Trent Fitzgerald (@BeatsandRants on X)
@trentfitzgerald.bsky.social
Music Journalist / Sneaker Addict / Blogger
After years of turmoil, fights and legal battles, it looks like Salt-N-Pepa is working their way back to the stage and maybe consider making a final album to close out their illustrious career.
"A new album would be a great way to wrap up a great career, put a pink bow on it," says Salt.
"A new album would be a great way to wrap up a great career, put a pink bow on it," says Salt.
The Many Battles of Salt-N-Pepa - Rollingstone.com
Salt-N-Pepa were one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, but the infighting among the members almost tore them apart.
www.rollingstone.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:09 PM
After years of turmoil, fights and legal battles, it looks like Salt-N-Pepa is working their way back to the stage and maybe consider making a final album to close out their illustrious career.
"A new album would be a great way to wrap up a great career, put a pink bow on it," says Salt.
"A new album would be a great way to wrap up a great career, put a pink bow on it," says Salt.
50 Cent is the King of Trolling. 😆
50 Cent Hilariously Trolls Diddy and Ja Rule in DoorDash Commercial - XXLMag.com
Watch here.
www.xxlmag.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:45 AM
50 Cent is the King of Trolling. 😆
We are hours away from hearing J. Cole's eighth and final music project.
Cole describes his double-disc concept as "full circle" from being a rap newbie with his 2007 mixtape, The Come Up, to now a much wiser artist who is reaching near peace with his life.
Cole describes his double-disc concept as "full circle" from being a rap newbie with his 2007 mixtape, The Come Up, to now a much wiser artist who is reaching near peace with his life.
J. Cole Drops The Fall-Off Tracklist, Breaks Down the Meaning Behind Double-Disc Concept - XXLMag.com
Details here.
www.xxlmag.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:07 PM
We are hours away from hearing J. Cole's eighth and final music project.
Cole describes his double-disc concept as "full circle" from being a rap newbie with his 2007 mixtape, The Come Up, to now a much wiser artist who is reaching near peace with his life.
Cole describes his double-disc concept as "full circle" from being a rap newbie with his 2007 mixtape, The Come Up, to now a much wiser artist who is reaching near peace with his life.
It's Official: Kehlani is a two-time Grammy Award winner.
The 30-year-old singer won for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance for "Folded."
Kehlani accepted her trophies at the Pre-Grammy Awards ceremony.
Congrats!
The 30-year-old singer won for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance for "Folded."
Kehlani accepted her trophies at the Pre-Grammy Awards ceremony.
Congrats!
February 1, 2026 at 9:54 PM
It's Official: Kehlani is a two-time Grammy Award winner.
The 30-year-old singer won for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance for "Folded."
Kehlani accepted her trophies at the Pre-Grammy Awards ceremony.
Congrats!
The 30-year-old singer won for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Vocal Performance for "Folded."
Kehlani accepted her trophies at the Pre-Grammy Awards ceremony.
Congrats!
Rest In Beats, Mike Watts! 🙏🏾 🌹
Tammie Watts, the wife of the Houston legend who helped propel the Chopped and Screwed music scene, has released a statement on his passing. You can see it below. ⬇️
Michael Watts is mourned by his wife, five children, and two grandchildren.
Tammie Watts, the wife of the Houston legend who helped propel the Chopped and Screwed music scene, has released a statement on his passing. You can see it below. ⬇️
Michael Watts is mourned by his wife, five children, and two grandchildren.
January 31, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Rest In Beats, Mike Watts! 🙏🏾 🌹
Tammie Watts, the wife of the Houston legend who helped propel the Chopped and Screwed music scene, has released a statement on his passing. You can see it below. ⬇️
Michael Watts is mourned by his wife, five children, and two grandchildren.
Tammie Watts, the wife of the Houston legend who helped propel the Chopped and Screwed music scene, has released a statement on his passing. You can see it below. ⬇️
Michael Watts is mourned by his wife, five children, and two grandchildren.
Rest In Beats, Michael "5000" Watts. 🙏🏾 🕊️
Houston is in mourning right now. 😔
Thank you for uplifting the Houston rap scene and giving us the slab classic, "Still Tippin'."
Your musical legacy will live on forever!
Houston is in mourning right now. 😔
Thank you for uplifting the Houston rap scene and giving us the slab classic, "Still Tippin'."
Your musical legacy will live on forever!
Houston Rap Legend Michael '5000' Watts Dies at 52 - Houstonchronicle.com
www.houstonchronicle.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:02 AM
Rest In Beats, Michael "5000" Watts. 🙏🏾 🕊️
Houston is in mourning right now. 😔
Thank you for uplifting the Houston rap scene and giving us the slab classic, "Still Tippin'."
Your musical legacy will live on forever!
Houston is in mourning right now. 😔
Thank you for uplifting the Houston rap scene and giving us the slab classic, "Still Tippin'."
Your musical legacy will live on forever!
Prayers up for Michael "5000" Watts! 🙏🏾
The founder of Swishahouse Records is currently hospitalized with undisclosed illnesses. Watts' wife, Tammie, told Fox 26 Houston, that he is recovering and is appreciative of the love and support that have received so far.
Let's keep Michael in our prayers.
The founder of Swishahouse Records is currently hospitalized with undisclosed illnesses. Watts' wife, Tammie, told Fox 26 Houston, that he is recovering and is appreciative of the love and support that have received so far.
Let's keep Michael in our prayers.
[VIDEO] DJ Michael "5000" Watts in the Hospital Facing 'Tremendous Health Issues' - Fox26houston.com
www.fox26houston.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Prayers up for Michael "5000" Watts! 🙏🏾
The founder of Swishahouse Records is currently hospitalized with undisclosed illnesses. Watts' wife, Tammie, told Fox 26 Houston, that he is recovering and is appreciative of the love and support that have received so far.
Let's keep Michael in our prayers.
The founder of Swishahouse Records is currently hospitalized with undisclosed illnesses. Watts' wife, Tammie, told Fox 26 Houston, that he is recovering and is appreciative of the love and support that have received so far.
Let's keep Michael in our prayers.
Hopefully, she won't be late for the performance. DOH! I'm kidding!
This should go well. Although I would probably grab Leon Thomas and Thundercat for a "Lady" medley and Erykah Badu for a "Really Love" rendition. Questlove on drums for both.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 1 at 8PM on CBS.
This should go well. Although I would probably grab Leon Thomas and Thundercat for a "Lady" medley and Erykah Badu for a "Really Love" rendition. Questlove on drums for both.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 1 at 8PM on CBS.
Lauryn Hill Will Lead Grammy Tribute to Roberta Flack and D’Angelo - NYTimes.com
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:28 PM
Hopefully, she won't be late for the performance. DOH! I'm kidding!
This should go well. Although I would probably grab Leon Thomas and Thundercat for a "Lady" medley and Erykah Badu for a "Really Love" rendition. Questlove on drums for both.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 1 at 8PM on CBS.
This should go well. Although I would probably grab Leon Thomas and Thundercat for a "Lady" medley and Erykah Badu for a "Really Love" rendition. Questlove on drums for both.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will air Feb. 1 at 8PM on CBS.
Do you know the books behind these Oscar-winning films? With the Academy Award nominations announced last week, test your knowledge with our new quiz.
Try This Quiz on Oscar-Winning Adaptations of Popular Books
As you consider last week’s nominations for the Academy Awards, test your knowledge of works that inspired previous winners with this short quiz.
nyti.ms
January 26, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Rest In Beats to Sly Dunbar. 🙏🏿
Some of your favorite riddims in reggae/dancehall (i.e., "Murder She Wrote") were created by this man and his producer partner-in-crime, the late Robbie Shakespeare.
I know they are jamming together in heaven. 🪽🪽
Thank you, Sly and Robbie. 🌹
Some of your favorite riddims in reggae/dancehall (i.e., "Murder She Wrote") were created by this man and his producer partner-in-crime, the late Robbie Shakespeare.
I know they are jamming together in heaven. 🪽🪽
Thank you, Sly and Robbie. 🌹
Legendary Drummer-Producer Sly Dunbar Dies at 73 - Jamaicaobserver.com
www.jamaicaobserver.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Rest In Beats to Sly Dunbar. 🙏🏿
Some of your favorite riddims in reggae/dancehall (i.e., "Murder She Wrote") were created by this man and his producer partner-in-crime, the late Robbie Shakespeare.
I know they are jamming together in heaven. 🪽🪽
Thank you, Sly and Robbie. 🌹
Some of your favorite riddims in reggae/dancehall (i.e., "Murder She Wrote") were created by this man and his producer partner-in-crime, the late Robbie Shakespeare.
I know they are jamming together in heaven. 🪽🪽
Thank you, Sly and Robbie. 🌹
One of Tupac Shakur's earliest original recordings—From his pre-fame rap group Born Busy—is up for auction via Wax Poetics.
Tupac's fellow Born Busy group member Ge-ology is offering original lyrics, old photos and a signed graduation banner from his personal archive.
The auction ends Feb. 11.
Tupac's fellow Born Busy group member Ge-ology is offering original lyrics, old photos and a signed graduation banner from his personal archive.
The auction ends Feb. 11.
Tupac Shakur Grails Items Hip-Hop History - Waxpoetics.com
waxpoetics.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:33 PM
One of Tupac Shakur's earliest original recordings—From his pre-fame rap group Born Busy—is up for auction via Wax Poetics.
Tupac's fellow Born Busy group member Ge-ology is offering original lyrics, old photos and a signed graduation banner from his personal archive.
The auction ends Feb. 11.
Tupac's fellow Born Busy group member Ge-ology is offering original lyrics, old photos and a signed graduation banner from his personal archive.
The auction ends Feb. 11.
The champ is here!
USPS reportedly printed up 22 million of the collectible Muhammad Ali stamps.
Also, as part of the collection, there's also a Muhammad Ali Field Notes® notebooks, Ali envelopes, a commemorative Ali stamp enamel pin and more.
USPS reportedly printed up 22 million of the collectible Muhammad Ali stamps.
Also, as part of the collection, there's also a Muhammad Ali Field Notes® notebooks, Ali envelopes, a commemorative Ali stamp enamel pin and more.
'The Greatest' Now Has His Own Stamp Available for Purchase – USPS Employee News
news.usps.com
January 19, 2026 at 2:22 PM
The champ is here!
USPS reportedly printed up 22 million of the collectible Muhammad Ali stamps.
Also, as part of the collection, there's also a Muhammad Ali Field Notes® notebooks, Ali envelopes, a commemorative Ali stamp enamel pin and more.
USPS reportedly printed up 22 million of the collectible Muhammad Ali stamps.
Also, as part of the collection, there's also a Muhammad Ali Field Notes® notebooks, Ali envelopes, a commemorative Ali stamp enamel pin and more.
John Singleton's trifecta of South Central-based films—Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice and Baby Boy—are joining the Criterion Collection Titles in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray in April.
John Singleton's Hood Trilogy of Films Joins Criterion Collection in April - Criterion.com
www.criterion.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:12 PM
John Singleton's trifecta of South Central-based films—Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice and Baby Boy—are joining the Criterion Collection Titles in 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray in April.
Whoa! I'm shocked by this news.
John Forte was a very talented musician as part of the Refugee Camp All-Stars collective who appeared on Wyclef Jean's 1997 debut album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival.
Man...50 years old. He was so young. 😔
Rest in power, John Forté. And thank you. 🙏🏾 🕊️
John Forte was a very talented musician as part of the Refugee Camp All-Stars collective who appeared on Wyclef Jean's 1997 debut album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival.
Man...50 years old. He was so young. 😔
Rest in power, John Forté. And thank you. 🙏🏾 🕊️
Fugees Collaborator John Forté Dies At 50 Years Old - Complex.com
www.complex.com
January 13, 2026 at 11:09 PM
Whoa! I'm shocked by this news.
John Forte was a very talented musician as part of the Refugee Camp All-Stars collective who appeared on Wyclef Jean's 1997 debut album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival.
Man...50 years old. He was so young. 😔
Rest in power, John Forté. And thank you. 🙏🏾 🕊️
John Forte was a very talented musician as part of the Refugee Camp All-Stars collective who appeared on Wyclef Jean's 1997 debut album, Wyclef Jean Presents The Carnival.
Man...50 years old. He was so young. 😔
Rest in power, John Forté. And thank you. 🙏🏾 🕊️
Tupac Shakur and his family relocated from the Bronx, N.Y., to Baltimore in November 1985 when he was just 14 years old. The late rapper attended middle and high school in Baltimore before eventually moving to Marin City, California, in 1988.
Tupac Shakur Orioles bobblehead to debut against Athletics
The legendary musician lived in Baltimore from 1984-88 and studied acting and poetry at the Baltimore School of the Arts.
www.espn.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Tupac Shakur and his family relocated from the Bronx, N.Y., to Baltimore in November 1985 when he was just 14 years old. The late rapper attended middle and high school in Baltimore before eventually moving to Marin City, California, in 1988.
Wow. This is a big loss in the world of hip-hop journalism.
James Bernard was a great journalist and the human blueprint that inspired me and so many writers to become hip-hop journalists.
In short, James Bernard walked, so other hip-hop journalists could run.
Rest well, James. And thank you. 🙏🏾
James Bernard was a great journalist and the human blueprint that inspired me and so many writers to become hip-hop journalists.
In short, James Bernard walked, so other hip-hop journalists could run.
Rest well, James. And thank you. 🙏🏾
James Bernard, founding editor of 'The Source' and co-founder of 'XXL,' dies
James Bernard, a pioneering hip-hop journalist who co-founded influential magazines The Source and XXL, has died
thegrio.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Wow. This is a big loss in the world of hip-hop journalism.
James Bernard was a great journalist and the human blueprint that inspired me and so many writers to become hip-hop journalists.
In short, James Bernard walked, so other hip-hop journalists could run.
Rest well, James. And thank you. 🙏🏾
James Bernard was a great journalist and the human blueprint that inspired me and so many writers to become hip-hop journalists.
In short, James Bernard walked, so other hip-hop journalists could run.
Rest well, James. And thank you. 🙏🏾
Now this is a cool movie club. Denzel has so many great films. There's lots to talk about.
This Wednesday (Jan. 7) is "Devil in a Blue Dress." Live tweeting will start at 8:30 p.m. ET on X.
This Wednesday (Jan. 7) is "Devil in a Blue Dress." Live tweeting will start at 8:30 p.m. ET on X.
What is #Cinemzel26? A Denzel Washington Virtual Film Club Is Here - Usatoday.com
The club will live tweet a different Denzel Washington film every Wednesday on X.
www.usatoday.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Now this is a cool movie club. Denzel has so many great films. There's lots to talk about.
This Wednesday (Jan. 7) is "Devil in a Blue Dress." Live tweeting will start at 8:30 p.m. ET on X.
This Wednesday (Jan. 7) is "Devil in a Blue Dress." Live tweeting will start at 8:30 p.m. ET on X.
2025 was not my best year — a lot of downs than ups — but I learned a lot about myself and what I have to do to find happiness and prosperity.
Here's to a better 2026...with, hopefully, full-time employment.
Cheers! Happy New Year! 🥂
Here's to a better 2026...with, hopefully, full-time employment.
Cheers! Happy New Year! 🥂
January 1, 2026 at 4:45 AM
2025 was not my best year — a lot of downs than ups — but I learned a lot about myself and what I have to do to find happiness and prosperity.
Here's to a better 2026...with, hopefully, full-time employment.
Cheers! Happy New Year! 🥂
Here's to a better 2026...with, hopefully, full-time employment.
Cheers! Happy New Year! 🥂
My 10 Best Albums of 2025. list.
One summation from this list: Studio maverick The Alchemist is Producer of the Year. He produced on 3 different albums on my list: Mobb Deep's Infinite, and his collaborative projects with Larry June and 2 Chainz (Life Is Beautiful) and Freddie Gibbs (Alfredo 2).
One summation from this list: Studio maverick The Alchemist is Producer of the Year. He produced on 3 different albums on my list: Mobb Deep's Infinite, and his collaborative projects with Larry June and 2 Chainz (Life Is Beautiful) and Freddie Gibbs (Alfredo 2).
January 1, 2026 at 4:00 AM
My 10 Best Albums of 2025. list.
One summation from this list: Studio maverick The Alchemist is Producer of the Year. He produced on 3 different albums on my list: Mobb Deep's Infinite, and his collaborative projects with Larry June and 2 Chainz (Life Is Beautiful) and Freddie Gibbs (Alfredo 2).
One summation from this list: Studio maverick The Alchemist is Producer of the Year. He produced on 3 different albums on my list: Mobb Deep's Infinite, and his collaborative projects with Larry June and 2 Chainz (Life Is Beautiful) and Freddie Gibbs (Alfredo 2).
Another day, another list. 😆
This one is interesting though. The Best EPs of 2025. I never thought about the EPs that came out in 2025.
However, I would add Kevin Ross' fantastic EP, Love Uptempo, Vol. 1, it's a solid R&B gift that keeps on giving with repeated listens.
Check it out below. ⬇️
This one is interesting though. The Best EPs of 2025. I never thought about the EPs that came out in 2025.
However, I would add Kevin Ross' fantastic EP, Love Uptempo, Vol. 1, it's a solid R&B gift that keeps on giving with repeated listens.
Check it out below. ⬇️
The Best EPs of 2025 - Spin.com
www.spin.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Another day, another list. 😆
This one is interesting though. The Best EPs of 2025. I never thought about the EPs that came out in 2025.
However, I would add Kevin Ross' fantastic EP, Love Uptempo, Vol. 1, it's a solid R&B gift that keeps on giving with repeated listens.
Check it out below. ⬇️
This one is interesting though. The Best EPs of 2025. I never thought about the EPs that came out in 2025.
However, I would add Kevin Ross' fantastic EP, Love Uptempo, Vol. 1, it's a solid R&B gift that keeps on giving with repeated listens.
Check it out below. ⬇️
Wow! USPS will issue a new commemorative stamp honoring the GOAT Muhammad Ali in 2026. Hopefully, they will issue it before or after his Jan. 17 birthday.
Muhammad Ali once said, "I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever get licked."
Well, it looks like it's coming to fruition.
Muhammad Ali once said, "I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever get licked."
Well, it looks like it's coming to fruition.
USPS To Honor Muhammad Ali With Commemorative Stamp | Muhammad Ali Center - Alicenter.com
alicenter.org
December 21, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Wow! USPS will issue a new commemorative stamp honoring the GOAT Muhammad Ali in 2026. Hopefully, they will issue it before or after his Jan. 17 birthday.
Muhammad Ali once said, "I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever get licked."
Well, it looks like it's coming to fruition.
Muhammad Ali once said, "I should be a postage stamp. That's the only way I'll ever get licked."
Well, it looks like it's coming to fruition.
Strip clubs need music, too. Billboard reveals what's making the booties shake in the skrip clubs.
The Top 10 Songs Played at Atlanta Strip Clubs in November 2025 - Billboard.com
www.billboard.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Strip clubs need music, too. Billboard reveals what's making the booties shake in the skrip clubs.
There has been so much death and carnage within past several days and the year isn't even over yet. 😔
It's hard to feel joyful during the holidays.
Prayers and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones this past week/year. 🙏🏾
...Including Rob Reiner's family. 🌹
Increase the peace.
It's hard to feel joyful during the holidays.
Prayers and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones this past week/year. 🙏🏾
...Including Rob Reiner's family. 🌹
Increase the peace.
Rob Reiner’s Son Nick in Police Custody After Deaths of Director and Wife Michele - Variety
Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of Rob and Michele Reiner, is in custody after the apparent homicide of the director and his wife.
variety.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:40 AM
There has been so much death and carnage within past several days and the year isn't even over yet. 😔
It's hard to feel joyful during the holidays.
Prayers and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones this past week/year. 🙏🏾
...Including Rob Reiner's family. 🌹
Increase the peace.
It's hard to feel joyful during the holidays.
Prayers and condolences to the families who have lost loved ones this past week/year. 🙏🏾
...Including Rob Reiner's family. 🌹
Increase the peace.
Here's Rolling Stone's year-end 25 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2025.
The only issue I have is the omission of albums from Mass Appeal's commendable "Legend Has It" seven-album campaign this year.
No Mobb Deep's "Infinite"? What about Slick Rick's "Victory" album? No Ghostface? 🤔
What's up with that?
The only issue I have is the omission of albums from Mass Appeal's commendable "Legend Has It" seven-album campaign this year.
No Mobb Deep's "Infinite"? What about Slick Rick's "Victory" album? No Ghostface? 🤔
What's up with that?
The 25 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2025 - RollingStone.com
The best hip-hop albums of 2025 including Clipse, Cardi B, Playboi Carti, and more
www.rollingstone.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Here's Rolling Stone's year-end 25 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2025.
The only issue I have is the omission of albums from Mass Appeal's commendable "Legend Has It" seven-album campaign this year.
No Mobb Deep's "Infinite"? What about Slick Rick's "Victory" album? No Ghostface? 🤔
What's up with that?
The only issue I have is the omission of albums from Mass Appeal's commendable "Legend Has It" seven-album campaign this year.
No Mobb Deep's "Infinite"? What about Slick Rick's "Victory" album? No Ghostface? 🤔
What's up with that?
We lost another icon. 😔
Mr. Williams was responsible for giving me and other music heads the soundtracks of our lives. Cold Chillin' Records delivered some of the most gifted lyricists in hip-hop history. From Shan to Biz to Shante to Kane to G Rap to Marley Marl many others.
Rest well, Fly Ty. 🙏🏾 🕊️
Mr. Williams was responsible for giving me and other music heads the soundtracks of our lives. Cold Chillin' Records delivered some of the most gifted lyricists in hip-hop history. From Shan to Biz to Shante to Kane to G Rap to Marley Marl many others.
Rest well, Fly Ty. 🙏🏾 🕊️
Cold Chillin' Records Co-Founder Tyrone "Fly Ty" Williams Has Passed Away - Rockthebells.com
Cold Chillin' Records co-founder Tyrone Williams has passed away.
rockthebells.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:04 PM
We lost another icon. 😔
Mr. Williams was responsible for giving me and other music heads the soundtracks of our lives. Cold Chillin' Records delivered some of the most gifted lyricists in hip-hop history. From Shan to Biz to Shante to Kane to G Rap to Marley Marl many others.
Rest well, Fly Ty. 🙏🏾 🕊️
Mr. Williams was responsible for giving me and other music heads the soundtracks of our lives. Cold Chillin' Records delivered some of the most gifted lyricists in hip-hop history. From Shan to Biz to Shante to Kane to G Rap to Marley Marl many others.
Rest well, Fly Ty. 🙏🏾 🕊️