WAV Files

"WAV Files" is a song by Lupe Fiasco, released as the sixth track from his album, Drogas Wave (2018). Along with the personification of nature and recurring elements (sea, forest, stars, sugar), it tells the story of the LongChains, and lists off several slave ships in the third verse. The hook talks about the deaths of slaves—which is why the beaches are white—along with slaves jumping overboard the slave ships to return home. The fourth verse, he explained on Twitter, is about celebrities."Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". Twitter. November 13, 2018.
== Background ==
Concerning the line, 'walking on water,' Fiasco referenced towards the captain logs of the slave ship, HMS Black Joke. He quoted, "They walked on water. Sure footed and swift as if it was paved road. Their eyes were black as opal and shined in the sunlight like diamonds. Their weaponry was always at the ready. Large spear-like harpoons and massive whaling hooks connected to long chains and heavy ropes. Their clothing was a blend of African cloth and salvaged sailor uniforms. They were poised, organized and regal. It was all at once the most impressive and the most bewildering thing I'd ever seen in all my years on the seas or on the land for that matter.""Lupe Fiasco (@lupefiasco)". Instagram. September 19, 2018.
Speaking upon the use of sugar, he explained, "As a tribute to the LongChains the slaves they helped set free would go to the beach and pour sugar into the sea so that the LongChains would have something sweet to enjoy amidst the saltiness of the ocean. Also the sugar would act as a trail for the LongChains to follow to return back to their homes in Africa.""Lupe Fiasco (@lupefiasco)". Instagram. September 24, 2018. Fiasco also sold incense as part of Drogas Wave merchandise to enhance this concept and experience for listeners.
== Critical reception ==
Pitchfork wrote, "Fiasco's voice reflects a genuine mournfulness. It helps him sell his revisionist fantasy, whether incorporating a sympathetic Poseidon into the narrative or stumbling upon a new backronym: 'Walking on water/WOW WOW.'"Josephs, Brian (September 29, 2018). "Drogas Wave by Lupe Fiasco". Pitchfork. HotNewHipHop added, "Lupe Fiasco densely packs the 6th track plenty of deftly hidden symbols, some more obvious than others. The mention of iconic figures like Jesus, Jay-Z, and Mother Earth herself (under several of her pseudonyms) serves not to worship the ground they walk but to push his personal agenda in an artful yet devilish manner. The beat on "WAV Files" also highlights his skills as a producer."Ch, Devin (September 22, 2018). "Lupe Fiasco Begs For Patient Understanding On "WAV Files"". HotNewHipHop.
== Lyrics ==
== References ==
Category:2018 songs
Category:Drogas Wave
Category:Lupe Fiasco songs
Category:Songs