News Stories

Tia Kemp, host of the 2nd Annual NXT Awards, at Coca-Cola Roxy. Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

The NXT Awards came back bigger in year two, and The Khaliseum had credentials in hand. On Sunday, October 25, 2026, @thenxtawards filled @cocacolaroxy at The Battery Atlanta. Tia Kemp (@yuntietiaback) ran the show in a red gown. Ralo (@ralofamgoon) delivered one of the night's most emotional moments: a tribute to four Atlanta voices the city has lost.

Credentials First

The work started before showtime. Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) stopped by the Now That's TV Network office to pick up the team's media credentials. Earlier that week, @_yamahhhh had announced she would be on the carpet alongside The Khaliseum Network. The ceremony is powered by @nowthats_tv, the independent streaming network founder Teleau Belton launched in 2021, and streamed live on Now That's TV and YouTube, according to the event's press release. @cutwaterspirits sponsored the night.

Tia Kemp Takes the Stage

Kemp came back as host for year two. The scheduled performers included BossMan Dlow, Saucy Santana, Boston Richey, Pretty Ricky and Soulja Boy, Black America Web reported. Kemp held the room together as the night moved from the red carpet to performances, live singing, rapping and dancing on stage. Soulja Boy's set already has its own story here: Soulja Boy Still Cranking: Legendary Set at the 2nd Annual NXT Awards.

Ralo Honors Four Atlanta Voices

Ralo came to pay homage. He presented awards to the families of Young Scooter, Trouble, Shawty Lo and Rich Homie Quan, spoke from the heart, and handed each award over as the crowd moved to their records, with @swampizzo on the turntables.

Each name still carries weight in Atlanta. Shawty Lo, of D4L and "Dey Know," died in a 2016 car crash, Billboard reported. Edgewood's own Trouble, who worked with Young Thug, Gucci Mane and Drake, was shot and killed in 2022 at 34, according to Pitchfork. Rich Homie Quan died in 2024 at 33, and Ralo was among those who paid tribute, talking about how the two had buried the hatchet, Rolling Stone noted. Young Scooter died on his 39th birthday in March 2025, HotNewHipHop reported.

Rich Homie Quan in 2014. Photo: The Come Up Show / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Young Scooter in August 2018. Photo: ALL URBAN CENTRAL / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Why It Matters

Award shows tend to celebrate who's hot right now. This one made room to honor the artists who built the city's sound, and The Khaliseum made sure that moment was captured. Shorty Roc worked the carpet, the floor and the stage with the Khaliseum staff, including @diamondpmc, and even found time for a photo with his "double dates" @thedoubledosetwinss. Thanks to @topdraftpick for the invite, and salute to Shorty Roc and the crew for bringing Atlanta's biggest independent awards night to the people.

From Our Cameras

Shorty Roc on the NXT Awards red carpet as Tia Kemp poses behind him.

Tia Kemp backstage before taking the stage.

The NXT Awards 2026 media credential.

Cameras on the floor during the tribute presentations.

The NXT Awards stage at Coca-Cola Roxy.

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

More from the night: Shorty Roc at the NXT Awards, picking up credentials and the Now That's TV Awards announcement.

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/De9MCv7RpJR/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#NXTAwards #TiaKemp #Ralo #RichHomieQuan #YoungScooter #ShawtyLo #CocaColaRoxy #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #KhaliseumNews

Atlanta legend Nuface hands Courtside Les a rose in front of the Talk Les Show wall. Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

Most people ask for gifts on their birthday. Courtside Les (@mslesworld) invited her community out to celebrate instead, and she made it a show. On Saturday, July 25, 2026, the first Talk Les Show Live took over a room in Atlanta, and Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) and @thekhaliseum were on hand as official media coverage partners.

@talklesshow announced The Khaliseum as a coverage partner the day before the event, a nod to the team's job of capturing the energy, the conversations and the connections in the room.

A Podcast Where the Crowd Talks Back

The Partiful invite (Talk Les Show Live Birthday Edition) promised a live podcast recording, networking, a birthday celebration, content opportunities and interactive audience segments. A limited number of Creator Experience tickets came with a guaranteed 10-minute conversation on stage, a professionally edited reel and a feature in a Talk Les Show episode. Les hosts the Talk Les Show podcast. In one episode she talks about how leaving California for Atlanta changed her life.

The setup matched the brand: a pink stage set, a DJ keeping the room moving, a birthday cake on a Talk Les Show table, and guests lining up for photos at the lips-and-finger backdrop.

Roses From a Legend

One of the sweetest moments came from Atlanta hip-hop historian @nuface, who stopped by with words of wisdom and roses for Les during the taping. Nuface has spent years documenting the city's rap culture, Certified Bootleg reported, so a salute from him carries weight in Atlanta.

Why It Matters

Independent creators build their own stages, and they need media that will show up for the very first one. Shorty Roc and The Khaliseum Media Team, including @diamondpmc and @porchemadre, worked the backdrop, streamed behind-the-scenes footage live on Kick and turned a birthday into content that will outlast the night. Salute to Shorty Roc and the crew for backing a new Atlanta voice from day one, and happy birthday to Les.

From Our Cameras

A Khaliseum interview at the Talk Les Show backdrop.

Shorty Roc, media pass on, with a guest at the Talk Les wall.

The pink stage set for the live taping.

Courtside Les and a guest at the Talk Les Show birthday cake.

The DJ booth keeping Talk Les Live moving.

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

More from the night: Inside Talk Les Live, livestream clips and the media partner announcement. The full behind-the-scenes stream is on Kick.

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbPyfZVluRT/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#TalkLesShow #CourtsideLes #TalkLesLive #LivePodcast #Nuface #Atlanta #WeRunTheCityTV #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #KhaliseumNews

The final score on the State Farm Arena scoreboard: Dream 92, Mystics 77. Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

Playoff basketball came back to Atlanta, and The Khaliseum family was in the building. On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the @atlantadream opened their first-round series against the Washington Mystics at @statefarmarena, and @porchemadre was in the building with her camera. Her clips, shared on Shorty Roc's (@shortyrocnyc) Instagram, captured a comeback win, a hometown halftime show and an arena full of Dream blue.

The Dream Rally for a Game 1 Win

Atlanta fell behind by 11 early but turned up the defense and pulled away for a 92-77 win, the Associated Press reported. @rhyne.howard led the way with 26 points and five steals and went 10 of 10 from the free-throw line. Angel Reese added 13 points and 12 rebounds in her first career playoff game, and Allisha Gray scored 22. The Dream forced 22 turnovers and set a franchise playoff record with 16 steals. The crowd was announced at 9,766, according to the USA Today game summary.

Rhyne Howard with the Atlanta Dream in 2026. Photo: John Mac / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Soulja Boy Cranks It at Halftime

At halftime, @souljaboy took the floor and performed, itsOnlyEntertainment reported. Porche's camera caught him working the crowd in a varsity jacket. In her post, Porche said @2chainz was sitting courtside with @kinghalo, and she shouted out Dream players including Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese. She also noted that she sat next to the staff of @rollingout and covered the game for @bigbreakmagazine and @inthecitymagazine.

Soulja Boy in 2008. Photo: Reed Kavner / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

The Run Continued

Game 1 set the tone. Three nights later in Washington, the Dream won Game 2 93-75 to sweep the series and reach the WNBA semifinals for the first time since 2018, CBS Sports reported.

Why It Matters

The Khaliseum covers Atlanta culture wherever it happens, from red carpets and fight nights to the biggest games in town. With Porche Madre courtside and Shorty Roc's page bringing her footage to fans, The Khaliseum gave its audience a front-row look at the night the Dream's playoff run began. Salute to Porche, Shorty Roc and the whole Khaliseum crew for keeping fans close to the action.

From Our Cameras

Playoff action in front of a sea of Dream blue.

Playoff action on the State Farm Arena floor.

A packed arena for Game 1.

The halftime show on the Dream floor.

Dream fans courtside.

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dd12jluJxRJ/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#AtlantaDream #WNBAPlayoffs #RhyneHoward #AngelReese #SouljaBoy #StateFarmArena #Atlanta #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #KhaliseumNews

Shorty Roc and Ralo on the TREND TV red carpet at Regal Atlantic Station. Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

Atlanta rolled out the red carpet for independent television, and Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) was right in the middle of it. On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, @trendtvnetwork took over Regal Atlantic Station for an exclusive premiere of two new reality series, Coming Up Miami and The Blueprint Atlanta. The @thekhaliseum Media Team worked the carpet all night, catching up with cast members, creators and some familiar faces from Atlanta TV.

Two Shows, One Big Night

The evening previewed season two of Coming Up Miami and the debut of The Blueprint Atlanta, according to The Jamison Agency's event release. Coming Up Miami started streaming July 2, and The Blueprint Atlanta premiered July 7. Host @tusonjewell led a live Q&A with the shows' executive producers and cast. After the screenings, the party moved to a reception at V12, Rolling Out reported.

The crowd included TV personality @sidneystarrbad, former Real Housewives of Atlanta star @falynnn and her husband @itsjaylanbanks, Isiah Jay, @deijatheceo, @theasianae and @iamgorgeousdoll, along with content creators, entrepreneurs and industry insiders, The Hype Magazine noted.

On the Carpet With the Cast

Shorty Roc grabbed time with stars from both shows. The Blueprint Atlanta cast includes @ralofamgoon (Ralo), @alexisskyy, @lyricaanderson, @milanchristopher, @iamakbarv, @1tracyt and @theemilyhuff. The Coming Up Miami cast on hand included @charissemills, @doubledose_twins, @elizareign, @realnicolezavala, @khaotic305, @mrorganik, @diamondthebodyy, @iambillionairebarbie, @wooladytvv__ and @hoodtrophybino.

The interviews became a run of Khaliseum clips. Ralo talked about Black ownership, generational wealth and building community. Mr. Organik told the fellas to stop chasing and start building: get in shape, get smart, get your money right, and the right partner will find you. The team also sat down with Tati Dior, A Girl From Harlem (@agirlfromharlem__) and Certified Summer.

Ralo during an interview in February 2025. Photo: HOTSPOTATL / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Why It Matters

Independent TV needs independent media, and The Khaliseum showed up for both shows. While big outlets chase the same handful of networks, Shorty Roc and The Khaliseum Media Team gave Atlanta's and Miami's new reality stars a real platform on premiere night. Thanks to @teachortee and @thejamisonagency for the invitation, and salute to Shorty Roc and the whole crew for another night of documenting the culture with no gatekeepers.

Watch on YouTube

We Run The City TV attends the Trendz TV Premiere of Coming Up Miami + The Blueprint TV Series. The full episode is for Khaliseum channel members on YouTube.

Free to watch: Trend TV: Black Kings Build Wealth & Own Their Narrative!

From Our Cameras

Shorty Roc interviewing a guest on the TREND TV carpet.

Shorty Roc with Mr. Organik of Coming Up Miami.

Red carpet conversations at Regal Atlantic Station.

Smiles on the TREND TV carpet.

Premiere night glam, captured by The Khaliseum.

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

More from the carpet: Ralo, Mr. Organik, Tati Dior, A Girl From Harlem and Certified Summer.

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DafLXDBhs92/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#TrendTV #ComingUpMiami #TheBlueprintAtlanta #Ralo #MrOrganik #AtlanticStation #RedCarpet #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #KhaliseumNews

Shorty Roc with Invest Fest co-founder Troy Millings at The Khaliseum's media wall. Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

They call it the Super Bowl of business, and The Khaliseum showed up ready to play. From August 7 to 9, 2026, Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) and the full @thekhaliseum TV, Radio and Podcast Network crew set up inside the Georgia World Congress Center for @investfestival, the annual wealth-building festival created by the founders of Earn Your Leisure. Cameras were rolling and mics were hot all weekend, and the team came home with a stack of exclusive interviews.

A Record Weekend for Invest Fest

This year's festival was the biggest yet. More than 31,000 people came through the doors, a record turnout, Black Enterprise reported. BizBash counted 166 speakers across three stages and 386 exhibitors in the marketplace, along with a youth summit and a live pitch competition. Serena Williams, Steve Harvey and Nick Cannon were among the headline names on stage.

The Khaliseum's own cameras caught the scale of it, from crowded marketplace aisles to packed stage sessions. In a separate recap, Shorty Roc pointed to 400-plus businesses on site, Cash App accounts for more than 350 kids and a $15,000 prize for a high school entrepreneur's business.

Sitting Down With Troy Millings

The standout conversation of the weekend was with @troymillings, who co-founded Invest Fest and the Earn Your Leisure podcast with Rashad Bilal. Shorty Roc and Millings went straight at the topic everyone was talking about: the public back-and-forth between the festival and Atlanta City Hall. In the clip The Khaliseum shared, Millings answered the critics, called Invest Fest the Super Bowl of business, and said it is a "we" mission, not a solo one. Atlanta, he said, feels like home.

The timing was perfect. Days before the festival, the founders had said Mayor Andre Dickens was not supporting the event. Then, on stage during the festival, Dickens joined Bilal and Millings and the two sides talked about bringing Invest Fest back in 2027, TheGrio reported.

Steve Harvey at the Miss Universe red carpet in 2017. Photo: Avito C. Dalan, Philippine News Agency / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The Team Behind the Coverage

A weekend this big takes a whole crew. Shorty Roc gave credit to the Khaliseum staff and media correspondents who worked the floor: @diamondpmc, @mzzwaters, @yurshey_ and @kickinitwithyamahhhh. They worked the hallways, the side conversations and the stage energy, and caught the kind of moments you only get when you are on the ground. Their interviews ranged from founders and investors to rising entrepreneurs like Ty Boone, who told The Khaliseum she is rebranding her shoe company, House of Hills, after what she learned at the festival.

Nick Cannon at Essence Fest in 2025. Photo: Cameron Woods / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Why It Matters

Invest Fest is where the culture talks about money, ownership and building something that lasts, and The Khaliseum belongs in that room. Shorty Roc and the team did not just cover the festival. They took part in it, turning a record weekend into conversations fans can watch again and again. Salute to Shorty Roc and every member of The Khaliseum Media Team who put in the work at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Watch on YouTube

We Run The City TV interviews Troy Millings, Sway The Pro, Miasia Symone, & More at Invest Fest. The full episode is for Khaliseum channel members on YouTube.

From Our Cameras

Inside Invest Fest.

Conversations on the festival floor.

Main stage energy at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Friends of The Khaliseum on the floor.

Invest Fest style, captured by The Khaliseum.

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

More from Invest Fest: Troy Millings on the Super Bowl of business and Ty Boone on rebranding House of Hills.

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbzzleTh_Zn/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#InvestFest #EarnYourLeisure #TroyMillings #RashadBilal #Atlanta #Entrepreneurship #GWCC #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #KhaliseumNews

Backstage after the fight at State Farm Arena, as captured by The Khaliseum. Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

Weeks of trash talk ended the way the best fight nights do: with both fighters laughing backstage. When @rayj and @orlandobrownshowforever finished their celebrity bout on the @thezeusnetwork card at @statefarmarena on Saturday, August 15, 2026, Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) and @thekhaliseum had the exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.

The footage, posted to Shorty Roc's Instagram that night, shows the two former rivals in good spirits after the decision, a reminder that the bad blood sold for the cameras rarely survives the final bell.

Ray J Gets His Hand Raised

Ray J beat Orlando Brown by unanimous decision over three rounds, TheGrio reported. TMZ and Bloody Elbow also covered the fight. The bout streamed on Zeus as part of the undercard for the night's main event, Claressa Shields against Kaye Scott.

The win meant a lot to Ray J. His previous fight, against Supa Hot Fire at a Brand Risk event in May, ended in a knockout loss that sent him to the hospital. Orlando Brown, still remembered by a generation of fans as Eddie Thomas on Disney's That's So Raven, gave him three rounds of work before the judges sided with the singer.

Ray J in Hollywood in 2011. Photo: Glenn Francis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The Main Event: Shields Reclaims Her Belts

The celebrity bout set the stage for a historic night. @claressashields stopped Kaye Scott at 1:38 of the sixth round to take back the WBC and WBA middleweight titles, ESPN reported, improving to 19-0. According to Salita Promotions, more than 16,000 fans packed the building for the first women's main event in State Farm Arena history. Floyd Mayweather, Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, Usher, Kevin Gates and Brandy were among the famous faces in the crowd.

The Khaliseum's coverage did not stop backstage. Clips shared with Shorty Roc's page from @porchemadre took fans from Shields' weigh-in all the way to her stoppage win, with her arrival and the fight itself on the arena's big screens.

Claressa Shields speaking at Collision in 2022. Photo: Collision Conf / Piaras Ó Mídheach / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Why It Matters

Anybody can watch a fight on a stream. The Khaliseum gets fans behind the curtain. On a night packed with champions, celebrities and 16,000 screaming fans, Shorty Roc and The Khaliseum Media Team found the moment nobody else had: two entertainers who had spent weeks building up a grudge, sharing a laugh once the work was done. Salute to Shorty Roc, to Porche Madre and to the whole Khaliseum crew for bringing Atlanta's biggest fight night home to the fans.

From Our Cameras

Backstage after the Ray J vs. Orlando Brown bout.

The celebration continues backstage.

Backstage at State Farm Arena.

Claressa Shields arrives on the arena screens.

Shields at work in the main event, shown on the big screen.

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DcFWFbDRhvz/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#RayJ #OrlandoBrown #ZeusNetwork #ClaressaShields #StateFarmArena #CelebrityBoxing #Atlanta #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #KhaliseumNews

Smack White. Photo: @smackwhite on Instagram

Beasley. Photo: @beasleynyc on Instagram

If you know, you know. On September 2, Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) shared a moment that battle rap fans will appreciate: two of the most important figures in the culture, Smack White and Eric Beasley, pulled up on him. Shorty Roc summed it up in true form: he is in all the right rooms at all the right times, so catch up or get left.

The Men Behind URL

Smack and Beasley are the business minds behind the Ultimate Rap League, better known as SMACK/URL, the New York City battle rap league owned by Troy "Smack White" Mitchell, Eric Beasley and Jean "Cheeko" French, according to the league's history. Artists and stars including Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes have shown support for the league over the years.

Busta Rhymes. Photo: Joe Glorioso / All-Pro Reels / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Before URL, there was the SMACK DVD. In the early 2000s, Smack began filming interviews and freestyles with established artists like 50 Cent, DMX and Cam'ron, along with up-and-coming East Coast rappers, and packaged the footage into a DVD video magazine, PBS's Sound Field explained. He closed each volume with a rap battle, and those battles became so popular that fans would skip straight to the end of the DVD to watch them.

DMX. Photo: Rzom_ / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Turning Battles Into a Sport

Smack has said the SMACK format changed the art form. "We introduced straight acapella … no beats … round for round. We made it into a sport," he told AllHipHop, describing the three timed rounds that became battle rap's standard.

Beasley, URL's co-founder, told AllHipHop that URL held its first event on October 31, 2009. The league later launched its own subscription app, URLTV, in May 2019. Beasley has described what they built as "essentially a Black-owned streaming service where people are paying to come in and watch exclusive content that we create."

Why It Matters for The Khaliseum

That last part hits home. The Khaliseum is built on the same idea: an independent, Black-owned platform where the culture can watch exclusive interviews and coverage on its own app. Having the two men who proved that model works for battle rap pull up on Shorty Roc is a moment of respect between builders.

It also connects to Shorty Roc's roots. He is a proud New Yorker from the Bronx, and URL is a New York institution. Legends recognize legends, and this pull-up shows The Khaliseum is moving in the right circles.

From Our Cameras

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shortyrocnyc/reel/Dcy0FgcxVLY/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#SmackWhite #Beasley #URL #UltimateRapLeague #BattleRap #SMACKDVD #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #HipHopLegends #KhaliseumNews

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

It's official. The Khaliseum is now live on Kick. On August 31, Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) announced that @TheKhaliseum has launched its own channel at Kick.com/TheKhaliseum, bringing live streams, podcasts, live events and exclusive content to the live streaming platform Kick.

The promise is the same energy The Khaliseum has always brought: raw conversations, real connections and nonstop vibes. No gatekeepers and no filters, just the Khaliseum movement, live. Shorty Roc called it the beginning of "The War on the Ordinary."

Sundays at 8 PM

The launch gave The Shorty Roc NYC Podcast a live home. The show films every Sunday at The Khaliseum Studio in Decatur, Georgia, and goes live on Kick at 8 PM, as Shorty Roc has announced on Instagram. The same weekend as the launch, the podcast went live with entrepreneur and reality TV star Tomika Turner (@mstomikaturner). In the weeks that followed, Shorty Roc announced Atlanta artist Bigg Taee (@starburst_taetae22) for September 13 and singer and executive producer Erinn Stacie (@thatserinnstacie) for September 20.

Tomika Turner. Photo: @domprints, via @mstomikaturner on Instagram

The booking rule stays strict: the podcast interviews current celebrities and future stars. Not everyone gets a seat, only the ones Shorty Roc believes are built for greatness.

Why Kick?

Kick is a live streaming service founded in 2022 that launched that December as a competitor to Twitch, according to its history. According to Kick, streamers on the platform keep 95% of subscription revenue, and in the third quarter of 2025, analytics firm StreamCharts ranked Kick as the fourth most-watched live streaming platform it tracks, behind YouTube, TikTok and Twitch. For an independent network like The Khaliseum, that means a growing audience and a creator-friendly home.

Bigg Taee. Photo: @shammygoingcrazy, via @starburst_taetae22 on Instagram

How to Tap In

Follow The Khaliseum at Kick.com/TheKhaliseum and turn on notifications so you never miss a live show. Then catch every replay and past episode on The Khaliseum App.

This is just the beginning. Tune in, drop a 🔥 in the comments on Shorty Roc's post, and let us know you're watching. The Khaliseum family keeps growing, and we're taking it live.

From Our Cameras

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shortyrocnyc/reel/DctxjK9hJ3z/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#TheKhaliseum #KickLive #Kick #ShortyRocNYC #ShortyRocNYCPodcast #LiveStreams #ATLMedia #NewEra #KhaliseumFamily #KhaliseumNews

Tomika Turner. Photo: @domprints, via @mstomikaturner on Instagram

ATLANTA – Some success stories start in a boardroom. Tomika Turner's started in the projects of Atlanta. The entrepreneur and reality TV star, @mstomikaturner, sat down with The Shorty Roc NYC Podcast on Sunday, August 30, for a raw, funny and deeply personal conversation that streamed live on Kick.

Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) hosted alongside @PrettyGoons, @leanz_live and @yurshey_ of @TheKhaliseum, and the whole crew called it an honor. In Shorty Roc's words, it was "fun as hell too."

A Star of Industry Girl

Turner joined the show from @industrygirl_show, the reality series about women chasing success in entertainment and business. Creator and executive producer Jasmine Moore told Bold Journey Magazine that Industry Girl was set to premiere on Ray J's Tronix Network in May 2026, and described it as a show about "the real experiences, ambition, and challenges of women navigating success, identity, and growth." Turner brought exactly that kind of story to the Khaliseum studio.

Ray J, owner of the Tronix Network. Photo: Glenn Francis / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Ray J. Photo: Bob Bekian / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Growing Up Fast

Before the business talk, Turner took the room back to the beginning. She grew up in rough neighborhoods in the projects of Atlanta and had to learn independence at a young age. She watched her mother grind in business, and that example stuck with her. She became a mother at 15, and instead of letting that define her limits, she decided she was going to build something bigger than the block she came from.

Tomika Turner. Photo: @usarap.tv on Instagram

Watch the full episode on The Khaliseum's YouTube channel.

Building the Empire

From there, she broke down how she turned that drive into a real business portfolio. Turner told the crew about building home health and assisted living facilities that grew into million-dollar territory. She also talked through her tax company, her consulting work and her move into Airbnb rentals. It is the full journey from Atlanta's hoods to multimillion-dollar mogul, told with no filter.

For anyone in our audience who is starting from nothing, the lesson was hard to miss: the circumstances you grow up in do not get the final say. Turner did not just talk about business. She showed how she built it, one business at a time.

Live on Kick, Replay on the App

Shorty Roc promoted the episode all week as an exclusive sit-down with "NYC roots" and "Atlanta energy," and it delivered. The conversation went live on @kickstreaming at Kick.com/TheKhaliseum, and the full interview is now available on The Khaliseum App. If you missed it live, the replay is waiting.

Thank you to Tomika Turner for opening up, and to the Pretty Goons, Leanz and Yurshey for another great Sunday at The Khaliseum.

From Our Cameras

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shortyrocnyc/reel/DcuboAURgWj/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#TomikaTurner #MsTomikaTurner #IndustryGirl #ShortyRocNYCPodcast #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #AtlantaPodcast #BlackBusiness #KickLive #KhaliseumNews

Patrice 'Sway The Pro' McKinney. Photo: @sway_thepro on Instagram

The Khaliseum App just added a must-watch for every entrepreneur in the beauty business. A new interview with Patrice "Sway" McKinney, known to her followers as @sway_thepro, is now streaming on the app, and Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) is proud to bring it to our audience.

Who Is Sway The Pro?

Sway built her name one chair at a time. She is a licensed master barber and stylist who went on to own and run a salon suite business, according to her official site, which says she has helped hundreds of aspiring and existing owners start or grow their salon businesses. She is also CEO of Encore Salon Suites, which offers beauty professionals the chance to run their own salon without the full cost and overhead of a traditional shop.

Her coaching program describes her as the founder of Encore Salon Suites, "the first Black-owned salon suite franchise," with more than 13 years in the industry, according to her 6 Figure Salon Suite site. After learning the hard lessons of opening her first two locations, she turned that experience into systems and online training for others who want to follow the same path.

Watch Sway The Pro at Invest Fest on The Khaliseum's YouTube channel (We Run The City TV).

Only on The Khaliseum App

This sit-down is part of the steady lineup of new interviews landing on @TheKhaliseum App every week. The Khaliseum's mission is simple: put builders, creators and stars on a platform where their stories can reach the people who need to hear them. A self-made salon suite owner who teaches others to own their business fits that mission perfectly.

Whether you are a stylist dreaming about your own suite, a barber ready to stop renting a chair, or just someone who loves a real success story, this is the interview to watch. Head to The Khaliseum App to see the full conversation.

Sway The Pro. Photo: @sway_thepro on Instagram

Why It Matters

Ownership is a recurring theme at The Khaliseum, and Sway is living proof of what it looks like in the beauty world. Thank you to Sway The Pro for sitting down with Shorty Roc and The Khaliseum team, and for sharing her knowledge with our community.

From Our Cameras

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shortyrocnyc/reel/DdBx746xs9z/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#SwayThePro #PatriceMcKinney #EncoreSalonSuites #SalonSuite #BlackBusiness #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #KhaliseumApp #Entrepreneur #KhaliseumNews

Boosie Badazz in 2024. Photo: SRC Agency / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Weeks before the official announcement, The Khaliseum's feed got an early hint. On September 11, two reels shared with Shorty Roc's page showed Baton Rouge legends @webbietrill and @boosieig2024 together again, tagged with one word: #pullup. The message was clear. A new single was coming, and fans could finally stop asking where the duo had been and what they were working on.

The clips came from @porchemadre, posted as collaborations that appeared on Shorty Roc's (@shortyrocnyc) Instagram. In one, she joked that Webbie had her "swinging from the ceiling." Six weeks later, the tease turned out to be exactly what it promised.

"Pull Up" Becomes the Lead Single

On September 29, Boosie and Webbie announced a joint mixtape called Back At It, set for October 24, Hits Culture reported. The duo then stopped by Way Up With Angela Yee to promote "Pull Up," the project's lead single, according to Complex. That interview went viral less than 30 seconds in, when Webbie jokingly asked Yee, "What? You wanna get flipped?" before telling kids to stay in school.

Back At It arrived on October 24, 2026, as a 10-track, 29-minute mixtape released through Badazz Music Syndicate, with "Pull Up" among its tracks, according to its Apple Music listing. Apple Music's editors summed up the pair as Baton Rouge rappers who have been delivering street anthems "for more than 20 years."

Two Decades of Baton Rouge Chemistry

The reunion carries real history. Webbie got his start in the early 2000s on Boosie's albums before the two released Ghetto Stories together, and he has been signed to Trill Entertainment since 2003, according to his biography. Together they made hits like "Independent" and the "Wipe Me Down" remix, iHeart noted in its coverage of the reunion. The "Wipe Me Down" remix featuring Lil Boosie and Webbie was released as a single in 2007, according to the song's history.

Hits Culture called Back At It the first project credited to the two of them alone since Gangsta Musik in 2004, and reported that the pair co-headlined the Southern Truth Tour in summer 2026, with stops in Jacksonville and Columbus, Ohio.

Webbie performing in Macon, Georgia, in 2014. Photo: TrillEntCMG / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Woman Behind the Clips

Porche Madre is no stranger to Webbie's camp. In a 2021 interview with Shoutout Atlanta, the CEO of PM Media & Marketing named Webbie among the artists whose careers she has had a hand in, and thanked Webbie and his Savage Life team for giving her a platform in the entertainment industry. Her September reels gave fans an early look at a reunion that would dominate hip-hop conversation by October.

Why It Matters

The Khaliseum lives in the rooms where the culture happens, and sometimes that means showing fans what is coming before anyone else does. Shorty Roc's feed carried the "#pullup" tease on September 11. By late October, "Pull Up" was out and the whole country was talking about Boosie and Webbie again. Salute to Porche Madre for the clips, and to two Southern legends for proving that real chemistry never fades.

Watch the second tease: the follow-up reel.

From Our Cameras

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/porchemadre/reel/DdJslFeJO2n/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#Webbie #Boosie #BoosieBadazz #PullUp #BackAtIt #BatonRouge #TrillEntertainment #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #KhaliseumNews

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

TAMPA, Fla. – Ybor City got loud in a brand-new way. On Thursday night, September 10, the Loud On 7th music festival added fashion to its lineup for the first time with LOUD IN FASHION, a runway show at Showbar Ybor, and The Khaliseum was in the building.

Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) made the trip with @TheKhaliseum affiliate @j1hundred1000 to cover the first-ever fashion show from @loudonseventh, hosted by festival organizer @aych302. It was history for the festival, and our cameras caught it from the runway to the stage.

Fashion Joins the Festival

Loud On 7th ran all week, September 6 through 12, 2026, with events that included a karaoke night, an R&B dinner night and the Brick By Brick concert series, according to the festival's Eventbrite collection, which lists Aych as organizer. LOUD IN FASHION was the Thursday night centerpiece.

The event listing described a "rip the runway" style show presented by Loud On 7th and @theerebelagency, with special guest performances and models, running from 7 PM to midnight at Showbar Ybor, 1613 E. 7th Ave., according to AllEvents and the Eventbrite ticket page. Tampa Bay Connects previewed it as a night celebrating bold fashion and creative expression in the heart of Ybor City.

Built From the Ground Up

The show did not come together overnight. Open casting calls and runway workshops shaped the lineup before the big night. When the lights came up, the runway energy mixed with live music and that unmistakable Ybor night heat, and the crowd stayed locked in from the first walk.

"Freezin!!" Takes Over the Room

One of the moments of the night came when @asnjayboog hit the stage with "Freezin!!" and had the whole room tuned in. Fashion, music and community all under one roof: that was the formula, and it worked.

@haleyselenellc posted a recap reel the next day, thanking Loud On 7th and Aych for keeping the city lit all week, thanking Thee Rebel Agency, shouting out @iamledouee, and crediting the models, host, artists, makeup artists and photographers who made LOUD IN FASHION happen. You can see that recap here.

Seventh Avenue in Ybor City. Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

A Historic Stage

Seventh Avenue is one of Tampa's best-known streets. Ybor City was founded in the 1880s by Vicente Martinez Ybor and other cigar manufacturers, and its factories earned Tampa the nickname "Cigar City," according to the neighborhood's history. Today the strip is a home for nightlife and live music, which made it a natural runway for a festival called Loud On 7th.

The Khaliseum on the Road

Shorty Roc and J1hundred1000 brought The Khaliseum's cameras to Florida to document a first for the festival, and we are proud to share it. Congratulations to Aych, Loud On 7th, Thee Rebel Agency and every model, artist and creative who made LOUD IN FASHION a night to remember. We can't wait to see what fashion brings to Loud On 7th next year.

More from the night: Shorty Roc's second reel.

From Our Cameras

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shortyrocnyc/reel/DdJ2zC9RvBD/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#LoudOn7th #LoudInFashion #YborCity #TampaFashion #ShowbarYbor #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #FashionShow #Tampa #KhaliseumNews

Bigg Taee. Photo: @shammygoingcrazy, via @starburst_taetae22 on Instagram

DECATUR, Ga. – Some guests come to promote a song. Bigg Taee came to tell her whole story. The Atlanta artist, entrepreneur and reality TV personality, known on Instagram as @starburst_taetae22, took the chair on The Shorty Roc NYC Podcast for an honest, inspiring conversation about where she started and how far she has come.

Founder Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) led the sit-down alongside @TheKhaliseum staff members @drea.nichole3 and @leanz_live, and the Khaliseum crew came away calling her exactly what she is: an inspiration and a force to be reckoned with.

Sunday Night at The Khaliseum Studio

The episode was filmed on Sunday, September 13, at The Khaliseum Studio in Decatur, Georgia, and streamed live on Kick at 8 PM, as Shorty Roc announced on Instagram earlier that week. That is the weekly rhythm of the show: a new guest every Sunday, filmed in Decatur, then broadcast live at Kick.com/TheKhaliseum.

The podcast keeps a simple rule for who sits in that seat. Shorty Roc only books current celebrities and stars on the rise, people he believes are headed for greatness. Bigg Taee fit the description from the first question.

From the East Side of Atlanta

The heart of the conversation was her journey. Bigg Taee walked the Khaliseum team through growing up on the East side of Atlanta and the work it took to build a life as a recording artist, a business owner and a reality show star. She spoke about the climb in her own words, and it was the kind of story our audience comes to The Khaliseum to hear: real, local and hard-earned.

Her own Instagram profile shows how many lanes she runs in. She lists herself as CEO of @taes_beautybar, a Fashion Nova brand ambassador, an Atlanta hip-hop artist, actress, model and hairstylist, and she also runs the page @biggtaeeeattz. Few guests bring that many careers to one interview.

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

The Khaliseum Team at Work

Episodes like this are a team effort. Shorty Roc set the tone, with @drea.nichole3 and @leanz_live beside him at the table to help tell her story. Big thanks to the whole Khaliseum staff for another strong Sunday.

Why It Matters

The Khaliseum exists to give Atlanta's own a platform worthy of their story. Bigg Taee's rise from the East side to multiple businesses and a spot on reality TV is exactly the kind of journey we want the next generation to see. We are proud she chose The Shorty Roc NYC Podcast to tell it.

Missed it live? The full stream and interview are available at Kick.com/TheKhaliseum, and more episodes of The Shorty Roc NYC Podcast are on The Khaliseum App.

From Our Cameras

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See it on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shortyrocnyc/reel/DdRVsoOR-AK/

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App at www.thekhaliseum.com/App for full interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and new episodes every week. For press, partnerships or event coverage, email [email protected].

#BiggTaee #StarburstTaetae #ShortyRocNYCPodcast #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #AtlantaPodcast #DecaturGA #KickLive #AtlantaHipHop #KhaliseumNews

ATLANTA – Nearly two decades after "Crank That" taught the whole country a dance, @souljaboy proved the hits still move a room. The rapper took over the Coca-Cola Roxy at the 2nd Annual NXT Awards on Sunday, October 25, with a high-energy run of his biggest records, and The Khaliseum Network was right there on stage with him.

Photo: Bandai Namco Entertainment America / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Founder Shorty Roc (@shortyrocnyc) and the @TheKhaliseum team watched the set from a few feet away, close enough to catch every face in the crowd as the Roxy turned into one big sing-along. For an independent Atlanta media network, that kind of access is a big deal, and we're proud to bring it home to our community.

A Set Built on Classics

Soulja Boy didn't need new material to win the night. He ran through "Crank That," "Kiss Me Thru the Phone," "Pretty Boy Swag" and more, and the audience danced and rapped along from the first beat to the last. From our spot next to him on stage, the reaction never let up. The verdict from the Khaliseum crew: Soulja still has it.

The records have history behind them. "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" logged its seventh week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 2007, according to Billboard. Hearing a full room shout it back in 2026 shows how deep that song runs in Atlanta's story.

The NXT Awards Return, Bigger and in a New Home

Presented by the Black-owned streaming network @nowthats_tv, @thenxtawards came back for a second year and moved to the @cocacolaroxy at The Battery Atlanta, the venue at 800 Battery Ave. near Truist Park, according to ATL Wave TV. The first edition was held in October 2025 at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, according to the arena's event listing.

Now That's TV was founded by Teleau Belton in 2021 to amplify voices that mainstream media often overlooks, according to the organizers' October 21 announcement. In that release, Belton described what this year meant to him: "Growth means more than doing something bigger every year. It means being intentional about what we create, who we recognize and the opportunities we can help make possible."

Pre-show coverage set the stakes. Black America Web reported that fans voted in 15 categories, from Artist of the Year and Song of the Year to tongue-in-cheek honors like "Biggest Crashout." Black America Web also framed the night as filling a gap in Atlanta's October calendar after BET suspended its Hip Hop Awards. The announced lineup around Soulja Boy included BossMan Dlow, Saucy Santana, Pretty Ricky, Boston Richey, Pluto and Taffy. The organizers also announced a $49,000 scholarship initiative with Workforce Career Centers for seven community members and an Icon in Music Award for Tameka "Tiny" Harris, to be presented by the OMG Girlz.

Tia Kemp Runs the Show

Host Tia Kemp (@yuntietiaback), who also hosted the 2025 edition, according to Mixxyville, owned the stage again this year. She kept the pace up through a night of live singing, rapping, dancing and constant celebration, with talent, creators and industry figures all under one roof. The evening was officially sponsored by @cutwaterspirits.

Watch it from Shorty Roc's Instagram:

Ralo Honors Atlanta's Fallen Voices

Photo: HOTSPOTATL / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

One of the most emotional moments came when @Ralofamgoon came out to pay homage. Ralo spoke from the heart and handed awards to the families of Young Scooter, Trouble, Shawty Lo and Rich Homie Quan, four Atlanta artists whose music still plays all over the city. As he spoke, the crowd swayed to their records, spun by DJ @swampizzo.

Ahead of the show, organizers had announced a memorial tribute titled "Legends Live Forever" for Shawty Lo, Trouble, Lil Keed, Young Scooter and Rich Homie Quan, describing them as artists "whose legacies continue to shape hip-hop," according to the release. Social Register Magazine called them "five Atlanta artists whose records shaped the city's sound and whose lives ended early." The Khaliseum thanks @topdraftpick for the invitation to be part of the moment.

Red Carpet Energy

Shorty Roc worked the night from the red carpet to the stage. He arrived at the Roxy, in his words, "looking like I hit the jackpot and took home all the trophies," with his double dates, @thedoubledosetwinss. From arrivals to performances, the Khaliseum cameras were rolling on every highlight.

Why It Matters for The Khaliseum

Nights like this are why The Khaliseum exists: to put our community in the room, close to the culture as it happens, and to tell those stories our way. Being on stage beside Soulja Boy, documenting Ralo's tribute and capturing Atlanta celebrating its own is the kind of access we work hard for. We're proud to share it with you.

From Our Cameras

Screenshot: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

Screenshots: Shorty Roc / The Khaliseum

See the moment on Shorty Roc's Instagram: watch the post here.

Want more? Download The Khaliseum App for exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and full coverage of the NXT Awards. For press, partnerships or event coverage, contact [email protected].

#NXTAwards #SouljaBoy #CrankThat #NowThatsTV #TheKhaliseum #ShortyRocNYC #Atlanta #CocaColaRoxy #TiaKemp #Ralo #LegendsLiveForever #AtlantaHipHop #TheBatteryAtlanta #KhaliseumNews

RedGirlsRock was in full effect with laughter, engaging Q&As, and all the tea!

This Mother’s Day celebration was one to remember as the charismatic and down-to-earth Ricco Ross joined attendees for an intimate and inspiring conversation. From personal reflections to career achievements, Mr. Ross shared meaningful stories about his journey, his values, and the people who matter most to him.

Throughout the event, Mr. Ross made the experience personal for everyone in attendance while honoring mothers everywhere—those present, those unable to attend, and mothers across the globe. He even extended a special honorary Mother’s Day shout-out to my very own mother, making the occasion even more memorable.

Despite his impressive résumé and recognizable name, Mr. Ross proved himself to be relatable, humble, and refreshingly authentic.

He spoke about his childhood, his relationship with his mother, lessons learned throughout his life, past professional experiences, and the many accomplishments he has achieved throughout his career. He also discussed his involvement with the first Black Actors Guild and his current work on a panel dedicated to addressing and preventing discrimination against Black actors and actresses within the entertainment industry, including conversations surrounding Oscar recognition and opportunities for emerging talent.

Nothing was off limits during this engaging and insightful conversation.

Q&A with Ricco Ross

Rayaaa: What is your name?

Ricco Ross:

“My name is Ricco Ross!”

He answered with a warm and generous smile.

Rayaaa: What do you do?

Ricco Ross:

“I am an actor. I play horror, and I’m part of the number one TV series we have out right now called Beauty in Black. It has become number one every time we have dropped. Thanks to the fans and their dedication to this particular project.”

Rayaaa: What gives you life?

Ricco Ross:

“Positivity.”

A simple response that reflected his outlook on life and success.

Rayaaa: What makes you laugh?

Ricco Ross:

“You.”

He delivered the answer with a smile and an unmistakable twinkle in his eye, instantly filling the room with laughter.

Rayaaa: Who or what do you love?

Ricco Ross:

“My kids and my wife.”

A simple yet powerful answer that highlighted the importance of family and the people closest to his heart.

More Than an Interview

Ricco Ross provided incredible insight into his current role and career accomplishments while sharing valuable lessons about life, perseverance, positivity, and purpose. His transparency and willingness to connect with the audience made the conversation feel less like an interview and more like a heartfelt discussion among friends.

His Mother’s Day message was equally inspiring, offering words of appreciation, encouragement, and gratitude to mothers everywhere.

From career milestones to personal reflections, laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable moments, this exclusive conversation showcased the man behind the success—genuine, thoughtful, and deeply appreciative of the journey that brought him where he is today.

Be sure to check out my exclusive interview with Ricco Ross from Netflix’s hit series Beauty in Black.

Watch the full episode now on The Khaliseum App, available for download on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.

On April 11th, Big Boss Vette hosted an intimate private screening at LOOK Dine-In Cinema in Brookhaven, GA sharing her documentary journey through cancer with a room full of witnesses, not just viewers.

The documentary captured the raw reality of survival, pain, strength, and the deeply personal moments that come with fighting for your life. One of the most powerful symbols of the night was the bell, representing the end of treatment and a victory hard earned.

But the night didn’t end there.

In a moment no one expected, her girlfriend proposed at the close of the screening! Turning a story about survival into one about love, too. It was soft, powerful, and unforgettable.

This wasn’t just a screening, it was a reminder that even in life’s hardest chapters, joy and love still find a way to take center stage.

# A Red Carpet Event with Meaning & Purpose ❕

Some nights are about glamour, lights, and cameras. But every now and then, a red carpet moment carries something deeper—purpose, resilience, and inspiration.

I recently had the honor of meeting a truly remarkable woman whose presence radiates strength, grace, and determination. Surrounded by a powerful village of supporters and an undeniable love in her life, she stands as a testament to what it means to fight—and win—against the odds.

Big Boss Vette, also known as Diamond Alexxis Smith, is a 28-year-old female rapper from St. Louis, Missouri. She rose to prominence in 2015 with her standout hits “Pretty Girl Walk” and “Snatched,” capturing attention with her confidence, authenticity, and bold voice in the music industry.

Earlier in January 2026, she revealed devastating news: a diagnosis of stage 4B sinonasal carcinoma, a rare and life-threatening cancer that gave her only a 50/50 chance of survival.

But several months after diagnosis, treatment, and a difficult recovery journey, Big Boss Vette made a powerful decision.

She chose the 50% of LIFE.

The red carpet premiere of her documentary, “Pretty Girls Walk Strong,” showcased her courageous battle and deeply personal journey through cancer. The film revealed a vulnerable side of the artist many fans had never seen before—one that highlighted fear, faith, perseverance, and the unwavering support of her family.

The documentary takes viewers through the moment she discovered the cancer, the painful process of treatment, and the emotional experience of losing her crown—her hair. Yet through it all, she revealed something even stronger: the warrior within.

A warrior backed by an army of love, and a devoted partner standing beside her every step of the way.

And the night didn’t end with the premiere.

After the screening, Big Boss Vette’s partner, Timeekah Murphy, closed the evening with a heartfelt proposal 💍, turning an already unforgettable night into a celebration of love, survival, and new beginnings.

Big Boss Vette hasn’t just battled to build her music career. She has faced cancer, doubt, pain, and uncertainty—and emerged with a renewed perspective on life, love, and her purpose. Her journey now extends beyond music as she continues to uplift others and empower women everywhere.

Her mission moves forward through her nonprofit organization, the Pretty Girls Walk Foundation, which aims to inspire confidence, resilience, and support for women navigating life’s challenges.

Congratulations to Big Boss Vette on this incredible new chapter. May God continue to bless you abundantly as you walk boldly into the future.

🎙️ Tune in to @redgirlsrockpodcast for an exclusive behind-the-scenes interview where she opens up about her music, her battle with cancer, and the inspiring journey that led to the creation of the Pretty Girls Walk Foundation

Keep Moving Forward ✨

Atlanta was on fire, and KHALISEUM was right in the middle of it.

The city played host to an exclusive, culture-shifting evening as Jalen Rose linked up with Rolling Out for their highly anticipated Cover Conversation. And just like always, KHALISEUM didn’t just attend—we made our presence felt.

From the moment we stepped in the building, the energy was different. This wasn’t just another celebrity appearance. This was a room filled with creators, entrepreneurs, media personalities, and real culture drivers. The type of room where conversations turn into opportunities.

A Moment Bigger Than Basketball

 

 

 

Jalen Rose is in a whole different space right now. While many know him from his NBA days and his time with the Fab Five, this event highlighted something deeper—his evolution into a storyteller, educator, and community builder.

His new Tubi series, South West High, has officially taken the number one spot on the platform, and it’s not by accident. The show is rooted in real-life experiences from the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, the school he founded to give back to his community in Detroit.

During the conversation, Rose kept it real—breaking down the grind behind building something meaningful, the responsibility of having a platform, and why telling authentic stories matters more now than ever.

Shorty Roc x Jalen Rose — A Real Conversation

And this is where KHALISEUM separated itself from everybody else in the room.

🎤 King Shorty Roc stepped in and secured the interview.

During the exchange, Shorty Roc hit Jalen Rose with a question that always sparks debate:

“Give three reasons why you feel Michael Jordan is the REAL GOAT of basketball.”

Rose didn’t dodge it. He leaned in.

Here’s how he broke it down:

First — Dominance in the biggest moments
He emphasized that Michael Jordan went undefeated in the NBA Finals (6–0). No Game 7s. No slip-ups. When the lights were brightest, Jordan delivered every single time.

Second — Two-way greatness
Rose pointed out that Jordan wasn’t just an offensive killer—he was a Defensive Player of the Year. That means he dominated both ends of the floor, something very few superstars have ever truly done at that level.

Third — Cultural impact beyond the game
According to Rose, Jordan didn’t just play basketball—he changed the world. From globalizing the NBA to building the Air Jordan empire, his influence transcended sports and turned him into a global icon.

That answer alone had the room locked in.

Why This Event Mattered

 

 

 

This wasn’t just about showing up—it was about positioning.

KHALISEUM continues to prove that we belong in every room where culture, business, and media collide. While others attend events to watch, we attend to capture moments, create content, and build relationships that turn into real opportunities.

From exclusive interviews to boots-on-the-ground coverage, we’re not waiting for a seat at the table—we’re bringing our own table with us.

Tap In With KHALISEUM

If you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or brand looking to get seen, heard, and respected, this is your sign.

KHALISEUM is outside.
We’re active.
And we’re working.

Book your interview. Build your presence. Tell your story.

Lights. Camera. Khaliseum. 🎬🔥

On February 17, 2026, in the heart of Atlanta, The Khaliseum TV, Radio, & Podcast Network pulled up to the exclusive premiere of the new thriller from Two36 Films — She Likes to Watch. And let’s just say… the energy in the building? Different. 👀✨

Hosted by @PorcheMadre and with special guests like @nikko_london this wasn’t just a screening.
This was a cinematic experience.

Directed and brought to life by visionary creative @Robiiiworld, She Likes to Watch delivered suspense, intensity, and that edge-of-your-seat thriller vibe that keeps you looking over your shoulder on the way to your car.

Story & Directed By: @Robiiiworld
Screenplay By: @robiiiworld x @missmangokush
Producer: @trecelashae
Director of Photography: @ulikemyphotos
Executive Producers: @robiiiworld @trecelashae @fancytheactress @vee_amorrr
Editors: @reysosilly @robiiiworld
ADs: @ayecrzy @royaleechloe
PA: @_onlyjg

And the cast? Star-studded and ready. 🌟

Starring powerhouse talents like @stormimaya, @fancytheactress, @gng_gripp, @itsmssapphireee, @nadia_adelay, @hakimesley, @themichelellamb, Jirus Tillman, @conormarsh, @vee_amorrr, @realryebenwood, @michaeljames_presents, @triplejays_peachcobblertv, @whitedolemite, @kingleo574, @weezyy2x, @dominiquefoxtv, @whoisjustinejustine, @actress_sasha_love, @doseofmiina, @gorgeoustacarra, @jakkimua_theartist_, @prettyladyaction, @thealeahdaphne, jamaicannewyorker, @tays_beauty, @taemonique, and @shonrolling.

Makeup by @empressmakeup__ and @thealeahdaphne kept the glam flawless, while SFX Makeup by @nikki_terry77 added the thriller realism that had the audience shook.

From the red carpet flicks to the dimming theater lights, Khaliseum was in full media mode — capturing interviews, reactions, and those raw “did-you-see-that?!” moments after the credits rolled.

Atlanta creatives are not playing in 2026. The indie film scene is elevating, and @Two36 Films just stamped their name in the thriller lane.

If you missed the premiere, don’t miss the movement.
Join the cinematic wave and be among the first to experience She Likes to Watch.

#TheKhaliseum don’t just cover the culture.
We document history while it’s happening. 🎥🔥

For more photos & interviews from this event visit www.TheKhaliseum.com/eventphotos