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:

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.

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 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”

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.

Celebrating the Heart of Education: National Teachers Day & Week

Community, Culture News, Scholarly Works

Chicago, IL– National Teachers Day and National Teachers Week are dedicated to honoring and appreciating the contributions of educators in the United States. The history of these observances’ dates back to the 1940s.

Early Advocacy: The idea for a day to honor teachers was first proposed by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1953. She persuaded Congress to set aside a day to recognize educators.
National Teachers Day: In 1980, the National Education Association (NEA) and its affiliates began discussions with Congress about creating a day to honor teachers. The NEA and its affiliates continued to observe Teacher Day on the first Tuesday in March.
Presidential Proclamation: In 1985, the NEA Representative Assembly passed a resolution declaring the first whole week of May as National Teacher Appreciation Week. In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) established Teacher Appreciation Week as the first entire week of May.
Official Recognition: In 1980, Congress passed legislation officially designating National Teacher Day as the Tuesday of the first week of May. This became a national day to honor teachers.
Continued Recognition: National Teachers Day and National Teachers Week have been celebrated annually since then. Schools, communities, and organizations nationwide use this time to thank teachers for their dedication and hard work.
Global Observance: While the specific dates and names may vary, many countries worldwide have similar observances to recognize the contributions of teachers.

These observances allow students, parents, administrators, and communities to express their appreciation for teachers’ vital role in shaping the future.

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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

@theestallion, Contracts, and the Business of Music at a Young Age

Culture News, Hip Hop, Culture, and Political Tricks

Megan Thee Stallion is in for a big lesson when it comes to finance and contracts. March 1, Megan shared a video via Instagram dishing her contract details with 1501 Entertainment, and its CEO Carl Crawford, who’s an ex Major League Baseball player. She stated that she didn’t understand or know the verbiage that was in the contract that she signed at 20 years of age (now 25), and when she finally got a real management team with lawyers through her management deal with Roc Nation, they brought the details up to see if she understood the terms. She stated she didn’t and wanted to renegotiate. The label isn’t in favor of her releasing new music but is being sued by the artist who is seeking the termination of her contract and a temporary restraining order that has been granted by a judge in Harris County, Texas, to allow her to release new music.

Megan has accused the defendants of common law fraud, breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, fraud by non-disclosure, tortious interference with prospective business relations, violation of the Deceptive Trade Practices Consumer Protection Act, negligent misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence. The plaintiff is seeking a temporary and permanent injunction and a declaration that her contract is “unconscionable, unenforceable and/or void.”, according to the court documents obtained by E! News. The restraining order will expire March 16, 2020 at 11:59 PM.

What can we learn from this?

It’s important to ask questions when negotiating agreements and understanding all the terms. If you can’t afford a lawyer, it’s important to consult with people in the industry. It’s better than signing something then later having to renege on your business deal.

Yes Megan was young, and I do side with her being taken advantage of because it’s a painful history of artist being incarcerated in deals that do not serve them but those who invest in their capital to record, release, promote, and distribute their art deserve a return (ROI). I hope that this situation can be worked out because everyone deserves an accurate return based on their investment.

Black Panther Premiere: Community Bonding and Celebration with @ThorntonTwp

Community, Culture News, Entertainment

Black Panther Premiere at Cinema 8

Published First: Thornton Township

I had the pleasure of connecting with Thornton Township to witness the debut of Black Panther with the community, Feb. 16 at Cinema 8 in Lansing. Royal purple carpets, wristbands, goodie bags with Black History Flashcards, including free snacks and beverages were gifted to the community members for their support in making the day great. The movie theater was filled with love from the elders, generation X, baby boomers, and the millennials who all seemed to take away the great message the movie had to offer which was “We are stronger united than we are divided”. Can you think of any significant way to spend black history month?

There were many other messages that were encoded but the message mentioned above was commonly received by the guest. I cried many times during the movie: tears of joy, tears of realization, tears of sadness, and tears of anger. Black Panther reminded me of my constant duty to the community, and Dr. Jamal Turner, the keynote speaker in theater one, spoke to us about his experience as a real life Black Panther.

Thornton Township was thanked by many guests for doing such a wonderful thing for the community because they provided an opportunity, “To those who probably couldn’t afford movie tickets” as said by Jouhan Sawe, a Thornton Township community member and employee.

Jeanette and Betty BP — Jeanette Quinn and Bessie Watkins, constituents of Thornton Township

Another guest, Jeanette Quin said “Everything was perfect. The movie, how the event was put together, and how smooth it flowed. We were right on time and I thank them for hosting the event.” It’s more than safe to say that the community is looking forward to more remarkable things happening in Thornton Township. I know I had a marvelous time dressed in full regalia, bonding with the people, and being of service to the community. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for the rest of the month, and I hope to see you at the next outing or social.

Tag: Urban Press Corps