I pinched myself on inauguration morning…did that really happen?

Monday, January 21 2013

Just as I’m sure most of you do, especially those whose livelihood depends on it, I woke up and checked Facebook. I was quickly reminded that it was the day the US welcomed President Obama into his second term. Though the article I came across that made my jaw drop was one that talked about the festivities from the night before inauguration …“Rapper Lupe Fiasco thrown offstage during pre-inauguration event after anti-Obama rant”. As a LONG-TIME Lupe fan, I smiled ear to ear.

We decided this act of honor and honesty deserved the Rebel of the Week. How could it not? He was INVITED to perform prior to the inauguration and DISSED the President! You can’t get more rebellious than that (not to mention, whoever booked him as an act clearly didn’t know what they were doing). It was poetic, well-delivered, and full of passion. Thank you Lupe for proving what I’ve known all along…you’re a real artist and using your fame for good. You’re a Rebel!

I read the article and watched the video and would like to clarify one thing:

The videos I have seen so far have been of him performing his enormously successful and passionate song “Words I Never Said”. Within the song he says “Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a racist, Gaza Strip was getting bombed Obama didn’t say shit. That’s why I ain’t vote for him, next one either…” – he repeatedly sang this until the sound crew cut off his mic and security escorted him off stage. So an anti-Obama “rant” has yet to be seen with my eyes. I just saw him singing a song with anti-STATE lyrics. Not to down play this amazing performance, the media blew it out of proportion a bit.

Lupe’s Career

After four successful studio albums, it’s no secret that his content is meant to raise the blood pressure of those who pride themselves in being ‘Merican citizens. Most people know Lupe from the “Kick, Push” days…or when he hit the radio in a major way with “Superstar”, but to know Lupe’s true musical gifts one must dive through his albums one at a time and understand a state of mind that is few and far in between in the mainstream hip-hop game.

He will most likely be leaving that “mainstream hip-hop game” due to differences with his label. He’s made “too many political and controversial” remarks that have made his label uncomfortable. He doesn’t apologize. Heck, his sales will perform just as well when he leaves to go indie. You just watch.

His most recent album Food and Liquor Pt. 2 has been on repeat in my headphones the past couple of weeks. If you’re a newbie to his music and are turned on by his honesty and guts, I recommend this as a starting point. It makes you speechless at times. Especially the track “Lamborghini Angels” where he takes you through scenarios of religious fundamentalists and the life of a serious behavioral woman.

If you switch to “Bitch, Bad” with the anticipation of hearing a hot track about gorgeous women…you can guarantee you’ve come to the wrong place. It’s a song to encourage adults to use precaution with their language. Children are like sponges and absorb your words and the meaning you attach to them.

And if you think his studio albums are impressive…try digging into his plethora of mixtapes!

Our Rebel of the Week: Lupe Fiasco

That’s just a small glimpse into the wonderful work from this wonderful artist. I could literally talk ALL day about Lupe Fiasco. He speaks his mind, he does it with finesse, and he uses the limelight to uncover corruption and the realities of the world we are living in.

What other rapper actually USES and skillfully arranges words like “fiscally responsible” and “drones” in their music?

Talk about leading by example! Now if only some of these other “enlightened” artists could let go of the paystub for a second (even thought Lupe’s still making money, and plenty of it) and focus on the gift they have. The gift of having the world’s undivided attention.

Thank you Wasalu Muhammad Jaco AKA Lupe Fiasco, for inspiring a generation.

UPDATE: The Food and Liquor Pt II album is available today for $3.99! Grab it!