Paris, Tokyo

"Paris, Tokyo" is a song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, the sixth track from his second studio album, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool (2008). It was released as the album's third single on April 12, 2008. The song was co-written with producer Soundtrakk, and contains samples of "San Juan Sunset" by Deodato (1978). The accompanying music video was directed by Erik White. The official remix was released on September 22, 2008, featuring verses from Pharrell Williams, Q-Tip, and Sarah Green, along with new verses by Fiasco.Zisook, Brian (September 22, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco ft. Pharrell, Q-Tip & Sarah Green - Paris Tokyo (Remix)". DJBooth.
Fiasco shared in an interview, "What inspired me to write the song was that between Food and Liquor and this album we travelled EVERYWHERE—multiple countries, multiple towns, multiple tours. […] And of course another side to it all is, when you travel, you leave people behind. So I actually wrote the song for my girl, 'cause I'd be gone so much we'd go for two months at a time without seeing each other. So it's basically her song. Just to let her know that, wherever I go, she comes with me—even if it is just mentally or in spirit."Lewis, Pete (April 29, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco: 'Paris, Tokyo'... Blues and Soul". Blues and Soul. Archived from the original on April 26, 2008.
== Background ==
Fiasco premiered the song live at 2007 Lollapalooza in Chicago. After his sophomore album Lupe Fiasco's The Cool was released in December 2007, the track "Paris, Tokyo" was serviced to contemporary radio stations as of April 3, 2008, and digitally dropped several days later on April 12th. It was written for his then-girlfriend, who also appears in the music video.
At the time, Fiasco had faced controversy in October 2007 for what was dubbed as Fiascogate, where he forgot the lyrics during a commemoration performance for A Tribe Called Quest. Afterwards, he asserted that he didn't grow up on ATCQ, and Tribe fans criticized him on message boards, including fellow peer Phonte.Rodriguez, Jayson (October 11, 2007). "Lupe Fiasco Vs. A Tribe Called Quest: A 'Fiascogate' Timeline". MTV News. Fiasco seemingly made peace, as Tribe's Q-Tip was featured on the remix version of "Paris, Tokyo" and talked about touring together.Arnold, Paul (October 10, 2007). "DX-Clusive: "Fiascogate Fallout" & Words from Q-Tip". HipHopDX.
== Critical reception ==
Pitchforks Mark Pytlik, The Guardians Alexis Petridis, and PopMatters editor Zach Schonfeld have likened it to A Tribe Called Quest record, with its jazzy background, the former two referring to Fiascogate.Pytlik, Mark (January 8, 2008). "The Cool by Lupe Fiasco". Pitchfork.Petridis, Alexis (January 18, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco, The Cool". The Guardian.Schonfeld, Zach (January 7, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco Lupe Fiasco's the Cool". PopMatters. Archived from the original on January 9, 2008. The latter publication wrote, "Film buffs should chuckle at the title of 'Paris, Tokyo,' a love letter to the joys of traveling." Schonfeld went on to opine, "Like Andre 3000 before him, many will wish that Fiasco refrain from singing his own hooks, but who needs nitpicking with a groove like this?" Steve Glencross from The Skinny penned, "If you like your hip-hop lazy, feel good and unashamedly commercial, this'll be right up your street."Glencross, Steve (April 5, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco - Paris, Tokyo". The Skinny.
In a 2023 retrospective assessment of Fiasco's "16 Best" songs, Riley Wallace of Okayplayer praised Soundtrakk's production work and added of the single, "is anything but lyrically light, defined by a simple and catchy hook that rounds the track out."Wallace, Riley (February 16, 2023). "The 16 Best Lupe Fiasco Songs". Okayplayer.
== Personnel ==
* Charles "Free Chilly" Patton – executive producer
* Chris Gehringer – masterer
* Dave Pensado – enhanced recording
* Eumir Deodato – writer
* Greg "G-Ball" Magers – recording
* Jesse Gladstone – assistant mixer
* Nat "You Can Ask Giz" Robinson – mixer
* Rudolph "Soundtrakk" Lopez – producer
* Wasalu "Lupe Fiasco" Jaco – executive producer, writer
== Charts ==
Chart (2008) 	Peakposition
UK Singles (OCC)	
== Cultural references ==
* "Walk It Out" is a song by American DJ and rapper Unk.
* Goyard trunks and John Lennon Chucks are fashion pieces.
* The Japanese phrase "Otsukaresama deshita" (Ots-ka-reh sa-ma desh-ta) is expressed after someone's hard work. Fiasco follows with the French expression "au revoir" as goodbye, aptly matching the "Paris, Tokyo" theme.
* Fiasco inserts a double entendre through Santa's reindeer Dasher to his girl (dear) and tears that fall down her face.
* Louvre Saint-Honoré and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is a hotel and airport in Paris, France, respectively.
== Gallery ==
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== Lyrics ==
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== References ==
Category:2008 songs
Category:Lupe Fiasco songs
Category:Lupe Fiasco's The Cool
Category:Remix songs
Category:Singles
Category:Songs
Category:Songs with music videos