If you’re one of those people who prefers good music accompanied by great lyrics over good music with bad lyrics then I suggest you start listening to Lupe Fiasco. He is hands down the best lyricist in the World right now, and I really have no idea why he’s so overlooked. Maybe because he raps from the heart, and people don’t want to hear that.
'The Cool' - An album worth checking out
I find it very hard to listen to rap these days. I really do feel bad for this generation having to put up with Lil Wayne and 50 cent. I mean c’mon, we had Pac and Nas.. You can’t even compare. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a dis on everyone in the modern era. Jay-Z and Kanye (although different styles) still remain geniuses in my book. But if you’re like me, and tired of constantly reffering to ‘old school’ music to be satisfied, then I highly recommend getting on the Lupe bandwagon. His two big cd’s ‘Food and liqour’ and ‘The Cool’ are not that recent, but he is coming out with a new album called ‘Lupend‘ which is supposed to be 3 disks. No release date as of yet. I can’t wait.
I’m sure most people have heard of Lupe; but if you haven’t, then you should listen to -every- single one of his songs and not only jam to the beat, but listen to what he has to say.
Oh.. And you can start with this:
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Nice first entry. I agree that Lupe is sick and yes probably one of the top 3 lyricist of all time…When it comes down to it though your right, the new generations will never get a chance it seems to recognize real hip hop and will be stuck listening to this mainstream garbage made by Soulja Boy and the girl singing about her lipgloss poppin’…Either way, Lupe is sick but don’t forget about greats like Rakim, Common and Biggie…
I like most of his songs, when you pointed out that he is the best lyricist in the world, your maybe right on one issue but his lyrics dont have contrevorsy. Imagine Tupac’s lyrics, or Biggie, after they were against each other, theyre albums were big hits because they were controversial. Lupe is still young. Another reason why people don’t listen to him as much is maybe because his beats arent as good as other rappers in most songs..Hes still good, and hes young too so hes going to get better.
I’m gonna take a bit from both of them that came before me. Humbly I might add, because I’ve been out of the music critiquing world for a while and I don’t really have the right to speak about that which I no longer understand. I do agree that Lupe is one of the best lyricists of today. I made that comment a year and a half ago when I heard him on CBC. I also believe that Lupe’s religious foundations provide him with a wisdom that is lacking in most mainstream hip-hop, past or present. I do not agree with the fact that controversy makes good hip-hip although I don’t think that was Ehsan’s argument. I believe Ehsan was making the point that Biggie and Pac’s albums records made the biggest sales when the controversies hit peak. But to tell you the truth I think that the songs they produced during that period were the worst material ever penned by either of them. Pac’s best albums were his earlier “cradle to the grave” and his later Machiavelli and un-recorded material which he was developing as he began to mature and move away from the materialist, conflictual rap. The introspective, emancipatory lyrics which are enlightened by reflection and thought are the songs that define a great lyricists. Songs that ring true with time and inspire the youth for generations to come, not the one’s that evoke the cannibalistic drives of ‘gangster/thugs’ who can’t see past the tint of their Honda Acuras. Lupe fiasco does not need to have Pharrel Beats or Jay-Z stage presence. I would hope that he making greater efforts to bring back the soul of this art which artists like De La Soul, Rakim, KRS One, Common, Lauren Hill, Tribe Called Quest and the like had so steadfastly manifested. Even artists like Biggie and Pac, sure one brought flow while the other brought flavor. But both of them were still victims of conflict and excessive profanity which is an easy way to sell music. Nowadays, most people make praise of these two artists like we do the Beetles or Shakespeare. Most of us don’t really know why we think they’re great, we just do because everyone else does and to say otherwise is blasphemy. And although I won’t let my likes or dislikes be dictated by the masses, I will say “sure thing” for the sake of unity. As of now however, I would have to say that the best hip hop is coming out of this guy: http://www.myspace.com/commonmarket
Well that’s all I have to say. All hate mail can be sent to me via: emadtalisman.wordpress.com
“Hands down best lyricist in the world”
Kiyan I like my Lupe just as much as anyone else, but that my friend is one bold statement. Lets keep in mind Jay is still killing anyone/everyone on the lyricist tip, and he’s mainstream, I wouldn’t want to get the underground cats involved.
ps- Lupe has postponed L.U.P.end indefinitely, looks like he wants to drop some more albums before he ‘retires’.
I also find it somewhat ironic that the above comment mentions ATCQ. Interestingly enough Lupe was asked to perform during their VH1 hip hop honors show. He actually forgot the words to electric relaxation and scenario and even went on to say that he has never listened to midnight marauders. Even worse, he even stated that MC Hammer was more influential and powerful than Tribe.
Don’t get me wrong, Lupe is certainly a breath a fresh air, but some of his comments, politically and musically are plain dumb.
Lupe actually is a very smart guy, and I thought he only missed two lines. So what if he said one thing, that doesn’t mean that EVERYTHING he says is dumb.
Please show me where the word ‘EVERYTHING’ is typed in my post. Or just apologize for taking my argument out of context.
It’s pretty clear in my post that I enjoy Lupe, I just wouldn’t crown him “the best” at anything, especially not raping.
Good points Craig. I’m definitely not as familiar as you are with Lupe’s day-to-day. I submit to your wisdom.