In this episode of "Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.", the host interviews "Kentucky's Most Wanted Emcee" Jovan Sawson a.k.a. Big Vonno.

Dive into the world of Big Vonno, Kentucky's most wanted emcee and "Hip Hop's hidden gem." Known for his unique storytelling style, Big Vonno's lyrics paint a vivid picture of his life's journey—from his rise as an indie artist to navigating the streets. With an unmistakable voice capturing the attention of fans worldwide, Big Vonno is poised to leave an indelible mark on the hip-hop scene.

Song Spotlight: "Run it Up" "Run it Up" is more than just a track; it's a testament to the enduring friendship between Big Vonno and Vory, who have been close since 2014. Despite Vory’s successful collaborations with the likes of Kanye West, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled, and Drake, his bond with Big Vonno has remained unbroken. The song, which debuted at #6 on the iTunes Hip-Hop Songs Chart, captures their shared journey and long-awaited collaboration. Released on August 16, 2024, "Run it Up" merges Trap, Cloud Hop, and Emo Hip-Hop, highlighting Big Vonno’s signature narrative style. The track celebrates the strength of their friendship and marks a significant moment in Big Vonno’s rise in the music industry, delivering an authentic, powerful anthem that resonates deeply with listeners.

In this episode of Hub City Now with Tyrone Tony Reed Jr., the hosts interviews: Liliana Tschanett, Public Affairs Specialist, Field Operations Center – East, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience (ODR&R), U.S. Small Business Administration.

Tschanett was on the show to talk about disaster assistance offered by SBA in Tennessee in your area after the natural disaster that occurred from March 31 – April 1, 2023.

The disaster declaration covers Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton and Wayne counties in Tennessee, which are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA.

Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Bedford, Chester, Clay, Coffee, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, DeKalb, Fayette, Henderson, Hickman, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Madison, Marshall, Maury, Perry, Shelby, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Warren, Williamson and Wilson in Tennessee; Lauderdale, in Alabama; Crittenden and Mississippi in Arkansas; Allen and Monroe in Kentucky; and Alcorn, Benton, Tippah and Tishomingo in Mississippi.

What’s available:

Only Primary Counties, including Mobile in the declaration can apply for the following loans with SBA:

1.       Business Physical Disaster Loans – Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible. Max. loan 2 million dollars.

2.       Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. Residents that sustained physical damages need to register with FEMA first. Max. loan $200,000 for homeowners (primary residence) & $40,000 for personal property including renters.

The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage was June 6, 2023, but late applications are being accepted until Thursday, June 22,2023, in case you were unaware of the original deadline or the information about the loan.

For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any physical property damage.

All businesses and private non-profit organizations qualifying in primary counties (including Tipton and Haywood) and contiguous counties (including Shelby (Memphis), Lauderdale and Fayette) may apply with SBA for EIDL without any proof of physical damages.

1.       Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. Max. loan 2 million dollars.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is January 8, 2024.

SBA is operating since April 11, 2023 one Business Recovery Center to assist business owners and residents in filling out a disaster loan application and providing one-on-one help and program information. The center is operating as indicated below until further notice:

In this special episode of Hub City Now, host Tyrone Tony Reed Jr. interviews Saffron Lips, a R&B/soul/jazz duo featuring Stephanie Jae Park (currently Eliza Hamilton on the Philip Tour of Hamilton) and OBC original cast member and dance captain, Voltaire Wade-Greene.