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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
R. Kelly Produced and Arranged Chante Moore’s Vocals for “Contagious” Over the Phone
#NOLAZINE - Behind many classic R&B records are stories that sound almost unbelievable, and one of the most fascinating involves Chante Moore’s hit song “Contagious.” While the track is widely remembered for its smooth vocals, emotional delivery, and dramatic storytelling, few fans know that R. Kelly reportedly produced and arranged Chante Moore’s vocals entirely over the phone—without being physically present in the studio. Released in 2000, “Contagious” became one of Chante
Jul 15
Bad Boy Artist Craig Mack Was So Broke At His Peak That He Considered Joining Death Row
#NOLAZINE - Craig Mack’s name will forever be etched in hip-hop history as one of the artists who helped launch Bad Boy Records into the mainstream. His 1994 smash hit “Flava In Ya Ear” was a cultural moment, dominating radio, clubs, and MTV, and positioning Mack as one of the hottest rappers in the game. From the outside, it looked like success had arrived in full force. But behind the scenes, Craig Mack was quietly struggling. At the peak of his fame, while his music was st
Jul 15
Remembering Irish Grinstead Who Died At Age 43 After A Long Battle With Liver Disease
#NOLAZINE - Irish Grinstead, best known as one-third of the iconic R&B group 702, is remembered not only for her powerful voice but for the impact she left on ’90s and early 2000s R&B. Irish passed away at the age of 43 after a long and private battle with liver disease, a heartbreaking loss that resonated deeply with fans who grew up on the group’s music. Rising to fame as part of 702 alongside her twin sister Orish “Orish Grinstead” and bandmate Kameelah Williams, Irish hel
Jul 15
R&B Artist Amaria Releases New Single "'Til We Meet Again"
#NOLAZINE - Alternative R&B singer-songwriter Amaria is back with new music, releasing her latest single, "'Til We Meet Again," a soulful record that continues to showcase her signature blend of modern R&B and neo-soul influences. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Amaria has developed a sound that combines contemporary Alternative R&B with the mellow, captivating style made famous by legendary artists like Erykah Badu and Sade. Since making her debut on New Year's Day 2020 with th
Jul 15
Who Is Rashia Wilson? The First Lady of Tax Fraud: From $21 Million to Receiving 21 Years In Prison and Now Home
#NOLAZINE - In the world of street notoriety and federal indictments, few names ring louder than Rashia Wilson — once dubbed the "First Lady of Tax Fraud." Her rise to infamy, fueled by audacious displays of wealth and social media bravado, ended with a historic 21-year federal prison sentence. But today, after serving her time, Rashia is rewriting her narrative. No longer just a cautionary tale, she’s become a voice of healing, growth, and empowerment with the release of her
Jul 15
Def Jam Did Not Support Sisqó's Idea To Go Solo So He Borrowed Money And Put His Debut Album Together By Himself
#NOLAZINE - In the world of R&B, few stories are as inspiring—and as bold—as that of Sisqó, the flamboyant frontman of Dru Hill who transformed from group member to global solo star. But what most fans don’t know is that Sisqó’s journey into solo stardom didn’t come with industry support. In fact, Def Jam refused to back his idea to go solo. Faced with rejection, Sisqó did what many artists only dream of: he bet on himself—and it paid off in a major way. By the late 1990s, Si
Jul 15
How "Say My Name" Produced By Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins Saved Destiny’s Child’s Album
#NOLAZINE - In 1999, Destiny’s Child was riding a wave of momentum after their hit single “Bills, Bills, Bills” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But that momentum hit a snag with the underperformance of their follow-up single, “Bug A Boo,” which peaked at a modest No. 33. Concerned with the direction of the group’s second album The Writing’s on the Wall, Columbia Records was hesitant to release “Say My Name” as the next single. That hesitation almost cost the group one of
Jul 15
Was B.E.T Aka Black Entertainment Television Ever the Same After Bob Johnson Crossed Sheila for Debra Lee?
#NOLAZINE - Black Entertainment Television (B.E.T.) was once more than just a channel — it was a cultural pillar, a place where Black music, entertainment, and news were centered and celebrated. Founded by Robert “Bob” Johnson and his wife Sheila, B.E.T. made history as the first cable network to target African American audiences, shaping the soundtracks and stories of a generation. But behind the success was a scandal that, many argue, forever altered the course of the netwo
Jul 15
Meet Junior Montana: One of New Orleans' Best Rappers Out Right Now
#NOLAZINE - New Orleans has never been short on musical talent. From producing some of hip-hop's biggest legends to influencing the culture around the world, the Crescent City continues to be one of the most respected breeding grounds for authentic artists. While many names dominate the mainstream conversation, there are still gifted lyricists grinding every day who deserve far more recognition than they've received. One of those artists is Junior Montana. Here at Nolazine, w
Jul 15
Maxine "Red Top" Walters — Harlem’s Teenage Millionaire Queenpin
#NOLAZINE - At just 16 years old, Red Top defied all odds, amassing a fortune that made her a teenage millionaire and leaving a mark on Harlem’s history that still resonates today. Known for her extravagant lifestyle, she was a striking sight, often arriving at school draped in fur coats, confidently boasting to her teachers that she could make $300,000 in a single month. Her generosity matched her wealth — she frequently treated teachers and classmates to lavish shopping spr
Jul 15
The Tragic Story of Wrestler Chris Benoit: A Legacy Forever Changed
#NOLAZINE - Professional wrestling has produced countless legendary performers whose careers captivated millions of fans around the world. Among them was Chris Benoit, a wrestler widely respected for his unmatched technical ability, relentless work ethic, and intense in-ring style. For years, he was celebrated as one of the most gifted performers of his generation. However, despite his accomplishments inside the squared circle, Benoit's legacy became permanently overshadowed
Jul 15
Devante Swing Convinced K-Ci To Record “Freek’n You” With Naked Women in the Studio After K-Ci Said He Couldn’t Do the Song for Religious Reasons
#NOLAZINE - Behind every iconic R&B hit is a story — and when it comes to Jodeci, the stories are as wild, creative, and unforgettable as the music itself. One of the most surprising tales comes from the making of their classic 1995 single “Freek’n You.” According to industry insiders and those close to the group, K-Ci originally didn't want to record “Freek’n You” because of his deep religious upbringing. The lyrics, drenched in sensuality and unapologetic intimacy, conflict
Jul 15
New Orleans, LA Native Kris Shelby Transformed His Career From Recording Artist to Celebrity Stylist
#NOLAZINE - Success often belongs to those willing to reinvent themselves, and New Orleans native Kris Shelby is a perfect example of what can happen when talent, determination, and vision come together. Long before becoming one of the industry's most respected fashion stylists, Shelby was making a name for himself in music. During the early 2000s, he was a member of the New Orleans hip-hop group Da Block Burnaz, which was signed to Big Boy Records. The group gained recogniti
Jul 15
The Real-Life Corrupt Cop Who Inspired Denzel Washington’s Training Day Character: Rafael Pérez
#NOLAZINE - In the 1990s, Rafael Pérez became one of the most infamous names in Los Angeles law enforcement—a man whose actions would ultimately inspire Denzel Washington’s Oscar-winning portrayal of Detective Alonzo Harris in the 2001 crime thriller Training Day. Pérez’s career, which began with the prestige of a badge, spiraled into one of the most notorious police corruption scandals in U.S. history. A former U.S. Marine, Pérez joined the LAPD in 1989 and quickly earned a
Jul 11
Once Boxer Sugar Shane Mosely Retired His Wife Divorced Him - Took Half of Everything and Then Sold It On EBAY
#NOLAZINE - Life after the spotlight can be unforgiving, and for boxing legend “Sugar” Shane Mosley, retirement marked the beginning of a difficult personal chapter. Once one of the most feared and respected fighters in the world, Mosley’s transition out of boxing was followed by a highly publicized divorce that shocked fans nearly as much as his biggest fights. After Mosley retired from the ring, his marriage reportedly fell apart. What followed was a bitter divorce in which
Jul 11
The Brotherhood and Betrayal of DeHaven Irby and Rapper Jay-Z
#NOLAZINE - In the unforgiving streets of 1980s Brooklyn, amidst the towering buildings of Marcy Houses, a brotherhood was born between DeHaven Irby and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. Raised just a year apart, the two shared more than just an address—they shared survival, loyalty, and dreams bigger than the boundaries of Bed-Stuy. DeHaven was like an older brother to Jay-Z, mentoring him through the trenches of street life. The bond was so close that Jay-Z became the godfather of DeHa
Jul 11
Stephanie St. Clair: The Queen of Harlem Who Defied the Mafia
#NOLAZINE - In the vibrant yet turbulent backdrop of 1920s Harlem, one woman rose above all odds to become a dominant force in the city’s underground economy and an icon of empowerment. Stephanie St. Clair—known to many as “Queenie” or “Madame St. Clair”—wasn’t just a crime boss. She was a savvy businesswoman, fearless leader, and fierce advocate for her people. From running one of Harlem’s most profitable numbers rackets to openly defying the Mafia, Madame St. Clair remains
Jul 11
Meet JPAY: The New Orleans Artist Who Is Making Noise Throughout the Music Industry
#NOLAZINE - The city of New Orleans has never been short on musical talent. From producing legendary pioneers of hip-hop to introducing the next generation of stars, the city's influence on music culture continues to grow. One artist who is carrying that tradition forward is JPAY, also known as Top 1. Over the past few years, JPAY has steadily built his name as one of New Orleans' most exciting emerging artists. Through consistency, creative evolution, and collaborations with
Jul 11
How George Edward Wright Escaped From Prison and Stayed Free For Over 40 Years
#NOLAZINE - In 1962, George Edward Wright, a 19-year-old from New Jersey, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for fatally shooting a gas station owner during an armed robbery. But Wright had no intention of spending the rest of his youth behind bars. After serving eight years, Wright executed a daring escape from New Jersey State Prison in 1970, slipping away without a trace. His disappearance baffled authorities — but his name would resurface in the most dramatic way possibl
Jul 11
The Toxic Relationship Between Tina Turner and Ike Turner: A Legacy of Survival and Strength
#NOLAZINE - Tina Turner, the legendary Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, not only captivated the world with her electrifying performances and unmistakable voice but also became a symbol of resilience after surviving one of the most abusive relationships in music history. Her 16-year marriage to musician Ike Turner was marred by shocking violence, control, and fear — a story Tina bravely chose to tell, not only for herself but for others trapped in silence. Throughout her career, Tina r
Jul 11
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