Ohio has long been a fertile ground for unique musical talent, producing renowned acts such as Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Machine Gun Kelly, Killarmy, Stalley, Trippie Redd, Illogic, DaBaby, Hi-Tek, Copywrite, and Ray Cash. Adding to this legacy is the state’s next emerging powerhouse, The Council 2432.

The group is gearing up for a groundbreaking 2025 after securing a distribution deal with Dominion Hill Records, a New Jersey-based label, and Roc Nation Distribution. Their rise to prominence began with a buzzworthy performance by their lead artist, Jag Da Apostle, during a rap cipher in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event, part of an after-party hosted by Killarmy-Supreme and Mook of the Wu-Tang Clan, featured appearances by Wu-Tang affiliates Dom Pachino of Killarmy, Rugged Monk of Black Knights, Cappadonna, and Inspectah Deck.

Billy Blaize, CEO of The Council 2432, is not only a driving force behind the group but also a major player in the legal cannabis industry. Leveraging his influence, Blaize has secured opportunities for the group to perform at prominent festivals and cannabis events across Ohio and the Tri-State area, further solidifying their presence in the industry.

The Midwest-based group comprises artists Jag Da Apostle, Mall Black, Manny Devise, Matthew Cooper, Zach Wright, and Billy Blaize. Notably, Jag Da Apostle doubles as a dynamic producer, as showcased on the group’s self-titled mixtape, The Council 2432.

“Midwest Hip-Hop has its own identity,” says Rhasun of Dominion Hill Records. “What sets it apart from New York and the East Coast is that the market here isn’t as oversaturated. New York, being the birthplace of Hip-Hop, naturally has more artists, producers, and DJs who grew up in the culture. In New York, you often have to convert other artists into fans, which isn’t easy since everyone views you as competition. The Council 2432 has a unique advantage by cross-promoting their music through cannabis festivals and events.”

The Council 2432 is set to release their debut album, currently untitled, in the first quarter of 2025. With their distinctive sound and innovative approach, this group is poised to leave a lasting mark on Midwest Hip-Hop and beyond.

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Q’s Crackin’ Crab brings ‘soulful seafood’ to Florida beach community

Quinisha “Q” Bredwood and her husband, Anthony Bredwood, are a standout dining destination in Brevard County. Quinisha, a Satellite High School graduate (2001), launched the restaurant in 2020 amid the global pandemic, inspired by her parents’ entrepreneurial spirit. Positioned conveniently between Cocoa Beach Pier and Ron Jon Surf Shop, Q’s Crackin’ Crab & Seafood Kitchen is celebrated for its family-friendly ambiance and mouth watering “soulful seafood.” Since its inception, the restaurant has garnered significant attention, including features in Space Coast Living Magazine, Everything Brevard, Hometown News, and Florida Today. In 2021, it was a finalist for Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Startup Business of the Year and was named Best New Restaurant by Space Coast Living Magazine. The following year, the Bredwoods’ venture earned the Startup Business of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year awards from the Space Coast Black Chamber of Commerce. As a dynamic team, Quinisha and Anthony are deeply involved in their community. Quinisha is a participant in LEAD Brevard’s 2023-2024 class, Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Brevard Prevention Coalition, and a member of the Economic and Tourism Development Council with the Space Coast Black Chamber. Anthony, as General Manager, brings his own leadership to the restaurant, working alongside Quinisha and their daughter Amaya, who is an Assistant Manager and nursing student at Eastern Florida State College. Together with their five daughters, the Bredwood family has created a thriving business, exemplifying dedication, love, and exceptional seafood.

Richmond, Virginia, is the backdrop for a gripping new documentary, “Surviving Andre,” set to release on August 16, 2024. Filmed by Vzual Films, the documentary chronicles the harrowing experience of Nkese Hayes as she navigates the aftermath of being scammed by notorious con man Andre Vann aka Gepetto Jackson . With the creative support of Bone The Mack, this film promises to reveal the deep emotional and financial scars left by Vann’s deceit after he scammed her family of all their life savings. After trying to get legal justice to no avail , Ms Hayes has decided to take matters into her hands and is on a quest to tell her story publicly in hopes of creating awareness and eventually ending his 20 plus years of scamming innocent people . She hopes to put an end to the long list of victims all over the country .

For Nkese Hayes, this project is a significant diversion from her career as a psych nurse practitioner . She is well aware of the mental health repercussions victims endure from Andre’s crimes . Andre is one of many imposters who use celebrities and their identity to scam unsuspecting victims . This issue has become very prevalent in the music industry and can be mentally and emotionally devastating to his victims .
The documentary is a personal and professional milestone for Hayes, as she steps into the role of storyteller , victim , warrior, and advocate. By sharing her story, she aims to shed light on the pervasive problem of scams in the industry, hoping to prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.

“Surviving Andre” not only delves into the specifics of Nkese’s ordeal but also explores the broader impact on her family and community. The journey of documenting this story was transformative for Hayes, offering a platform for healing and awareness. She invites anyone who has had dealings with Andre Vann to come forward, hoping that their collective voices will amplify the message of resilience and caution. This compelling narrative is poised to resonate with many, providing both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for all who have endured similar experiences.

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