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There's no question that Q The Question consistently delivers top talent, and Rawrrzone alum Jada Ali is a perfect example. The video, directed by Urban Outage Productions, serves as a statement of her independence, both as a woman and within a male-dominated industry. The genuine nature of the visuals complements Ali's unfiltered emotions as she strives to navigate life on her own terms. Reflecting on our in-depth interview with Jada Ali, we can't help but notice the striking parallels between her approach to raising her younger brother and the way she has meticulously crafted her own career as a recording artist and entrepreneur. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Jada has not only taken on the role of a caregiver but has also managed to maintain a sense of stability and purpose in her life, even amidst the challenges of the music industry. This dual responsibility has instilled in her a remarkable resilience, which is vividly demonstrated in the powerful imagery and themes presented in her latest music video for No Favors . The video serves as a compelling narrative that encapsulates her journey, illustrating how she stands firm in her belief that she does not require assistance from others to succeed in a competitive landscape. Jada's declaration of independence is not just a personal mantra but a broader commentary on the empowerment of women in the music industry, where she asserts her right to carve out her own path without relying on favors or handouts. This message resonates strongly with her audience, as she embodies the spirit of self-sufficiency and determination that many aspire to emulate. The visual elements of the No Favors video are essential in conveying her story, highlighting her roots and the struggles she has faced. Through evocative scenes, it illustrates her sacrifices and relentless fight to reach her potential. Jada's commitment to her craft and belief in her destiny inspire those who feel weighed down by their circumstances. In conclusion, Jada Ali's narrative is not just about personal achievement; it is a testament to the strength of character that comes from overcoming adversity. The resilience and purpose she embodies in her work, particularly in the No Favors video, are a reflection of her life's journey—a journey that continues to unfold as she fights not only for her own dreams but also for the dreams of those who look up to her. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination and self-belief, one can rise above challenges and achieve greatness. Follow her on Instagram @iamjadaali

If you know Justina Valentine, you know she is the jack of all trades and doing it all. Rapper, Singer, Comedian and TV show host, what is she not doing.  From garnering millions of views on Youtube from her music and plenty of content, Justina Valentine is a known staple in entertainment. She is respected by many as she created a name for herself, found her niche and made it work.  One of the top stars from the hit tv show Wild 'N Out, the Passaic County, New Jersey Native will be pulling up to Philly to headline a show June 18th!  Justina Valentine- Voices (Official Video) Justina Valentine and Friends will be at Punchline! Purchase Tickets below! Justina Valentine & Friends Tickets Jun 18, 2025 Philadelphia, PA | Live Nation

Photo by @katiekayphotography The new year has been on fire for the Bronx's own Saay Park. The artist has been on quite the rollercoaster since his reemergence in 2024. His last single, Cool , ranked #7 on iTunes, was featured on News 12, and earned him a spot as an artist to watch, courtesy of NWO News . After sitting down with him, we learned there's more to Saay than meets the eye. He is more than just an artist — he is the creative director, choreographer, and mastermind behind the entire production of his music. After a long hiatus, Saay returned with a fresh perspective on life and a renewed approach to his artistry. While he tapped into his R&B side with Cool , his latest release, Another Breakup Song , which dropped on February 21st, showcases a different tone. The song introduces Sha Summers, an emcee from Brooklyn who has been featured on @complex, @lyricalemonade, @nojumperla, @bossipofficial, @xxl, and @puma. Their collaboration sounds dynamic and full of life. You can hear the respect in the way Sha complements Saay's vocals with his lyrical bars, creating a seamless blend of style and energy. The song delves into the emotional state of breaking up, blending soulful melodies with heartfelt lyrics that Park delivers effortlessly. While giving us a techno-inspired vibe, Saay stays true to his R&B roots. His uplifting tones offer listeners a unique way to celebrate moving on from a relationship that has ended. The track also serves as a statement, proving that Saay can master various types of instrumentation while keeping his audience engaged and craving more. Follow @saaypark on Instagram

The new year kicked off with new music from Brooklyn’s own Infamous Ty. The young emcee dropped the penultimate project in his Warmup series, two years after releasing the dynamic Warmup 3. Listening to both projects felt like night and day. It was a perspective of him that we have not seen, but there were definitely new elements in Warmup 4 that weren’t present in Warmup 3. When we first encountered Infamous Ty’s music with Warmup 3 , his storytelling and motivational style were evident. Tracks like Elevate  and No Days Off  (featuring Reloaded Rose) demonstrated his perspective on starting from nothing and rising to success through hard work and dedication. He gave his audience a raw view of what it means to elevate. At the start of the new year, Ty released Warmup 4 , an eight-song compilation recorded at Natcave Studios and executive-produced by S-Rock of Rockview Entertainment. Rawrrzone was on location for behind-the-scenes coverage. Be sure to check out our interview with Ty in the studio! Let’s break down the project: No Gimmicks (Intro)  – A solid start with good wordplay, though we wished for more context about the EP’s direction. Ready to Move  – The beat was great, but Ty could have brought a little more energy to the track. Still, the lyrics meshed well with the production. Gleaming  – Here, we saw Infamous Ty in his element, exuding cocky bravado and a “no one’s in my way” attitude. Instead of the vocals added before the "Gleaming" section, we wondered what it would’ve Psounded like if he featured another artist to match that energy. Straight to the Bank (feat. S-Rock)  – One of the project’s standout tracks. It radiates hustler vibes and made me want to revisit No Days Off  from Ty. As their first collaboration since the Wicked Streets  remix, Ty and S-Rock brought intensity and heat straight to listeners' ears. No Squares in My Circle  – I had the pleasure of seeing this performed live at the Titan Life Birthday Bash last year. Ty performed it with SP the Artist, and their chemistry was undeniable. Whether on stage or in the studio, they push each other toward greatness. This track highlights not just their synergy but their growth as artists. #WEOUTSIDEEE  – The project’s lead single surprised us. Sampling from a Jersey Club beat, Ty transformed the song into a major hit—his biggest since Too Much Sauce . It gave us a glimpse of his ability to diversify his catalog. Wait Hold On  – My second favorite track. It’s highly lyrical and easy for the crowd to engage with. Reaching and Dissing (Outro)  – With a boom-bap-style beat, this track is packed with contagious energy. While I enjoyed Warmup 4 , I struggled to fully connect with the project. However, the project still showcased Ty’s growth as an artist, leaving us eager to see what’s next. Check the project out below

Our world is becoming more health conscious. Every other article over the past few years has been about recalls, new health benefits and all of the etcetera that are introduced to us. Select neighborhoods are being exposed to the commercial health stores throughout the state but we’ve always known health stores. Whether it was your grandmother's ancient concoction or your trusted neighborhood outlet with remedies for sick days. Elders, please don’t get me for saying ancient.  The concept of health has always paraded in our genealogy for centuries. Dating back to times before we were born, there was always a natural remedy around us for how our bodies reacted to the weather, food, and other people. I could Hotep here but I’ll keep it light for now. One of my favorite solutions for this is a good juice or a thick a** smoothie. Ingredients that are enchanting to the taste buds delivering good medicine, or juices that punch the inflammation out of your organs because of some of our favorite fruits.  I had a chance to sit down with a Caribbean-owned health store called The Juice Gallery . As someone who has frequented their locations on several occasions, they are worth the visit. They will always fill your cup to the brim with excellent and original homemade recipes. My cup was filled hearing them speak on their perspective when it came to health, neighborhood, and cultural tradition. Never straying away from cultural heritage, The Juice Gallery serviced the Brooklyn area of Crown Heights for years. During Black History Month, it’s only right we support businesses like these who never hesitate giving back to the community in their own right.  Scratch that. Not just during February but every chance we have, we should always continue to show patronage to the original health service stores in our areas. We been knew health before Whole Foods!  Interview dropping soon!

There are a myriad of emotions that come with this latest presidential recognition we all must live with for the next four years. Whoever you voted for, we still have mountains to climb, responsibilities to our local government aka annoy the hell out of them and staying alert to the financial climate. Call on whoever you claim as God for this one.  On a hip-hop level, which has always found a way to intertwine with politics, we’ve been relentlessly honest with each other. Specifically, to the performers of the inauguration ceremonies. First the world “black balled” Chrisette Michele. She performed for the first Donald Trump inauguration in 2017. Now we add Nelly and Snoop Dogg to that list as of 2025. Unexpected choices. Thought they would keep with the younger crowd word to Kodak Black and Fivio Foreign song “ONBOA47RD”, which pretty much promoted Trumps re-election. The nerve of that Tik-Tok ban.  Personally, I would love to see Trump take this support and change the way he wants to define his campaigns. Money grabs in short stints versus long-time wars in this country would be terrifying. We cannot afford to go through what Ukraine is suffering from. I could write an article bashing Donald Trump and side-eyeing Biden while Kamala Harris takes her time doing whatever she’s doing because I’m not keeping up with her, but I’d rather see an actual responsibility taken for how it affects the citizens of this country. No shade to Kamala Harris but it would be nice to see what her current campaign will be since she is not going to be our president. She can still be effective.  So when I see those performers I can imagine the check, but I would love to think that they are working to be in closer space to speak on the effects, bills that are working to get passed right under our noses, affects us. Freedoms and losses that we will have to endure as we maintain our livelihood stability are always in the balance when big politics are in action. I would like to believe those performers at the inauguration solidify power in their recognition to speak on behalf of the community.  Or they voted for Trump themselves. Either way, a responsibility.

Does Nikki Parker represent liberation of choosing a man you have relentless adoration for or the painful denial of only being teased? Despite the final episode, we are taken through seasons of Professor Olgave denying Ms. Parker’s affection. Momentarily he gives into intimacy only because he was battling emotions for another woman. In life, do we all become Nikki Parker for a man at least one point of our lives? Pardon the dated episode reference, but these reruns got a hold on me.  Back to this sitcom mini deep-dive. Nikki Parker’s chase ended in marriage. That episode always had me so conflicted because she found another man that matched her completely but ran back to the hardest chase she put herself through. In a more romantic light, she found her prize and he was actually ready for her. Damn. He waited until she had on a wedding dress for another man! And so did Dwayne for Whitley. Both chasing after a woman they never thought they would call their wives on the first meet. There is something gorgeous about people molding for each other. I’m a sucka for a love story. Unexpected, wholesome and a bit rough with a soft ending.  I personally love the comedic relief of Nikki Parker having too much fun working to impress a man. I tried it and it was a little more painful than she portrayed. However, the process of getting to know someone who’s down for the ride could come with its valleys and peaks as well. I initially was going to end this article a bit less emotional but I just want to show love to the character Nikki Parker for being who she was unapologetically and getting the man of her dreams! May we all, however our styles are, find the partner of our dreams to experience that level of liberation in love.

No matter how we celebrate these 28 days of February, it is still imperative to recognize in celebration, grief, anger and upliftment. Let this be a journey through every erupted emotion and interrupted peace by politics. At times, the silence can be painful as the news, social media and neighborhood updates leave us dismayed. We scratch and thrive in the same breath. We cling to hope in our softest of heartbeats. However, the endurance that is grown from those moments will keep our fallen soldiers alive. It is not only remembering their fate but showering love on their names. A reminder that ancestors are created everyday.  The stages of distraughtness, utter confusion, outrage, and finally being invigorated to move forward is the world of emotions surrounding Black History Month. As a people we feel the microscope on our everyday traumas and wins during these 28 days. 28 days to express to the world why we hold this month so dear to us. 365 days of ingesting a rollercoaster of events that affect our people. 28 days to explain to our HR departments why this is important to us.  No matter how many times the education system works to eradicate this part of history, this is still present. Present in more than just textbooks. A gift of knowledge for other cultures to relate, appreciate and come together for common factors. We have come a long way in accomplishments. That deserves to be recognized. We are historical. We are noteworthy. We are important for generations to study.  Here is a playlist of records that may aid in soundtracking the month of February for you (not in order) May these records evoke different emotions in you everyday: D. Smoke - Bad Habits 1 Beyoncé - Black Parade  Tupac - Do 4 Luv Sounds of Blackness - Optimism  J.Cole - G.O.M.D Kendrick Lamar - Alright Evelyn King - Love Come Down  Sue Me - Wale  Reborn - Kid Cudi The Seed - The Roots Golden - Jill Scott By Your Side - Jadakiss  Riot - Childish Gambino  N.W.A - F*ck Tha Police  Funkadelic - One Nation Under a Groove

As we step into 2025, the lessons of the past year linger in our hearts—lessons of resilience, unity, and the undeniable power of compassion. Amid political upheavals and global challenges, one truth stood out: the spirit of giving is a force that transcends division. Last year ended on a high note of reflection and generosity, as individuals and communities came together to support causes that matter. This year, the opportunity to make an even greater impact lies before us, and your role in this journey is more important than ever. The Giveback for Shawn was a tribute dedicated to the life of a cancer fighter who lost his battle but is to be remembered as a friend, lover and brother. May all cancer patients continue their courageous fight for survival, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope. As we work toward a future free of this disease, we are called to support, uplift, and contribute to the organizations and efforts that make a difference in their lives. Brooklyn Music Kitchen  was cozy on December 7th of last year. The finale was warm-hearted as patrons took in the crisp December air. The quaint bar was turned on its head immediately when the coats fell onto the couch seats and bar chairs. Each artist was given a more sentimental perspective as they spoke on their outlook on community. Heart-warming and tear-jerking anecdotes from them made the interviews as heavy as the cause.  Check out the interviews I conducted with them and enjoy the show! Check out our interview with Ray Pearson below Interviews and performances will drop all this week

A wise man once said, "When everything hurts, music heals." This profound truth resonates deeply, and Therapy, a poignant visual narrative, encapsulates the essence of that statement. In just one minute and twenty-three seconds, this piece by New Jersey's own Ron Solemn delivers a powerful message for those who struggle to express their emotions to loved ones, often fearing judgment or misunderstanding. It’s a tribute to vulnerability and a testament to the unspoken strength found in shared feelings. The conversation around mental health has gained significant momentum, especially in the wake of the pandemic. For creatives and individuals from all walks of life, the enforced solitude and isolation brought about by lockdowns served as a magnifying glass, intensifying the introspection of emotions and confronting unresolved traumas. The time alone was both a challenge and an opportunity—a chance to confront hidden pain and seek pathways toward healing. Therapy’s visual storytelling offers solace to viewers, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. It sheds light on the importance of open dialogue and the courage it takes to share one's inner battles. The piece encourages us to find solace in art, whether through creating, consuming, or connecting with others who understand the depth of our experiences. Art, and music in particular, have always been therapeutic. They provide a safe space to process emotions, to grieve, to celebrate, and to heal. As we continue to navigate the complexities of mental health, let us remember the role of creative expression in bridging gaps, fostering understanding, and ultimately, healing wounds that words alone cannot mend. Follow Ron Solemn on Instagram @ronsolemn

Source Abc News The tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left the healthcare industry and the public reeling as the search for the shooter continues. According to an ABC News report, the suspect, still unidentified, was last seen boarding a bus at the Port Authority facility on 178th Street after fleeing the scene of the crime in New York City. The targeted attack occurred on the morning of December 4, 2024, as Thompson, 50, prepared to attend an investor meeting at a Midtown Manhattan hotel. The assailant, described as masked, shot Thompson in the back before escaping on foot and later using an electric bicycle to make their getaway. Thompson was a respected leader who spent over two decades with UnitedHealth Group, stepping into the CEO role of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He focused on driving value-based care initiatives and managing billions in revenue. Despite his high-profile position, he was known for maintaining a low public profile. Investigators are now examining Thompson's professional and personal networks, as well as his digital footprint, in hopes of uncovering a motive for the attack. This tragic event has not only cast a spotlight on Thompson’s enduring legacy in healthcare but also raised pressing concerns about the security protocols for high-ranking executives, sparking a broader conversation on their vulnerability in the modern workplace.The tragic shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has left the healthcare industry and the public reeling as the search for the shooter continues. According to an ABC News report, the suspect, still unidentified, was last seen boarding a bus at the Port Authority facility on 178th Street after fleeing the scene of the crime in New York City. The targeted attack occurred on the morning of December 4, 2024, as Thompson, 50, prepared to attend an investor meeting at a Midtown Manhattan hotel. The assailant, described as masked, shot Thompson in the back before escaping on foot and later using an electric bicycle to make their getaway. Thompson was a respected leader who spent over two decades with UnitedHealth Group, stepping into the CEO role of UnitedHealthcare in 2021. He focused on driving value-based care initiatives and managing billions in revenue. Despite his high-profile position, he was known for maintaining a low public profile. Investigators are now examining Thompson's professional and personal networks, as well as his digital footprint, in hopes of uncovering a motive for the attack. This tragic event has not only cast a spotlight on Thompson’s enduring legacy in healthcare but also raised pressing concerns about the security protocols for high-ranking executives, sparking a broader conversation on their vulnerability in the modern workplace.

Today is Giving Tuesday , and I can’t help but reflect on why we do the work we do. Sometimes, life feels more manageable when we write it all down—black and white often brings clarity. Have you ever had that one friend who believed in you more than you believed in yourself? The one who would take time off in the middle of their workday to help you run a focus group for class, or who made every hangout unforgettable? Maybe you both lost at fantasy football and had to endure the world’s most disgusting consolation shot together. That was my friend, Shawn Saguid. I met Shawn on Halloween in 2010, and from that moment, he became a central part of my life. He and Pat, his fraternity brother in Delta Upsilon, introduced me to the sisters of Beta Chi, who became like family. Shawn always had a way of lifting my spirits and keeping my mindset positive. Shawn wasn’t just an incredible friend; he was a campus minister at Iona College (now University), always helping those in need. But on a cold day in 2016, everything changed. We learned that Shawn had been diagnosed with Sarcoma—a rare and aggressive cancer. At the time, fewer than 130 cases existed in the world. Shawn’s battle was even more complicated by blood clots in his heart and lungs, leaving him unable to use his left lung. The cancer advanced rapidly, hiding and spreading through his blood cells. From February 29, 2016, until his passing on July 27, 2017, Shawn fought with unimaginable strength. Even while enduring treatments, he dedicated himself to advocacy. He educated his loved ones, shared his journey, and raised awareness about Sarcoma. After his passing, the Sarcoma Foundation of America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, established a memorial fund in Shawn’s name. They’ve been leaders in advocating for Sarcoma research, having awarded more than 200 grants across 165 institutions and involving over 150 researchers. Sarcoma accounts for 15% of childhood cancers, and their work is critical in finding new treatments and hope for patients. Inspired by Shawn’s resilience and advocacy, I’ve committed myself to raising awareness and funds for this cause. Together, we’ve built the Giveback for Shawn concert series to honor his memory and support Sarcoma research. My goal is to raise $10,000 for the Sarcoma Foundation—and we’re just $5,000 away. Source : Sarcoma Foundation of America Every year, I’ve also traveled to photograph Sarcoma races in different states, celebrating survivors and the families of those who fought bravely. It’s inspiring to meet people like Kelly, who shared her story during our Giveback episode in October. Kelly has been battling Sarcoma for nine years, and her positivity is a testament to the strength Shawn inspired in all of us. As the Giveback approaches, my ask is simple: let Shawn’s story and spirit inspire you to take action. Visit our GoFundMe page and donate. Every dollar raised helps the Sarcoma Foundation fund life-saving research, bringing us closer to a world where no one has to face Sarcoma—or any cancer—again. Shawn’s legacy is one of love, positivity, and resilience. Let’s keep it alive. Donate Below