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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
This iconic show, featuring Yung Joc, Mz Shyneka, and Shawty Shawty, is a staple in urban radio for its humor, entertainment, and fan-favorite segments like The Date Dilemma, Are You Smarter Than Yung Joc, and Love Doc Joc. Having Nick Cannon bring his charisma and energy to the mic makes this a can’t-miss moment for our listeners!
As the newest Account Executive 👩🏽💼 at Streetz 95.1 FM📻, I’m proud to play a role in connecting you to these exciting opportunities. From creative advertising strategies 📈 to fostering community engagement, I’m here to ensure the brands and businesses I work with align with the dynamic energy we deliver on-air 🎙️ 📻 every day.
What This Means for You:
If you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, now is the perfect time to collaborate with us. With Nick Cannon’s guest appearance creating buzz and our highly engaged audience, this is your chance to reach listeners who are tuned in and ready to connect.
Here’s How We Can Work Together:
Advertising Opportunities: Let me help your business shine with creative campaigns that resonate with our audience.
Brand Collaborations: Align your brand with one of the nation’s most celebrated morning shows.
Community Impact: Partner with Streetz FM to reach urban communities authentically and effectively.
Feel free to reach out if you’d like to learn more about how we can work together. Let’s amplify your message and connect with the people who matter most!
Stay tuned for more updates from me 😊, Briyana Kelly, your partner in empowering urban culture through communications and creativity.
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.
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
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 CommunicationsLawyer 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.
Chicago, IL-In a Garden across the street from the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, hosted by Zaire, we gathered in the name of love, culture, and therapy. As modern-day social workers, we must have our work-life balance because we’re out here during the year combating crisis in our communities’ culture and helping to shape the new world into a better place.
I received an invite from an associate who also happens to be a close friend of mine earlier this week, and I was happy to attend and network even though it was a brief session. That’s really all you need for painting or any form of therapy.
The setup for our art tables. Photo credit: ZaireFull view of setup in the garden space. Photo credit: ZairePainting with friends and family of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center Photo Credit: Zaire Friends and family of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center Photo Credit: Zaire
Art Therapy
Art therapy is significant for several reasons. It provides a creative outlet for individuals to express themselves, explore their emotions, and process trauma or stress in a non-verbal way. It can help improve mental health by fostering self-awareness, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall well-being. Additionally, it can aid in communication, especially for those who find it challenging to express their feelings verbally. Overall, art therapy offers a unique approach to healing and self-discovery.
Healing Creativity and Working Through Emotions of Grief
Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are grieving because it provides a safe space to express complex emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Through various artistic mediums such as painting, drawing, or sculpture, individuals can externalize their feelings of loss, sadness, anger, or confusion.
Engaging in the creative process allows them to explore and make sense of their grief journey at their own pace. Creating art can also serve as a distraction from overwhelming emotions and provide a sense of control during a time of upheaval.
Furthermore, art therapy encourages reflection and introspection, helping individuals gain insight into their grief experiences and find meaning in their loss. Group art therapy sessions can also offer a supportive environment where participants can connect with others who are going through similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and validation.
Overall, art therapy can facilitate the grieving process by promoting emotional expression, coping skills, and a sense of healing and renewal.
Communications Generalist | Cultural Strategist | Data & Business Analyst 