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

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 Songs of the Year 2017

No guests this year — just me. (Here’s your chance to tiptoe out the back door.) Per the title, this year’s piece will be far less “scientific” than the first two. I’m way too behind on music to pretend like I’m some sort of expert this year, so consider this a list of my personal favorites. I mean, I think I know a little bit about song construction and stuff, so I’d hope nobody sees this and finds me completely insane for some of these choices. As always, I take this project as seriously as I (think I) should, and I’d love to get your feedback on my picks and even see your “best songs” lists, as well.

Finally Famous: The Essay

I do believe Sean was always cognizant of the lack of respect he’d be given in comparison with his contemporaries, but it’s clear now that he doesn’t care. He beat the odds: he’s made it to his fourth album while a ton of his peers have been one-and-done, if they even get that far.

WSH's Songs + Albums of the Year 2016

Last year’s Highly Scientific Ranking of the Year’s Best Songs featured me and me alone. This time, I’ve asked some writer friends to join the fun. Among these friends are academics and professional writers and folks tied into the industry, but most importantly, they are very good people with musical tastes I’ve always respected. I can’t thank them enough for their help with this article, and I’m grateful that folks – friends or not – want their writing on my little startup website.

The Curious Case of Usher Raymond

Since releasing Here I Stand, an distinctly mature album for a then-29-year-old, Usher has seemingly chosen to age backwards. Up until Hard II Love, each attempt felt clunky and, even worse, contrived.

Essays, Music, Entertainment, Most PopularLarry J. SandersDecember 2, 2016Usher, My Way, 8701, Confessions, Hard II Love, Larry J. SandersComment

Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, 10 Years Later

Food & Liquor quickly became the soundtrack of my freshman year of high school. I’m terrible at rapping, but I’ve always fancied myself a poet; I love crafting the perfect sentence, and it was clear this not-tough nerd from Chicago loved words just as much – if not more – than this not-tough nerd from the westside of Detroit.

Essays, Music, Entertainment, Curator's ChoiceLarry J. SandersSeptember 19, 2016Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor, Larry J. SandersComment

Purple Reign

Once upon a time, my four favorite people on this earth were Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, my dad, and Whitney Houston, in that order. And just like I thought folks had to choose between 'Pac and Big or Bow Wow and Lil Romeo, I figured I couldn't like both Mike and Prince.

Essays, Music, EntertainmentLarry J. SandersApril 22, 2016Music, Prince, Chappelle's Show, Musicology, Purple Rain, Morris Day, Larry J. SandersComment