Concert Review: 20/20 Experience by Justin Timberlake

There could be an elaborate analysis of the concert in Phoenix, Arizona December 2nd at US Airways Center, however, it has been done already. (I will just share a couple of photos from my experience, as well as a great review from Melissa Fossum of the Phoenix New Times.)

Justin Timberlake-US Airways Center-12/02/2013 (PHOTOS)

Album Review: "Marshall Mathers LP 2" by Eminem through L*A*W

Marshall Mathers.....HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THIS DETROIT LYRICAL BEAST ?!

On his new album "MMLP2", Eminem takes it back to basics by stripping down his usual heavy orchestrated beats to give his excellent lyricism, spellbinding wordplay & maniac flow the spotlight especially with songs like my favorite "Rap God" where he basically goes into beast mode. My other favorites "Rhyme Or Reason", "Survival", "Asshole" & "Brainless" which pretty much solidifies how much Em has allllllways stood & represented Real Hip-Hop regardless of his mega super-stardom & winning Oscars/Grammys. Em recognizes the lack of creativity & potent lyricism in Hip-hop & he supplies that need viciously with this album ! 

 Eminem should also get an award for the best & smartest collaborations which he has been doing since his first album. Rihanna shows up again on the very future classic "The Monster" & of course, the brilliant "Love Game" with the one & only Kendrick Lamar. Overall, "MMLP2" is a combination of his last 2 releases which were "Recovery" & "Relapse" which in my personal opinion I thought were still excellent albums though many other critics didn't agree & it was all depending on what they was basing it off of especially since Eminem pretty much was outshining other artists on their own songs when he guest appeared during that run of those 2 albums. "MMLP2" also proves that age will never ever have nothing to do with skill level...Em is 41 & still raps circles around the 99% climate of today's younger MC's...and to top it off, HE WENT PLATINUM AGAIN. NUFF SAID ! 

L*A*W can be found on Twitter @planet12law. On Google+ +lawrence worrell.  For all information visit planet-12-law.com.  

Album Review: "ARTPOP" by Lady Gaga

ARTPOP the long awaited album by Lady Gaga. Where should we begin? Well, suppose track one "Aura".  It begins with a guitar melody followed by a catchy percussion beat.  Then comes Gaga's vocals and lyrics introducing what is to come on the album.  It's clear that the break, although from a tour injury, allowed the Lady Gaga we all fell in love with when "Fame" was released suited her well.

Set aside the costumes, Lady Gaga can sing, write great music, and is original.  The comparisons to artists before her should only come from her goal to create art in a new and different way.  Now back to the album itself. Track two of "Venus" incorporates great vocals with great back up melodies.  Introduces more of the subject matter ARTPOP is really about. The next track of "G.U.Y" is up for individual interpretation, but more about the give and take by men in women in relationships. "Sexxx Dreams" just dives lyrically into the subject, and basically does not hold back about the subject.

From past work such as "Fame Monster", collaborations with Lady Gaga is not new, and adds to her style. "Jewels 'N' Drugs" featuring T.I.,Too Short, Twista is brilliant, because their rhymes coincide with her vocals really well. Nice to bring back the fast paced rhymes from Twista.  T.I. and Too Short don't disappoint either.  "MANICURE" incorporates that Lady Gaga charm of upbeat vocals and music.  However, it is not about your average manicure, just listen to the lyrics.

"Do What You Want" first of all brings an old school vibe to the album by R. Kelly's feature.  The song has currently gained approval from radio and the masses as it has turned out to be a top hit.  Check out their performance from Saturday Night Live. The give and take from Lady Gaga and R. Kelly meshes flawlessly. Then again the subject matter is more on the mature sense.



"ARTPOP" is an upbeat, yet the abnormal vibe of the song gets you shaking your head or any other body parts. By listening carefully, Lady Gaga's vocals work.  Instead of the auto-tuned world we live in, you can tell the vocals are RAW.  "Swine" well is an intelligent take on people being the pigs they are when it comes to art and sex, to be blunt. "Donatella" is an interesting song about the finer things in life, and well brings an accent to the album. "Fashion!" continues to tackle to the world of caring so much about appearance in society. What is your interpretation?  The piano at the beginning of the song proves that Lady Gaga comes from an musician point of view.

"Mary Jane Holland" is a personal song from Lady Gaga. Perhaps her recent interview with BBC would better explain where she is coming from with the song.


Moving on to the last, but not least few songs on the album. "Dope" is a great song with the same vocal quality as the songs before.  "Gypsy" continues on the theme of the eccentric vibe that suits Lady Gaga and the album well. It's interesting that "Applause" the mega hit off of the album, and first released single, is the last song on the album.  However, it works after listening to the songs previously mentioned.

Congrats Lady Gaga on your hit album. You deserve some Applause for ARTPOP!

Album Review: 'Word of Mouth" by The Wanted

Yes, suddenly need to share my thoughts on the LONG awaited album by The Wanted. Why? You ask. Well, to be honest, this blog is about THE MUSIC, I want to give my honest opinion. (As if I am really qualified music critic. Yet some people enjoy my opinions)

Let's just re-live LONG.  Yes, it has taken two years for this album to finally be released. Why is this significant? Well, The Wanted was formed in 2009, and the popularity has grown significantly worldwide.  They began with school tours all over the U.K., Europe, and other places, then the tours have become bigger and better.  You are asking why you should pick up a album by a "boyband" when there is so much out there? Well, The Wanted aren't your average boyband. They realized they aren't about choreographed dance moves is not their style. The Wanted focus on the music and their vocals.

Well, each member can play instruments as well as sign. Nathan has a well ranged voice with his pianist ability. Max's voice is delightful, along with his ability to play the bass guitar. Tom has a great upper ranged voice with great electric guitar skills. Siva has a lower, but beautiful voice along with guitar skills. Last, but certainly not least Jay has a great upper range voice with percussion skills. With their musicianship, comes great personalities and need for the music ti be good quality. Despite pressure from their record label, and management, the took the time to spearhead the making of their album.

With the time passing over the years, The Wanted released singles from albums not worldwide released.  With the worldwide success of "Glad You Came" , "All Time Low", "Walks Like Rihanna", and the new singles "We Own the Night" & "Show Me Love" the accolades were sure to come. 2013 has also brought a People's Choice Award  to their list of victorious events. The TWFanmily (name of their fans) has grown all over the world, so the anticipation of a worldwide released album and tour has grown.

The album titled "Word of Mouth" has met expectations. It begins with "We Own the Night", which carries the party anthem feel good song they have released before. "In the Middle" is an upbeat yet poignant song with great lyrics.  The inclusion of hit singles "I Found You", "Walks Like Rihanna", & "Glad You Came" is great.  However, those aren't the best songs on the album.  "Summer Alive" is a great party song about that feeling during the Summer. "Glow in the Dark" is another party anthem sure to get clubs banging granted DJs add this song to their mixes. "Everybody Knows", "Love Sewn" are lyrically mature songs that obviously was coming from personal experiences the lads have had over the years. "Running Out of Reasons", "Could this Be Love", & "If We're Alright" add the the lyrically and musically poignant writing The Wanted and their producers worked together over two years. "Demons" is a great song about the angst the male psyche can experience. "Drunk On Love" changes the tone of the album with a fun useful party song.

 Ending the deluxe version of the album is "Heartbreak Story".  Yes, the song title alone stirs you in THAT direction. Granted the song was written by Max and Jay, Jay to start off the song by singing flawlessly just worked. The rest of the band lends their best vocals as well, and the break in the song with the great piano sound, you immediately remember and know Nathan is the reason.  The lyrics and the music were intertwined like a vine around a pole.  Anybody who listens to this song will relate and probably end up in tears by the end of the song.  Live performances on the upcoming world tour will become a moment everybody attending remembers.  Just listen to this song!

Whether or not you are fan of The Wanted, give this album a listen from the first song to the last.  You may be surprised by the quality and understand why it took two years to make.

Congratulations Max, Nathan, Tom, Sivan, and Jay on your new and best album YET!!

MY INSPIRATION FOR BECOMING A SINGER SONGWRITER by Ryan Van Sickle

A few of you have asked where my inspiration to become a musician came from. In 2003 I bought a general admission ticket to a Springsteen concert, got lucky and ended up against the stage right below his mic stand. I didn't know what to expect as I had only ever listened to his music on the radio. Little did I know I was in for the rock n roll experience of a lifetime. From the moment he took the stage, strummed the first chord to The Rising I was hooked. The intense energy that buzzed through that arena was absolutely incredible! We were all invited to go on a musical journey with he and his band. The power of Bruce's storytelling through his voice, his musicianship on the guitar and raw emotion was really quite amazing. I knew that night I wanted to tell stories as well. 
So I picked up a guitar not to long after that and began to teach myself to play and I wrote and wrote and wrote. I heard Johnny Cash say once in an interview that if you don't believe in the story you're telling as a singer then why would you expect anyone else to believe it? As a singer songwriter I live by that quote and apply it every time I play. That night in a packed house in Charlotte, NC. Bruce believed every story he told and so did the other 20,000 people. That's inspiring and for me it was life changing. Who knew that 10 years later I would be on the same album as Bruce? ONE Campaign's Agit8 Protest Song album. Hard work and belief in a dream does pay off.......

Ryan Van Sickle is a brilliant singer-songwriter who can be found at http://ryanvansicklemusic.com/. Follow him on Twitter @Ryan_VanSickle. Follow him on Google+ at +Ryan Van Sickle.

The Package Tour: A Review by @heatherk330

The Package Tour is one that is filled with the music of the 1990’s, Boyz II Men,

98 Degrees and of course, New Kids on the Block (also known as NKOTB).   For the

Rosemont concert on 7/18, one of three concerts I’ll be attending on the tour, the

audience got three hours of fun and bit of nostalgia.  For me the day began with a 5 Star

VIP package which included a Meet and Greet.  The way the Meet and Greets operate

is that you get into a group of ten, many fans try to form groups prior to the show to

ensure they can stand by their favorite, and get to meet the guys in that group.   Now

every fan has their favorite, many refer to it as being a “insert their name here” girl

(personally I’m a Donnie girl), but each one of the guys usually holds a special place in

the hearts of their fans (myself included).


One thing I will certainly say, is that these five men do not disappoint up close

and in person.  Even in a few short moments of meeting the group and taking pictures

they make you feel as if you are the only person in the room during that brief moment.

They are happy to see their fans, and when they say they love their fans and appreciate

everything that we do for them, you can feel it.  Some will say that they can be rendered

speechless upon meeting them, which I can certainly relate.  Meeting the group you've

loved and enjoyed since you were a child in person can certainly do that.


After the VIP experience, I got to the hardest part of the night: waiting.  With

plenty of other fans around (NKOTB, 98 Degrees and Boyz II Men) you always have

someone to talk to.  I met some fans who had traveled from Europe just to see the

tour, others that had been to multiple shows just because they couldn’t get enough.

It’s easy to see how NKOTB fans (or Blockheads as we are also called) become friends

even though we may live on opposite sides of the country or around the world.  There’s

always something to talk about, whether it’s the possibility of a cruise for 2014 (yes,

there is an NKOTB cruise), which song is their favorite on 10 or what surprises might be

in store for us.

The concert in and of itself is an experience.  NKOTB’s set begins with the pledge

(as recited by Donnie Wahlberg) that we all repeat, “I do hereby pledge to spend the

next two hours having the time of my life.  I leave all the drama, all my worries, and all

my fears behind me.  I promise to celebrate tonight like there is no tomorrow.  For this

is my night! I worked hard for this night, I deserve this night!  I earned this night and

together we own tonight!” This leads immediately into “We Own Tonight,” the opening

track from their newest album 10.


There are of course their most popular songs, like “Hangin’ Tough” and “The

Right Stuff” and ones from The Block like “Summertime” and “Single.”  Mixed in with

songs from 10 like “Remix (I Like The)” and “Survive You.”  However, there are also

moments where each member gets to showcase their talent.  “Survive You” is a perfect

example as each member gets their own moment during the song, which elicits cheers

and applause from everyone.  Goosebumps and shivers are prevalent during Joe

McIntyre’s performance of “Please Don’t Go Girl,” showing just how much “the Kid”

(as Donnie playfully calls him) has grown up into a performer.  Jordan Knight gets to

showcase his incredible vocal range in “Kiss” and “Tender Love.”  One moment where

you may hear the loudest screaming is during “Cover Girl,” when Donnie happens to

tear off his shirt.  Danny Wood break dances, which is always a fan favorite, and Jon

Knight just has a blast on stage, but also gets his moment with crowd renditions of

“Sweet Caroline” being turned into “Sweet Jonathan.”


During all of the songs, the energy is electric, and fans are on their feet from

beginning to end.  There is really no sitting down at a NKOTB concert and no bad seats in

the arena. In what seems like the blink of an eye, you begin to hear Dropkick Murphy’s

“I’m Shipping Up to Boston” and know that sadly, the end of the night is here.  The band

dons their Boston jerseys (sometimes the Red Soxs, in this case the Boston Bruins) and

begins the closing number “Hangin’ Tough.”  For some, after the concert comes the

After Party experience.

In some cities, some lucky fans are able to go purchase tickets to the After Party

that takes place at the venue.  The party is usually hosted by Donnie Wahlberg and Boyz

II Men, with special appearances from other members of NKOTB.  (The Rosemont one

also included Danny, Jordan, and Jon.)  This part of the night begins with a quick photo

op before the partying begins.  The guys tend to circulate around the room, taking

pictures and mingling with fans, but a party hosted by Donnie is definitely one that you

should go to if the chance arises.  The best thing about the After Party is not only getting

to meet other fans but also seeing the band have fun off the stage.  Jon takes a turn

being the DJ, Donnie makes sure the party does not stop, and the energy from during

the concert continues on into the After Party.


If you've never been to a New Kids on the Block concert, it’s an event you will

not forget.  While they may have been around for 25 years, it’s as if the feeling from the

first time you heard one of their songs on the radio, or saw them in person comes back

ten-fold.  Thankfully, fans get to relive a piece of this through the new release of “The

Whisper” music video which was filmed during several concerts.

Magna Carta Holy Grail Vs Yeezus by Planet12LAW

Ladies & Gentlemen.....

Jay-Z's "Magna Carta Holy Grail" Vs Kanye West's "Yeezus"

THE L*A*W OPINION IS HERE.....

Kind of crazy since Jay is partly responsible for Kanye's career while Kanye is the ONLY artist left from the massive MC/Artist collective that was once known as Rockafella. We have seen both these artists changed the hip-hop landscape in the last few years individually and with the classic "Watch The Throne", they did together. But thanks to Kanye's recent Papparazi attack, it brought the already popular opinion on his album to the forefront: YEEZUS IS WACK and I personally felt that Kanye did this stunt to bring more attention to the failing album which even had low 1st week sales after a groundbreaking worldwide building projections as well as a Saturday Night Live. The album itself is seen Kanye trying to adapt dark black lyrical philosophy to hard electronica based beats.

It's almost like he purposely tries to go there lyrically with a song "New Slaves" to show & prove that his partnership with Kim Kardashian hasnt softened him. For me, only 3 tracks out of the 10 stand out and my theory still remains: KANYE'S LAST BEST ALBUM WAS "GRADUATION"

Jay-Z......HAS DONE IT YET AGAIN !! While Kanye tries to explore new territory, JAY TAKES IT BACK TO RAW EDGE HIP-HOP ESSENCE !

Having Pharrell, Rick Rubin, Timbaland & Swizz Beats all in the same room producing tracks simultaneously is a statement within itself.

Jay addresses everything from Miley Cyrus Twerking to His Daughter in the same cool but rugged demeanor that made him who he is with no compromise. He even got tracks like "Crown" & "F*** Wit Me" that appeal to the current climate of Hip-Hop production but Hov displays his wit, sharp classic  cadence & still illmatic rhymes that complement the tracks. He's always had the ability to adapt in a current state of mind while not abandoning the basic components of his recording style

AND THE WINNER IS.....HOV ! #MagnaCartaHolyGrail

L*A*W* can be found on Twitter @Planet12LAW. Find him on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/planet12productions?fref=ts.