Why Lupe Fiasco Was Ahead of His Time
Looking at Lupe's influence and importance in the world of rap music.
Born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco in Chicago, Lupe Fiasco is one of the most progressive and unique rappers to ever grace the microphone.
Chronicled in his track ‘Hurt Me Soul’, Lupe initially wasn’t a fan of hip-hop music because of its vulgarity and objectification of women. His perspective changed when he heard the Nas album ‘It Was Written’ which inspired him to pursue rap.
Lupe’s first major break was on Kanye West’s 2005 single ‘Touch the Sky’. Lupe also set up his independent label with his mentor Charles “Chilly” Patton called ‘1st & 15th’.
In April 2006, Fiasco’s then to be released album ‘Food & Liquor’ was leaked online before its release causing many of the albums initial tracks to be left on the cutting room floor and replaced with new songs.
Because of the leak, it led to many crowning Lupe as the next big thing in rap music with rave reviews across blogs and publications. Food & Liquor was later released in September 2006 and featured production from Soundtrakk, The Neptunes, Kanye West and Mike Shinoda among others.
Lupe’s style was ahead of his time, everything from his rapping style to fashion choices seems to hold up today. Early in his career, Lupe had a very skater-friendly image in due part to his single ‘Kick Push’. This is telling as this style is popular as ever today.
Talking of fashion, Lupe sported Supreme, DC and Nike SB Dunks, brands that are commonplace today. Lupe was an early trendsetter as he from an era of rap music where rappers sported baggy clothing, flagrant jewellery. Lupe's sound and image strived for individuality above all else.
Lupe’s second album ‘The Cool’ was released in December 2007. The record featured one of his biggest songs to date with ‘Superstar’ in collaboration with Matthew Santos. Many fans often regard The Cool as Lupe's best album.
The Cool is a concept album following on from Lupe's song 'Pills' and the track of the same name from his previous album. Throughout the album, it features the characters Michael Young History, The Streets and The Game. The Streets play Young History's love interest and The Game is his father.
Lupe’s musical style is uncompromising with many of his verses being open to interpretation. Lupe's songs often have unorthodox rhyming patterns, narratives and double entendres.
Lupe Fiasco himself rapped on the song 'Super Lupe Rap 2' “It’s hard being a Lupe fan, go to Harvard to be a Lupe Stan.”
In late 2014, the group Anonymous threatened Atlantic Records to release Lupe’s ‘Tetsuo & Youth’ album. Atlantic had the record held in limbo without a proper release date. Anonymous stressed the importance of political rappers like Lupe in their statement.
A week or so later, Atlantic Records announced a release date for the album.
Tetsuo & Youth went on to receive critical acclaim from fans and music critics alike. This follows on from Lupe's 'Lasers' and 'Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album' which failed to be as critically successful as Lupe's first two releases.
Listen to Lupe Fiasco on Spotify and Apple Music here.
