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
En Vogue – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Oakland
Before there was Destiny's Child, there was En Vogue. The beautiful and talented Oakland natives -- Cindy Herron, Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones and Dawn Robinson -- were once the hottest girl group in pop music.
The quartet's angelic voices made songs like 'Hold On,' 'Don't Let Go (Love),' 'My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It),' and 'Giving Him Something He Can Feel' memorable classics that are still
Pointer Sisters – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Oakland
The Pointer Sisters were a hugely successful R&B group during the '70s and '80s. The trio consists of sisters June, Ruth and Anita Pointer. Growing up in West Oakland, they were reared to sing gospel music by their church-going parents, Reverend Elton Pointer and Sarah Pointer.
...
The Luniz – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Oakland
The Luniz -- rappers Yukmouth and Numskull -- originally started their music journey together in Oakland under the moniker Looney Tunes. Thankfully, they changed their name and the rest, they say, is Bay Area history.
The dynamic duo will most likely be remembered for their infectious hit 'I Got 5 on It,' which sampled Club Nouveau's 'Why You Treat Me So Bad...
MC Hammer – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Oakland
MC Hammer (real name Stanley Kirk Burrell) is a proud Oaklander who's still '2 Legit 2 Quit.' A former bat boy for the Oakland A's baseball team, Hammer earned his nickname for resembling baseball icon "Hammerin'" Hank Aaron.
As an entertainer, Hammer brought excitement to the rap game with his energetic dance movements, stage shows and those infamous Hammer harem pants...
Goapele – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Oakland
Goapele is a rising star in the R&B game with beauty and vocals to match. The Berklee College Music alum first gain attention with her 2001 indie debut album, 'Closer.'
In 2002, she formed her own record label, Skyblaze Recordings, and repackaged her debut album with a new title, 'Even Closer,' releasing it nationwide. He...
Too $hort – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Oakland
When it comes to longetivity in the rap game, Too $hort has everyone beat. The Oakland legend, whose real name is Todd Anthony Shaw, has been rapping since 1983 and he's still going strong.
Inspired by P-Funk music and the Bay Area's pimps and hustlers, Short Dog carved a niche for himself in hardcore gangster rap that stretched over 20 albums...
Flo Rida Accepts 50 Cent’s Boxing Match Challenge
Let's get ready to ruuumble! Rapper Flo Rida is ready to put on the gloves and duke it out with 50 Cent. The Miami rapper was called out for a boxing match by Fiddy -- and he totally accepted the challenge.
During an interview with MyFoxNY, the G-Unit rapper was asked which rapper would he like to get in the ring with...
Kid Ink, Meek Mill, Wale Are Blazing Hot in ‘Bad A–‘ Video
It's getting hot in here! Kid Ink recently debuted his new video for 'Bad A---,' the first blazing single from the Los Angeles emcee. The clip also features fellow rappers Meek Mill and Wale.
Lil Wayne Replies to Pitbull’s Diss Song
Uh-oh! It looks as if Lil Wayne isn't too happy with Pitbull's diss track 'Welcome 2 Dade County.' The Young Money leader went on Twitter Thursday (Feb. 27) to express his thoughts about the song.
Kid Ink, Meek Mill, Wale Bring the Heat in ‘Bad A–‘ Behind-the-Scenes Video – Exclusive Premiere
It's a four-alarm blaze on the set of Kid Ink's new video for 'Bad A--' featuring Meek Mill and Wale. The rap trio shot the video in downtown Los Angeles in early February, and we (along with our sister site TheDrop.fm) have the exclusive behind-the-scenes video!