By: Emmanuel Guimier

The city of Chicago is known for many things, but did you know that one of the richest men in the United States during the 1930’s and 40’s was a black man from Chicago, IL? Edward Jones, the descendant of slaves, became one of the richest men in the United States thanks to the Policy business, an illegal numbers game, that ultimately became the modern state lottery, now played by millions nationwide. It’s estimated that Edward Jones amassed a fortune of $25 million in the Policy business (numbers game),  and put money in the pockets of Black folks who didn’t have many economic opportunities.

But in these times of segregation, his success and unfailing support to the African American community are a problem. In conflict with both the mob and the Feds, he is eventually forces into a life on the run!

Exploring the rise and fall of the most famous Policy King of all times, Edward Jones, nicknamed the “King of Kings”, his filmmaking granddaughter Harriet Marin Jones uncovers an unparalleled story, while showing the lasting repercussions of his untold story, both within her family, and for Chicago’s South Side where he once embodied the American dream. After speaking with Jones, it became clear that black stories in history need to continuously be pushed to the forefront of American history, in a powerful and educational manner. This is not only American history but her family legacy that she has fought so hard to preserve and protect.

To ensure this incredible story reaches the masses and gets in front of the right audience, icons Debbie Allen and Quincy Jones executive produced it, showing the magnitude of such an important film. I had the pleasure of speaking with Allen who gave me a deeper insight into the relevancy of this film, why it means so much to her, and what it was like working with her dear and recently departed long time friend Quincy Jones. Allen candidly talks about the influence of her HBCU roots, her historic mother and encourages people all over the world to dive into King of Kings.

 Love, success, violence, revenge, mafia, murder, betrayal, prison, kidnapping. . . Edward Jones’s story holds all the best ingredients of gangster movies. Dive into one of the best untold stories in Chicago and black history!

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.

Visit Dominion Hill Records for Artist Signings and Label News

Dominionhillrecords.com

Hailing originally from Uniondale in Long Island, New York, and now based in Queens since 2020, C MiLLi has been carving out his unique path in the world of music. Rooted in a blend of Hip-Hop (Boom-Bap) and R&B/Soul, his artistry reflects both his spoken word beginnings and a deep introspection that resonates with fans across the board.

C MiLLi draws inspiration from legendary acts like A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Wale, J. Cole, Kanye West, and Musiq Soulchild. These influences shine through in his reflective lyricism, soulful melodies, and grounded storytelling. His musical journey began in 2011, but his first commercial release came in 2019—a testament to the patience and perseverance that define his approach.

For the past four years, C MiLLi has headlined his own live show series, “C MiLLi Live,” across NYC. Each show is a fully curated experience, with 1-3 artists performing their own 15-minute sets, followed by C MiLLi’s 35-60 minute headlining performance. From behind-the-scenes planning to on-stage execution, he’s built a reputation for creating shows that captivate and inspire audiences.

C MiLLi’s latest project dives into self-reflection and his experiences as an independent artist. “Reflection on my life and this musical journey,” he explains. “As independent artists, we face unforeseen challenges that mold us—sometimes for the better, sometimes not. It’s important to give ourselves grace, to cherish how far we’ve come, and embrace what lies ahead.” His message is one of perseverance, gratitude, and hope.

Fans of C MiLLi have plenty to look forward to in the coming year. He’s preparing to release new music, likely in the form of an EP, along with visually stunning music videos in collaboration with a trusted director. His upcoming YouTube series, “MiLLi Bought It,” will debut next year, showcasing his creativity in a fresh format. Season 2 of “MiLLi Merch” has already launched, and the line will continue to expand into 2025. Additionally, his “MiLLi Vision”newsletter offers a closer look at his journey—available for subscription on his website, cmillivision.com.

C MiLLi gives special recognition to several key contributors to his recent project: producer DJ Flipside, engineer RM808s, and visualizer director Rafa Diaz. Their efforts have helped bring his vision to life, elevating the quality and depth of his work.

What truly makes C MiLLi stand out is his spoken word foundation and his thoughtful, reflective writing style. His artistic awakening began in high school, where he performed Gil Scott Heron’s “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” That experience profoundly shaped how he approaches conveying messages in his music. “I’ve believed things were bigger than me for a long time,” he says. “I keep that mindset in my writing so others can resonate in their own ways.”

C MiLLi’s music is more than entertainment—it’s an invitation to reflect, grow, and connect. As he continues to evolve, his fans can expect nothing less than authenticity, creativity, and a deeper glimpse into the mind of an artist who’s here for the long run.

For more updates, merch, and to listen to his latest music, visit his website: cmillivision.com.