Matthew Santos

Matthew Santos (MA/SA; born December 28, 1982) is an American rock and folk singer-songwriter and musician. He met Lupe Fiasco "through a mutual friend" who owned the studio, The Attic. Whilst recording his extended play, As a Crow Flies, Fiasco was recording the debut album, Food & Liquor (2006). Both listened to each other's records, and Fiasco asked him to be featured on a track."Interview: Matthew Santos (Chicago)". Mezzic. March 13, 2012. In 2008, Santos was an opener for the Glow in the Dark Tour.
He named his favorite Lupe collaboration to be "Fighters" and said of the band, Japanese Cartoon, "At first I didn't understand [them], but after a few listens I really started liking what they were doing. It's definitely a niche sound, but some great songs came out of that project.""Matthew Santos". Blogger. December 31, 2011.
== Background ==
In 2001, Matthew Santos moved to Chicago to study music at Columbia College. He met Greg "G-Ball" Magers, who introduced him to Lupe Fiasco. Santos noted to his hometown newspaper, Star Tribune, "It's really challenging and creatively satisfying working with Lupe, because I'm working completely under his vision. It'd be different if Lupe wasn't the kind of conscious rapper that he is. His words are powerful, and he appeals to an open-minded crowd."Riemenschneider, Chris (December 20, 2007). "Local Music: Hanging with 'Superstar'". Star Tribune. Santos would also play in Fiasco's touring band.
Santos told Billboard in 2008, "Playing with Lupe, I've gotten such great exposure. But ['Superstar'] isn't what I do. So while I've been on the road with him, I've been trying to hype what I do too [...] I want to stay with that rootsy feel. I could get away with the acoustic thing the rest of my life. I like 'Superstar' as a song, but it's not me, I didn't write it. I see the video and I'm like, 'I'm not that dude.'"Hasty, Katie (January 2, 2008). "Matthew Santos". Billboard. This was expanded on to Northern Transmissions, where he "decided to step back for many reasons":
I think that while the Lupe collaborations were filled with excitement and were a lot of fun, it wasn't quite what I was looking for. On top of that, I wasn't ready for that kind of mass exposure and success. I appreciate the accolades the whole experience afforded me, but that kind of fast ride doesn't fly without consequence. I didn't like who I was becoming, how the success and praise was getting to my head. It derailed and hijacked my own solo efforts with my band, and there was a lot of inner conflict surrounding the spirit of the whole thing. Music was always a way to connect to something bigger than me, while exploring the possibilities and freedom of expression. Furthermore, I didn't want to become known only as "Lupe's hook guy" as I had so much to offer than that. Plus Lupe and I see the world very differently and don't agree on how people should be treated who have helped you realize your dreams.Dan, Jen (August 9, 2015). "Matthew Santos". Northern Transmissions.
He left the 1st & 15th label due to pursuit of his own career, to be known as an indie artist and away from mainstream success, stating, "I always kept in my heart that the music I wanted to make, I never lost sight of it. It's sort of the reason I left Lupe Fiasco's label. It just wasn't harmonious with my own creative vision. So once the contract expired, we just went our own ways."
== Discography ==
=== Singles ===
	Denotes promotional single
Title 	Year	Album
"Superstar" 	2007	Lupe Fiasco's The Cool
"Shining Down"	2009	Lasers
=== Guest appearances ===
Title 	Year	Other artist(s)	Album
"I Don't Feel So Good"	2005	Lupe Fiasco 	Fahrenheit 1/15 Part III: A Rhyming Ape
"American Terrorist" 	2006	Lupe Fiasco 	Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
"Streets on Fire" 	2007	Lupe Fiasco 	Lupe Fiasco's The Cool
"Fighters" 	2007	Lupe Fiasco 	Lupe Fiasco's The Cool
== References ==
Category:Collaborators
Category:Musicians
Category:People
Category:Singers
Category:Songwriters