Lórenzo J’s Mid-Aughts Music Review, Week 2

Ironically — or maybe not — their beef came at the apex of each rappers’ career: Paper Trail is T.I.’s last #1 album on the Billboard Hot 100, and Shawty Lo never saw that kind of mainstream attention on his music again. I might’ve found Tip’s responses petty, but he probably saw a guy he knew and respected and, most importantly, wanted his spot; this guy from down the block might’ve never held T.I.’s universal appeal, but he could threaten his neighborhood status, and that was enough to merit comebacks that were, frankly, mean.

Lórenzo J’s Mid-Aughts Music Review, Week 1

You want to see the exact moment Lil Wayne becomes a supernova? Here it is, right here.

Essays, Music, EntertainmentLarry J. SandersMarch 30, 2018JAY-Z, Cassidy, Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Swizz Beatz, 6 Minutes, I'm a Hustla, Larry J. SandersComment

I Hate Sam Presti (Death of a Dynasty II)

On October 27, 2012, around 6PM London time, I learned the Thunder traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets. The Thunder vaguely claimed they were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension; James was seeking a maximum contract of $60 million over 4 years, which the Thunder countered by asking him to take a $4.5 million discount. The Thunder traded away their third head over a mid-level exception.

Rhy Speaks: On The Boondocks

Now into my mid-20s, it’s clear The Boondocks might always remain culturally and socially relevant, or at least until I’m older. Disagree? "The Trial of Robert Kelly" is the second episode the show ever produced; 12 years later, R. Kelly is still free and was recently accused of holding teenage girls captive in an Atlanta compound. Still relevant.

Essays, Television, EntertainmentRhyanna MorganMarch 8, 2018The Boondocks, Rhyanna Morgan, Rhy SpeaksComment

Fresh Never Fades Clothing | 2018 Collection 1

Major shoutout to Blake Hall and Fresh Never Fades Clothing for the launch of their 2018 Collection 1!

Hypocrite!: Black Authenticity in the Age of Social Media

I’ve been crafting my personal brand around the aesthetic that I’d like WSH to exude — clean, refined, much cooler and over everything than you’d believe — and while it can be fun to play that character on Twitter and Instagram, it’s a weird feeling to consider how detached our two personalities can be. Not entirely disparate, mind you; I’d never accuse anyone of faking for likes and retweets. But we’ve all now become curators of our personal running diaries, for better or worse. Can’t blame a curator for exercising creative control, can you? That's precisely why my Twitter drafts folder is pouring over at the moment. Creative control.

Rhy Speaks: On Coming to America

I often struggle with picking a definitive list of my favorite movies, but on today, here’s the shortlist: Silence of the Lambs, The Godfather, and Coming to America. I could easily write an argument for the greatness of Silence of the Lambs or The Godfather, but the clear underdog in my top-three is Coming to America. This is completely unfair, however, and thus why I want to discuss why Coming to America is an undeniable masterpiece that doesn’t get nearly enough credit.

Essays, Film, EntertainmentRhyanna MorganFebruary 6, 2018Coming to America, Eddie Murphy, Rhyanna Morgan, Rhy SpeaksComment

The Migos Mélange, or You Should Be Able to Tell the Migos Apart By Now

Migos aren’t clones of anyone. They are three unique and versatile personalities capable both of producing cohesive projects and impressive individual efforts. And their differences — however minor they appear to be — are likely the key to their brilliance as a collective.

Essays, Music, EntertainmentWilliam GarnerJanuary 26, 2018Quavo, Takeoff, Offset, Migos, William GarnerComment

WSH's 2018 NBA All-Star Selections

Having watched an inordinate amount of hoop this year (shoutout to my Warriors-exclusive League Pass subscription), I think I’m around 77% qualified to tick off who I believe should make this year’s All-Star team. Plus, I needed to get my selections on the website before the official choices for the game's starters come out in like five minutes. Drumroll, please...

Essays, SportsLarry J. SandersJanuary 18, 2018NBA, All-Star 2018, Basketball, Larry J. SandersComment