No one from XXL would ask you for money to write an article to be published. If you're here because someone using an Instagram account is asking you for money, it's a scam. Here are the fake accounts on Instagram impersonating Trent Fitzgerald and asking artists for money: https://www.instagram.com/trent._.fitzgerald/ https://www.instagram.com/trent_fitzgererald1248/ https://www.instagram.com/trent.fitzgerald___/ https://www.instagram.com/trent_fitzgerald_blog_inc_/ https://www.instagram.com/trent_the_creator998/ Trent Fitzgerald is a New Jersey-based freelance writer who is obsessed with hip-hop and pop culture. Currently, he's a music writer for XXL. When he's not writing about your favorite rapper, he's copping sneakers and blogging on his personal rap blog, BeatsandRants.com. He also goes tumbling at beatsnrants.tumblr.com. When it's all said and done, he strives for good music and journalism excellence. Follow him on twitter @BeatsandRants.
Trent Fitzgerald
A$AP Rocky’s Father Passes Away
Sad news to report in the hip-hop community. A$AP Rocky's father passed away. The Harlem rhyme-spitter confirmed the sad news on his Twitter feed today (Dec. 26) with a picture of his late dad.
Cee Lo Green Getting Healthy with eDiets Partnership
Cee Lo Green is a huge star both literally and figuratively. So the former 'Voice' judge is getting on the health kick in 2013 with his new partnership with eDiets. "My goal for #2013 is to make #health a habit -- who's gonna join me?" tweeted the crooner.
Game and Tyga Celebrate Christmas with Families in Compton
Christmas came early for families living in Compton, Calif. Hometown rappers Game and Tyga visited their old neighborhood on Friday (Dec. 21) bearing gifts and toys for children as part of their annual toy drive. Game shared several photos of the event on his Instagram page.
Watch Big Boi Perform ‘Lines’ with A$AP Rocky and Phantogram
If you haven't copped Big Boi's excellent 'Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors' album, then what are you waiting for? One of the LP's standout tracks is 'Lines,' which features A$AP Rocky and Phantogram. Big Boi released a live music video for the song, and it's awesome.
Drake Wants Nightclub Lawsuit Dismissed
Drake made headlines this year when he got into a champagne-throwing brawl with Chris Brown at New York hotspot W.i.P. The club owners eventually filed a $16 million lawsuit against the crooners for the damages they have caused. Now Drake wants a judge to dismiss the owners' lawsuit.
A$AP Rocky Premieres Gothic and Gaudy ‘Long Live A$AP’ Video
A$AP Rocky gives fans an early Christmas present with the release of his new video for the title track, 'Long Live A$AP.' The clip takes viewers into the dreams of the Harlem rapper with plenty of visuals that might leave you scratching your head.
Nicki Minaj Hosting Christmas Concert With Hot 97 Following Summer Jam Feud
Well, looky here. After her summer feud with Hot 97, it appears that Nicki Minaj and the New York radio station have settled their beef for the holiday season. Gothamist is reporting that Nicki Minaj is hosting a "Christmas Extravaganza" event that's being presented by Hot 97 and held on Christmas Day at Webster Hall in New York City.
A$AP Rocky Enlists Kendrick Lamar, Joey BadA$$,Yelawolf + More on ‘1 Train’ Track
A$AP Rocky grabs seven of the hottest emcees in the game for the biggest posse track we have ever heard in 2012. The banging '1 Train' features Kendrick Lamar, Joey BadA$$, Yelawolf, Danny Brown, Action Bronson and King B.R.I.T. Whoa!
Lil Wayne Reportedly Involved in Brawl at Power 106’s ‘Cali Christmas’ Concert
Lil Wayne reportedly was involved in a major brawl after performing at Power 106's 'Cali Christmas Show' last Friday (Dec. 14) in Los Angeles. According to Hollyscoop, Weezy got into a fight with an unidentified person backstage at the concert for some unknown reason.
2 Chainz Performs ‘I’m Different’ on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
Rapper 2 Chainz was everywhere in 2012. In the past year alone he appeared on 40 songs, which makes him quite different from other artists. So on the Dec. 17 episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!,' 2 Chainz performed his latest single, 'I'm Different.'
Odd Future Possibly Facing Lawsuit After Fan Beatdown
We haven't heard anything crazy from Odd Future this year, so it's kind of odd that the group has remain relatively quiet in 2012. That is, until last week. According to TMZ, a fan is preparing to sue Odd Future for a recent assault at their concert.
Kanye West in a Career Slump Because of Kim Kardashian?
Has Kanye West lost his mojo? According to New York Daily News, the mercurial producer is losing his star status because of his boo Kim Kardashian. The newspaper asserts that Yeezy's popularity has become tainted ever since he hooked up with the celebrity debutante.