As complex as they come, both lyrically and intellectually, Lupe Fiasco is one of the few true voices of the people. With a style and rap blueprint similar to that of Nas, his rhyme schemes, subject matters, and overall delivery are what makes him such a good emcee. Built upon respect, and driven by his rage against the machine, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get when he steps in to the booth.
Often referred to as your favourite emcee’s favourite emcee, the amount of respect he’s earned over the years is unparalleled. Having shared the mic with the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z, Jill Scott, Snoop Dogg, Bun B and a whole host of other highly respected individuals, he’s undoubtedly, and quite simply… the man.
With two near classics under his belt, Lupe’s latest offering is a reintroduction to his debut of the same name. With plenty of deep and meaningful stories, politically charged rants, and a few simplistic visits to commercialism, Food & Liquor II is a very well balanced product with thoughts for the thinkers, rhymes for the rappers, and choruses for the commercial.
When the opening line on the opening track (“Strange Fruition”) spits, “Now I can’t pledge allegiance to your flag/ Cos I can’t find no reconciliation wit’ yo past/ When there was nothing equal for my people in your math/ You forced us in the ghetto and then you took our dads,” you know which Lupe Fiasco you’re baring witness to. This is not the confused, tiresome, and forced to conform Lupe that fans saw when listening to Lasers. This is wise elder statesman with words of wisdom Lupe. The good news for fans, this is the same Lupe heard throughout this project.
Released earlier in the year, “Bitch Bad,” with its analytical approach to the derogatory slang term for women, is still as thought provoking as it was when announced as a single for the project. Cruising through the different interpretations and misconceptions of women via the hip-hop culture, it’s obvious that Lupe’s on a mission to not only lyrically stimulate the listener but also educate them at the same time.
Another cut that seeks out the stimulant part of the brain is the emotionally-driven “Cold War.” Featuring vocals from Jane, it’s almost as if Lupe’s writing a letter to a higher power. Justifying his being, he revisits cold memories that include the loss of people close to him. He explains that he is who he is because of the trials and tribulations laid out before him. With some serious replay value for those in tune with lyrical content, it is without doubt the Lupe we came to know and love.
Kicking things up a gear or two, “Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)” samples the hip-hop classic “They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.).” While lyrically the track discusses more subjects than an issue of National Geographic, the talk of war, America, Malcolm X, and global starvation, as important as it is, plays second fiddle to the undeniably catchy instrumental, originally produced by Pete Rock. That’s the beauty of Lupe Fiasco. He’s able to make people aware of world issues through the use of hip-hop. He’s like a hip-hop newscaster.
While “Unforgivable Youth” and “Battle Scars,” which both feature relatively safe male vocalists, act as a sweetener for the record execs who allowed him to drop such a non-machine conforming album, as well as perhaps adding some new fans to Lupe’s forever growing following, they’re not poppy to the point that you’d rather listen to Justin Bieber.
Aside from “Form Follows Function,” which features some seriously dope underlining sax playing, and “Audubon Ballroom,” one of the album’s finest moments comes when Lupe asks emcees obsessed with cocaine selling and strip clubs if we can get a break for a moment. With lyrics such as, “Pills make you stupid and liquor do the same thing/ ‘Rarri’s too expensive and way too hard to maintain,” and a hook that begins, “May we have some roses for the ladies, a little appreciation for the gentlemen,” “ITAL (Roses)” is a message to those in rap to perhaps be more responsible without shoving it down their throats.
Lupe Fiasco is by far one of the most socially responsible emcees in the game. While human, he may make mistakes from time to time, but he’d be the first to admit that. At least he’s doing his best to educate the youth of today whilst giving the older generation something to think about whilst bumping their favourite jam.
As far as Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt.1 goes, the lyrical content is exactly what was expected – hard hitting bars, educational rhymes, and inspirational storytelling. There may be a few questionable beats and a couple of joints the heads might not warm to, but overall it’s great to have the real Lupe Fiasco back.
Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt.1
Released: Sept 25, 2012
Label: Atlantic Records
Buy: iTunes / Amazon
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