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When hip-hop fans talk about Jay-Z’s iconic debut album, Reasonable Doubt, one of the standout tracks that often comes up is the smooth and soulful “Feelin’ It.” While Hov’s lyrical brilliance is front and center, the song wouldn’t be the same without the ethereal vocals floating through the chorus — and that voice belongs to none other than Angela “Mecca” Redmon. Though her name might not be widely known to the public, her voice is unforgettable. At just 17 years old, Mecca delivered the memorable hook that gave “Feelin’ It” its classic, laid-back feel. Her contribution added a layer of elegance and emotion that perfectly complemented Jay-Z’s verses and helped make the track one of the most timeless songs on the album. While Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt has been celebrated as one of the greatest debut albums in rap history, Mecca’s role on the project is often overlooked — but make no mistake, her vocals were crucial to the vibe and success of that song. In a time when many background singers and contributors went uncredited or faded into obscurity, Angela “Mecca” Redmon stood out. Her voice, soft yet powerful, carried the kind of soul that leaves a lasting impression. Fans have heard her, felt her, and vibed to her, even if they didn’t know her name. Giving Flowers Where They’re Due Fast forward to today, and it’s only right that Mecca receives her flowers. She may not have been the face on magazine covers, but her influence and contribution to one of the most important albums in hip-hop history deserves recognition. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Reasonable Doubt or someone discovering the album for the first time, remember the name Mecca. She’s more than just a feature — she’s part of hip-hop royalty. 📱 Follow her journey on Instagram: @officiallymecca It’s never too late to honor the voices behind the classics. Salute to Mecca — the beautiful voice behind the unforgettable hook on “Feelin’ It.”

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 state and whether he was fit to stand trial. Despite this disturbing incident, his case proceeded, and he was ultimately convicted and sentenced to death. Yet, the horror did not end there. Years later, while on death row, Thomas removed his left eye — and ate it.  When questioned about the act, he explained that he ingested his own eye to prevent the United States federal government from reading his thoughts. Thomas’s actions highlighted his long-documented struggles with severe mental illness. His case has been widely cited in debates about the death penalty, particularly concerning inmates suffering from psychosis or other severe psychiatric disorders. Critics argue that his punishment underscores systemic failures in addressing mental health within both the criminal justice and prison systems. Today, Andre Thomas remains one of the most infamous examples of the intersection between capital punishment and untreated mental illness in the United States. His story serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities — and controversies — surrounding the death penalty and the treatment of mentally ill inmates.

It’s hard to imagine a hip-hop party without hearing  Juvenile’s  iconic 1999 hit  “Back That Azz Up.”  The song became a Southern anthem, helped define an era of  Cash Money Records , and remains one of the most recognizable tracks in rap history. But what most people don’t know is that Juvenile actually  didn’t like the song at first . During the recording process, Juvenile and producer  Mannie Fresh  went back and forth in the studio, re-recording the track  four different times . Juvenile was hesitant about the direction of the song — he didn’t want to be labeled as an artist who only made “booty-shaking” music. At the time, he wanted to be respected as a  lyricist  and a “real rapper.” However, Mannie Fresh saw something special in the record. He believed that the song had massive potential and could change the game for both Juvenile and Cash Money. Mannie’s faith in the track never wavered — he even took creative control by changing the  intro , which would later become one of the most recognizable openings in hip-hop history. When “Back That Azz Up” finally dropped, it exploded. The track not only became Juvenile’s  biggest hit  but also helped usher in a new era for Southern rap, putting New Orleans firmly on the hip-hop map. Decades later, the song remains a timeless classic — a record that still gets crowds moving from the first note. In the end, Mannie Fresh’s vision proved right. What Juvenile once resisted became the defining anthem of his career — a reminder that sometimes the hits artists resist the most are the ones that make history.

The story of  Ashley Baskerville  is one of the most chilling and heartbreaking true crime cases in recent history — a story that began with loyalty and ended in unthinkable betrayal. Ashley Baskerville was a young woman who, by many accounts, had fallen into the wrong crowd. She became involved with her boyfriend,  Ray Dandridge , and his uncle,  Ricky Gray  — two men who were later convicted of committing a series of violent crimes in  Richmond, Virginia , in 2006. Ashley reportedly helped them carry out robberies and break-ins, unaware that her trust in them would ultimately cost her life. At one point, Ashley allegedly participated in helping her boyfriend and his uncle identify targets and gain access to homes. But things took a horrifying turn when  Dandridge and Gray  decided that Ashley herself — along with her  mother and stepfather, Mary and Percy Baskerville  — would become their next victims. In a shocking act of betrayal, Ashley’s own boyfriend turned on her. The trio was found brutally murdered in their Richmond home, a crime that left the community in disbelief and mourning. The case revealed the devastating consequences of misplaced trust and the dangers of falling into criminal circles. Dandridge and Gray’s crimes went far beyond this single act, as investigators later linked them to other murders in the area, including the well-known Harvey family case. Today, Ashley Baskerville’s story stands as a tragic reminder that crime never pays — and that loyalty to the wrong person can lead to deadly consequences. What began as a young woman helping someone she loved ended in one of the most senseless and tragic murders in Virginia’s history.

In 2019, Forbes magazine made headlines around the world when it crowned Kylie Jenner the youngest self-made billionaire  ever. The title catapulted her into a new level of fame and influence — but as it turns out, the story wasn’t quite what it seemed. Behind the glossy headlines and billionaire buzz, there was a carefully orchestrated PR play. Kylie Jenner and her team reportedly presented inflated financial documents and exaggerated sales figures from her beauty empire, Kylie Cosmetics , to make the company appear far more profitable than it truly was. Forbes would later retract the title, claiming that Jenner had “lied about company figures”  and “forged tax returns.” But here’s where it gets interesting — what could have been a career-ending scandal only made Kylie richer and more famous. When the truth came out, the public couldn’t stop talking about it. The controversy dominated social media and news outlets, making Kylie Jenner’s name more relevant than ever. The attention only fueled sales for her brand, and soon after, she secured a massive deal selling 51% of Kylie Cosmetics to Coty Inc. for $600 million  — turning the “billionaire lie” into a very real fortune. While Forbes may have taken back the title, the move proved that Kylie Jenner understood something far deeper than cosmetics — the power of perception . In an era where image often equals income, Jenner turned a PR illusion into tangible wealth. Today, Kylie remains one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the beauty industry, even if her billionaire status was once exaggerated. She might not have fooled everyone forever, but she played the game so well that in the end, she still won — turning a lie into millions and rewriting the rules of celebrity capitalism.

In the early 2000s, few artists were as dominant in R&B and Hip Hop as R. Kelly  and Bow Wow . But behind the scenes, one surprising story has resurfaced — the time R. Kelly kicked Bow Wow off his own song , remixed it, and turned it into his own lead single . According to industry insiders, Bow Wow originally recorded a track that he believed would be a major hit. The song was reportedly sent to R. Kelly for a possible feature or production touch. Instead, Kelly took the record, reworked it in his own style, and ended up releasing it as his own lead single  — leaving Bow Wow completely off the final version. The move caused confusion and tension at the time, especially since R. Kelly was one of the biggest artists in the world and Bow Wow was one of Hip Hop’s fastest-rising young stars. Still, the remix worked in Kelly’s favor — the song became a hit, further fueling his chart dominance during that era. It’s one of those classic behind-the-scenes stories in music that reminds fans how unpredictable the industry can be. In the world of hits, possession really can become nine-tenths of the law  — even when it comes to songs. Though Bow Wow went on to have a successful career of his own, this moment remains a wild example of how music business power moves  can flip a collaboration into competition overnight.

In the vibrant, rhythm-soaked streets of New Orleans, few names carry as much weight in bounce music history as Magnolia Shorty . Born Renetta Yemika Lowe-Bridgewater  on September 30, 1982, she rose from the heart of the Magnolia Projects to become a pioneering voice in a male-dominated genre, earning her the crown as the undisputed Queen of Bounce . Though her life was tragically cut short on December 20, 2010, her influence continues to echo through clubs, radio stations, and music samples around the world. Magnolia Shorty wasn’t just another artist— she was a movement . Raised in one of New Orleans’ most storied neighborhoods, she was given her stage name by the late rapper Soulja Slim , another legend of the city's rich musical tapestry. From the moment she stepped into the booth, she brought something electric, raw, and uniquely hers to bounce music—a genre defined by call-and-response hooks, heavy bass, and undeniable dance energy. Her breakout moment came in 1997 with the release of her debut album Monkey on Tha D$ck . The album became a cornerstone of the bounce genre, celebrated for its unfiltered lyrics, bold energy, and high-octane beats. Offbeat Magazine  called it a brilliant blend of “sexuality, comedy, and hard-edged dance rhythms”—a perfect encapsulation of New Orleans culture. Magnolia Shorty made history when she became one of the first women signed to Cash Money Records , alongside Ms. Tee. This positioned her among a roster that included Southern rap giants like Juvenile , Lil Wayne , Birdman , and the Hot Boys . Her voice first reached a wider audience on Juvenile’s track “3rd Ward Solja” , and she quickly built a reputation for being as fearless and authentic as her male counterparts. While the industry often overlooked women in Hip-Hop, Magnolia Shorty forced her presence to be known , not only through her music but through her energy, personality, and unwavering commitment to her roots. Even as she faced obstacles in her career, she never stopped grinding—working on a sophomore project under the Cash Money/Young Money umbrella before her passing. Magnolia Shorty’s influence didn’t end with her death—it only grew. Her voice has been sampled in major tracks like Drake’s “In My Feelings” , Chris Brown’s “Wobble Up” , and Bone’s “Homegurl” , showing that her sound and spirit continue to influence modern music. Every time a new artist samples her or shouts her out, it reinforces her legacy as a foundational figure in bounce. She also made her presence felt on the live stage, including a standout performance at the 2009 SXSW music festival , and won Best Bounce Song  at the Underground Hip-Hop Awards in New Orleans—proof of her impact and staying power within the culture. Magnolia Shorty’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and trailblazing spirit . She brought bounce music to the forefront of Southern Hip-Hop, gave women a powerful voice in a genre that often sidelined them, and created a sound that still makes dance floors shake. Her legacy is further immortalized in Nik Cohn’s book Triksta , where an entire chapter is dedicated to her debut album and influence. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who gave everything to her city, her music, and her fans. Magnolia Shorty didn’t just make music— she made history . Her nickname, the Queen of Bounce , isn’t just a title—it’s a reflection of her unmatched contribution to a genre and culture that continues to thrive. In honoring her, we celebrate the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect people across generations. To this day, her voice lives on , her spirit pulses through every bounce beat, and her legacy remains unshakable in New Orleans and beyond. Magnolia Shorty will forever reign as a legend, not only for what she created, but for who she was —an unapologetic queen whose impact can never be silenced.

The marriage between Aaliyah  and R. Kelly  remains one of the most controversial and heartbreaking chapters in R&B history. In 1994, a secret marriage certificate surfaced listing Aaliyah’s age as 18 , even though she was only 15  at the time, with reports later confirming the union took place when she was just 16 . For decades, fans and the public have asked the same unsettling question: How did this happen — and why did her family allow it? The truth is layered, complicated, and tied to manipulation, power, and the failings of an industry that protected the wrong people. R. Kelly’s Control and Manipulation At the time, R. Kelly was a rising superstar and Aaliyah’s mentor. He wrote and produced her debut album “Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number,”  a project whose title alone, in retrospect, should have raised alarms. Kelly had significant influence over Aaliyah’s career and image. Those close to the situation later described him as manipulative and controlling, using his status to blur boundaries and groom his young protégé. Many believe that the marriage was not approved by the family but instead orchestrated in secrecy  to protect Kelly from potential legal consequences. The Illegal Marriage Was Built on Fraud Reports revealed that the marriage certificate listed Aaliyah as 18 years old , a deliberate falsification. This wasn’t a family decision — it was a criminal act  designed to create a false sense of legality. Aaliyah’s family did not  sign off on this marriage.Her parents weren’t present.Her guardians did not consent. When they discovered what happened, her family reacted swiftly and decisively. Aaliyah’s Family Annulled the Marriage Immediately Contrary to rumors that her family “allowed” the marriage, the truth is that: They annulled the marriage in early 1995 , just months after it occurred. They cut all ties  between Aaliyah and R. Kelly. They barred Kelly from having any further contact with her. Many family members have since expressed pain, anger, and regret that such a situation ever occurred. At the time, Aaliyah was a minor, a rising star, and surrounded by adults who should have better protected her. The Industry Failed Aaliyah While her family acted quickly once the truth surfaced, the broader music industry allowed the situation to develop in the first place. Managers, label executives, security, producers — many adults around both artists either turned a blind eye or were complicit. The marriage is a symbol of how the entertainment industry, especially in the 1990s, often failed to safeguard young talent from exploitation. Aaliyah’s Legacy Survives Beyond the Pain Aaliyah went on to reclaim control of her career, becoming a beloved icon, actress, and trendsetter whose influence still shapes music and fashion today. Although this moment remains a tragic part of her story, it does not define her legacy. Instead, it exposes the failures of those around her and highlights the strength she carried into the rest of her career. Aaliyah did not choose this path — and her family did not knowingly allow it. The true blame lies with R. Kelly’s manipulation and an industry that didn’t intervene sooner. Aaliyah’s legacy is one of grace, talent, and timeless impact — a legacy far more important than the actions of those who wronged her.

In the annals of criminal history, few names are as synonymous with the rise of the drug trade in the 1970s as Frank Lucas. Originating from the humble beginnings of a large family in North Carolina, Lucas had an early ambition: wealth. It was this ambition that drove him to New York City, a place where dreams were made, and, as Lucas would prove, also unmade. By 1971, Lucas had established himself as a prominent figure in the narcotics underworld, thanks to a unique and highly illegal importation method. Unlike other drug kingpins of his time, Lucas had an unwavering distrust for outsiders, choosing instead to rely on his family to operate his heroin business. His innovative, albeit morbid, strategy of smuggling heroin from Thailand—infamously branded as the purest in the market—involved hiding it in the coffins of dead American soldiers. This operation was made possible through his connection with Leslie "Ike" Atkinson, a figure infamously known as "Sergeant Smack." The pivotal moment in Lucas's career came in March of 1971, during the iconic Ali-Frazier fight, an event that unwittingly marked the beginning of his downfall. Lucas, dressed in a chinchilla coat and hat—a lavish gift from his wife—attended the fight, a move that thrust him into the spotlight and onto the radar of law enforcement. Lucas later confessed to burning the infamous coat, realizing too late the attention it had drawn to his empire. Lucas's operation was purported to rake in over $1 million a day, a figure that, while debated, underscored the sheer scale of his enterprise. However, the empire he had so meticulously built began to crumble in 1975 when he was finally apprehended by authorities. In a bid for leniency, Lucas became an informant, leading to the arrest of over 100 individuals connected to his network and the broader drug trade. The story of Frank Lucas is a cautionary tale of ambition, power, and downfall. His journey from a small-town boy with dreams of riches to a drug kingpin with an empire that reached across continents is a testament to the complex dynamics of the drug trade in the 1970s. Lucas's reliance on family, his innovative yet gruesome smuggling methods, and his eventual cooperation with law enforcement paint a multifaceted picture of a man who was at once a criminal mastermind and a product of his unyielding pursuit of the American dream. Today, Frank Lucas is remembered not only for the scale of his operations but also for the dramatic arc of his life story—a narrative that captures the essence of a tumultuous era in American history. As his story continues to be retold in films and literature, it serves as a reminder of the thin line between ambition and morality, and the profound consequences that come with crossing it.

New Orleans has always been a city that breeds stars, and the next name buzzing through the streets might be one of its youngest yet. At just 14 years old, YgTrezzy is already carving out his own lane, rising fast out of New Orleans East and proving that age is nothing but a number when talent and work ethic collide. Signed to Loyal Royal Recordz, YgTrezzy has been climbing the charts over the past few months with only a handful of releases — an impressive feat for any new artist, let alone one still in his early teens. His name has been ringing bells all over the city, especially following his latest single featuring LaBlack, which has quickly become a local favorite and a major moment in his growing catalog. What separates YgTrezzy from many artists in his age group is his early understanding of the music game. He’s consistent, active, and intentional with his drops, building momentum instead of chasing quick attention. That steady grind has translated into strong streaming numbers that don’t match the profile of a “new” artist — they match someone who’s already being taken seriously. Coming out of New Orleans East, YgTrezzy represents a new generation carrying the city’s legendary musical legacy forward. There’s confidence in his delivery, hunger in his approach, and intelligence in how he moves. Each release adds another layer to his presence, showing a young artist focused on growth, not shortcuts. With raw talent, discipline, and a clear passion for music, the question naturally starts to form: could YgTrezzy be the Lil Wayne of his generation? While time will tell, the early signs are impossible to ignore. Talent plus work ethic is a powerful combination — and YgTrezzy is already showing both. New Orleans continues to produce fresh voices that shape the culture, and YgTrezzy may very well be next in line. Follow YgTrezzy on Instagram: @ygtrezzy

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 his wife was awarded a significant portion of his assets — including championship belts, memorabilia, and personal items accumulated throughout his Hall of Fame career. For a man who spent decades bleeding, training, and sacrificing for greatness, the loss went far beyond money. What made the situation even more painful was what came next. Many of Mosley’s prized possessions were allegedly sold off on eBay , turning pieces of boxing history into online listings. Items that once symbolized world titles, legacy, and personal triumph were suddenly reduced to auction prices, visible to fans and collectors around the globe. For Mosley, it was a harsh reminder of how quickly life can change once the checks stop coming and the crowds stop cheering. Inside the ring, he conquered legends like Oscar De La Hoya and built a reputation as one of the greatest fighters of his era. Outside the ring, however, he faced a battle he couldn’t win with speed, power, or heart. The story of Shane Mosley serves as a cautionary tale about the realities many athletes face after retirement. Fame fades, finances shift, and personal relationships can unravel under pressure. It highlights the importance of financial planning, legal protection, and emotional support long after the final bell rings. Despite the personal losses, Sugar Shane Mosley’s boxing legacy remains untouchable. Titles can be sold and possessions can disappear, but his place in boxing history is permanent — a reminder that even legends are human once the gloves come off.

Born and raised in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana , Lamar Peters’ basketball journey has been anything but easy. From the jump, Lamar was known around the city as a bucket — a natural scorer with confidence, flair, and a deep love for the game. But while talent was never in question, the road to NBA consideration tested him at every turn. Coming up in New Orleans, Lamar was always a talked-about hooper. His stock truly began to rise in high school when he teamed up with the top point guard at the time, Baby Jesus . That pairing put more eyes on Lamar, elevating his profile nationally and ultimately leading to his commitment to Mississippi State University . At that point, the NBA dream felt within reach. However, college brought challenges far beyond basketball. During his time at Mississippi State, Lamar faced personal hardships, including the devastating loss of his father. Those off-court struggles, combined with other setbacks, began to affect his momentum. His draft stock dropped, and instead of hearing his name called on draft night, Lamar found himself forced to take the G-League  route — a move he was never fully comfortable with, especially due to the low pay and limited opportunities. Unwilling to settle, Lamar made the decision to bet on himself and take his talents overseas . He bounced between multiple teams, chasing both opportunity and financial stability. But injuries began to slow him down, and gradually his stock in the overseas market declined as well. For many players, this is where the story fades. For Lamar Peters, it was just the beginning of a new chapter. With the rise of independent basketball leagues , including high-profile 3v3 and 1v1 competitions , Lamar found a space where his skill set could shine without restrictions. In these raw, unfiltered environments, he became an instant star in the underground basketball world and across social media. One moment in particular changed everything. Lamar recently went viral after blowing out an opponent 30–0 in a 1v1 game , all while calling every move play-by-play during live commentary — and then actually doing it . The clip spread fast, turning heads worldwide and sparking conversations across the basketball community. Confidence turned into dominance, and dominance turned into legend. Today, Lamar Peters is quickly being recognized as one of the most unguardable basketball players in the world . His handle, shot creation, and mental edge make him a nightmare matchup for anyone brave enough to step in front of him. Whether it’s traditional basketball or the modern underground scene, Lamar has proven that talent will always find a stage. From the 9th Ward to viral superstardom, Lamar Peters’ journey is a reminder that the path doesn’t have to be traditional to be legendary. Follow Lamar Peters on Instagram:  @parkinlotpeters Now the question is — who do you think can really see Lamar Peters?