#NOLAZINE - Angela Bassett's legendary performance as Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic What’s Love Got to Do with It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful portrayals in film history. But what many people don’t know is that Bassett had just one month to prepare for the physically demanding and emotionally intense role that would change the trajectory of her career. After auditioning in October 1992, Bassett was officially cast in November, with production set to begin in December. That gave her only a handful of weeks to transform herself into the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll — and she did not take the challenge lightly. To embody Turner’s fierce stage presence, high-energy performances, and dramatic life story, Bassett committed to a grueling daily routine. Each day, she would engage in 2.5 hours of exercise, followed by 10 hours of dance rehearsal, immersing herself in Tina Turner’s world both physically and mentally. The intense training was crucial in capturing Turner’s explosive energy and iconic movements, particularly for the film’s elaborate performance scenes. Bassett’s commitment paid off. Her portrayal earned her widespread acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. To this day, her transformation into Tina Turner remains one of the most remarkable feats of dedication and talent in biopic history. Angela Bassett didn’t just play Tina Turner — she became her. And she did it with only one month of preparation, proving that with focus, work ethic, and raw talent, anything is possible.

#NOLAZINE - Behind every successful business is a story filled with sacrifice, uncertainty, hard work and the courage to begin again. For Chef Benji Butler, co-owner of Thai Nola Restaurant and Bar, that story stretches from Thailand to New Orleans and includes love, cultural adjustment, entrepreneurship and several life-changing obstacles. During her appearance on What’s Yo Story Podcast Episode #113, Benji opened up about her upbringing in Thailand, meeting her husband Gerald Butler, relocating to the United States, leaving the adult-entertainment industry and becoming one of the faces behind a growing New Orleans East restaurant. Today, customers may recognize Benji for her warm personality and authentic Thai cooking, but her journey to becoming a restaurant owner was far from simple. Benji’s story begins in Thailand, where she was raised around a culture that places a strong emphasis on family, respect, food and community. Thai cuisine was not simply something she discovered after becoming an entrepreneur. It was part of her identity long before Thai Nola existed. Cooking became one of the ways Benji remained connected to her roots. The seasonings, vegetables, noodles, curries and traditional preparation methods she grew up around would eventually become the foundation of the food she introduced to New Orleans. Food also became a language Benji could use to communicate across cultural barriers. Even when people did not share her background or speak her first language, they could understand the love and attention she placed into a freshly prepared meal. Her upbringing taught her how to work, survive and make the most of the opportunities placed in front of her. Those lessons would become especially important after she met the man who would later become her husband. Benji met New Orleans native Gerald Butler while he was traveling in Thailand. Their meeting developed into a relationship that would eventually bring two people from very different parts of the world together. Gerald came from New Orleans, a city known internationally for its food, music and distinctive culture. Benji came from Thailand, a country equally proud of its culinary traditions and hospitality. Although they were raised thousands of miles apart, they connected through their personalities, shared values and willingness to learn from one another. Their relationship was not limited to romance. It eventually became a partnership that required trust, patience and a shared vision for the future. For Benji, that future meant making the difficult decision to leave behind the country and culture she knew and begin a new chapter in New Orleans. Moving from Thailand to New Orleans was a major transition. Benji had to adjust to a new environment, a different way of life and the everyday challenges that come with moving to another country. Language and cultural differences can make even basic experiences feel unfamiliar. Benji had to learn how people communicated, how businesses operated and how to build a life in a city that was very different from the place she called home. However, New Orleans also gave her something familiar. Like Thailand, the city has a deep relationship with food. Families pass recipes down through generations, meals are used to bring people together and cooking is treated as an expression of culture. That connection helped Benji find her place. She did not abandon her Thai identity to fit into New Orleans. Instead, she began discovering how her background could add something valuable to the city. One of the most personal parts of Benji’s interview was her willingness to discuss her previous experience in the adult-entertainment industry. Rather than allowing that chapter to define her entire life, Benji made the decision to move forward. Her story represents the reality that a person’s past does not have to determine the limits of their future. Changing directions is not always easy. It can require someone to walk away from a familiar source of income, accept uncertainty and rebuild their identity in a new space. Benji’s transition into the restaurant business showed that reinvention is possible when a person is willing to work and remain committed to a larger purpose. Her honesty also made the interview more meaningful. She did not present her journey as a perfect story in which every decision immediately led to success. She spoke as someone who experienced different stages of life before finding the direction that felt right for her. At Nolazine, we believe stories like Benji’s are important because they remind people that growth is not about pretending the past never happened. Growth is about learning from it and refusing to remain trapped inside it. Benji and Gerald eventually combined their backgrounds to create Thai Nola Restaurant and Bar in New Orleans East. The name represents the union at the center of the business: authentic Thai cooking connected with the culture and spirit of New Orleans. Benji brought her knowledge of Thai cuisine, while Gerald brought his understanding of New Orleans and its people. Together, they created more than a restaurant. They created a cultural bridge. Thai Nola’s food is prepared with an emphasis on freshness, flavor and customer preference. The restaurant has become known for serving traditional Thai dishes while remaining open to the tastes and dietary needs of its customers. Dishes can be personalized, and the menu reflects both authenticity and creativity. The restaurant’s offerings have included favorites such as Pad Thai, curries, fried rice, spring rolls, Thai iced tea and mango sticky rice. Thai Nola has also gained attention for creative dishes that connect Thai and Louisiana flavors, including its signature gumbo ramen. That fusion does not feel forced because it reflects the Butlers’ real lives. Their marriage brought Thailand and New Orleans together before their restaurant ever did. The journey became even more challenging when Thai Nola was burglarized shortly after opening. The incident was emotionally devastating because Benji and Gerald had invested their time, resources and energy into building the restaurant. The burglar damaged the business while attempting to steal from a restaurant that was still working to establish itself. For a small-business owner, an incident like that is about more than broken glass or missing property. It can feel like someone attacked a dream that took years to create. Benji admitted that the burglary broke her heart. However, she and Gerald refused to allow the incident to end their journey. Instead, they remained committed to the restaurant and to New Orleans East. The surrounding community also stepped up and showed support. That response demonstrated why neighborhood businesses matter. When local entrepreneurs invest in an area, the community often becomes personally connected to their success. Benji and Gerald made it clear that they were not giving up. Their response to the burglary became another example of the resilience that has defined Benji’s life. Chef Benji Butler’s story is larger than food. She is an immigrant who took the risk of beginning a new life in another country. She is a woman who chose not to be permanently defined by a previous industry. She is a wife who built a business alongside her husband, and she is an entrepreneur who continued moving forward after experiencing a painful setback. Her presence at Thai Nola allows customers to experience a part of Thailand without leaving New Orleans. At the same time, the restaurant reflects the welcoming and creative spirit that makes New Orleans food culture special. Benji’s journey also shows why representation matters in business. When people from different cultures are given space to share their food and stories, the entire community benefits. The biggest lesson from Benji Butler’s interview is that life can have more than one chapter. A person can leave one country and build a home in another. Someone can walk away from an old lifestyle and develop an entirely new identity. A setback can damage a business without destroying the vision behind it. Benji did not arrive in New Orleans with a guaranteed path to success. She built her future through adaptation, determination, partnership and the courage to let people experience her culture through her cooking. Thai Nola now stands as a reflection of that journey—a restaurant created through the marriage of two people, two cultures and two culinary traditions. Here at Nolazine, we salute Chef Benji Butler for having the courage to tell her story honestly and for continuing to invest in New Orleans East. Her journey proves that where someone begins does not determine where they will finish. Watch Chef Benji Butler’s complete interview on What’s Yo Story Podcast Episode #113 and support Thai Nola Restaurant and Bar in New Orleans East.

#NOLAZINE - In the early 1990s, an unlikely relationship between a small-time hustler from California and one of the most feared drug lords in history would change the course of both their lives. Charles Cosby’s connection with Griselda Blanco, also known as the “Black Widow” and “Godmother of Cocaine,” began in 1992 with a single letter—and exploded into a whirlwind of money, betrayal, and survival. At the time, Griselda Blanco was serving time in prison, but her power was far from diminished. When Charles reached out, she quickly responded, inviting him to visit her behind bars. Those visits, costing $1,500 each paid to prison guards, laid the foundation for more than just a romantic entanglement. Cosby was soon swept into Griselda’s drug empire, becoming a millionaire almost overnight through their business dealings. But as with many underworld partnerships, personal drama complicated business. When Griselda discovered that Charles had been seeing other women, her fury turned deadly. She allegedly enlisted the help of her son to set Cosby up, going so far as to order a hit on his life. Charles narrowly survived the attempt. Still, the bond between them wasn’t completely severed. Griselda summoned him to the prison again, where the two exchanged apologies—an unusual moment of peace between two people who had been lovers, partners, and now near-enemies. The fallout didn’t end there. Charles was later subpoenaed to testify against Griselda in court. The case, however, collapsed when one of her former hitmen turned government informant, exposing deep layers of her criminal network. Eventually, Griselda Blanco was released and deported to Colombia, marking the end of her reign in the United States. The saga of Charles Cosby and Griselda Blanco is one of the most infamous real-life tales in the world of crime. It’s a story of ambition, power, passion, and betrayal—where love could make you a millionaire, and crossing the wrong person could nearly cost your life.

#NOLAZINE - Known to many as Mr. Harvey, the late David Williams was more than just an emerging rap artist—he was a figure that embodied the raw, gritty realities of Harvey, Louisiana, a community just across the river from New Orleans. His life, marked by music, street influence, and controversy, earned him a powerful presence in the Southern hip-hop scene—and ultimately a tragic end. Mr. Harvey rose to prominence as the face of the “Harvey Hustlers”, a group that would later bring national attention through law enforcement investigations and media. His lyrical content, delivered with an unfiltered Southern drawl, was rooted in his environment and earned him a reputation as one of Louisiana’s most feared and respected underground rappers. He gained major traction through his work with legendary mixtape hosts DJ Drama and Don Cannon, dropping signature Gangsta Grillz projects that had the streets talking. With gritty realism and unapologetic bars, Mr. Harvey’s mixtapes resonated deeply with fans who lived the same struggle he rapped about. On September 17, 2010, Mr. Harvey was tragically shot and killed, silencing a voice that was beginning to break beyond local fame. He was only 26 years old. His murder shocked the community and left a lasting impact on the New Orleans rap scene. Born on November 9, 1983, Mr. Harvey left behind a legacy of music, memories, and mystery. His story was later featured on the TV series "Gangsters: America’s Most Evil", where his dual life as a rapper and alleged gang leader was explored in-depth. Though gone, Mr. Harvey’s presence continues to echo online and in the streets that raised him. YouTube videos still circulate, showing the rapper flaunting his signature jewelry, cars, and charisma—reminders of a life lived loudly, unapologetically, and in the spotlight of both fame and danger. To many in Harvey, Louisiana, Mr. Harvey is more than just a rapper. He’s a symbol of survival, street glory, and what it means to leave a mark—no matter how short the time on Earth may be. His legacy lives on through his music, and the legend of the Harvey Hustler who almost made it all the way out.

#NOLAZINE - Frankie Lymon, the boy wonder who once captivated audiences with his youthful voice and infectious energy, met a heartbreaking fate at just 25 years old. The former frontman of Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, best known for the hit “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” tragically died of a heroin overdose in 1968, marking a somber end to what could have been an enduring legacy. Lymon’s career took off in the mid-1950s when he and The Teenagers stormed the music charts, changing the landscape of doo-wop and R&B. However, in 1957, at just 15 years old, he left the group to pursue a solo career—a decision that would lead to declining fame and personal struggles. As he aged, the music industry moved on from his youthful image, and his career faltered. Meanwhile, his heroin habit, which began when he was introduced to the drug by a woman twice his age, took a stronger hold. By 1966, Lymon had been arrested for heroin possession and was facing jail time. Instead, he was given an alternative: enlistment in the United States Army. During his service, he was able to stay clean, but his troubles resurfaced when he returned to New York City two years later. In 1968, Lymon signed a new record deal with Big Apple Records, hoping for a comeback. To celebrate, he relapsed, taking heroin for the first time in years. The celebration quickly turned tragic—he was found dead in his grandmother’s Harlem bathroom, a syringe by his side. Despite his untimely death, Frankie Lymon’s influence on R&B, doo-wop, and pop music remains undeniable. His trailblazing success as a young Black artist paved the way for future generations. While his story serves as a cautionary tale of fame, addiction, and industry pressures, his music continues to inspire. Rest in peace, Frankie Lymon—gone too soon, but never forgotten.

#NOLAZINE - New Orleans is a city known for transforming simple food traditions into unforgettable experiences, and entrepreneur Stricen Carter has added her own colorful chapter to that story. As the owner of Sweet Thangs NOLA, Carter took the traditional New Orleans sno-ball and turned it into an eye-catching designer dessert filled with candy, cookies, cheesecake and plenty of creativity. During her appearance on Episode #159 of Nolazine’s What’s Yo Story Podcast, Carter opened up about her journey from Houston to New Orleans and the work it took to build her growing business empire. Carter’s success did not happen overnight. Before operating brick-and-mortar businesses, she developed her entrepreneurial skills by selling products at second lines, festivals, pop-up shops and other community events. Those early experiences taught her how to connect with customers, recognize demand and build a brand from the ground up. Instead of waiting for someone else to create an opportunity for her, Carter started with what she had and remained committed to her vision. Sweet Thangs NOLA eventually became known for its elaborate “designer sno-balls.” While traditional sno-balls are normally made with finely shaved ice and flavored syrup, Carter elevated the experience by adding combinations of cheesecake, cookies, candy, fresh fruit and other toppings. The results were colorful desserts created to taste good while also standing out on social media. The creativity behind the products helped separate Sweet Thangs NOLA from other sno-ball businesses throughout the city. Customers were not simply purchasing something sweet; they were receiving an experience that reflected Carter’s personality, imagination and understanding of New Orleans culture. As the popularity of Sweet Thangs continued to grow, Carter expanded her entrepreneurial vision by launching NOLA Sips SnoBar and Bistro. The concept introduced adults to liquor-infused sno-balls and specialty cocktail pouches while also offering food such as wings, burgers, crawfish fries, nachos and elote. The expansion demonstrated Carter’s ability to build beyond one successful product. She recognized that the Sweet Thangs brand could serve as the foundation for additional ideas, allowing her to reach new customers without abandoning the creativity that made her original business successful. Carter’s journey also received national attention after popular food critic Keith Lee visited Sweet Thangs NOLA during his New Orleans food tour. Lee’s visit brought more exposure to the business and introduced its unique desserts to an even larger audience. However, the attention surrounding Sweet Thangs NOLA was built on years of preparation. Long before a viral review or national recognition, Carter was already developing her products, serving customers and establishing herself within the community. Her story proves that major opportunities often arrive after an entrepreneur has spent years doing the work when fewer people are watching. One of the most inspiring parts of Carter’s journey is her ability to turn an everyday New Orleans tradition into a recognizable brand. She did not attempt to replace the culture surrounding sno-balls. Instead, she respected the tradition while adding her own creative identity. That balance between culture and innovation has helped Sweet Thangs NOLA become more than a dessert shop. It represents the possibilities available when a determined entrepreneur combines a strong idea with consistency, branding and an understanding of the community. Carter’s path has not been without challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, she has had to learn how to manage growth, protect her ideas and remain focused while carrying the responsibilities of business ownership. Her willingness to keep adapting has allowed her to move from selling at events to operating physical locations and creating products with the potential to grow beyond New Orleans. Her interview on What’s Yo Story offers encouragement to anyone attempting to build something from limited resources. Carter’s success shows that entrepreneurs do not always need a perfect beginning. Sometimes a cooler, a creative product and the willingness to show up consistently are enough to start building something special. Here at Nolazine, we salute Stricen Carter for continuing to represent Black entrepreneurship and New Orleans culture through Sweet Thangs NOLA. Her journey from Houston to New Orleans, from pop-up vending to business ownership, is a powerful example of what can happen when creativity meets discipline and determination. Stricen Carter is not only selling designer sno-balls—she is building an empire, creating opportunities and showing the next generation of entrepreneurs that a sweet idea can grow into something much bigger. Watch Stricen Carter’s complete interview on What’s Yo Story Podcast, and follow @sweetthangsnola on social media to support the brand and stay updated.

#NOLAZINE - In the golden age of Hollywood, where glamour often masked emotional turmoil, two of the most iconic Black stars of the era—Diahann Carroll and Sidney Poitier—shared a love story that was as complex as it was intense. Their relationship, which began in 1959, lasted nearly a decade and was marked by passion, betrayal, heartbreak, and ultimately, forgiveness. When Carroll and Poitier began their affair, both were married. Deeply in love, they made a pact to divorce their spouses in order to be together. Poitier even went as far as to buy Carroll a ring and an apartment for them to share. Diahann followed through with her end of the deal, divorcing her husband and preparing to start a new life with Sidney alongside her young daughter. But as the time came to make their shared dream a reality, Poitier suddenly changed course. According to Carroll’s 2008 memoir, The Legs Are the Last to Go, Poitier told her he didn’t want her daughter living with them. He then changed the locks on the apartment and demanded that she write him a check to cover the costs of purchase and decorating—a request she heartbreakingly complied with. “I did as I was told, submissive and desperate,” Carroll recalled in her memoir. Despite refusing to leave his wife and breaking their pact, Poitier didn’t let go of his hold on Carroll easily. When she attempted to move on and date other men, his reaction turned volatile. She wrote that he became jealous and controlling, reportedly saying: “You bitch, whore, tramp. I know he just left your bed. I won’t have you running around with other men. You belong to me!” It was a twisted contradiction—Poitier didn’t want to commit to her fully, yet refused to see her with anyone else. In time, as both Carroll and Poitier grew older and gained distance from their turbulent romance, they found peace. Carroll eventually forgave him, and the two were able to rebuild a friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared history. Poitier later acknowledged her brilliance and charm, saying: “As I got to know her, I realized she was one of the brightest women I had ever known.” Both Diahann Carroll and Sidney Poitier would go on to leave indelible marks on entertainment history—she as the first Black woman to star in her own primetime television series (Julia), and he as the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor. Their affair, while painful and deeply complicated, was a reflection of two powerful individuals navigating love, fame, and personal conflict in a world that rarely offered them space for emotional vulnerability. And though their romance didn’t end in the fairytale they once envisioned, it lives on as a poignant chapter in the lives of two legends who dared to love boldly—even when it hurt.

#NOLAZINE - In the heart of Algiers, one of New Orleans’ most storied neighborhoods, a young voice was rising from the streets—raw, real, and ready to make his mark. That voice belonged to Kenneth Jackson Jr., known to the world as G-Slimm. Emerging in the early 1990s, G-Slimm quickly became a promising figure in the city's booming rap scene. But just as his career was poised to break through nationally, tragedy struck—cutting short a life and legacy that was only beginning to unfold. Raised in the Christopher Homes housing development, G-Slimm’s journey into music began during his teenage years. In 1992, he caught the attention of Charles “Big Boy” Temple, the founder of Big Boy Records, a powerhouse in New Orleans hip-hop. G-Slimm joined a roster of rising stars that included Mystikal, Black Menace, and Partners-N-Crime, and began carving out a name of his own. On September 3, 1994, G-Slimm released his debut album “Fours Deuces & Trays.” With production from Leroy “Precise” Edwards and features from Mystikal, the album embraced a West Coast-inspired G-funk sound, blending Southern grit with smooth, funk-heavy rhythms. Though it never charted nationally, it was heralded locally as one of the most acclaimed New Orleans rap albums of 1994. In 1996, G-Slimm followed up with a self-titled album, further showcasing his lyrical talent and sonic versatility. His buzz caught the attention of Relativity Records, who had plans to reissue his debut with three additional tracks, signaling a national spotlight was on the horizon. He also contributed to Big Boy’s 1997 compilation “We G’s” and appeared on Tim Smooth’s 1998 album “Da Franchise.” G-Slimm was on the brink of crossing over—bringing Algiers to the forefront of Southern rap. But on October 13, 1996, G-Slimm's rising star was extinguished. While walking with three friends to a local store in Algiers, they were ambushed by gunfire. G-Slimm was shot in the back and later died at Charity Hospital. He was just 22 years old. The motives surrounding his murder remain murky, but whispers of jealousy, street politics, and the dangers of newfound success continue to linger. His death left not only his family and friends grieving—but the entire New Orleans hip-hop community mourning what could have been. G-Slimm's influence still resonates throughout New Orleans. Though his career was brief, his music and presence helped shape the identity of New Orleans rap during a formative era, when Southern artists were demanding national attention. He was a bridge between the gritty realism of the South and the sonic polish of West Coast rap, proving that the city had more to offer than just bounce music. Today, G-Slimm is remembered not just as a rapper—but as a symbol of potential, pain, and promise. His life and music remain a powerful reminder of the talent that rose from the streets of Algiers and the legacy of a young man whose voice still echoes through the city he loved. Gone too soon, but never forgotten—G-Slimm’s name lives on.

#NOLAZINE - Sometimes a person’s greatest loss can become the beginning of their greatest transformation. During a recent appearance on What’s Yo Story Podcast, Desmond “Team 28” Johnson opened up about his personal journey, the experiences that shaped him and the frightening 2020 robbery that changed the direction of his life. Johnson is known today as a motivational speaker, mentor and the leader behind Team 28. His message is built around faith, discipline, accountability and refusing to surrender when life becomes difficult. However, the strength people currently see did not develop without pain. One of the most powerful moments of the interview came when Johnson discussed being robbed of approximately $30,000 while in Houston. For many people, losing that amount of money would create anger, embarrassment and a desire for revenge. Johnson’s experience forced him to look at his life differently. Instead of allowing the robbery to completely destroy him, he used the incident as a reason to grow closer to God. The robbery happened during a difficult and uncertain year. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had already changed the way people lived, worked and interacted with one another. Johnson was also dealing with a personal situation that caused him to reconsider the people around him, his choices and the direction in which he was moving. Money can be replaced, but Johnson understood that the outcome of the robbery could have been much worse. The experience reminded him that his life still had value and that he had been given another opportunity to discover his true purpose. That realization started a new chapter. Johnson began placing more of his faith in God and focusing on becoming a better version of himself. His journey was not simply about attending church or speaking about religion. It was about changing his mentality, accepting responsibility and applying spiritual principles to his everyday life. His story demonstrates how God can use an uncomfortable situation to redirect a person. At the time, the robbery may have felt like a devastating loss, but it eventually became part of Johnson’s testimony. Instead of remaining trapped by what happened in Houston, Johnson turned his pain into motivation. That motivation became one of the foundations of Team 28. Through the Team 28 platform, Johnson encourages people to improve themselves mentally, physically and spiritually. His message is centered on persistence, commitment and accountability. He reminds his supporters that success requires more than talking about goals—it requires consistent work when nobody is watching. Johnson does not present himself as someone who has lived a perfect life. His influence comes from his willingness to acknowledge his mistakes, difficult experiences and moments of uncertainty. That honesty allows people to connect with him because they understand that his message comes from real-life experience. As a motivational speaker and mentor, Johnson uses his testimony to encourage others who may feel defeated. He understands that many people are struggling silently with financial problems, betrayal, disappointment, fear or a lack of direction. His message to those people is clear: a setback does not have to become the end of your story. During the interview, Johnson also emphasized the importance of understanding who is truly in your corner. Difficult situations have a way of revealing the difference between genuine relationships and temporary connections. When everything is going well, it can be difficult to recognize who is there because they care and who is there because they benefit from your success. Losing $30,000 was painful, but the lessons Johnson gained were worth more than money. He became more aware, more focused and more intentional about the people and energy surrounding him. The experience also changed the way he measured success. True success was no longer based only on how much money he possessed. It became connected to his relationship with God, his ability to help others and the legacy he could build through service. That shift is important because many people spend their lives chasing financial success without developing their character. Johnson’s journey shows that money without wisdom, purpose and strong relationships can disappear quickly. Faith gave him something that money could not provide: direction. Today, Johnson continues to use his voice and growing platform to motivate people. Whether he is speaking at an event, working with young people, encouraging athletes or sharing inspirational messages online, his goal is to push others toward personal growth. His approach is not based on empty motivation. He challenges people to examine their habits, take responsibility for their decisions and become disciplined enough to create meaningful change. Johnson’s story also speaks to the importance of transforming pain into purpose. Everyone will experience some type of loss, but people have a choice in how they respond. They can allow the experience to make them bitter, or they can use it to become wiser. Johnson chose growth. At Nolazine, we respect Desmond “Team 28” Johnson for being open about an experience that could have ended much differently. Discussing the robbery was not simply about revealing that he lost $30,000. It was about explaining what he gained spiritually after that money was taken from him. He gained clarity. He gained a deeper relationship with God. He gained a new understanding of his purpose. Most importantly, he gained a testimony that could help someone else make a better decision. Johnson’s journey proves that sometimes losing something valuable can help a person recognize what is truly priceless. The robbery may have taken his money, but it did not take his future. Desmond “Team 28” Johnson is now using that future to motivate others, strengthen his community and build a legacy that reaches far beyond financial success. Watch Desmond “Team 28” Johnson’s complete interview on What’s Yo Story Podcast. Written by Nolazine

#NOLAZINE - In the spring of 2000, just as Destiny’s Child’s album The Writing’s On The Wall was gaining massive momentum, a tense showdown took place behind closed doors at Sony Records—one that would highlight the determination and boldness that defined the group’s rise to superstardom. According to Tina Knowles’ recently released memoir, Matriarch, Sony executives called an urgent meeting with Matthew Knowles, Destiny’s Child’s manager—and Beyoncé’s father. The reason? They didn’t believe Destiny’s Child would successfully cross over into the pop market. Their reasoning was stunningly superficial: they claimed Tina’s homemade, Motown-inspired styling was holding the group back. The executives reportedly criticized the group’s fashion, saying it wasn’t “something an average girl can go to the mall and just get for a date.” They labeled their look as "Motown" and "homemade," implying it was too polished, too unique—and not commercial enough for broader appeal. Matthew Knowles didn’t miss a beat. In a now-legendary moment, he stood up, walked over to the light switch, flicked it on and off, and told the room: “Destiny’s Child is keeping the fcking lights on in here. Just don’t forget that.”* It was a bold reminder that Destiny’s Child—with their unmatched talent, infectious energy, and yes, their original style—was already driving Sony’s success, even if the executives didn’t fully appreciate it. Despite the criticism, Destiny’s Child stuck to their guns. They continued to wear Tina’s creative, often one-of-a-kind designs, celebrating individuality at a time when the industry pushed conformity. And the results spoke louder than any boardroom critique: The Writing’s On The Wall sold over 7 million copies in the U.S. alone. It spawned major hits like “Say My Name,” “Jumpin’, Jumpin’,” and “Bills, Bills, Bills.” It firmly established Destiny’s Child as one of the defining girl groups of their generation. Matthew Knowles would go on to manage the group until their disbandment in 2006, and Tina Knowles would continue to shape their iconic image through the late '90s and early 2000s. Today, The Writing’s On The Wall stands not just as a hit album but as a testament to creative authenticity, family loyalty, and fearless self-belief. Thanks to Matthew and Tina’s unwavering vision—and Destiny’s Child’s unstoppable talent—they didn’t just keep the lights on at Sony; they lit the way for future generations.

#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 brothers Bryan “Baby” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams launched Cash Money Records in 1991, they had a broader vision. Starting from the pavement—literally selling tapes out of car trunks—they were on a mission to give a platform to the city’s rawest voices. One of the first to be heard was a 15-year-old with something different to say. Kilo G stood out not because he followed trends, but because he didn’t. His 1992 debut, The Sleepwalker, was a moody, horrorcore-influenced project that veered sharply away from the bounce sound dominating the city. At an age when most kids are just figuring out who they are, Kilo G was already creating complex, brooding music that explored death, dreams, and street life. While the tape didn’t sell in massive numbers, it signaled a bold new direction for Cash Money—one that prioritized individuality and authenticity. Recognizing the need for more cohesive production, Cash Money brought in Mannie Fresh in 1993 as their in-house producer. That collaboration would prove pivotal. In 1995, Kilo G returned with The Bloody City, a gritty, cinematic album that merged his lyrical depth with Mannie Fresh’s emerging production genius. The album featured appearances from Southern rap heavyweights Pimp C and Bun B, hinting at Kilo G’s growing reach and potential to become a defining voice not just for New Orleans, but for Southern hip-hop as a whole. Kilo G’s music offered stories steeped in real-life struggles—blending bravado with vulnerability, street tales with introspection. He was the kind of artist who gave you more than rhymes; he gave you perspective. But just as his artistry began to sharpen and his voice grew louder, silence fell. In January 1997, at just 20 years old, Kilo G was shot and killed in his own home in New Orleans' 7th Ward. The assailant remains unidentified. He left behind a grieving family, including his girlfriend, Lakeisha, and their young son, Robert Johnson III, who would grow up knowing his father only through memories shared and lyrics left behind. The impact of Kilo G’s death was seismic—not just for his loved ones, but for the local hip-hop community. His passing was a sobering reminder of how deeply the streets were entangled with the music. It underscored the dangers many young Black artists face while trying to use music as a way out. While Kilo G never achieved mainstream fame, his influence is embedded in the DNA of New Orleans rap. He helped shape the earliest sound of a label that would one day become a global powerhouse. And he did it by staying true to himself, speaking truth in a city where survival was never promised. Today, as fans look back on the rise of Southern hip-hop, Kilo G’s name deserves its place in the story—not just as a cautionary tale, but as a creative force who dared to be different. His life was short, but his voice still echoes in the city he loved, in the artists he inspired, and in the beats that continue to bang through the blocks of New Orleans.

#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. But despite the song's potential and polished production, it didn’t immediately resonate with her. The reason? Aaliyah simply didn’t feel a connection to the song at first. Known for her strong sense of artistry and control over her sound, she was selective with the music she chose to attach her name to. Fortunately, the team behind the song remained persistent—and eventually, Aaliyah gave the track a chance. Released posthumously as part of the “Next Friday” soundtrack and later appearing on her “Ultimate Aaliyah” compilation, “I Don’t Wanna” went on to become one of her most beloved slow jams. It climbed the Billboard charts and further cemented Aaliyah’s legacy as a timeless voice in R&B. The story behind the song is a reminder of Aaliyah’s discerning ear and the collaborative efforts required to create lasting music. It’s also a testament to how even iconic artists can have doubts—and still deliver something unforgettable. In hindsight, it’s clear: “I Don’t Wanna” became a classic, even if Aaliyah didn’t see it that way at first.