Trent Fitzgerald (@BeatsandRants on X)
@trentfitzgerald.bsky.social
Music Journalist / Sneaker Addict / Blogger
Another day, another rap list. I have mixed feelings about this list.
Lil Kim's "Hard Core" album cover is No. 1?!? Hmmm? 🤔
I'm very upset that Public Enemy's "It Takes a Nation of Millions...." album artwork is not on this list. It should be No. 1 in my opinion. It's the gold standard.
Lil Kim's "Hard Core" album cover is No. 1?!? Hmmm? 🤔
I'm very upset that Public Enemy's "It Takes a Nation of Millions...." album artwork is not on this list. It should be No. 1 in my opinion. It's the gold standard.
The 50 Best Hip-Hop Album Covers of All-Time - Billboard.com
www.billboard.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Another day, another rap list. I have mixed feelings about this list.
Lil Kim's "Hard Core" album cover is No. 1?!? Hmmm? 🤔
I'm very upset that Public Enemy's "It Takes a Nation of Millions...." album artwork is not on this list. It should be No. 1 in my opinion. It's the gold standard.
Lil Kim's "Hard Core" album cover is No. 1?!? Hmmm? 🤔
I'm very upset that Public Enemy's "It Takes a Nation of Millions...." album artwork is not on this list. It should be No. 1 in my opinion. It's the gold standard.
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, the original rude bwoy, has passed away at age 81. 🙏🏾 🕊️
His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced the sad news on Cliff's Instagram page. Read below.
Jimmy Cliff was the face and voice of reggae music.
Read Billboard's tribute here >> www.billboard.com/music/music-...
His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced the sad news on Cliff's Instagram page. Read below.
Jimmy Cliff was the face and voice of reggae music.
Read Billboard's tribute here >> www.billboard.com/music/music-...
November 24, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, the original rude bwoy, has passed away at age 81. 🙏🏾 🕊️
His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced the sad news on Cliff's Instagram page. Read below.
Jimmy Cliff was the face and voice of reggae music.
Read Billboard's tribute here >> www.billboard.com/music/music-...
His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced the sad news on Cliff's Instagram page. Read below.
Jimmy Cliff was the face and voice of reggae music.
Read Billboard's tribute here >> www.billboard.com/music/music-...
My top 5 strip club anthems:
Juicy J - "Bandz A Make Her Dance"
Tyga - "Rack City"
Future - "Wicked"
2 Live Crew - "Pop tha Coochie" (I have to salute the OGs of strip club music)
Lil Jon - "Get Low"
Runner ups: Travis Scott/Drake - "Sicko Mode"
What are your top 5 strip club anthems?
Juicy J - "Bandz A Make Her Dance"
Tyga - "Rack City"
Future - "Wicked"
2 Live Crew - "Pop tha Coochie" (I have to salute the OGs of strip club music)
Lil Jon - "Get Low"
Runner ups: Travis Scott/Drake - "Sicko Mode"
What are your top 5 strip club anthems?
[IVIDEO] Dave East and DreamDoll Go Head to Head on the Best Strip Club Anthems of All Time | Billboard Unfiltered - Billboard.com
www.billboard.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
My top 5 strip club anthems:
Juicy J - "Bandz A Make Her Dance"
Tyga - "Rack City"
Future - "Wicked"
2 Live Crew - "Pop tha Coochie" (I have to salute the OGs of strip club music)
Lil Jon - "Get Low"
Runner ups: Travis Scott/Drake - "Sicko Mode"
What are your top 5 strip club anthems?
Juicy J - "Bandz A Make Her Dance"
Tyga - "Rack City"
Future - "Wicked"
2 Live Crew - "Pop tha Coochie" (I have to salute the OGs of strip club music)
Lil Jon - "Get Low"
Runner ups: Travis Scott/Drake - "Sicko Mode"
What are your top 5 strip club anthems?
Great news! And it's well deserved.
Hopefully, in 2026, Eddie will get an honorary Oscar for his lifetime of achievement in film.
Hopefully, in 2026, Eddie will get an honorary Oscar for his lifetime of achievement in film.
Eddie Murphy to Be Honored With AFI Life Achievement Award - Variety.com
Eddie Murphy is set to be honored with the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award in April.
variety.com
November 22, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Great news! And it's well deserved.
Hopefully, in 2026, Eddie will get an honorary Oscar for his lifetime of achievement in film.
Hopefully, in 2026, Eddie will get an honorary Oscar for his lifetime of achievement in film.
Twenty-five years ago today, on November 14, 2000, Musiq Soulchild released his debut album, Aijuswanaseing, a masterful collection of love ballads that defined the neo-soul movement. This is a great article that features some thoughtful critiques on the songs and the album's impact on R&B music.
2000 Rewind: Remember Musiq Soulchild's Aijuswanaseing - Soulinstereo.com
soulinstereo.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Twenty-five years ago today, on November 14, 2000, Musiq Soulchild released his debut album, Aijuswanaseing, a masterful collection of love ballads that defined the neo-soul movement. This is a great article that features some thoughtful critiques on the songs and the album's impact on R&B music.
"The music's quality or durability is secondary to its ephemeral impact; the goal is a clickability for the ears. The music might be forgettable, but that doesn't matter if listeners never play it more than once—and they probably won't, because it doesn’t have much weight beyond novelty..."
That New Hit Song on Spotify? It Was Made by A.I.
Aspiring musicians are churning out tracks using generative artificial intelligence. Some are topping the charts.
www.newyorker.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:59 PM
"The music's quality or durability is secondary to its ephemeral impact; the goal is a clickability for the ears. The music might be forgettable, but that doesn't matter if listeners never play it more than once—and they probably won't, because it doesn’t have much weight beyond novelty..."
Erick Sermon's new project, Dynamic Duos Vol. 1 — featuring collaborative pairings like Method Man and Redman, Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg, Conway the Machine and The Game, and more, arrives on Nov. 21.
Interview: Erick Sermon Is Back to Business - Spin.com
www.spin.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Erick Sermon's new project, Dynamic Duos Vol. 1 — featuring collaborative pairings like Method Man and Redman, Snoop Dogg and Nate Dogg, Conway the Machine and The Game, and more, arrives on Nov. 21.
Questlove revealed that a posthumous album from late R&B icon D'Angelo is currently in the works during a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame interview.
Questlove Teases Posthumous D’Angelo Album: 'You'll See Soon' - Vibe.com
www.vibe.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Questlove revealed that a posthumous album from late R&B icon D'Angelo is currently in the works during a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame interview.
a classic album ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jungle Brothers released their debut album ‘Straight Out the Jungle’ 37 years ago on November 8, 1988 | Listen to the album + revisit our tribute here: album.ink/JBsSOTJ
November 8, 2025 at 4:44 PM
a classic album ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2025 Grammy nominations have been announced.
Rooting for Clipse and K-Dot.
Kehlani should win Best R&B Performance for "Folded."
Rooting for Clipse and K-Dot.
Kehlani should win Best R&B Performance for "Folded."
Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny Lead 2026 Grammy Nominees - NYTimes.com
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 4:58 PM
2025 Grammy nominations have been announced.
Rooting for Clipse and K-Dot.
Kehlani should win Best R&B Performance for "Folded."
Rooting for Clipse and K-Dot.
Kehlani should win Best R&B Performance for "Folded."
This is the future of the music industry. It's very disappointing. It clearly shows record labels are looking to replace human artists with AI.
Gayle King throws a little shade at her during the interview. Gayle ain't with it. 😆
Gayle King throws a little shade at her during the interview. Gayle ain't with it. 😆
Meet the Woman Behind Chart-topping AI Artist Xania Monet: 'I Look at Her as a Real Person' - cbsnews.com
www.cbsnews.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:59 PM
This is the future of the music industry. It's very disappointing. It clearly shows record labels are looking to replace human artists with AI.
Gayle King throws a little shade at her during the interview. Gayle ain't with it. 😆
Gayle King throws a little shade at her during the interview. Gayle ain't with it. 😆
Is anyone up for a 'Training Day' reboot in 2026? 🤔
Actor Timothée Chalamet "seemingly joked" that he would like to remake the film with him as Officer Jake Hoyt and NBA star Anthony Edwards playing Denzel's corrupt cop role.
The writer believes a Training Day reboot would work in today’s times.
Actor Timothée Chalamet "seemingly joked" that he would like to remake the film with him as Officer Jake Hoyt and NBA star Anthony Edwards playing Denzel's corrupt cop role.
The writer believes a Training Day reboot would work in today’s times.
Why 'Training Day' Still Hits in 2025 - Nofilmschool.com
nofilmschool.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:22 PM
Is anyone up for a 'Training Day' reboot in 2026? 🤔
Actor Timothée Chalamet "seemingly joked" that he would like to remake the film with him as Officer Jake Hoyt and NBA star Anthony Edwards playing Denzel's corrupt cop role.
The writer believes a Training Day reboot would work in today’s times.
Actor Timothée Chalamet "seemingly joked" that he would like to remake the film with him as Officer Jake Hoyt and NBA star Anthony Edwards playing Denzel's corrupt cop role.
The writer believes a Training Day reboot would work in today’s times.
"He was talking to me about my music. He was like, 'Yo, I really love 'What Ya Want.'" And I was just like, 'This is insane. Like, what are you talking about? How do you even know this?'"
He's Prince. He knows everything.
Dope article.
#hiphop #rap #music #musicnews #journalism
He's Prince. He knows everything.
Dope article.
#hiphop #rap #music #musicnews #journalism
Eve Remembers The Shock Of Getting A Call From Prince Early In Her Career - Huffpost.com
www.huffpost.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:45 PM
"He was talking to me about my music. He was like, 'Yo, I really love 'What Ya Want.'" And I was just like, 'This is insane. Like, what are you talking about? How do you even know this?'"
He's Prince. He knows everything.
Dope article.
#hiphop #rap #music #musicnews #journalism
He's Prince. He knows everything.
Dope article.
#hiphop #rap #music #musicnews #journalism
"Two days after Rolling Stone sent Russell Simmons questions for this article, a lawyer for three of the accusers told Rolling Stone: 'The matter has been resolved,' but declined to provide any additional details. Russell Simmons, through one of his attorneys, declined to comment."
Russell Simmons Owed Millions to His Accusers. Have They Finally Found Justice? - RollingStone.com
www.rollingstone.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:41 PM
"Two days after Rolling Stone sent Russell Simmons questions for this article, a lawyer for three of the accusers told Rolling Stone: 'The matter has been resolved,' but declined to provide any additional details. Russell Simmons, through one of his attorneys, declined to comment."
Y'all have probably seen Questlove's tribute to D'Angelo. But it's a bittersweet remembrance of a Black genius.
On a more somber note: D'Angelo's funeral is on Saturday (Nov. 1) in Richmond, Va. It will be a sad day for Black music.
Thank you, D' Angelo! 🪽 🌹
On a more somber note: D'Angelo's funeral is on Saturday (Nov. 1) in Richmond, Va. It will be a sad day for Black music.
Thank you, D' Angelo! 🪽 🌹
The Burial of Black Genius (a.k.a. D'Angelo Lives!) - RollingStone.com
Questlove honors his friend and collaborator D'Angelo: "He was one of the last pure artists in Black music.”
www.rollingstone.com
October 31, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Y'all have probably seen Questlove's tribute to D'Angelo. But it's a bittersweet remembrance of a Black genius.
On a more somber note: D'Angelo's funeral is on Saturday (Nov. 1) in Richmond, Va. It will be a sad day for Black music.
Thank you, D' Angelo! 🪽 🌹
On a more somber note: D'Angelo's funeral is on Saturday (Nov. 1) in Richmond, Va. It will be a sad day for Black music.
Thank you, D' Angelo! 🪽 🌹
An icon in Philadelphia radio, I gained my knowledge in rock music through his radio show on WMMR. He loved rock music to the fullest. On his show, Pierre would often tell origin stories of classic rock songs. He wasn't just a disc jockey, he was a historian.
Rest easy, Pierre Robert. 🙏🏾 🕊️ 🌹
Rest easy, Pierre Robert. 🙏🏾 🕊️ 🌹
Pierre Robert, Philadelphia's Voice of Rock Radio, Dead at 70 - RollingStone.com
www.rollingstone.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:36 AM
An icon in Philadelphia radio, I gained my knowledge in rock music through his radio show on WMMR. He loved rock music to the fullest. On his show, Pierre would often tell origin stories of classic rock songs. He wasn't just a disc jockey, he was a historian.
Rest easy, Pierre Robert. 🙏🏾 🕊️ 🌹
Rest easy, Pierre Robert. 🙏🏾 🕊️ 🌹
Setlist.fm is a great resource for information on what songs artists performed at a show. I used it frequently when covering The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar on their past tour runs.
The Website Reshaping Live Music, One Set List at a Time - NYTimes
On Setlist.fm, users track what songs artists play at concerts (and more). The availability of so much data has changed the ways musicians and fans experience shows.
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Setlist.fm is a great resource for information on what songs artists performed at a show. I used it frequently when covering The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar on their past tour runs.
"Whenever you have big book events in the city, they’re not at Black bookstores and they’re not in Black neighborhoods, so I really wanted to bring that to Bed Stuy [Brooklyn, N.Y]. People should expect all of their writing heroes," Nikole Hannah-Jones told Brownstoner.com.
Pulitzer-winning Journalist to Open Bookstore, Bar in Former Macon Hardware Digs - Brownstoner.com
www.brownstoner.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:08 PM
"Whenever you have big book events in the city, they’re not at Black bookstores and they’re not in Black neighborhoods, so I really wanted to bring that to Bed Stuy [Brooklyn, N.Y]. People should expect all of their writing heroes," Nikole Hannah-Jones told Brownstoner.com.
For Rolling Stone magazine's Musicians on Musicians issue, hip-hop lyricists Black Thought of The Roots and Redman sit down for an extensive interview about lyricism, fatherhood, longevity and what they have learned through their storied rap careers.
#hiphop #rap #journalism #music #musicnews
#hiphop #rap #journalism #music #musicnews
Black Thought and Redman: A Lyrical Summit Between Two Legendary MCs - RollingStone.com
www.rollingstone.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:45 PM
For Rolling Stone magazine's Musicians on Musicians issue, hip-hop lyricists Black Thought of The Roots and Redman sit down for an extensive interview about lyricism, fatherhood, longevity and what they have learned through their storied rap careers.
#hiphop #rap #journalism #music #musicnews
#hiphop #rap #journalism #music #musicnews
In the book, there's a "Brenda's Got a Baby" story about the real-life Brenda reuniting with her long-lost son (now a grown man) that she abandoned when he was a baby. Crazy.
'Everything in Our Lives Was Traumatic': Tupac Shakur's Early Years in Baltimore - RollingStone.com
www.rollingstone.com
October 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM
In the book, there's a "Brenda's Got a Baby" story about the real-life Brenda reuniting with her long-lost son (now a grown man) that she abandoned when he was a baby. Crazy.
😔 Thank you, D'Angelo. 💐
How D’Angelo Made His Masterpiece, ‘Voodoo’ - NYTimes.com
www.nytimes.com
October 15, 2025 at 3:13 PM
😔 Thank you, D'Angelo. 💐
I'm totally devastated by this sad news. D'Angelo ushered in a new sound and swag to R&B and stayed true to his musical soul. He never followed trends and delivered an amalgam of funk and soul music that uplifted us as a people.
A music giant. Rest melodically, D'Angelo. And thank you. 🙏🏾 🎼 🎸 🪽
A music giant. Rest melodically, D'Angelo. And thank you. 🙏🏾 🎼 🎸 🪽
D’Angelo, Neo-Soul Pioneer and 'Untitled (How Does It Feel)' Singer, Dies From Pancreatic Cancer at 51 - Variety
variety.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:59 PM
I'm totally devastated by this sad news. D'Angelo ushered in a new sound and swag to R&B and stayed true to his musical soul. He never followed trends and delivered an amalgam of funk and soul music that uplifted us as a people.
A music giant. Rest melodically, D'Angelo. And thank you. 🙏🏾 🎼 🎸 🪽
A music giant. Rest melodically, D'Angelo. And thank you. 🙏🏾 🎼 🎸 🪽
This is great news! >>
"We want to open it up as a cultural landmark for creative and artists of all types, for seekers of musical and spiritual knowledge, and for those just looking to be inspired." - John Coltrane's son, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane
#jazz #music #history #journalism #culture
"We want to open it up as a cultural landmark for creative and artists of all types, for seekers of musical and spiritual knowledge, and for those just looking to be inspired." - John Coltrane's son, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane
#jazz #music #history #journalism #culture
John Coltrane's Endangered Philadelphia Home Is Finally Being Restored and Revitalized - Inquirer
www.inquirer.com
October 14, 2025 at 1:39 PM
This is great news! >>
"We want to open it up as a cultural landmark for creative and artists of all types, for seekers of musical and spiritual knowledge, and for those just looking to be inspired." - John Coltrane's son, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane
#jazz #music #history #journalism #culture
"We want to open it up as a cultural landmark for creative and artists of all types, for seekers of musical and spiritual knowledge, and for those just looking to be inspired." - John Coltrane's son, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane
#jazz #music #history #journalism #culture
back w my first Pitchfork review in over a year! wrote about Mobb Deep’s Infinite, which is a well-put together posthumous album and a reminder of Havoc and Prodigy’s inimitable chemistry that’s also just kinda…fine? lots to unpack
Mobb Deep: Infinite
Read Dylan Green’s review of the album.
pitchfork.com
October 9, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Here's another list.
Missy Elliott deserves all the accolades. So "Get Ur Freak On" being at No. 1 - 👏🏾
But I would have picked "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." The song (and Hype Williams' eye-popping video) changed the game both lyrically and sonically.
So many great songs, 250 slots is not enough.
Missy Elliott deserves all the accolades. So "Get Ur Freak On" being at No. 1 - 👏🏾
But I would have picked "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." The song (and Hype Williams' eye-popping video) changed the game both lyrically and sonically.
So many great songs, 250 slots is not enough.
The 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far - RollingStone.com
www.rollingstone.com
October 8, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Here's another list.
Missy Elliott deserves all the accolades. So "Get Ur Freak On" being at No. 1 - 👏🏾
But I would have picked "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." The song (and Hype Williams' eye-popping video) changed the game both lyrically and sonically.
So many great songs, 250 slots is not enough.
Missy Elliott deserves all the accolades. So "Get Ur Freak On" being at No. 1 - 👏🏾
But I would have picked "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." The song (and Hype Williams' eye-popping video) changed the game both lyrically and sonically.
So many great songs, 250 slots is not enough.