When did it become cool to be a progressive rap artist who discussed issues of politics and culture in your music? Well, for the most part it isn’t, but to those who have heard the name, Lupe Fiasco embodies this persona, and makes it seem cool enough to emulate. Lupe is a rapper, producer and CEO of his own record label with a small discography as of yet, but here are the top 10 songs so far in what is sure to become a music library of hip-hop hits.
10. Shining Down (from the upcoming album Lasers)
The lead single for Lupe Fiasco’s latest album (due out sometime in 2010) is a prime example of Lupe’s ability to merge his rap vibe with rock influence (as seen on a track like “Hello/Goodbye” from The Cool). The wordplay in this song is signature Lupe, as is the featured artist on the hook – Matthew Santos.
9. He Say, She Say (from Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor)
A true narrative in every sense of the word, Lupe tells the story of a single mother struggling with her son on no alimony in this track – from the parent and child perspectives. Sampling the B-52’s on this socially conscious song is producer Soundtrakk who blends this mix into pure ingenuity.
8. Superstar (from Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool)
Dealing with insurmountable critical acclaim from his first album, Lupe explains on the first single from his second LP not only why he, but why we, the fans, are superstars in a track that helped define Lupe in his sophomore effort. Matthew Santos lends his vocals in what also became a breakout song for his own career.
7. Dumb It Down (from Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool)
Lupe is never scared to criticize, and he does nothing but critique every aspect of the business he’s a part of in this boom-bap track. The song may be worth a second or third listen as Lupe crams so much info into this track lyrically, a style fans and critics have come to expect and love.
6. Put You On Game (from Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool)
Growing up in Chicago’s west side, Lupe was no stranger to the violence and corruption of the gangster lifestyle, a culture he describes in this dark, gritty ensemble. With no chorus, Lupe delivers a straightforward lyrical narrative about “the game” and its influence amongst those who partake in it. The song is part of a larger concept that envelops his entire second album.
5. Hip Hop Saved My Life (from Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool)
“Hip Hop Saved My Life” is an ode to the life changing experience hip-hop can be for any solemn individual. Lupe chronicles a story of anguish and triumph with help from Nikki Jean on the chorus. The positive vibe and overall hopefulness embedded in this song makes it a memorable track which received shockingly little airplay.
4. Little Weapon (from Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool)
A song just as dark as “Put You On Game”, “Little Weapon” shows us the depth with which Lupe’s knowledge delves into his overall ability to master lyricism and narration. Lupe proves he’s not only a rapper on this track, but a bona fide MC.
3. Daydreamin’ (from Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor)
A track with an optimistic feel powered by a beautiful sample, Lupe, accompanied by Jill Scott, creates an entire world in the listener’s mind, reminiscent of his Chicago upbringing and extremely telling of his ability as a writer.
2. Kick, Push II (from Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor)
This lesser known sequel to Lupe’s breakout hit “Kick, Push” continues the story of the skateboarding couple featured on the first track. Production on this track is better than the original incarnation of “Kick, Push” and creates a more serious tone to which Lupe lays down an excellent vocal performance.
1. Streets on Fire (from Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool)
It’s no surprise that my top Lupe Fiasco song once again features Matthew Santos in a composition that eerily recounts the desecration of any positive principles in our known world. Though the subject matter isn’t exactly uplifting, the way in which it’s presented is catchy, fast paced and politically conscious.
Though I’ve only mentioned songs from Lupe Fiasco’s official albums, there are dozens of other standout performances by Lupe on tracks from his mixtapes and songs from other artists where he is featured. If you’re a diehard fan of rap, you should definitely give these 10 songs a listen if you haven’t already. To those who may have slandered rap in the past, allow Lupe to re-introduce you to a much more different and engaging style of the genre.
