Pryor’s Addiction Was So Bad It Left Traces in Pam Grier’s Body
#NOLAZINE - Richard Pryor, one of the most groundbreaking and influential comedians of all time, lived a life filled with both genius and chaos. While he broke barriers in comedy with his raw honesty and unfiltered reflections on race, class, and life in America, his personal struggles with drug addiction became just as legendary as his talent. Among the most startling accounts of his drug use came from actress Pam Grier, his girlfriend during the 1970s. Pryor and Grier were
Jul 26
Meet New Orleans Own Fee Banks: From Being a Key Figure in Lil Wayne's Sqad Up to Music Mogul
#NOLAZINE - The story of Fee Banks is one of resilience, hustle, and evolution. Known today as a powerhouse in the music industry, Fee Banks’ journey began in the gritty trenches of hip-hop—DJing for Lil Wayne and playing a key role in the legendary Sqad Up crew. From those early days of being featured on music, hitting the road, and managing the chaos of tour life, Fee Banks has steadily carved out a lane for himself that goes far beyond the turntables. With more than a deca
Jul 26
From Music Mogul to Convicted Criminal: Who Is Jimmy Henchman?
#NOLAZINE - James Rosemond, better known in the entertainment world as Jimmy Henchman, once stood among hip-hop’s most influential and enigmatic figures. A Brooklyn-bred music executive, entrepreneur, and activist, Rosemond climbed from the rough streets of Flatbush to rub shoulders with industry giants, athletes, and political leaders. But what began as an inspiring come-up story quickly spiraled into one of the most cautionary tales in hip-hop history—darkened by drug traff
Jul 26
Who Is Hafree? Music Artist Turned Serial Entrepreneur Making Big Moves in New Orleans
#NOLAZINE - Hafree is proving that his talents extend far beyond music. The New Orleans artist has successfully transformed himself into a serial entrepreneur, community supporter, and businessman who continues to make major moves throughout the city. Here at Nolazine, we were first introduced to Hafree as a music artist in 2018. His talent and presence immediately caught our attention, but as the years passed, we began to see that Hafree was a man of many hats. While continu
Jul 26
The Song “I Should Have Cheated” by Keyshia Cole Was Originally Meant for Singer Nivea
#NOLAZINE - R&B fans know Keyshia Cole’s breakout hit “I Should Have Cheated” as one of the most emotional and empowering songs of the 2000s — but what many don’t realize is that the song wasn’t originally written for her. In fact, it was meant for singer Nivea. “I Should Have Cheated,” released in 2005 as part of Keyshia Cole’s debut album The Way It Is, became an instant classic. The track captured the pain and frustration of being accused of infidelity in a toxic relations
Jul 26
LATEST INTERVIEW
bottom of page