Shining Down

"Shining Down" is a song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released as a promotional single on July 7, 2009. It was included in the iTunes deluxe version of Lasers (2011) and features guest vocals from American singer Matthew Santos."Shining Down (feat. Matthew Santos)" by Lupe Fiasco". Apple Music. July 7, 2009. It was intended to be the lead single from Everywhere off Fiasco's triple album, LupEND (Everywhere, Nowhere, Down Here), though was scrapped by the decision of Atlantic Records.
It appeared in the soundtrack of the video game Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit (2010).
== Background ==
On June 16, 2009, the track leaked online in full quality, much to Fiasco's frustration. This led to the launch of cease-and-desist over many websites to remove it. Fiasco stated in his blog, "I DON'T LEAK MY OWN RECORDS!!! I'M NOT A FAN OF LEAKING RECORDS OR OF DOWNLOADING!!!" This also happened with his debut studio album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, which pushed back the release date and "possibly cost [him] from going platinum."
He continued, "If you come across it and you like it and keep it to yourself that's all cool with me but to make it where as other people are able to download it in a public forum is honestly an insult to me. Especially because of how much I love you guys. That shit is kinda like a slap in the face." He added that someone hacked into his e-mail account, which was how they leaked the song. He explained, "I was about to fire my entire staff and cut off relationships over shining down leaking last night. […] the only possible explanation is my email chain with the mix studio (which is air tight…the studio that is) was hacked and thats where the record came from."Medina, Jeremy (June 17, 2009). "Kanye Is Latest to Leak Lupe Fiasco Track; Lupe Already Caps-Lock Mad". Entertainment Weekly.Roberts, Steven (June 17, 2009). "Lupe Fiasco Calls 'Shining Down' Leak 'A Slap in the Face'". MTV. Santos himself tweeted out: "Shinning Down was hacked and leaked, it's not the final version though! please wait for the official release!""Matthew Santos (@MatthewSantos)". Twitter. June 16, 2009.
== Reception ==
Zach Kelly of Pitchfork wrote in their review that "Shining Down" was a "bland refix" of "Superstar" and had "None of Lupe's effervescent wit or flow".Kelly, Zach (June 28, 2009). ""Shining Down" [ft. Matthew Santos"]. Pitchfork.
== Personnel ==
* Matthew Santos – vocals, writer
* Rudolph "Soundtrakk" Lopez – vocals, writer
* Wasalu "Lupe Fiasco" Jaco – vocals, writer
== Gallery ==
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== Cultural references ==
* Jerry Lawler, also known as "The King," is an American color commentator and professional wrestler.
* Rebel Without a Cause is a 1955 American film focused on teen Jim Stark, who has a troubled past.
* Fabolous is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York.
* The Federal Reserve System is United States' central banking system. 
* National Geographic is an American monthly magazine.
* Dancing with the Stars is an American dance competition TV series.
== Lyrics ==
== References ==
Category:2009 songs
Category:Bonus tracks
Category:Collaboration songs
Category:Explicit songs
Category:Lasers
Category:Lupe Fiasco songs
Category:Promotional singles
Category:Songs