Tag: urban culture

Chicago’s Own: Ta’Rhonda Jones Brings Music, Storytelling & Soul to City Winery Chicago

Culture News, Entertainment

Chicago native and Empire star Ta’Rhonda Jones is set to take the stage at City Winery Chicago on Monday, July 20th at 7:30 PM for a one-night-only evening blending music, storytelling, comedy and candid conversation. Best known for her breakout role as Porsha Taylor on FOX’s hit drama Empire, Jones brings her signature charisma and authentic South Side energy to an intimate live setting that showcases the many sides of her artistry beyond the screen.

Since stepping away from scripted television, Jones has built a second on-screen life as a host, most notably fronting Oprah’s OWN Network reality dating series The Never Ever Mets. The show follows couples who fell for each other online meeting in person for the first time, and Jones, known for her blunt honesty and warmth, guides them through cohabitation and relationship tests with the same grounded, relatable energy that made Porsha a fan favorite. She returned for Season 2, which premiered in spring 2025, cementing her place as one of OWN’s go-to hosts for unscripted storytelling. I’m looking forward to seeing her return to the screen.

The date holds extra meaning: it falls right around Jones’s birthday, and it’s a great gift to give someone who never asks for anything but shares everything. The show is a shared celebration with her fans not just for her Solar Return but for all of her recent milestones. Below is a recent Instagram post announcing the event, she wrote:

“It’s my B(earth)Day! 💫 If you’ve ever wanted to support me, this is the perfect way. Grab your ticket to my @citywinerychi show, celebrate with me, and you’ll automatically be entered into raffles for FREE artist resources… When you pour into me, I get to pour right back into our creative community. Let’s celebrate together. ❤️“

Ticket buyers are entered into a raffle for artist development prizes, including a Billboard placement, a music video, and a Hype Magazine feature and more, tying the night directly to her broader mission of resourcing Chicago’s creative community.

The show comes on the heels of her latest album, Breaking Character, released June 6th. The 13-track project features collaborations with Teefa, SandyRedd, Joel Q, GLC, VAADI, Nathan Palmer, Mg Marz, and Philmore Greene, and has already drawn praise for its intentionality and cohesion, critics note the album’s replay value and the way its sequencing carries listeners through themes of identity and self-presentation. Fan-favorite tracks include “Villian” and “Feeling Good, Feeling Great.”

My favorites are “ Villain” , “Menace”, “Let Me Talk to Myself”, and “Favor on My Soul”.

Ta’Rhonda performing “Let Me Talk To Myself”

Jones’s Chicago roots run deep. Beyond acting and music, she’s the founder of the S.E.E.D. Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding, mentoring, and resourcing emerging Chicago creatives through grants, studio access, and hands-on programming. Her impact will be formally recognized this year when she receives an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanity from Leaders Esteem Christian Bible University at its Fall Graduation Ceremony on August 23, 2026, in Atlanta. Announcing the honor, Jones reflected: “This isn’t just a title. It’s a testament… Y(our) FLYNESS… Dr. Ta’Rhonda Jones.”

Doors open at 6:00 PM at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St. Tickets are available now via City Winery’s box office.

George Johnson, Hair Care Industry Pioneer, Dies at 99

Businessology, Culture News, Heritage-History, Inspiration

CHICAGO (AP) – George E. Johnson, who built one of the most successful Black-owned businesses in U.S. history through his hair care company, has died. He was 99.

Johnson died Monday of natural causes at his home in downtown Chicago, his son, John Edward Johnson, said.

Johnson founded Johnson Products Co. in 1954 after developing a hair straightener designed to avoid burning the scalp. He funded the startup with a small bank loan, which he obtained by telling the loan officer he needed the money for a vacation rather than revealing his business plans.

The company grew into a multimillion-dollar business and in 1971 became the first Black-owned company to trade on the American Stock Exchange. Its product lines, including Ultra Sheen and Afro Sheen, became widely used among Black consumers across the country.

Johnson Products’ advertising, created by Black-owned agencies, was known for depicting Black Americans in professional and family settings at a time when such portrayals were uncommon in mainstream media. The company also sponsored the television show “Soul Train.”

Johnson, a high school dropout who grew up poor on Chicago’s South Side, later gave millions of dollars to fund college scholarships for minority students.

He stepped down as chairman and CEO in 1988. The company changed hands multiple times in subsequent decades. Johnson published a memoir about his life and career in 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Madeline Murphy Rabb, four children and several grandchildren.

The Chicago Sun-Times contributed reporting. Featured Image Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago.

Beyond the Outbreak: What a Foodborne Parasite Reveals About the Systems We Rarely See

Health and Wellness, Scholarly Works

The headlines are alarming: a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, has sickened hundreds of people across the Midwest and prompted investigations by state and federal health officials. While the source of the contamination remains under investigation, the outbreak raises a larger question that extends beyond one contaminated food item.

What if the bigger story isn’t what made people sick but the system that allowed it to happen?

That question sits at the center of what I call The Systems Lens, an approach that looks beyond headlines to examine the infrastructure, policies, and processes shaping our everyday lives.

What happened?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that spreads through food or water contaminated with human fecal matter. Unlike many stomach viruses, it is not typically transmitted directly from person to person because the parasite requires time in the environment to become infectious. Fresh produce has historically been associated with outbreaks because many fruits and vegetables are consumed raw and receive minimal processing before reaching consumers.

Health officials are continuing to investigate the current outbreak, and, as of publication, they have not identified a single confirmed food source responsible for every reported illness.

Why did it happen?

That is where the conversation often stops. News reports understandably focus on identifying the contaminated product. Public health investigators work to trace illnesses back through farms, distributors, and retailers. Those efforts are essential.

But there is another question worth asking.

How does human fecal contamination reach fresh produce in the first place?

The answer is rarely simple.

Contamination can occur through improperly treated irrigation water, sewage entering agricultural water supplies, contaminated wash water used during processing, flooding events, or inadequate sanitation infrastructure for agricultural workers. Each represents a different point where a safeguard intended to protect the food supply may have failed. None of these scenarios automatically means individuals are defecating in crop fields. More often, they reflect failures in water management, sanitation systems, or food-processing infrastructure.

Why should people care?

Food safety is not created at the grocery store. By the time lettuce, herbs, or berries reach your shopping cart, they have traveled through an interconnected system involving water management, agriculture, transportation, food processing, regulation, and retail distribution.

Every step depends on the one before it.

When one layer of protection fails, another is supposed to prevent contamination from reaching consumers. A widespread outbreak suggests that multiple safeguards may have broken down somewhere along the chain, even if investigators have not yet determined exactly where.

This isn’t about assigning blame to a particular farmer, company, or country. It’s about recognizing that public health depends on resilient systems, not perfect people.

What questions should we be asking next?

Instead of asking only, “What food made people sick?” we should also ask:

  • How is irrigation water monitored before it reaches crops?
  • How often are agricultural water systems tested for contamination?
  • What safeguards exist to prevent wastewater from entering irrigation supplies?
  • How transparent are food supply chains when outbreaks occur?
  • What investments in water and sanitation infrastructure could reduce future outbreaks?

These questions shift the conversation from reacting to the latest headline to preventing the next one and building a community.

Looking through the Systems Lens

Every major outbreak tells two stories. The first is about illness. The second is about infrastructure.

While scientists work to identify the immediate source of contamination, the public has an opportunity to think more broadly about the systems that produce, transport, and regulate the food we eat every day. Understanding those systems doesn’t make us fearful; it makes us informed. And informed communities are better equipped to ask better questions, demand greater transparency, and support stronger public health protections.

Sometimes the most important story isn’t the outbreak itself.

It’s the system the outbreak exposes.

Want to learn more about systems thinking?

This article uses what I call The Systems Lens, looking beyond individual events to understand the structures, incentives, and relationships that shape them. If you’re curious about the broader field of systems thinking, I recommend starting with The Donella Meadows Project’s “A Visual Approach to Leverage Points.” It’s one of the clearest introductions to seeing problems as interconnected systems rather than isolated events. Helping everyday people understand a complex subject.

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

Community, Culture News, Economics, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Lifestyle, Market Watch, Personal Perspectives, What's Good?

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.”

Businessology, Community, Culture News, Economics, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Lifestyle, Market Watch, What's Good?

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

Businessology, Culture News, Economics, Entertainment, Inspiration, Market Watch

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.

Formerly Incarcerated Candidates Challenge Felon in Possession Laws

Culture News, Heritage-History, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks, Political Perspectives, What's Good?

CHICAGO — Two Illinois political candidates are challenging federal and state laws that ban people with felony records from owning firearms, arguing the policies are unconstitutional and deny due process.

Andy Williams Jr. and Tyrone Muhammad filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, with an amended complaint submitted March 7, 2024. In a Sept. 11, 2025, press release, the candidates reaffirmed their stance that blanket firearm bans for people with felony convictions violate fundamental rights.

Official Press Release

The men say the laws treat all people with felony records as permanent threats to public safety, regardless of their rehabilitation or time since release.

Background

Williams served time for a robbery conviction and has remained law abiding since his release in 1991. He is currently running for Illinois attorney general; he’s a member of For The People, LLC, AWJ Ministries , a Painter, and a married family man.

Muhammad, who served time for murder, went on to found ECCSC (Ex-Cons for Community and Social Change) a nonprofit focused on community advocacy. He is now a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Both men argue that their lived experiences make them uniquely positioned to highlight how existing laws disproportionately affect people who have rebuilt their lives.

Constitutional Questions

On Feb. 7, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14206, directing the U.S. attorney general to protect the right to bear arms. Trump called the Second Amendment “an indispensable safeguard of security and liberty.”

Williams and Muhammad argue those protections must also apply to people who have served their sentences. They note that many formerly incarcerated people cannot afford private security and rely on their constitutional rights for protection.

Courts have also ruled that police have no constitutional duty to protect individuals:

In DeShaney v. Winnebago County Department of Social Services, 489 U.S. 189 (1989), the U.S. Supreme Court held that the state was not required to protect a child from an abusive father despite prior warnings. Read the case.

In Town of Castle Rock v. Gonzales, 545 U.S. 748 (2005), the Court found that police could not be sued for failing to enforce a restraining order that may have prevented the deaths of three children. Read the case.

“These rulings show that the government cannot guarantee personal safety,” the candidates said. “If police don’t have to protect us, then we must have the right to protect ourselves.”

The Legal Challenge

The lawsuit contests 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and Illinois statute 720 ILCS 5/24-1.1(a)(e), which bar people with felony convictions from possessing firearms.

Williams and Muhammad contend the laws are unconstitutional, overly broad and discriminatory. They are calling for legislative changes or constitutional amendments that would replace categorical bans with standards based on individual circumstances.

Call to Action

“I’m calling on others to join this fight,” Williams said. “Support the lawsuit by filing a motion to intervene. Watch for upcoming town halls where we’ll talk about your rights. I’m running for attorney general. I’ll protect the rights of the people, including the formerly and currently incarcerated people and their families.”

Denver Movement Law Firm Takes on High Profile Case of Jeff Fort, Seeks Federal Post-Conviction Relief

Culture News, Heritage-History

DENVER / CHICAGO, Sept. 30, 2025 — A Denver based law firm known for blending legal advocacy with movement organizing has announced it will represent Jeff Fort, also known as Imam Malik, in a sweeping post conviction relief effort. Fort, one of the most controversial figures in Chicago’s modern history, has been held under solitary confinement conditions at the United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX Florence) in Colorado for nearly two decades.

For the People, LLC, a movement law firm with offices in Denver and Sioux Falls, is stepping into the case with a multidisciplinary strategy. Attorney Jenipher R. Jones, Esq. will lead the team as they challenge both the conditions of Fort’s confinement and the longevity of his sentence under “old law” federal prisoner statutes.

“Mr. Fort’s case presents significant constitutional and legal issues that require immediate attention,” said Jones. “As a federal ‘old law’ prisoner, he faces unique challenges that demand focused advocacy and a comprehensive legal strategy. We look forward to working alongside all those who are currently pushing for his freedom.”

From Chicago Streets to Federal Supermax

Jeff Fort’s story is a complex one. Born in 1947, he rose to prominence in Chicago as co-founder of the Blackstone Rangers, later the Black P Stones, a gang that became one of the most influential and notorious in the city. Over the years, Fort’s leadership evolved into the creation of the El Rukn organization, which combined street influence with religious identity after his conversion to Islam.

By the mid 1980s, Fort was at the center of a federal indictment alleging conspiracy with representatives of Libya to commit terrorist acts in the United States. Convicted in 1987 on multiple counts, he received an 80 year sentence stacked on top of earlier convictions. His notoriety made him both a symbol of gang influence and government crackdowns during an era of “tough on crime” policies.

Since 2006, Fort has been housed at ADX Florence, the federal government’s most secure prison, where inmates spend up to 23 hours a day in solitary confinement. At 78 years old, his ongoing incarceration raises urgent questions about age, health, human rights, and the constitutional limits of isolation.

A Movement Law Firm with a Different Approach

For the People, LLC describes itself as a wholistic movement law firm. Unlike traditional firms that limit themselves to courtroom battles, For the People’s model integrates litigation with community advocacy, trauma informed practices, and interdisciplinary support.

The firm states plainly: “We are unapologetically Black, queer, disabled, Southern, formerly incarcerated, survivor, artist, abolitionist led.” This identity first approach signals that its work is not just about winning cases but challenging the systemic injustices that shape them.

Under Jones’ leadership, the firm has represented high-profile clients including Leonard Peltier and Eric King, both of whom were released from Bureau of Prisons custody during its representation. The firm’s track record has made it a growing force in the niche space of post conviction relief, civil rights advocacy, and political prisoner representation.

Supporting Fort’s case will be:

Andy Williams, Jr., Director of Litigation, Advocacy, and Strategy, a natural rights advocate with deep ties to Chicago’s activist landscape. Kalonji Jama Changa, Chief of Public Relations and Movement Engagement, responsible for movement communication and narrative strategy. A multidisciplinary team of attorneys, medical professionals, social workers, and advocacy specialists.

“This case exemplifies our commitment to challenging systemic injustices within the federal prison system,” said Changa. “Mr. Fort’s prolonged confinement under harsh conditions raises serious constitutional concerns that demand vigorous legal challenge.”

Why “Old Law” Status Matters

One of the central complexities of Fort’s case is his designation as an “old law” prisoner. This term applies to individuals sentenced before 1987, when sweeping federal sentencing reforms eliminated parole for most federal crimes. As a result, Fort remains subject to a parole board system that operates differently from the sentencing rules that govern most federal prisoners today.

His most recent parole hearing ended in denial, with the next statutory review scheduled for April 2027. Advocates argue that given his age, medical conditions, and record, his continued confinement, particularly under supermax isolation, constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

Earlier this year, Fort sought relief under the First Step Act, a reform designed to expand compassionate release for elderly and sick inmates. That petition was denied, underscoring the uphill nature of his legal battle and the urgency of new representation.

The Legal and Human Stakes

For the People, LLC’s representation of Fort goes beyond technical appeals. The firm’s strategy includes:

  • Challenging the constitutionality of prolonged solitary confinement at ADX Florence.
  • Seeking improved medical care and age appropriate placement.
  • Exploring avenues for executive clemency and commutation.
  • Raising international human rights claims to draw attention to the broader issue of elderly prisoners held in extreme isolation.

In many ways, Fort’s case serves as a litmus test for how the U.S. justice system treats its most vilified inmates. Can constitutional protections extend even to those with notorious reputations? At what point does punishment become excessive, especially for aging prisoners?

Looking Ahead

With parole off the table until 2027, Fort’s new legal team faces an uphill battle. But For the People, LLC has signaled that it is prepared to exhaust every available legal remedy.

“We look forward to advocating for Mr. Fort’s transfer to an institution that is appropriate and conducive to his age, medical needs, and disciplinary record, never losing sight of his freedom as the ultimate objective,” Jones said.

For supporters, the launch of FreeFort.org serves as a central hub for updates and advocacy efforts. The site chronicles Fort’s legal history and provides avenues for public engagement in the campaign for his release.

A Case Larger Than One Man

Ultimately, the representation of Jeff Fort is not just about a single prisoner. It is about what kind of justice system the United States wants to uphold in the 21st century. For the People, LLC’s involvement underscores that legal battles are not fought in isolation, they are entangled with questions of race, politics, history, and humanity itself.

As Fort enters his late seventies behind supermax walls, his case forces the public to confront uncomfortable questions: How long is long enough? And at what point does justice demand mercy?

To read official press release from For The People, LLC’s Changa, Chief of Public Relations and Movement Engagement, click here.

Leave a comment and share your thoughts 💭

When the Music Stops: Why Spotify’s Military AI Ties Should Matter to Artists and Listeners

Culture News

Spotify has been under fire before for its low artist payouts and corporate decision making that seems to prioritize profit over culture. But this time, the controversy is heavier; literally a matter of war and peace.

Daniel Ek, Spotify’s CEO, isn’t just running the world’s biggest music streaming service. Through his private investment firm, Prima Materia, he’s invested roughly €600 million (about $700 million) into Helsing, a European company building artificial intelligence tools for military operations. These tools include AI powered surveillance, battlefield analysis, and autonomous systems, the kind of tech many believe could escalate modern warfare.

For some artists, this is a line they won’t cross. Independent bands like Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have already announced they’re pulling their music from Spotify. They’re saying “no” to their art funding weapons development.

Why This Hits Different for Black Creatives

Music is more than entertainment in the Black community; it’s preservation, resistance, and storytelling. Our art has fueled movements, healed generations, and bridged continents. But when the same platform that profits off our streams also invests in tools of war, we have to ask: Whose battles are we funding?

Alecia Renece speaking on various reasons she’s leaving including the Ai 🤖 fiasco.

Military AI won’t just be used in far off conflicts. Historically, advanced surveillance and policing technology have disproportionately targeted Black communities, both in the U.S. and globally. If the profits from our art help fund these developments, we risk contributing to our own harm.

The Choice Before Us

Some may argue, “It’s just business,” but for artists especially independent and marginalized ones, where your music lives is a political choice. For listeners, it’s about where your money and attention flow.

Alternatives like Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and even direct-to-fan platforms give more control to artists and avoid directly funding military AI. The trade off? Less convenience, maybe but greater alignment with our values.

A Cultural Call 📱 Out

This moment is an opportunity for collective reflection:

For artists: Are we okay with our streams contributing to weapons technology?

For listeners: Are we willing to shift our habits to protect the culture and communities we love?

When music is our resistance, every play counts. And sometimes, the loudest protest is silence.

Sources of Primary News & Coverage

Background Context

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

Culture News, Entertainment, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

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.