Jasmine Guy is aging. There. I said it. But here’s the question I think we should really be asking: When did aging become something we were supposed to be ashamed of? With the return of A Different World, there has been a lot of conversation surrounding Jasmine Guy and how she looks today compared with the Whitley Gilbert many of us remember. And some of the comments have been downright disappointing. People are analyzing her face. Comparing old pictures with new ones. Talkin

Hip-Hop Beyond the Music: Culture, Growth, Ownership, and Responsibility Hip-hop has never been just music. It is culture. It is influence. It is fashion, language, storytelling, survival, creativity, pain, confidence, entrepreneurship, and identity. Hip-hop changed how people dress, speak, dance, market products, and even think. From New York streets to countries all over the world, people who have never set foot in an American inner city still know the sound, the slang, the

Stop Reacting, Start Building: Real Change Takes More Than Emotion Real change does not start when we decide what we are against. It starts when we decide what we are willing to build. Every time something tragic hits the news, the same cycle plays out. People grieve, people get angry, and people demand justice. Social media fills up with passion and promises. And then one phrase takes over the whole conversation: boycott them. I understand the emotion behind it. When you wit

Sometimes the thing hurting us the most isn't what happened. It's what we continue to carry. We hold onto the disappointment. The betrayal. The anger. The things someone said to us. The things they did to us. The apology we never received. The relationship that ended. The opportunity we lost. The moment we wish we could go back and change. And without realizing it, we give that pain permission to keep living in our lives long after the situation itself is over. When you hold

There has been public conversation about whether Ray Merriman and Jill Wilkins have enough political experience for the offices they are seeking. Jill is running for Town of Wallkill Supervisor, and Ray is running for Town Councilman in Ward Two. Questions about a candidate’s qualifications are fair. Every person asking to serve the public should be prepared to learn, listen, and understand the responsibilities of the position. But experience does not come in only one form, a

From Da Ground Up Productions has always been about creating opportunities, telling stories, and giving people a platform to be seen and heard. Many of you already know us from our podcasting, interviews, creator spotlights, artist support, red carpet coverage, event recaps, and community conversations. But now… we’re expanding. HOOD PAIN 🎥♟️ marks our very first short film and honestly, what started as an idea turned into something much bigger than we expected. This project

A Navy veteran, dedicated family man, and longtime Wallkill resident, Ray Merriman is stepping up to serve his community. Learn why he’s running for Town Council and what he stands for.

There’s a new independent voice stepping into the spotlight and bringing a sound that bridges two powerful hip-hop regions. Harlem-born recording artist Papi Fortune is building momentum with his latest project, Dreams of a Poe Man , a 12-track album that blends New York lyricism with Southern energy. Born in Harlem and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia , Papi Fortune represents the best of both worlds. His upbringing between the East Coast’s legendary rap culture and the 757’s

If you recently opened TikTok and were forced to hit “Agree” to continue scrolling, you weren’t alone. Most people clicked it without reading a word. That quick tap? It wasn’t harmless. TikTok officially updated its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, and while the message looks like routine legal jargon, the implications matter especially if you care about privacy, digital tracking, and how your data is being used beyond the app. What Changed And Why It Matters 1. TikTok Up

We’re living in a wild new era one where you can make a full song in minutes just by typing a few words into an app. AI is remixing the music industry faster than ever, and every artist, producer, and songwriter needs to pay attention. Platforms like Spotify, SoundExchange, BMI, and ASCAP are already rewriting the rules. So before you upload that next track, here’s what’s changing and what it means for you. The New Reality: AI Is Here to Stay AI music tools like Suno and Udio

In today’s world, your voice is your brand — and From Da Ground Up Productions (FDGUP) is here to help you make it heard. We’re not just a media company; we’re a full-service production powerhouse helping creators, artists, and entrepreneurs tell their stories with authenticity and style. What We Do FDGUP brings media, marketing, and creativity together under one roof. Our shows and services give people a platform to shine: Interviews That Matter We spotlight artists, entrep

By Ladi Miz | From Da Ground Up Productions Life after divorce can feel like an ending but it can also be a beginning. In this heartfelt episode of Talk Therapy with Ladi Miz, Risa Faussette opens up about the pain and growth that come with starting over. She shares how she rebuilt her confidence, renewed her faith, and found peace within herself after one of the hardest transitions of her life. Our conversation dives deep into the emotional healing process: learning to forgi

On the evening of July 28, 2025, around 6:30 p.m. EDT, Shane Devon Tamura, a 27-year-old Las Vegas resident, entered the 345 Park Avenue skyscraper—home to major firms such as Blackstone, KPMG, and the NFL headquarters—armed with an AR‑15 style rifle and wearing a bulletproof vest . Tamura opened fire in the lobby before moving to the upper floors. He ultimately died by suicide on the 33rd floor, after killing four people and injuring others . Victims & Impact Among the fou

Language is powerful. The words we use can either uplift or harm. Many of us grew up using phrases or terms without understanding where they came from or who they might offend. But just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s right. In this post, I’m breaking down racist terms, slurs, phrases, and even everyday language with racist roots. This is about education—not shame—and it’s time we do better. 🟥 Blatant Racial Slurs (Never Acceptable) These are not just offensive

Dawn Robinson, the former lead singer of the legendary R&B group En Vogue, has always been known for her powerhouse vocals and undeniable...

The music world has suffered a heartbreaking loss with the passing of legendary R&B and soul singer Angie Stone. Reports confirm that...

The Philadelphia Eagles have officially won Super Bowl 59, taking down the Kansas City Chiefs in an electrifying showdown in New Orleans! The Eagles, who came in strong, managed to outplay Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in a game that will be remembered for years. But the real show-stealer? Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance. Despite rumors of legal drama with Drake, Lamar went ahead and performed his viral diss track “Not Like Us”, sending the crowd into a frenzy . The so

Ladi Miz is back with more powerful music! Her latest single, “ All I Need ” featuring Contageous Funk and produced by Lot Pacosso , is...

Hip-Hop Mourns the Loss of Irv “Gotti” Lorenzo at 54 The music world is mourning the loss of legendary producer and record executive...

Violence has no place in our communities or the music culture we love. Recently, hip-hop legend Buckshot Shorty, co-founder of Black Moon...