Category: Entertainment

Fat Money a “Wolf” in These Streets: A Review of CincoDeMoney Wolf, Part 1

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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.

Favorite Tracks

In no particular order:

  • Nunyaa
  • Dust Off
  • Easter Sunday
  • Purest Form
  • Dorthy
  • Miami Calling My Name
  • IDFWY
  • Honorable Mention:
    Wolf of Y’all Street

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:

1721 E. Sauk Trail in Sauk Village.

When artistry intersects with legacy, it hits different.

Wolf, Part 1 feels like a reminder: evolution doesn’t mean abandoning your roots. It means sharpening them.

Ta’Rhonda Jones explores identity and transformation in the upcoming project “Breaking Character.”

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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.

Follow her on IG!
Ta’Rhonda Jones | IMDb
Ta’Rhonda at 48th NAACP Image Awards Red Carpet
Ta’Rhonda at the 2016 Essence Festival Presented by Coca-Cola
Ta’Rhonda at The 47th NAACP Image Awards Presented by TV One, Red Carpet
Ta’Rhonda | The Broad Host West Coast Debut of “Soul of a Nation”

a’honda Jones

-Ta’Rhonda Jones

Queen Key Expands Her Empire with Kolors Boutique Grand Opening in Chicago

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There comes a point in every artist’s journey where the brand outgrows the medium. For Queen Key, that moment is now.

Queen Key | Spotify

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.

From Music to Market: A Strategic Evolution

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.

Queen Key | Global Grind

More Than a Grand Opening

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.

Queen Key | The Fader

And Queen Key is doing it her way.

Unfiltered.
Unapologetic.
Intentional.

A Word For The Birds 🦅

Not every artist makes this transition successfully.

But the ones who do?

They understand that influence isn’t just about attention, it’s about what you build with it.

OTF Update: Boona’s Revenge, Boonie Moe Sentencing & What’s Next After Lil Durk’s Arrest

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CHICAGO — OTF (Only the Family) is back in the headlines, and not for music. From courtrooms to federal indictments, the crew faces some of its biggest challenges yet.

Here’s what we know.

Boona’s Alleged Role in Revenge Case

Rumors are circulating online that OTF affiliate Boona may have been involved in a revenge shooting. Posts on Reddit and Instagram claim the charges include kidnapping, home invasion and murder. Authorities have not publicly confirmed those details. (Facebook, Reddit, Instagram)

Whether the reports are true or not, the speculation alone shows how quickly OTF news spreads, and how hard it is for the crew to escape its street image and their own demons.

Boonie Moe in Court

In a confirmed case, Boonie Moe was sentenced to seven (7) to fifteen (15) years in prison in Douglas County on drug charges. He was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. (Facebook, YouTube, X/Twitter)

The sentencing sparked mixed reactions. Some say it’s another example of the system swallowing young Black men, while others point to personal responsibility. Either way, it’s another loss for OTF’s roster.

Lil Durk Facing Federal Charges

The biggest blow came last October when Lil Durk (Durk Banks) was arrested on federal murder for hire charges tied to the ambush of rapper Quando Rondo in Los Angeles. Federal prosecutors allege Durk arranged travel, vehicles and weapons for the attack, which killed Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson. Rondo survived. (AP, Vulture, DOJ)

Durk remains in federal custody while legal experts warn the case could carry decades behind bars if he is convicted.

What’s Next for OTF

With Durk in jail, Boonie Moe sentenced and Boona facing rumors of a revenge hit, OTF stands at a crossroads. Crews in hip hop history have either folded when their leader was locked up or reinvented themselves to survive.

For Chicago’s rap scene, OTF has been more than a music group. It’s been a cultural force. The question now is whether the brand can push past the weight of court cases and controversy or if we’re witnessing the slow fade of one of drill’s most influential collectives, as drill is slowing down.

💭 My take:

OTF can’t move forward off just Durk’s name anymore. Either they evolve or they fade. Simple as that.

Check out my latest video with Street Certified News 📰 touching in detail about the subject.

Ju Jilla’s “Reach Higher” Sets the Bar for Summer Hip Hop

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Ju Jilla’s Reach Higher stands out as one of the best hip hop projects to drop this summer. From start to finish, the body of work is carefully arranged, creating a seamless listening experience that feels intentional and elevated. Each track flows into the next without losing momentum, showcasing Ju Jilla’s skill in curating not just songs, but a complete story.

Listen to the project here and let me know in the comments what you think 🤔

The features are thoughtfully chosen, adding depth and variety without overshadowing Ju Jilla’s presence. His lyricism is sharp yet effortless, with true to life storytelling delivered in a way that feels both authentic and aspirational, almost like high fashion for the ears. The project blends grit with elegance, reminding us that hip hop can be both raw and refined at the same time; that it’s ok as a man to need a therapist to elevate.

Reach Higher isn’t just music; it’s a statement. It’s the kind of project you replay, not only for the beats and bars, but for the craft that went into making it a cohesive, memorable piece of art.

Ju also dropped another project.

Goalden Chyld and Bo Deal Unite Chicago for “In the Trenches” Music Video Shoot to Push Peace

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CHICAGO (July 15, 2025) — Chicago based artists Goalden Chyld and Bo Deal united for a high energy music video shoot Tuesday evening, drawing a crowd to the city’s Westside with members from the South, North, West and East Side under the banner of unity and community empowerment.

The video shoot, “In the Trenches,” kicked off at 5 p.m. at a private location. Promoted heavily through social media & word of mouth, the event called on members to “come out” in support of the city’s music scene and collaborative spirit to bring peace.

BTS Vlog with Street Certified News 🗞️

Sporting hoodies emblazoned with “UNITY” and “Tyrant,” Goalden Chyld and Bo Deal delivered performances that reflected not only lyrical grit of the city but also a message of resilience and togetherness. Organizers emphasized the importance of civic pride and representation in local artistry to push for peace ☮️ and love ❤️ through their art.

“This was about more than a video,” a member of the collective said. “It was about bringing the city together and reminding people that Chicago’s got each other’s back. We’re going to get it together”

The location, kept under wraps until the day of the shoot, added an underground feel to the event highlighting the grassroots nature of the project also granting protection for all involved. Despite the impromptu setting, the scene was electric with energy, with many attendees capturing behind the scenes footage and sharing it across platforms.

I was able to reconnect with some community family and meet new people who I look forward to building with.

Here’s some of the people I connected 😊 with:

We’re expecting the release the final video later this summer if not sooner, continuing their message of solidarity and street level storytelling GC said it’s 50 more videos coming, and to stay tune.

I’m going to keep following this beat overall archiving the ones pushing p, hoping that they are true to their word and forever ♾️ solid.

In the name of Ma’at ,

—BK

Easy O’Hare Brings Nightmare O’Hare to Life on Friday the 13th 😈

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Chicago – On the notoriously eerie date of Friday the 13th, Easy O’Hare fused horror and hip-hop in a way only he could, with the release of his latest album, Nightmare O’Hare. Held at The New Jo’s Bar and Grill in Merrillville, Indiana, the release event transported fans and peers into an immersive experience where sound collided with storytelling in a night full of adrenaline, ambiance, and authenticity.

But what’s the big deal with Friday the 13th?

For centuries, the number 13 has carried a reputation for bad luck, and when it lands on a Friday, that superstitious energy hits different. The fear is so widespread it has its own name: paraskevidekatriaphobia. Pop culture took it even further in 1980 with the horror classic Friday the 13th, introducing Jason Voorhees; the silent, masked killer who haunted Camp Crystal Lake and slashed his way into horror history. Since then, the date has come to symbolize fear, suspense, and rebellion; making it the perfect backdrop for Easy O’Hare’s latest creative strike.

His statement? It’s giving serial killer energy.

And he’s killing these other rappers especially when it comes to the way he curates his musical projects.

Nightmare O’Hare captures that chaotic yet calculated vibe. It’s raw, cinematic, and deeply unsettling in the best way. The album rides moody production and vivid lyricism, exploring the gritty realities of urban life, survival, and the kind of darkness you face when you’re moving a certain way.

When I rap it gets scary for the competition and we chose a beat selection that fit the mood of how scary it can actually get. With this project I was showing I can pop up outta nowhere with new music at any given time after my listeners hear Nightmare O’Hare they’ll definitely go download the past projects to get all the way tapped in with me.


The theme originated from a past rap beef where I had to switch forms from Easy O’Hare to nightmare

-Easy O’Hare

The Performance

Easy’s stage presence brought the music to life with gritty emotion and undeniable power. And the supporting acts? Just as heavy. The room was charged with energy, filled with people who came to show love and stayed to be moved. It was a whole vibe and yes, the chicken was fire too.

The Artist

  • Rico Moneyy
  • Kdoug Jr
  • Aboog
  • D’kno Mr.KNOITALL
  • ESC Deez
  • Fly cool club
  • Big Nastee
  • Easy O’Hare
  • Coldhard

The Bigger Picture

With Nightmare O’Hare, Easy doesn’t just drop music, he curates experiences and releases projects with precision. He proves that there’s room for 40-year-old rappers who trap 🏚️🪤 with strategy, successfully. This isn’t a moment; it’s a method.

Nightmare O’Hare is now streaming on all major platforms.

Stay tuned for visuals, BTS moments, and more drops by following him on Instagram: @easyohare_

🗣️ Did Trump Free Larry Hoover? Here’s What You Need to Know For Real

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The short answer? No. But he did commute Larry Hoover’s federal life sentence, which is a big deal, but not the same as a full pardon.

On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump used his executive powers to commute the federal sentence of Larry Hoover, the co-founder of Chicago’s Gangster Disciples (GDs). That means his federal time was reduced, but his state sentence in Illinois remains in full effect.

🚫 A pardon erases a conviction.
✅ A commutation shortens the sentence but leaves the conviction intact.

👉🏽 Hoover is still incarcerated, just no longer serving time under his federal sentence.

⚖️ Federal vs. State: Why Hoover Isn’t Free Yet

While the federal government no longer requires Hoover to serve life in a supermax prison, the State of Illinois still holds a separate life sentence against him. That stems from a 1973 murder conviction.

Credit: Larry Hoover Jr./Instagram

So even though Trump intervened federally, Hoover remains in prison under state custody.

🔗 Read ABC7’s breakdown of the current legal status

🌐 Why This Matters

Larry Hoover’s name carries legacy and controversy in Chicago. For decades, he’s been labeled a criminal mastermind. But in recent years, there’s been a push by his legal team and public figures to recognize the transformative work he’s done behind bars, including efforts to promote peace and redirect youth from gang life.

Even Kanye West and Drake brought global attention to Hoover’s case during their 2021 Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert, adding cultural weight to the conversation about his potential release.

🔗 See the coverage from Baller Alert

🏛️ Why Did Trump Commute His Sentence?

Let’s be real: Trump’s use of presidential clemency powers has always been controversial. Many of his commutations and pardons have benefited high profile or politically connected individuals. Which is still publicity for him and his administration. Still, for communities dealing with over policing and mass incarceration, among other violations of civil and human rights, any shift in how justice is served becomes a moment of reflection and dialogue. So I claim this as a win for us in the hood.

🔗 Check out The Guardian’s analysis of Trump’s pardon strategy

💬 Thoughts

This decision is layered. Larry Hoover’s sentence was reduced because of his pardon of federal charges but he’s not free. Still, it opens the door to wider conversations about:

  • Sentencing reform
  • Community rehabilitation
  • The politics of who gets clemency
  • And the ongoing impact of legacy gang leaders in modern movements

Whether you’re from Englewood, the West Side, Auburn-Gresham like me or just someone trying to understand what’s real vs. what’s headlines; stay sharp, stay informed, and keep asking deeper questions because as a solid and native representation of urban culture, in the words of the Honorable Fred Hampton, Leader of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panthers and a Chicago Native:

I Am A Revolutionary; Free Em All !

📌 Original Report Seen by: Kollege Kid

Chicago: The Blueprint of Urban Culture

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There’s something undeniable about Chicago. The rhythm of our streets, the depth of our history, and the influence we hold in shaping urban culture across the nation and internationally, it runs deep. From house music and footwork to conscious rap and drill, Chicago has been a cultural cornerstone, birthing movements and voices that echo far beyond city limits.

That’s why moments like GloRilla giving Queen Key her flowers 💐 hit different. It’s more than just a viral moment, it’s recognition of legacy, talent, and the resilience of a city that has long been under credited and over influential.

Queen Key has always represented raw, unapologetic energy, the essence of what it means to be from the Chi and its surrounding communities. For another artist to publicly uplift her on tour is a powerful testament to sisterhood and respect in hip hop, especially amongst women at that young women, in an era where the city’s women are claiming space louder than ever.

Chicago isn’t just on the map, we are the map. The artists, the culture, the style, the stories, we influence the world, and it’s about time that legacy is consistently honored.

Flowers 💐 today. Crowns 👑 tomorrow.

Fat Money Levels Up: From Donda 2 Collaborator to CincoDeToven with Zaytoven

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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.