Before the platinum albums, the gravelly voice, and the unforgettable anthems that would define an era of hip-hop, DMX—born Earl Simmons—was known on the streets of New York for something far darker. Long before the world knew him as a rap icon, DMX had built a reputation as a feared street figure, infamous for robbing people with the help of his dog. This chapter of his life, raw and uncomfortable, is essential to understanding both the man and the music that would later mak

One of the most iconic hip-hop tracks of the late 1990s, “You Got Me”  by The Roots , took home a Grammy Award , yet not everyone who contributed to the song received recognition. Among those overlooked was Eve , the Newark-born rapper who helped make the hit unforgettable with her distinctive flow and commanding presence on the track. Released in 1999, “You Got Me” featured The Roots , Eve , and Erykah Badu  on vocals, blending live instrumentation, sharp lyricism, and soulf

Detroit’s street history is filled with names that once carried enormous weight and later became cautionary tales. Among them, the Curry Brothers stand out as one of the city’s most talked-about rises and most dramatic falls. Their story reflects not only ambition and power, but also the harsh realities of a city shaped by economic collapse, drugs, and relentless law enforcement pressure. Built in a City Under Strain The Curry Brothers emerged during a period when Detroit was

The music world lost a true icon far too soon when Aaliyah Dana Haughton , known simply as Aaliyah , tragically passed away at the age of 22  in a plane crash on August 25, 2001 . The young singer, actress, and model had already left an indelible mark on R&B, hip-hop, and pop music, and her sudden death stunned fans across the globe. Aaliyah’s rise to stardom was meteoric. She debuted as a teenager, captivating audiences with her smooth vocals, effortless style, and unparalle

In the modern era of hip-hop, visibility can be as dangerous as it is profitable. Social media, podcasts, and viral interviews have turned street figures into public personalities—but they’ve also given law enforcement unprecedented access to self-incriminating narratives. Few cases illustrate this better than that of Philadelphia rapper AR-AB, whose own words in a widely viewed interview played a significant role in helping federal authorities build a case against him. From

Faith Evans has always been celebrated for her soulful delivery and heartfelt songwriting, but one of her most emotional records carries a surprising backstory. Her 2001 song “I Love You”  was actually co-written by Jennifer Lopez  and was originally intended for Lopez’s sophomore album, J.LO . At the time, Jennifer Lopez was transitioning from movie star to full-fledged pop and R&B powerhouse. As she worked on J.LO , she collaborated with a wide range of writers and producer

New Orleans has long been a city of layered histories—culture, resilience, struggle, and survival woven tightly together. Beneath its music and traditions, however, lies a darker chapter shaped by underground power structures that rose during eras of poverty, segregation, and limited opportunity. Among them, one Black criminal organization is often described as the most dangerous in the city’s history, defined by the leadership of Sam “Scully” Clay, El Broadnax, and Glenn Met

Irish Grinstead, best known as one-third of the iconic R&B group 702, is remembered not only for her powerful voice but for the impact she left on ’90s and early 2000s R&B. Irish passed away at the age of 43 after a long and private battle with liver disease, a heartbreaking loss that resonated deeply with fans who grew up on the group’s music. Rising to fame as part of 702 alongside her twin sister Orish “Orish Grinstead” and bandmate Kameelah Williams, Irish helped define a

In the rich, complex history of Harlem, certain names rise above the rest—not just for what they represented, but for the era they defined. Guy Fisher is one of those names. Known as a Harlem legend, Fisher became a symbol of power, style, and influence in New York City’s underworld, earning a reputation that would echo far beyond the streets where it was first built. From Harlem Roots to Street Power Guy Fisher was born in Harlem, New York, and came of age in a neighborhood

One of the biggest R&B hits of the late ’90s almost went to a completely different singer. “Before You Walk Out My Life” , the chart-topping single that cemented Monica ’s place in R&B history, was initially written for Toni Braxton . However, music industry heavyweight Clive Davis  had other plans. According to the songwriter SoulShock , Clive personally intervened and insisted the song be recorded by Monica instead. Davis’s message was blunt and unforgettable: "You will rec