Lupe Fiasco is one of the most tormented musicians in hip-hop. While most rappers continue to feast off hip-hop, Lupe remains humble as on of Hip-Hop’s few true renegades left. While Jay-Z is an emperor, Wayne and Kanye as powerful kings in the eyes of the labels, Lupe remains Robin Hood. Lasers, Lupe’s latest album, illustrates growth and progression in a rapper - an example of an artist growing in this genre wonderfully - and the ability to create “lemonade” out of the lemons.
Lasers opens as mystically, acting as a lobby for the trip Lupe is about to take us on. Setting the tone, “Letting Go” featuring Sarah Green is a gorgeous way to set off the album. This also leads that the production will be entertaining from there out. Lupe creates a unique sound which is unlike most hip-hop currently - keeping this reviewer entertained and excited throughout. Lasers feels like a release of musical energy - an endless expression from start to finish. “Words I Never Said” featuring vocal wunderkind Skylar Grey is an explanation of Lupe’s thought on the political and social climate. Flowing while talking about political agitators and the “blindness” of the American public. While one may not trust what Lupe is saying, the heart in it is something which has been seen on few albums in recent years.
“Break the Chain” is as positive as a track as it could be while still illustrating the raw energetic passion in Mr.Fiasco’s tumultuous musical journey. Lupe manages to do something Kid Cudi and Theophilus London are able to accomplish - effectively create an Electronica/Hip Hop crossover. Thus giving birth to an Electronica hit to be witnessed in upcoming remix’s and European enjoyment. While it is not what was expected of Lupe, it still shows his ability to shine on tracks which are “pop” in itself. Still managing to cram educated grammar and bars inside of production meant to excite ravers and ragers everywhere.
Better than Britney Spears herself.
Other standout tracks include “All Black Everything”, “The Show Goes On”, and “State Run Radio”. The gem of the album, however, is located in perfect placement as the 7th track. Self entitled “Beautiful Lasers(2Way)” is in itself beautiful. The song starts quietly and then explodes into a frenzy - causing a silent union to be felt with Fiasco. This song representing his mind giving us almost perfect insight into the inner workings of who Lupe Fiasco is.
Many may say that it is too radically different to his first two, cult generating, albums Food&Liquor and The Cool. This reviewer accepts this third album, Lasers, as a demonstration of the maturation seen in few hip-hop musicians today. Completely willing to create a new sound radically different from prior music and still retain the quality, effort, and heart of the previous two. While it is true that this is a product of a compromise between Lupe and the record labels, Lasers still contains the lyricism and raw heart that is expected of Lupe. The sound is a tad pop, but it works - very well.
Lasers blew away this reviewers expectations. Joining the ranks - with recent addition, Saigon - of hip-hop stars to fight the label and win. Releasing quality timeless music which was restricted from the public’s ears. The fact that Lupe Fiasco managed to create music which capitalizes on an electronic fusion style that is only becoming popular in America recently, while still managing to talk about his favorite subjects is an effort in itself. Lupe crafted an album which calls into question the many board meetings which took place to hold this back. Lasers was not reviewed with the expected cookie cutter that The Cool and Food&Liquor set - instead with an open mind taking it for face value. Lasers is what it is - the third studio album from Lupe Fiasco - whether it fits your expectations or not, it is a great effort that cannot be downplayed. Lupe fought the labels and won, not for himself, for us.
Jacques Morel is the creator of www.IFuxksWithThat.com. A journalist, interviewer, and personality he is a College Senior, he attends St Johns University in Queens. @JacquesMorels
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