Tag: Black America

Easy O’Hare Is Still Taking Flight ✈️ : From Cabin Pressure to Young Bulls

Culture News

Chicago-Easy O’Hare, a standout voice in Chicago’s hip hop scene, teamed up with producer Uncle JoNH III to release Cabin Pressure, a tightly crafted 9 track album that dropped in 2024. Known for its gritty sound, sharp lyricism, and unapologetically Chicago feel, the project showcased Easy’s ability to turn personal stories and city life into immersive music. From soulful samples to streetwise bars, Cabin Pressure solidified his rep as an artist with staying power.

Single from Cabin Pressure

One of the album’s highlights, “KeepItTall,” featuring ESC Deez, has received new attention with a freshly released visual that captures the raw chemistry between the two. Watch the new video below 👇🏽. It’s a reminder that real art doesn’t fade, it grows with the artist.

Adding to the momentum, Easy O’Hare and ESC Deez recently joined forces again for “Bs,” the official theme song for the upcoming TV series Young Bulls. Promoted globally by Milwaukee’s own KB The Playmaker, and executive produced by industry veterans Stan Sheppard and Glasses Malone, Young Bulls shines a spotlight on Midwest talent, and Easy’s voice leads the charge. Check out the “Bs” video here, and you’ll see why this duo continues to demand attention.

From the Cabin Pressure cockpit to television soundtracks, Easy O’Hare is flying on his own frequency and the culture is catching up.

Listen to Cabin Pressure on all platforms and click here to listen.

Stay tune for Cabin Pressure Reloaded & catch him performing this summer.

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

Culture News, Economics, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, What's Good?

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.

The Reality of Pursuing a Rap Career After 40: Strategy, Success, and Longevity

Culture News

In the hip-hop industry, timing is everything. While some artists establish their careers early and maintain relevance into their 40s, others enter the rap game later in life. Understanding these trajectories provides valuable insight into the realities of success, longevity, and sustainability in hip-hop.

As a communications strategist and brand positioning expert, I’ve worked with artists and brands to help them navigate their careers effectively. The truth is, pivoting at 40 can be a power move, one that allows artists to transition into more sustainable careers rather than chasing an unrealistic dream.

Artists Who Achieved Success Before 40 and Sustained Their Careers

Many renowned hip-hop artists built solid careers before turning 40, allowing them to maintain longevity and evolve over time:

Mainstream Veterans with Decades of Longevity

  • Jay-Z (born 1969) – Released his debut album Reasonable Doubt at 26. By 47, his album 4:44 was critically acclaimed, showcasing his ability to evolve with age.
  • Eminem (born 1972) – Gained fame with The Slim Shady LP at 27 and has continued to release successful projects well into his 40s.
  • Snoop Dogg (born 1971) – Dropped Doggystyle at 22 and remains a cultural icon with a multi-faceted career.
  • Freddie Gibbs (born 1982) – Released his debut ESGN at 31, but had been grinding for over a decade prior, showcasing how sustained effort pays off.

Griselda and the Boom-Bap Resurgence

  • Westside Gunn (born 1982) – Co-founded Griselda Records in 2012 and released Flygod at 34, proving longevity is possible with a solid foundation.
  • Benny the Butcher (born 1984) – Gained prominence with Tana Talk 3 at 34, but had been building his craft long before mainstream recognition.
  • Boldy James (born 1982) – Released his debut at 31, showing that staying consistent and working with strong producers can keep an artist relevant.
  • Armani Caesar (born 1989) – Entered the industry young but gained widespread attention after signing with Griselda in 2020.

These artists had one thing in common: they put in the work before turning 40, building organic fan bases, networking, and proving their worth in the industry long before mainstream success.

Artists Who Started Their Rap Careers After 40

While less common, some artists have attempted to launch rap careers after 40. The challenge is immense, breaking into an industry that thrives on youth-driven content, energy, and cultural trends is not easy.

Artists Who Started Their Rap Careers After 40

While less common, some artists have attempted to launch rap careers after 40. The challenge is immense, breaking into an industry that thrives on youth-driven content, energy, and cultural trends is not easy.

  • MF Doom – While active in the 1990s, his career saw a resurgence in his 40s due to his underground cult following.
  • Money Man (born 1986) – Gained recognition later in his career, but his financial literacy and business acumen helped sustain his relevance.

Why Pivoting at 40 Can Be a Power Move

For artists pushing 40 who have not built a solid foundation, pivoting is not giving up, it’s a strategic transition. Here’s why:

  • Sustainability – If rapping hasn’t become a full-time career by 40, it’s wise to explore other avenues in entertainment such as A&R, production, executive roles, or brand partnerships.
  • Diversification – Many successful artists over 40 expand into businesses, podcasting, film, and other ventures to maintain financial stability.
  • Authenticity – A 40-year-old artist competing with young rappers on trends that don’t match their lifestyle can appear inauthentic. Instead, mature artists can embrace storytelling, mentorship, or niche audiences.

Hip-Hop Career Realism in Conclusion

The hip-hop industry favors those who lay their foundation early. While there are always exceptions, it is rare for someone to start rapping at 40 and achieve financial success. However, this doesn’t mean music must be abandoned, it just means rethinking the approach.

For those truly dedicated to hip-hop, transitioning into executive roles, branding, or a genre shift (e.g., jazz, spoken word, podcasting) can be a power move rather than a loss.

Hip-hop is about evolution, understanding when to pivot can be the difference between chasing a dream and building a lasting legacy.

Honoring Nikki Giovanni: A Legacy of Empowerment and Activism

Culture News, Heritage-History

Nikki Giovanni, the iconic poet and educator, passed away on December 9, 2024, leaving behind a powerful legacy that shaped both literature and activism. A prominent voice in the Black Arts Movement, her poems like Ego-Tripping and Nikki-Rosa boldly addressed racial identity and justice. Beyond her writing, Giovanni was an inspiring professor, advocating for empowerment and change. Known for her unapologetic spirit, Giovanni’s influence will continue to resonate, as her words remain a beacon of strength, resilience, and love for generations to come.

Rest well and may the ancestors receive you.

The Latest in Hip-Hop: Diddy & Jay-Z Faces Explosive New Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Assault of a Minor in 2000

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks
Jay-Z
Diddy
I do not own the rights to these images

In the latest chapter of what’s quickly becoming one of the most shocking scandals in entertainment, Sean “Diddy” Combs & Jay-Z is facing new legal trouble. A civil lawsuit filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act alleges that Diddy & Jay-S raped a 13-year-old girl during a post-MTV Video Music Awards party in 2000.

The anonymous plaintiff, now 37, claims she was drugged at the party and later assaulted by Combs and another unidentified male celebrity. According to the suit, a well-known female celebrity allegedly stood by and watched the attack happen. These are serious allegations that have cast an even darker shadow over Diddy, who’s already been accused of sexual abuse in multiple other lawsuits over the past

The Accusations in Context

This latest case isn’t an isolated incident, it’s one of several lawsuits filed against Diddy under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. The law, which temporarily extended the statute of limitations for survivors to bring forward cases of sexual abuse, has opened the floodgates for long-hidden accusations in the entertainment world.

Diddy is also grappling with federal sex trafficking charges and remains in custody after being denied bail twice. While his legal team continues to deny all allegations, the number of claims stacking up against him paints a troubling picture. The story is still unfolding.

What About Jay-Z?

Reports didn’t mention Jay-Z in connection with earlier filings on October 20, but the latest refiled lawsuit on December 8 naming Jay-Z, does directly implicate him in this case. This leaves questions hanging about whether other figures in the industry will be dragged into the legal drama.

His legal team released a statement via Roc Nation on X:

PR Team’s Communications
Lawyer of Plaintiff ‘s Response via X.

Why This Matters

For years, the hip-hop industry (and many others) have been dogged by rumors of abuse, exploitation, and unchecked power. Now, with lawsuits like this coming to light, the culture and society are being forced to reckon with its darker side. The allegations against Diddy don’t just implicate him but they raise concerns about how power, wealth, and influence have shielded people from accountability for decades.

As this story develops, it’s clear that these accusations are bigger than Diddy & many in power, it’s a human rights issue.It’s about a systemic issue that has harmed too many people for far too long.

We’ll be watching as the court proceedings unfold. Justice, it seems, is finally knocking at the door of the elite but let’s hope it doesn’t just clean out the predators in Hip Hop only.

Sources: NBC News, CrimeOnline, People,

The Prodigy Sacrifice, Hegelian Dialect, The Bavarian Illuminati, and the True Enlightened Ones

Community, Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Lifestyle, Personal Perspectives, Political Perspectives, Scholarly Works, What's Good?
The Prodigy Sacrifice

The ancestor and late Hip-Hop artist Prodigy, one half of Mobb Deep, spoke up consistently about his experience and knowledge of the forces running society. He was critically autonomous and dropped seeds at a consistent yet subtle rate to build up a space for ones to have an open conversation about things we don’t question or seem to think about. It is in insult to make us think he died from choking on a boiled egg.

We like to think that conspiracies are just theories but ones must be mindful of the base word without the second term added to it because you can possibly make an ass out of yourself when you are being guided by governmental agencies and agents who do not care about you being well and prosperous but you being in poverty because it gives them the space to provide solutions to problems they’ve caused members in society to react to. Then seemingly at a later date you find out that those conspiracies were true like who killed Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Fred Hampton or even that “blacks” are being conspired against to be exterminated through eugenics. At one point all these subjects were labeled as conspiracy theories.

It’s important in this new age to be informed (and not ill informed) because information is readily available to us at the drop of a finger if we seek and ask the right questions. You have to be open mined and not bias when doing the research and reviewing artifacts because you may not understand, comprehend, like, or believe the information you discover because some of the things you may find may seem unreal or not possible by a group of people or an individual; or aligns with what you have already been programmed with. As humans we are super beings in this reality and we can so anything.

The Bavarian Illuminati and Founder

The Hegelian Dialect , according to Real News Australia, is a philosophy that means all reality is capable of being expressed synthetically, creating a false sense of unity within a system.

Edward Snowden has opened our eyes on one of those categories that reveals what this looks like in modern time, exposing us to the “higher ups” invading our privacy.

“How your cell phone spies on you”
The Golden Age of Civilization relies on Indigenous ones in America and beyond.

Embracing a New Chapter: My Journey with Illinois School District 163 as a Communications Specialist

Culture News, Economics, Lifestyle, Scholarly Works
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.

Gratitude,

BK
Communications Specialist

Artist @1YoungTakeoff 1/3 of The Migos has passed at 28, @OffsetYRN & @QuavoYRN Life isn’t Promised, Love ❤️ Conquers All

Culture News, Entertainment, Heritage-History
MIGOS Trio and Original Family Members

Family is important and holding on to things that can be reconciled hurts the most when you can’t get things right. In this case we don’t know if Takeoff and Offset or Quavo and Offset were speaking. They aren’t just family by blood 🩸 but through success which makes their ties even more stronger.

Loyalty before royalty is everything, and I don’t know what truly happened between the family members even though there are speculations about the situation but I don’t get into rumors. I only get into LOVE ❤️ and things I know to be true.

Takeoff and Quavo as children

I hope this brings the other two Migos back together and that conflict resolution takes place because love 💗 conquers all. Quavo will never be the same again and neither will Offset. Quavo had to witness this ordeal and Offset will never get to speak his peace because everyone’s ego was in the way.

Clout is a hell of a drug.

There is a lot of unsentimental and insensitive reporting happening right now as it relates to the story and I refuse to partake for clicks. It is important to the culture but most importantly what the culture needs right now is LOVE, ETHICS, and UNITY.

Takeoff and Offset Showing love ❤️

It has been reported that Artist, Kirshnik Khari Ball, better known as Takeoff was shot and killed at 810 Billiards 🎱 and Bowling 🎳 located at 1201 San Jacinto, around 2:40 a.m. (Click 2 Houston)

Messages from a Source who was there (Twitter)
Messages continued
Messages continued

“Officers said when they arrived at the scene, they located a large crowd and a man with a gunshot wound to the head or neck. The man, who officers did not immediately identify, was pronounced dead at the scene, HPD said. (Click 2 Houston”

I send much love ❤️ light 💡 and peace ☮️ to the family at this time.

The Migos before the clout and evolving into international business. Get with your family and make it right.

@600Breezy Mourns His Amour Raven Jackson, loses her to suicide and depression

Culture News

Chicago-One of our native people are mourning this week after losing their girlfriend, a award 🥇 winning film 🎞 maker, fitness guru, beauty, serial entrepreneur Raven Jackson.

“Jackson was a participant of Film at Lincoln Center’s Artist Academy during the 57th New York Film Festival (Obituary via Top of Info).” Raven was only 24 years of age and preparing for her birthday fitness camp in Miami

Check on your people who you feel or know are strong 💪🏾, pay attention to people who tell you they are battling depression because they hide well. Don’t be so detached as a human that you allow someone you love 💕 to leave this earth 🌍 feeling unloved or not appreciated. Be that one person to help change the direction to choosing death as a resolve.

Right now we all need love ❤️ and compassion. We need healing ❤️‍🩹 and to be connected to one’s who will poor into us as much as we pour into them. We need solutions and answers to questions that can only sometimes be answered through our shadow work. Our environment mentally, spiritually and physically can play a part in triggering us.

Let’s send some love ❤️ prayer 🤲🏾 and healing ❤️‍🩹 to Raven Jackson’s family and loved 🥰 ones who will be missing her presence. May she have traveled 🧳 well to the next realm and was met by her angels to help her transition heavenly.