Introduction

"Introduction" is a song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released as the lead track from his mixtape, Friend of the People: I Fight Evil (2011). The beginning contains a recorded speech from American historian Howard Zinn (August 24, 1922 – January 27, 2010). The next section alludes to the Terminator franchise, where John Connor was destined to lead the human resistance to defeat an empire of robotic Terminators. The machine, programmed to kill people, is switched to fight evil instead. Interestingly, there has been a debate on if technology will save or destroy humanity, though Fiasco appears to embrace its evolution, mentioning the positive aspects in creativity like NFTs and artifical intelligence.
== Background ==
In 2009, for readings from The People Speak premiere, Fiasco was in attendance. According to Vulture, he said about Zinn, "O.G. What he did and what he's pushing with the movie and the books and all that, I think it's something that crosses cultures, crosses beyond white, black, Chinese, Asian, whatever. You know, it speaks to everybody. We're doing a song..."Yuan, Jada and Kuhns, Madeleine (December 11, 2009). "Thanks to Matt Damon, We May Finally Hear a Lupe Fiasco–Howard Zinn Duet". Vulture. He also read Zinn's book, A People's History of the United States.
To Chicago Tribune in 2012, he shared, "Howard Zinn had a sense of humor, and he realized the unpopularity and the futility of some of his views. But he never backed away from the importance of what he was saying. He was saying, 'I am preaching at you. I am a teacher. I have no shame in doing that'. Some of the people we hold in highest regard in this society, whatever our background, whatever our experience, are preachers".Kot, Greg (October 3, 2012). "Lupe Fiasco: 'I'm Afraid Chicago Is Dying'". Chicago Tribune.
== Critical reception ==
Alex Young of Consequence wrote, "sets the stage for anti-government sentiments. The mixtape's title already makes it clear that he's not shy about aligning himself with the 99%".Young, Alex (December 8, 2011). "Album Review: Lupe Fiasco – Friend of the People Mixtape". Consequence.
== Lyrics ==
== References ==
Category:2011 songs
Category:Explicit songs
Category:Friend of the People: I Fight Evil
Category:Lupe Fiasco songs
Category:Songs