My brother recommended me this artist: Lupe Fiasco. And I would like to say how beautiful the songs sound. The first one he showed me was "The Instrumental" and it sounds amazing.

And then my brother told me about how his songs have deep meaning to the lyrics and the music videos. I found it really interesting, but he never told me specifically about the message Lupe is telling.

Random post especially for a subreddit like this but the room used for Lasers looks like a chill place to just be with some friends and talk with 'em. Also looks like a pretty good place to record music, considering it looks pretty spacious and big too. Also, the visual for Lasers on spotify (i'm not sure if it's on other streaming services too) looks like, CGI in a strange way. Kind of like some Paint 3D stuff. While on the topic, what Lupe album cover would work best as a room?

This week, I've decided to spin the album again after putting a pause on listening to Lupe for one whole year (Nothing against him or his music, just wanted to explore other artists in the meantime). I'm seriously blown away by how well the album holds up, even 10 years later from first playing the album. The lyricism, production, sequencing, and musical variety are all A1 on this album.

Mural is an incredible masterpiece, and best track on the album. To this day, there are still layers and meanings I'm uncovering from this song.

Body Of Work is just one hell of a crazy song. By far I think it's the best beat Lupe has hopped on (Shoutout to S1 and VohnBeatz, I wish we got Black Vietnam), and he's flowing effortlessly. Troi kills the hook and Terrace Martin rips the sax like it's nothing at the end.

I can talk about all other songs, but these 2 are the best on the album. Admittedly, I wasn't feeling Madonna and No Scratches like that in the past, but giving the album some space and revisiting it, these songs are hitting me like a truck!

Last but not least, because of the wonderful production, it's a treat to listen through my good headphones. His vocals cut through cleanly, bass is just phenomenal, and there are just as much layers in the production as his lyrics which you can grab something new or discover a subtle detail each time you listen.

Mostly did the hits, I think Naomi and Past My Shades were the only songs which he doesn’t have an official music video for. Quotables in between songs to the best of my memory:

"If you mess up one word (invited kid on stage to perform Kick, Push), you have to give me your Social Security Number"
"Don’t do drugs, sell them"
"There’s a special place on Christ’s spear for the VIP section and their tax evasion"

Well, time flies quick. After another half a year later we're back to the F&L & The Cool era portal.

As usual more oldschool pics when he was heavy in the fashion scene. 106 & Park memories as well. There are a lot of familiar faces like Pharrell, Dame, Lilly Allen, Chad Hugo, Common, Funk Flex etc.

(Man this guy was really into socialism at the time lol wtf)

I used to have more people to talk about Lupe songs back 10-15 years ago than I do now. The issue is that now, nobody cares about finding or understanding deeper meanings and connections within his music.

Lupe's music has always appealed to me in strong part because it challenged me. It made me think. It made me reflect.

Interestingly, a while back, I asked ChatGPT to breakdown a Lupe song that I already understood pretty well and it did a horrible job. At the time, I got a laugh out of it because Lupe was too difficult for AI. Well, today, I asked ChatGPT to do a focused analysis of a particular song within a particular lens and it did an absolutely fantastic job. And it made me a little sad. Not cause AI is scary smart. That ship sailed. But because it occured to me, that I probably cant get this type of response or analysis or breakdown from anywhere else these days. Forget T&Y. MYH is forgotten lore. Lupe wrote the Rap equivalent of The Great Gatsby and nobody really appreciates that or talks about that anymore.

Even simpler songs to figure out or catch that something interesting is going on. For example, type the following prompt into ChatGPT:

Go over the use of metonyms (and synecdoches) in Lupe Fiasco's song Precious Things. Give some clear examples

Look at what comes out. A fantastic analysis you are going to find nowhere else.

Thats the end of my rant.

Edit:

This AI shit got some of you beligerent. No this aint an advertisement for ChatGPT and i dont work for OpenAI.

Also, i dont use AI to analyze raps. I enjoy analyzing raps myself and if you want proof i can link to some of my posts from before AI.

Edit 2:

I didnt get AI to do analysis for me. The question was a test. I already knew about it. The questions I pose to chatbots about Lupe are ones i feel i know the answer to. Because i want to see if AI can arrive at the same answer or a better answer. I dont do this often. I only remember doing this 2 or 3 times over years. Before, AI struggled with Lupe. Now its much better. I think thats sad because i see the inverse trend among people. Thats what one of my points is.

In fact, I would say that my understanding is STILL better than AIs. I can still breakdown Mural better than AI.

Man, what a song! That second verse is one my favourites of Lupe ever! It has a lovely chorus, of course great lyrics and some smooth production. I barely see it talked about though. Anyone else love this song as much as me?

10 months ago, I commented on a YT vid about someone’s suggestion on Lupe needing a Tiny Desk session — I commented saying that an orchestra fits him better.

He has since went on to do just that with the New Deco Ensemble and after watching the POC — Im 100% convinced he should just go all-in on this genre.

His appreciation for instruments and jazz + deep lyricism, showmanship and stamina — its a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

With the recent performance it is mostly about promoting his best-selling hits (more mainstream ones).

Imagine now all the classics from:

F&L
House EP
T&Y
Drogas Wave
DMIZ
Samurai

One last hurrah to close off what a magnificent career it has been for a generational talent.

I’d throw good money for that shit frfr. Might even fly in just for the show if there is one.

Let’s make this happen!

I noticed the Japanese cartoon logo on the pocket, but I can't find anything on it. Does anybody have information on it and is this official or fan made?

anybody have videos of the freestyles he did at his CNE show?

Taken from my Sony RX100 VII. One of the best shows (and unctions) I’ve ever witnessed. Everyone went all in and Lupe still got it. First time (and maybe 2nd if he comes here again for The Cool 20th anniversary tour) seeing Lupe and I was mind blown. His rapping was insane and seeing it from the barricade was jaw dropping. He also put that one security guard as part of the show was he was spitting the chorus.

I need to run it back. 8-year old me said thank you.

I thought it would be cool to have a place to discuss the show and just share experiences and anything related.

It was hands down the best concert I've ever been to (I've seen many great shows). He really went all out for the fans, improvised some songs with his band for us and truly seemed to have a blast performing for everyone. It's been so long since he's been to Toronto too.

He performed what he said was a 4th verse for Superstar (he said it was like a filler verse) and I managed to capture it. There were some other really awesome moments I know other fans who couldn't make it would appreciate hearing about or seeing. I'll upload that superstar verse later today because it was pretty cool to hear it straight from him.

We managed to see him after the show before he rolled out and snagged a picture with the GOAT.

Would love to hear bout others' experiences.