Chicago-Ty Money, better known as Fat Money, returns with new music: 13 tracks in his signature style for this year’s CincoDeMoney installment, Wolf, Part 1.
This project is one I anticipate annually. Not just out of loyalty , but because the series consistently reflects authenticity and growth. Each year feels like a continuation, not a repetition.
Money still slaps the same way he did the first time I pressed play years ago. And I still spin the older records too. That consistency matters.
Beyond affiliation, because yes, this is family, the work stands on its own. The quality is there. The storytelling is structured. The themes are grounded in everyday Chicagoland life. There’s intention in the sequencing and delivery that many artists today struggle to maintain.
It’s narrative and a vibe.
The project was mixed by Rio Mac and Fat Money, with features from Rio Mac and Kris Lofton, adding texture without disrupting the tone.
A personal highlight for me is the recurring nod to my family’s restaurant legacy.
My uncle, Chuck “Woo Woo’s” Higgins, built something lasting from Washington Heights (99th & Halsted) to Lynwood, Calumet City, Dolton, Chicago Heights, and now:
CHICAGO — Actress and recording artist Ta’Rhonda Jones is expanding her creative work into music with Breaking Character, a project centered on identity, perception and personal transformation.
The project includes tracks such as “Favor on My Soul” and “Villain,” which explore contrasting emotional perspectives, one rooted in alignment and affirmation, the other in perception and misunderstanding.
“Breaking character is really about stepping outside of what people expect from you,” Jones said. “It’s personal.”
Jones, known for her role as Porsha Taylor on the television series Empire, is using music to expand her storytelling beyond the screen.
“I choose to be present. I choose to be 100% me,” she said. “No more performing. No more people pleasing. I’m no longer who society wants me to be.”
The duality presented in “Favor on My Soul” and “Villain” reflects a broader theme of balance within the project.
“I wanted to show that balance is necessary,” Jones said. “I can be both soft and firm. Soft says I understand you, and firm says I still choose what’s best for me.”
Production for “Favor on My Soul” is underway, with visuals emphasizing tone, reflection and transformation. The project’s visual direction aligns with its themes, focusing on mood-driven storytelling and emotional depth.
“There are moments where you’re misunderstood for growing,” Jones said. “That’s where ‘Villain’ comes from.”
Jones also described the creative process as liberating, noting that each phase of development has expanded her perspective.
“Every time I create, I discover new freedom,” she said. “It feels like a phoenix rising, like I’ve unlocked a new level of consciousness.”
A release date for Breaking Character has been confirmed for June 6. The project marks Jones’ continued expansion into music and visual storytelling, positioning it as a personal and creative evolution.
Known for her unapologetic voice, bold personality, and cultural influence rooted in Chicago, Queen Key is stepping beyond music and into something more tangible;retail, ownership, and curated lifestyle. Just like a big stepper should.
With the announcement of her boutique, Kolors, grand opening, Sunday, April 19, at 2144 W. 95th Street from 5 PM-9 PM, she’s not just inviting people to an event…she’s inviting them to her next chapter of evolution and introducing them to a special space in her life.
Queen Key, born Ke’Asha McClure, has never followed a traditional blueprint, at all. I love 🥰 that for those of us looking 👀 to be inspired by originality.
From viral tracks to building a loyal audience, her career has been defined by authenticity and independence. But this latest move signals something deeper:
Ownership of experience.
A boutique isn’t just a store.
It’s:
A reflection of personal style
A direct-to-consumer brand channel
A physical extension of {brand} identity
And for an artist like Queen Key, whose image and presence have always been just as impactful as her music, this move feels less like a pivot and more like a natural progression.
This isn’t just about racks of clothing or a new address on a flyer.
Her Grand Opening represents:
A new level of entrepreneurship
A claim to a bigger physical space in the culture
A deeper connection between artist and audience, in marketing and advertising.
This is where supporters become customers. Where followers become community.
And where brand becomes infrastructure.
The Power of Physical Space in Communications
In a digital-first world, creating a physical location is a power move.
It says: “I’m not just visible, I’m established.”
For Chicago especially spaces like this matter because we’re an international city and market.
We are a hub for:
Local fashion influence
Cultural expression
Community engagement
And when someone like Queen Key opens that door, it doesn’t just create opportunity for herself, it creates a ripple effect and opportunities for others.
What to Expect
While details are still unfolding, one thing is clear:
This won’t be a passive shopping experience.
Expect:
Energy
Personality
A crowd that reflects her audience
And a space that feels like an extension of her brand, and for the fly & danty ladies.
Because if there’s one thing Queen Key understands, it’s how to make people feel something.
Why This Moment Matters
Her boutique launch 🚀 is a signal.
A signal that artists, especially women in hip-hop, are continuing to expand beyond industry limitations and step fully into ownership, business, and legacy-building.
Hip Hop was never just a soundtrack, it was a survival guide, a protest language, and a cultural archive passed through boom bap beats and breath. Today, as the world watches the Hip Hop generation step into political arenas, from local elections to the United Nations, we are forced to ask: Who controls the culture now? And what does it mean to be Black, American, and powerful in a world that still tries to erase the blueprint?
In my new interview series The Cipher & The System I’m going to discussing the state of the culture, the importance of solving our identity crisis and setting a standard for the stewards, creatives, and other associates of Hip Hop that benefit from our Black American culture.
Full video is going through post production, bare with me.
It’s time to set the bar, revolutionize the voice of the culture and if not me then who? Seriously 😒 tho.
From Party to Power: The Political Birth of Hip Hop
What began in the Bronx as a celebration of rhythm, rhyme, and resistance has evolved into a global political force. Hip hop was never just about beats and bars, it was a cry from the margins, a cultural blueprint for survival in the face of systemic neglect.
As pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash turned block parties into platforms for protest, the culture began to birth its own consciousness. From the raw social critiques of Public Enemy to the electoral mobilizations led by artists and organizers today, hip hop continues to shift and our goal is to go back to our roots to use it as a tool to party for power, reminding the world that the mic is mightier than many know.
The Crisis of Identity in the Age of Influence
In a time where virality is often mistaken for value, the Black identity is being reshaped by algorithms and aesthetics more than lived experience and ancestral knowledge.
Hip hop, once a vehicle for self-definition, is now caught between commercialization and cultural reclamation. Who are we beyond the brand deals, trending sounds, and curated lifestyles? This crisis of identity isn’t just a cultural issue, it’s political. It determines who tells our stories, who profits from our pain, and how we define ourselves in the face of erasure and exploitation.
Dr. Daniel Davis on Education, Legacy & Liberation
Dr. Daniel Davis doesn’t just teach African American history, he embodies its living legacy. A leading voice on culturally relevant pedagogy, Dr. Davis believes education is the first site of liberation. In this exclusive interview, he shares why hip hop is not only a genre but a pedagogy, and how understanding our past is key to shaping our political and cultural future. His work centers the value of legacy, not as nostalgia, but as fuel for the fight for equity, self determination, and generational power.
Can We Build Cultural Institutions That Don’t Exploit Us?
Too many institutions built on Black creativity have failed Black communities. Whether in academia, music, media, or the nonprofit sector, the pattern is familiar: our genius is extracted, repackaged, and sold back to us, often without ownership, authorship, or autonomy.
It’s time to ask the hard questions: Can we build spaces where cultural integrity outweighs commercial interest? Where our narratives are protected, not commodified? Where cultural stewards are supported, not silenced? The answer requires both imagination and infrastructure, and a refusal to trade authenticity for access.
The Next Generation Needs Standards, Not Gatekeepers
There’s a difference between preserving culture and policing it. As hip hop enters its fifth decade, we owe the next generation more than nostalgia or elitism.
We owe them standards anchored in ethics, excellence, and historical context. These standards aren’t meant to stifle creativity but to safeguard legacy. Instead of gatekeepers, we need mentors, archivists, and architects, those who understand that true cultural preservation happens not by exclusion, but by elevation.
The youth are watching. Let’s give them more than permission, we must give them principles.
If we don’t teach the history of Hip Hop, we leave its future in the hands of people who never lived it.
Chicago–Fat Money (formerly Ty Money), a prominent Harvey-Chicago rapper and lyricist, continues to make significant strides in the hip hop scene. Renowned for his sharp lyricism and deep rooted Chicago influences, Fat Money has been a consistent presence in the industry since 2014, releasing multiple studio albums and mixtapes.
In 2022, Fat Money collaborated with Kanye West on the Donda 2 album, contributing as a co-writer and recording several reference tracks for both released and unreleased songs. This collaboration not only showcased his versatility but also solidified his position among hip-hop’s elite with a sought after swag & sound. He’s also worked with Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre.
Building on this momentum, Fat Money has unveiled his latest project, CincoDeToven, a collaborative effort with legendary producer Zaytoven. This release is part of his annual CincoDeMoney series, traditionally launched on Cinco de Mayo. CincoDeToven blends Fat Money’s incisive storytelling with Zaytoven’s signature trap symphonies, offering a fresh yet familiar soundscape for fans.
Meanwhile, Kanye West’s Donda 2 has been at the center of several legal disputes. The album, initially released exclusively through West’s $200 Stem Player device, faced challenges due to its unconventional distribution method. Producers like ATL Jacob, who worked on tracks such as “Pablo,” “Keep It Burning,” and “Louie Bags,” have reported not receiving payment for their contributions, citing confusion over royalty distributions stemming from the album’s release strategy.
Additionally, West faces multiple lawsuits over unauthorized samples used in Donda 2. Notably, Ultra International Music Publishing sued him for allegedly sampling Marshall Jefferson’s 1986 track “Move Your Body” without permission in the song “Flowers.” Another lawsuit by Artist Revenue Advocates LLC claims that West misused music created by several artists in his songs “Hurricane” and “Moon” without proper authorization.
Despite these controversies, Fat Money’s trajectory remains upward. His collaboration with Zaytoven on CincoDeToven and his involvement in high-profile projects like Donda 2 underscore his growing influence and commitment to pushing creative boundaries in hip-hop. Listen, purchase, and save the project here.
Being part of this team has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I’m proud to have contributed to a platform that brought the culture, vibes, and a new style of broadcasting to Chicago’s airwaves. Streetz wasn’t just a radio station, it was a media group for the streets, and a home for urban talent, both on-air, on or behind the scenes.
Although it’s sad to see our chapter in Chicago come to a close, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to do impactful, paid work in media, something that’s not always easy to come by in this industry. The relationships I built, the lessons I learned, and the confidence I gained are things I’ll carry forward with me.
I kicked ass coming through the door for Super Bowl Weekend, bringing in the most money in February and March working with Wilma’s BBQ, The AC Green Show, and Majani’s Food Emporium after my training, activating my superpowers 🦸🏽♀️.
Thank you to Core Radio Group & Streetz especially Trey The Choklit for the opportunity and support. I hope to work with them again in the future and continue building in other cities and capacities.
In today’s world, it’s not enough to blend in and play it safe. The secret to standing out isn’t in chasing trends or shouting louder than everyone else, it’s in being unapologetically authentic.
As a transformational branding consultant, I specialize in helping businesses and professionals unlock their unique voice and energy to create authentic initiatives, messages, and content that don’t feel like ads but still get results. It’s about crafting experiences that resonate deeply with your audience, building trust, and creating lasting connections.
Chris Do of The Futur with a a strategy that will transform your business this 2025!
Here’s what I believe:
💡 Authenticity automatically sets you apart. When you embrace who you truly are: your values, your purpose, your vision; you don’t need to force attention. Your uniqueness is your advantage.
💡 Strategy beats energy leaks. Stop scattering your efforts across trends that don’t align with your goals. Instead, channel your energy strategically to amplify your strengths, attract the right opportunities, and build sustainable momentum. (Note to self!)
💡 Purposeful messaging over flashy ads. Consumers can spot insincerity a mile away. I help my clients design branding initiatives that not only feel real but are real, not forced, aligning every word, visual, and action with the heart of their brand.
If you’re ready to break free from the noise, create authentic impact, and build a brand that speaks for itself, let’s connect. Together, we’ll transform your brand into a bold, strategic, and authentic reflection of your purpose.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, email remains one of the most essential tools for building connections, driving initiatives, and closing deals. Whether you’re a social entrepreneur pitching your latest venture, a college student reaching out to a professor, or a business owner collaborating with partners, mastering email etiquette is critical to making a strong and lasting impression.
As a communications generalist and account executive with experience in branding, marketing, and public relations, I know how vital it is to communicate effectively, especially when representing yourself or your organization. Below are actionable tips tailored to those looking to elevate their email communication.
Be Intentional with Your Subject Line
Your subject line is like the headline of a news article—it needs to grab attention while being clear and concise. • For Entrepreneurs: “Collaboration Opportunity: Enhancing Community Impact Together” • For Students: “Request for Feedback on Internship Proposal”
A strong subject line sets the tone for the email and helps the recipient prioritize your message.
Use a Friendly Yet Professional Greeting
Address your recipient by name whenever possible. Personalization shows effort and respect, especially when reaching out to someone new. Example: “Dear Dr. Johnson,” (formal) “Hi Alex,” (semi-formal) “Hello Team,” (group email)
Avoid generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern,” which can feel impersonal.
Get to the Point Quickly
Whether you’re proposing a collaboration, asking for advice, or updating someone on a project, respect their time by getting straight to the point. • Before: “My name is Briyana Kelly, and I’m writing to introduce myself and share a little about my background and why I think we’d be a good fit to work together.” • After: “I’m Briyana Kelly, the founder of FEED THE HOOD NFP. I’m reaching out to discuss a potential collaboration on {Specific Project}. Let me know if you’d be available for a 15-minute call this week.”
Show Your Value
When reaching out to potential collaborators, mentors, or clients, briefly explain why you’re reaching out and what’s in it for them. • For Social Entrepreneurs: “Our nonprofit specializes in workforce development for marginalized communities, and I’d love to explore how we can partner with your organization to expand your impact.” • For College Students: “I admire your work in [specific area] and would appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experience through a brief informational interview.”
Be Polite and Mindful of Tone
Your tone can make or break your email. Strike a balance between professionalism and approachability. • Use polite phrases like: • “I would appreciate it if…” • “Would you mind sharing…” • “Thank you for your time and consideration.” • End with a positive closing, such as: • “Looking forward to hearing from you!” • “Thank you for your support!”
Proofread for Clarity and Grammar
A polished email reflects your attention to detail, which is especially important for entrepreneurs pitching ideas or students applying for opportunities. Before hitting send: • Check for typos or grammatical errors. • Ensure your tone aligns with the purpose of your email. • Confirm you’ve included the correct names, dates, and attachments.
Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Your recipient should know exactly what you need from them and when.
Examples of CTAs:
• “Please let me know if you’re available for a meeting next week.” • “Kindly review the attached proposal and share your feedback by Friday.” • “I’d appreciate it if you could connect me with someone from your team who handles partnerships.”
Attach Files and Links Thoughtfully
If you’re including an attachment or link, mention it in the body of your email so the recipient knows what to look for. • Example: “I’ve attached our most recent annual report for your review. You’ll find details on our impact metrics on page 5.”
Always double-check that you’ve attached the correct file or included the right link before sending.
Use “Reply All” and CC Sparingly
If you’re part of a group email thread, only use “Reply All” when everyone truly needs to see your response. Avoid clogging inboxes with unnecessary replies.
End with a Professional Signature
Your email signature should be simple but informative, especially if you’re an entrepreneur or college student looking to establish credibility. • For Entrepreneurs: [Your Full Name] Founder, [Organization Name] [Phone Number] | [Email Address] | [Website] • For Students or Recent Graduates: [Your Full Name] [University Name], Class of [Year] [Email Address] | [LinkedIn Profile Link]
Timing is Everything
Send your emails during regular business hours to increase the likelihood of a timely response. If your recipient is in a different time zone, consider scheduling your email accordingly.
Why Email Etiquette Matters for Your Audience
For social entrepreneurs, college students, and emerging leaders, every email is an opportunity to build relationships, showcase professionalism, and leave a positive impression. Thoughtful, well-crafted emails not only demonstrate respect for the recipient’s time but also position you as someone worth engaging with whether you’re pitching a new idea, applying for an internship, or seeking mentorship.
By following these tips, you’ll enhance your communication skills and open doors to meaningful collaborations, funding opportunities, and career growth.
Would you like personalized examples or templates tailored to your industry? Let’s take your email communication to the next level!
Photojournalist: TSA Media @ Tim Streetz Winter Solstice Release Party
Dear School District 163 Community,
I am thrilled to embark on a new chapter of my professional journey as the Communications Specialist for School District 163 handling all your public relations & communications needs. From the moment I stepped foot into our vibrant community, I knew that I was stepping into a world of boundless possibilities, where every interaction, every conversation, and every connection has the power to make a difference.
Joining School District 163 fills me with an overwhelming sense of excitement and purpose. As someone deeply passionate about effective communication and community engagement as a social scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur, I am eager to leverage my skills and experience to serve our district and support its mission of academic excellence and student success.
Communication is at the heart of everything we do, and I am committed to ensuring that our voices are heard, our stories are shared, and our community is united. Whether it’s through crafting engaging content, managing our digital platforms, or collaborating with stakeholders, I am dedicated to fostering open, transparent, and meaningful communication across all levels of our organization.
But beyond the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities, what truly excites me is the opportunity to be of service to each and every member of our district. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, a student, or a community member, know that my door is always open, and my ears are always ready to listen. Your ideas, your feedback, and your concerns matter, and I am here to support you in any way I can.
As we embark on this journey together, I am filled with hope, optimism, and a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to serve such a dynamic and diverse community. Together, let us embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and continue to build a brighter future for School District 163.
I look forward to getting to know each of you, learning from your experiences, and working together to make our district the best it can be. Together, we are stronger, together, we can achieve greatness.
Below is some general information on my system and ways that we can collaborate.
Thank you for welcoming me with open arms, and I am honored to be a part of this incredible community.
NEW YORK, July 13– A complaint has been filed, on July 11, by Krista Perry, Larissa Martinez, and Jay Baron against Shein Distribution Corporation and its collective business associates (Roadget Business Pte. Ltd, Zoetop Business Company, Limited, and et.al) for racketeering and corrupt business practices as an organization. David Erickson is an Interested Party in the suit. They have been accused of infringing on the designs and artwork of creators to produce, distribute, sell, and copy the works of the plaintiffs. They allege that it is part of the organization’s DNA and process to algorithmically use designs in their corrupt business practices on a large and systematic scale, according to The Fashion Law.
When Shein copies a small or independent designer, the most likely outcome (without brand protection specialists and specialized software on the lookout) is that the infringement will go unnoticed
Barron’s “Make It Fun” artwork (left) & a Shein print (right)Source: The Fashion Law
“Under those circumstances, Shein reaps all the benefits of stealing and featuring the design that its technology had identified as valuable enough to take: it makes sales and keeps it customers’ eyes glued to the Shein site and app for that much longer. And if customer demand justifies it, the item is reordered, and more are sold (now that the coast has been determined to be clear).”
Plaintiffs
Source: The Fashion Law
They also made a claim that the distribution organization is made up of a multiplicity of entities with an outwardly decentralized structure which helps them in avoiding liability for intellectual infringement by placing the blame on an independent company unrelated to them when in reality they are connected to Shein.
Communications Generalist | Cultural Strategist | Data & Business Analyst 