One of Grindaa’s proudest accomplishments isn’t industry recognition but becoming a community hero and being honored with a memorial in a park within his own neighborhood, a full-circle moment from the same streets that raised him. Outside of music, he focuses on uplifting his people and bringing resources back into his community, using his platform for impact beyond entertainment. His latest project, “Like That,” is available on his YouTube channel Upper Grind ENT, where supporters can find most of his catalog and connect directly with his sound. Grindaa built his own lane instead of waiting for opportunity, and his ambitions continue expanding — his next goal is acting, where he plans to bring the same authenticity from his lyrics onto the big screen as he continues building a legacy rooted in both artistry and purpose.
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
Theodore “Stretch” Travis Announces Official Launch of Tha Culture Report on April 3, 2026
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTMedia executive Theodore “Stretch” Travis is officially launching Tha Culture Report on April 3, 2026, marking a major milestone in the expansion of his growing media ecosystem under Everybody Eatz Media Group.
A native of Niagara Falls, New York, Travis has built a career rooted in music, media, and cultural storytelling. His journey spans early work in music and entertainment to serving as Chief Operating Officer of Hip Hop Weekly, where he helped shape coverage at the intersection of hip-hop, business, and culture. In 2023, Travis quietly introduced Tha Culture Report through a strategic soft launch, using the period to test the market, analyze engagement, and identify where culture-driven media was heading.
That early rollout allowed the platform to evolve organically while sharpening its editorial voice and audience focus. Now, with a refined vision and proven demand, Tha Culture Report is ready for a full-scale launch.
Based in the Atlanta, Georgia area, Travis founded Tha Culture Report to move beyond surface-level headlines and offer deeper, more intentional storytelling. The platform highlights artists, entrepreneurs, executives, and cultural leaders shaping today’s creative economy—while maintaining authenticity and journalistic integrity.
The April 3, 2026 launch also signals a broader expansion for Travis. Under Everybody Eatz Media Group, he is rolling out multiple live performance platforms and a music distribution company, designed to give independent artists more visibility, ownership, and infrastructure within the industry. Together, these ventures reflect a long-term commitment to building sustainable systems for creators—not just covering the culture, but actively contributing to its growth.
“Tha Culture Report is about telling real stories the right way,” Travis says. “The soft launch showed us the lane was there. Now we’re ready to fully step into it.”
With years of experience, strategic groundwork, and a growing network of platforms, Theodore “Stretch” Travis positions Tha Culture Report—and Everybody Eatz Media Group—as emerging forces in modern culture media.
IKON PRESENTS RISES AS A POWER PLAYER IN THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTWhen it comes to concerts in Las Vegas, IKON PRESENTS has continued leading the charge in growing the Urban market.
It’s no secret that Las Vegas has become the Entertainment Capital of the world. Home of some of the events in the world.
There has been a void with large hip hop concerts for years in Vegas, and outside of the clubs on the strip, no one has done hip hop concerts the right way in Vegas in some time. Insert the brand iKon Presents that has been elevating the market for the past 7 years.
iKon Presents is a major Las Vegas-based independent concert and event production company specializing in hip-hop, R&B, country and comedy, known for bringing major artists like Snoop Dogg, Nas, Rod Wave, Janet Jackson, and Kevin Hart to the city, filling a gap in large-scale urban music events and expanding to other markets like LA and Hawaii. They’re recognized for creating cultural moments, running events like the Strong Music Festival, and being recognized for their impact on the Vegas entertainment scene.
Over the past few years IKON has done over 125 events, including over 30 venues, with over 200 artists.
“For us, it’s always been about doing it for the culture. We’re passionate about building experiences that amplify creativity and connect people through music. Strong Music Festival is one of the many ways we celebrate that mission.” – Neal Carter
This past November IKON completed year 3 of their widely popular homegrown festival at Downtown Las Vegas Event Center.
Be on the lookout for more events and an even bigger 2026.
visit ikonpresents.com or inst
Big Luxe Rising: Chicago’s Hidden Gem Balancing Hip-Hop, R&B, and Motherhood
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTLUXE is a rising force in hip-hop and R&B—a true hidden gem rooted in Chicago’s thriving underground scene. Also recognized by her bold alter ego Big Luxe, she’s carving out space as an artist who blends raw emotion, fearless confidence, and a stand-out aesthetic that makes her presence impossible to ignore. Her sound moves effortlessly between sultry tones, sharp-edged bars, and unapologetic attitude, creating a lane that is entirely her own—bold, unfiltered, and unmistakably Luxe.
But what makes her story even more powerful is the balance she strikes between her music and her role as a mother. LUXE embodies what it means to chase your dreams while raising the next generation. Her work ethic is fueled not just by passion for her craft, but by the responsibility and love she carries at home. Studio sessions, content shoots, performances, and strategy meetings often happen after school drop-offs, late at night, or in carefully planned pockets of time—yet she never lets one role overshadow the other. Instead, she turns motherhood into motivation, using her journey to show other women that they can build, create, and thrive without compromising who they are.
Her growing catalog reflects that dual strength. The Visual Mic Drop performance of “Bombay” showcases her precision and presence, while her women’s anthem “Flex” continues to resonate as a soundtrack for empowerment and self-worth. These releases highlight her ability to articulate the complexities of womanhood—soft and strong, nurturing and ambitious, gentle yet fiercely driven.
Now, all eyes are on her upcoming debut mixtape, “It’s My Mouth,” arriving in 2026. The project promises an even deeper look into her world—her voice, her growth, her truth as a woman shaping her own destiny while raising a family. The dedication behind her grind, paired with the authenticity she brings as both an artist and a mother, is what sets her apart as one of Chicago’s most compelling rising talents.
Stay connected with her on all social platforms, and witness firsthand how Big Luxe continues to rise—balancing the beat and the home front with power, grace, and unstoppable momentum.

Meet X-TEIR: The Artist Fate Couldn’t Deny
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTChicago has never been short on storytellers, but every so often, an artist emerges whose presence feels less like an introduction and more like destiny. Enter X-TEIR, a rising force whose music is shaped by survival, sharp intellect, and an unshakeable belief that he is “the one fate could not deny.”
Raised across multiple homes while his mother battled illness, X-TEIR’s childhood was marked by instability, foster care, and abuse that forced him to grow up faster than most. By six years old, he already recognized he had something special. His first major spark came when he heard Twista’s rapid-fire verse on “Worldwide Choppers” — a moment that cracked open the world of rhythm, speed, and lyricism he’d soon make his own.
Three years into taking his career seriously, X-TEIR stands firm in his voice and versatility. He refuses to emulate anyone, insisting on crafting music that speaks to every mood, every truth, every listener. His growing catalog includes collaborations with emerging names like luhwixked, K5ive, Queen T5, and Jay5ive, each track further refining his signature blend of emotional depth and slick, shape-shifting flow.
Though new to media coverage, the streets and studios have already stamped him with respect. Producers and artists repeatedly tell him the same thing: “You’re good.” And he knows it — but he’s focused on more than praise.
X-TEIR wants impact. Longevity. A legacy that proves he turned pain into power and voice into victory. With his hunger, authenticity, and Chicago grit, he’s well on his way.
Check out his latest below, and follow his journey via IG @forever_d0a.
NOBODYKNOWBIGHAMM: Jonathan Hamm Takes a Bold Stand Against Domestic Violence and Misogyny
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTNOBODYKNOWBIGHAMM (Jonathan Hamm), is a social justice advocate on TikTok that speaks on the empowerment of women, relationships, politics, autism, and philosophical matters. He is a modern-day renaissance man who has played in the NFL (New Orleans Saints), represented the USA Olympic Boxing team as an alternate in 2012, succeeded as an investor in the music industry, held the position of a Las Vegas entertainment specialist for private equity companies, and consistently conducted business as a Wall Street Option Trader.
He was recently interviewed by Tampa Mystic about his thoughts on the empowerment of women and taking a major stance against domestic violence. So, Big Hamm, “why are you so passionate about taking a stance against domestic violence, especially when there are very few men who have preceded you on this topic? Hamm replied, “with the steady rise of the “Manosphere Podcast” where men are berating women, and misogyny is a top priority in the White House, many men are feeling emboldened to disrespect women. It is time to start a movement of respectful men to stand up against these cowards. I was raised by my mother and surrounded by a family of strong women. If there is one thing I learned at an early age, it was to be a protector of women who have experienced domestic violence”. “God, granted me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”
Stay Connected
TIKTOK: NOBODYKNOWBIGHAMM
INSTAGRAM: NOBODYKNOWBIGHAMM
Chicago Author $hake Dolla Unleashes Gritty Urban Novel ‘KILLANOIS’
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTChicago’s own $hake Dolla steps boldly into the literary world with his debut novel KILLANOIS, released on October 31, 2025. Growing up in the city’s tough streets, $hake Dolla was inspired at a young age by legendary authors Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines—voices that shaped generations of urban storytelling. Now, he’s ready to carve his own lane, channeling raw life experiences, street knowledge, and real emotion into a gripping tale designed to captivate readers and spark reflection.
KILLANOIS follows the intense journey of Killa, a man haunted by a tragic mistake that left a five-year-old child dead during a violent shootout. Ten years later, Killa fights to leave his past behind and move like a boss through the unforgiving streets of Chicago—where loyalty is rare, danger is constant, and consequences never disappear. The story dives deep into themes of power, redemption, and inevitability, reminding readers that no matter how high someone rises, “anyone can be touched.”
Packed with layered messages, street wisdom, and powerful lessons, KILLANOIS is more than a novel—it’s the beginning of a wicked new series, with this first installment serving as just a teaser of what’s to come. $hake Dolla aims for readers to walk away with a renewed understanding of Chicago’s realities and a deeper respect for the streets that shaped him. With authenticity and heart woven into every page, KILLANOIS promises to leave its mark on the urban fiction world. The book is available now on Amazon in paperback and eBook formats. Follow the author on Instagram at @shakedolla444 to stay tapped in for the upcoming installments.
Filipino-American Comedy HELLO HELLO Now Streaming on YouTube
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTThe feel good Filipino-American comedy HELLO HELLO has officially arrived and is now available to watch on YouTube! Filmed in the vibrant city of Vallejo, California, this hilarious and heartfelt story follows Bong, a determined but delightfully misguided dreamer chasing YouTube stardom while navigating love, culture, and the beautifully chaotic reality of everyday life. After two years in the making, the film finally brings its unique blend of humor, hustle, and heart to audiences everywhere — showcasing the spirit, struggles, and joy of the Filipino-American community in a way that’s both relatable and unforgettable.
Packed with comedic mishaps, family laughs, and a standout cast, HELLO HELLO is a refreshing spotlight on friendship, identity, and never giving up on your dreams — no matter how wild life gets. If you’re looking for a comedy with culture, charm, and genuine feel-good energy, this film belongs on your watchlist. Hit play today and join Bong on a journey that proves laughter really does go a long way.
Directed by Daric Bergerson (DJ Daric B) — a Bay Area native and respected DJ and music executive who grew up in a Filipino household — the film brings together authenticity, comedy, and culture. Produced by Brandon “B-12” Rodegeb as well as Jen Mojica with Pedro Rubio as Director of Photography, HELLO HELLO is a grassroots celebration of Bay Area flavor and Filipino creativity.
Watch the full movie now on YouTube:
Get to know music artist Jada Raquel
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHTOriginally from Roanoke, VA and now based in Northern Virginia, Jada Raquel is a passionate music artist, mother of three, and a self-taught recording talent who turned her love for music into a growing career. Determined to pursue her passion despite the high cost of studio time, Jada built her own home studio and taught herself how to record — a decision that fueled her creative independence and success.
Her latest single, “We Made It,” is available now on all streaming platforms and continues to gain momentum across the East Coast. She is set to be featured in New York Fashion Week 2025 under the Carlyle Collection and will appear in the September 2025 edition of In the City Magazine, Bully Magazine (October, Virginia Beach), and as the cover feature for the October edition of Queen Magazine (Atlanta, GA).
In addition to her growing media presence, Jada has been featured on FUBU Radio with Shay McCray, as well as Femi Magazine, The Source, Upscale, Thrive Times, and Popout. She has also launched a billboard campaign spanning from DC to Atlanta, Charlotte, and Miami, further solidifying her presence as a rising force in entertainment and entrepreneurship.
For bookings, contact
mypurposedriven25@gmail.com
Follow Jada on all platforms: @iamjadaraquel
Meet Kash Addison: The Artist from Kinston, NC. Turning Pain into Power and Vibes into Victory
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
