Josh Rodgers

Disruptors, in the evolutionary sense of the word, are people who have abandoned the status quo. They thrive in their differences and are typically unbothered by the societal boundaries designed to box them in. There are countless examples of these people in the world, but one clear example is Tyler, the Creator. Evidenced by his stage name, Tyler Gregory Okonma is a California native and award-winning producer and musical artist. He burst onto the scene co-founding the Hip-Hop collective Odd Future and releasing his debut mixtape 2009, titled “Bastard.” However, it was in 2011 when he released his first studio album, “Goblin,” that he started getting noticed. Reflecting, he acknowledged his musical growth and was honest about his work then. In a conversation on the “Rap Radar Podcast,” Tyler was pretty candid that while his lead single, “Yonkers,” is still one of his favorites, the album itself was not his favorite body of work. “Bro, ‘Goblin’ is f-cking terrible, but I still love...

2024 marks a significant time in Hip-Hop history as the 30th anniversary of “Illmatic” — Nas’ debut album. The 1994 release brought the world classic songs like “The World Is Yours” and “One Love.” Since then, the native New York rapper has cemented himself in history as one of Hip-Hop’s elite voices. Born Nasir Jones, Nas started his journey as a prominent figure in Hip-Hop after the release of his 1992 single “Halftime,” appearing on the soundtrack for “Zebrahead,” a film centered around interracial dating. “Illmatic” would follow, and Nas would go on to produce several other top-charting albums. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nasir Jones (@nas) An Iconic Rap Career Nas’ musical prowess has earned him a staggering 17 Grammy nominations. His recent win in 2021 for Best Rap Album with “King’s Disease” is a testament to his enduring talent and relevance in the industry. It is safe to assume that his multi-decade music career made most of Nas’ foundational wealth...

With current food and gas prices at an all-time high, people are looking for ways to earn extra money and save where it counts. If there were ever a cultural figure that could show people extreme ways of saving a little coin, look no further than Julius from “Everybody Hates Chris,” played by veteran actor Terry Crews. Crews portrayed a blue-collar worker, father, and husband constantly burdened by financial stress on-screen. While many of the character’s strategies were extreme, Crews’ real-life approach to budgeting and finance is a testament to his diverse financial talents, not too far removed from his 2000s-era character. Terry Crews And His Uncanny NFL Journey Terry Crews entered the entertainment industry on a nontraditional path. After some time in college, he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991. His professional football career was unstable, as he played for six different teams across five years, including the San Diego Chargers and Washington Redskins, as well as...

The production tagline on Metro Boomin’s beats, “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gone shoot you,” is more than a cultural statement — it’s rooted in the long-time friendship and business partnership he has with Atlanta, GA, rapper Future. Emerging from St. Louis, MO, Metro Boomin, born Leland Tyler Wayne, has carved his name in the annals of Hip-Hop history. His talent and ingenuity have propelled him to the forefront of the industry, with his production credits and collaborative acclaim spanning chart-topping songs with Drake, Travis Scott, Gucci Mane, Big Sean, and The Weeknd, among others. It’s About More Than Rap For Metro Boomin While Metro Boomin’s catalog is predominantly rooted in Rap and Hip-Hop, his music is a testament to his diverse range of influences. From the Pop icons that shaped his early musical journey to the eerie soundscapes of horror movies, his unique blend of inspirations is a fascinating insight into his creative process. “Michael Jackson. He was always...

In 2015, film and television producers Lee Daniels and Danny Strong debuted the critically acclaimed television series, “Empire,” starring actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. As characters, they portrayed a complicated couple attempting to navigate the duality of family and business. Each week, viewers were engrossed in the drama of this fictitious musical dynasty, but behind the scenes everything wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed. Howard has been in a legal battle over his salary from the show since December 2023. According to a previous post from AFROTECH™, the “Hustle & Flow” actor claims he received up to 50% less than what his white counterparts would have made in a starring role similar to “Empire’s” music mogul character Luscious Lyon. Terrence Howard’s Complaints Based on the lawsuit documents filed against the Creative Artist Agency (CAA), the complaint alleges that Howard was unaware of the fees and conflict of interest the agency would impose. Additionally, after...

From movements like #OscarsSoWhite to constant stories about pay inequity in the entertainment industry, it is no real surprise that when Forbes released a list of the 2023 highest-paid actors in Hollywood, CA, there was a lack of diversity. The lone Black indigenous person of color (BIPOC) named on the list at number 10 was veteran actor Denzel Washington. Financial earnings for marginalized groups compared to their white counterparts is not a new social justice issue. However, due to some public knowledge regarding celebrity salaries, it is hard to ignore the significant differences in pay that Black actors receive. The most noticeable pay gap is the gender inequities between actors who identify as men or women. According to the National Partnership for Women and Families, Black actresses typically make an estimated 64 cents for every dollar white, non-Hispanic male actors make. This number increases to 68 cents for Black women producers and directors. While advocates for Black...

When it comes to turning dreams into reality, hard work, dedication, perseverance, and opportune moments are more critical to success than an arbitrary timeline based on age. However, society continues to pressure people to grind harder and rest less, as if patience isn’t a virtue. History has proven that time is only a construct, noting that it is never too late to manifest dreams. Whether they had a breakout moment in their late 20s or figured out the secret formula in their 30s, these celebrities prove that dreams never expire. Jay-Z The 54-year-old rap legend didn’t have his breakout moment until he dropped his first album, Reasonable Doubt , at age 26. He is now an accomplished billionaire in the music game, with several businesses and investments in his portfolio. Lupita Nyong’o View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lupita Nyong’o (@lupitanyongo) Many people’s first introduction to Nyong’o was her performance in the critically acclaimed film “12 Years A Slave.” Although...

The early-to-mid-2000s was a particularly unique era in rap music. From the tall white T-shirts to the emergence of popular dance trends, rappers during this era kept listeners hungry to keep up with every trend they introduced. Nelly was among those influential rappers. Born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., Nelly burst onto the music scene in 2000 with his debut album, “Country Grammar.” The album and its title track earned Grammy nominations during the 2001 awards, prompting insight into the rapper’s trajectory. The current father of four would experience more success following his debut release with other songs such as “Hot in Herre,” “Air Force Ones,” and “Pimp Juice.” Nelly’s success would land him additional Grammy nominations, with him eventually earning three awards, according to the Grammys website. While the St. Louis, MO-raised rapper experienced significant success in the music industry, he did not subject himself to staying behind the mic. Nelly launched the record label Derrty...

When one thinks of ’90s R&B, some key icons typically come to mind, including Toni Braxton’s unique and sultry voice. Braxton’s journey began way before her 1992 commercial debut when she was featured on the soundtrack to the comedy/romance film “Boomerang,” starring Eddie Murphy, Robin Givens, and Halle Berry. Several interviews and appearances have documented that Braxton and her family got their musical start in the church. Braxton’s religious upbringing would prove to be a foundation for her musical success. She went on to give the world chart-topping hits like “Un-Break My Heart,” “Breathe Again,” and “Just Be A Man About It.” Her musical contributions earned her critical success and seven Grammy Awards, a testament to her talent and hard work. The Maryland-born singer diversified her entertainment portfolio by appearing on television and in films. According to Playbill, the mother of two became the first and only Black woman to be cast as Belle in the Broadway production of...

One common argument among sports fans is the GOAT (greatest of all time) conversation. When it comes to the NFL, one of the consistent names that comes to mind is former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. However, top-performing players do not start and stop with the leading position. They need wide receivers to throw to, and you can’t ignore Terrell Owens when looking down the history of top-performing athletes at that position. The NFL lists Owens as the No. 6 greatest wide receiver of all time. He had 1,078 receptions, 15,934 yards, and 153 touchdowns during his professional football career. While his high-performing career did not yield him a Super Bowl championship, he was inducted as a 2018 Football Hall of Fame class member. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NFL (@nfl) Terrell Owens, a father of five, had an estimated net worth of $80 million from the height of his career, with most of his earnings coming from on-field play totaling nearly $80 million,...

Whether you were born in the 1990s or simply a fan of that era, the sitcom “Martin” was more than just a show. It was a part of your reality, a nostalgic journey that still resonates today. This unique blend of humor and relatability left an indelible mark on ’90s pop culture that people can still feel and cherish. For the years 1992-1997, the 30-minute comedy series “Martin” aired over 130 episodes, bringing viewers countless laughs and unforgettable moments. The show’s magic was not just about the individual performances but about the camaraderie and chemistry of the cast. Martin Lawrence played the character Martin Payne with Tisha Campbell (Gina Waters-Payne), Thomas Mikal Ford (Tommy Strawn), Tichina Arnold (Pamela James), and Carl Anthony Payne II (Cole Brown) playing their iconic roles — each one of them was instrumental in the show’s success, creating a bond that was as solid off-screen as it was on-screen. Week after week, the cast of “Martin” delivered unforgettable...

Rap enthusiasts have argued that the opening verse to UGK’s “International Players Anthem” by Andre 3000 is one of his most iconic lyrical performances. Everything about it, from powerful world play to the melodic flow, creates the perfect formula for a rap verse. Although this is one example, Andre 3000 is held in regard for his lyrical prowess. Whether it is eclectic combinations with Outkast group mate Antwan “Big Boi” Patton or a smooth feature, fans get excited when Andre 3000’s name is mentioned because they know something great is about to come. Born Andre Lauren Benjamin, the Atlanta, GA, native became famous as a member of Outkast — the iconic rap duo. Andre 3000 and Big Boi would make waves in rap, highlighting the talent, depth, and presence of rappers from the South. During the 1995 Source Awards, Outkast won the award for Best New Artist. In a room filled with tension and clamor from rappers representing the East and West Coasts, Andre 3000 took the mic and, without any...

Most people have a favorite number, which can lead them to fully embrace it by wearing it as a pendant on a necklace or even as a tattoo. Former NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson took it to another level by adding his own spin to his jersey number, 85 — making it his nickname in Spanish. Although he’s built a reputation based on his association with the number, Johnson’s life and legacy go beyond it. Born in Miami, FL, Johnson entered the NFL as the Cincinnati Bengals’ second-round draft pick in 2001. Throughout his career, Johnson completed 766 receptions; 11,059 yards; and 67 touchdowns. While he completed most of these athletic accomplishments with the Bengals for 10 seasons, he also played one year with the New England Patriots, earning a chance to compete in the 2012 “Super Bowl XLVI.” Johnson’s career did not land him the chance to earn the top NFL award as a Super Bowl champion, but his on-field career garnered significant earnings. According to Spotrac, Johnson...

One of the most viral stories to reach the internet was the 50-part TikTok series, “Who TF Did I Marry?” by TikTok user Reesa Teesa. In it, she described her tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband and the mind-boggling events that led to the ultimate demise of the marriage. Although there has been widespread opinion about her choices, others would not have felt the impact of her story without the TikTok platform. Now, creators like Reesa Teesa and viewers who enjoy the content could soon no longer have a place to gather. Recently, a bill in the House of Representatives advanced that could eliminate TikTok from being used and accessed in the United States. According to CBS News, the Chinese-based social media platform is the subject of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. The 12-page bill was proposed to “protect the national security of the United States from the threat posed by foreign adversary controlled applications,” CBS News...

If the lyrics to “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” sound familiar, then it’s likely because of its connection to the 2005 film “Hustle and Flow,” starring veteran actor Terrence Howard. Critics and fans could argue that his portrayal in the Memphis, TN-based movie is one of Howard’s most recognizable roles. In it, he makes a solid effort to adapt to the culture and lingo of the mid-Southern city. “My ability to connect with an audience, I feel, was born in Memphis with ‘Hustle & Flow’ and what we shot,” Howard said ahead of the 2023 premiere of “Showdown at the Grand,” per The Daily Memphian. He continued, “Something about that city brings out the very best in me, and maybe it’s just because the city is no frills. It is what it is.” While “Hustle and Flow” may be a high point in his career, it is not the peak. Howard has starred in several films and television shows, including the drama series “Empire” (2015) and movies such as “The Best Man” (1999) and “Iron Man” (2008). The...