recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Lost in the Atlantic

***Lost in the Atlantic*** is a mixtape by Lupe Fiasco, unofficially released in October 2014 during the midst of his strained relations with his record label, Atlantic Records. The record features a guest on each track with Nikki Jean, Sirah, PJ, and Billy Blue. The songs (excluding "Pu$$y") were eventually removed from his SoundCloud page but left up on his YouTube channel.

## Background

With the delayed release of his album *Tetsuo & Youth*, Fiasco shared, "Atlantic Records won't release the album until they get a 'pop' single. [S]o putting together a mini-project while they find one for me. It's called 'Lost in the Atlantic Ocean' with a bunch of my friends to stay active and happy..." The post included a preview of the song, "Lilies". Despite the post being deleted fifteen minutes later, fans already spread the news. This followed by the snippet of "Haile Selassie".

"Pu$$y" was first uploaded to SoundCloud on September 17, 2014. It was released digitally on October 21.

"Lilies" was released on October 17, followed by "Haile Selassie" in the same month on the 24th. The latter was included on his 2018 album, *Drogas Wave*.

Finally, "Mazinger" was released on October 31.

## References

1. ↑ Harling, Danielle (October 15, 2014). "Lupe Fiasco Announces "Lost in the Atlantic Ocean" Mixtpe; Cover Art Released". *HipHopDX*.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@lupefiasco)". *Instagram*. October 13, 2014.
Mamby on the Beach

**Mamby on the Beach** is an annual two-day summer music festival held at Oakwood Beach in Chicago, Illinois. Lupe Fiasco joined the 2016 lineup, performing on Day 2 at The Beach Stage.

## Background

When the lineup was first announced in April 2016, Fiasco expressed his confusion, not knowing he was booked.

A reviewer wrote, "After, I made my way over to the park stage for a bit of Lupe Fiasco’s performance, which unfortunately was riddled with him talking and ranting rather than actually performing smoothly through at least one song. He did however perform hit song “Superstar” live, much to the enjoyment of his longtime fans." *EDM Chicago* said, "Lupe Fiasco hit the crowd with his 10-year-old "Kick Push," leaving everyone with a smile on their face."

## Set list

1. "Kick, Push"
2. "Superstar"
3. "Hip-Hop Saved My Life"

## References

1. ↑ Terry, Josh (April 12, 2016). "Exclusive: Mamby on the Beach announces 2016 lineup". *Chicago Tribune*.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Twitter*. April 12, 2016.
3. ↑ Andrade, Adrian (July 11, 2016). "Mamby On The Beach 2016 – Festival Review". *Downbeats*.
4. ↑ Wuest, Kendrick (July 9, 2016). "Mamby on the Beach 2016: A Review". *EDM Chicago*.
Osheaga Festival

The **Osheaga Music and Arts Festival** (French: *Festival musique et arts Osheaga*) is a multi-day indie music festival held every summer at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Île Sainte-Hélène in Montreal, Quebec. Lupe Fiasco performed at the Mountain Stage in 2011.

## Reception

*Montreal Gazette* wrote of Fiasco's performance, "*rocking* set that adjusted his presentation and sound just enough to fit snugly into the festival setting, but without compromising his musical message or spirit." They concluded, "(He then nearly derailed matters when he went into a bizarre anti-American screed that I assume he was expecting would go over better than it actually did). But with unassailable hits in his hip pocket such as Kick Push, Superstar and The Show Goes On, there was enough material—and passion in their delivery—to keep the audience listening, and loving it." Radio show *The Come Up Show* wrote in their article, "Pop/Rock oriented people don't usually like going to hip-hop shows because the show is boring, so maybe he tried to make up for both by hiring a huge live band, electric guitar, keys and everything, and turn it into a stadium show. Eh, it seems to be working though, because the girls I bought my hot dog from were practically spazzing out and unable to calculate my change when "Superstar" came on. 'You may all think we're big stars,' he said, 'But you guys are the real superstars. Don't forget to look into the mirror.' Always positive, Lupe! Always a charmer." Tristan Banning of *Sidewalk Hustle* enthusiastically said, "MC Lupe Fiasco took to the Scene de la Montagne main stage bringing with him his incredible live show. Slotted in between Karkwa and Death From Above 1979 Lupe held his own in an afternoon geared towards rock rather than rap. Without compromising his message or spirit, Lupe took to the stage with a full band, rocking (pun intended) a solid set that fit perfectly to the festival mood and vibe. [...] It was a definite highlight of the day."

## Set list

1. "Shining Down"
2. "State Run Radio"
3. "Kick, Push"
4. "Words I Never Said"
5. "Beautiful Lasers (2 Ways)"
6. "Superstar"
7. "The Show Goes On"
8. "Break the Chain"
9. "Out of My Head"
10. "I Don't Wanna Care Right Now"

## References

1. ↑ Patry, Valérie (May 10, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco, Timber Timbre, Ellie Goulding and Others Added to Osheaga 2011". *Sors-Tu?*.
2. ↑ Boshra, Basem (July 30, 2011). "Osheaga 2011: Lupe Fiasco". *Montreal Gazette*.
3. ↑ "[Event Coverage] Osheaga Festival - Day 2 (Dâm-Funk, Lupe Fiasco, Ratatat, Bassnectar)". *The Come Up Show*. July 31, 2011.
4. ↑ Banning, Tristan (August 2, 2011). "Osheaga 2011: Lupe Fiasco". *Sidewalk Hustle*.
Cold World

*Lupe Fiasco's The Cool*This article is part of the The Cool era.Released: December 18, 2007
Label: 1st & 15th Entertainment / Atlantic RecordsCategory

## Song by Lupe Fiasco

### **Songwriter(s)**

Wasalu Jaco

"**Cold World**" is a song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco. It surfaced online in June 2008 as an unreleased cut from his sophomore studio album, *Lupe Fiasco's The Cool* (2007).

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Verse 1: Lupe Fiasco]

It's just the talk of the town

Coming from the mouth of the hood

The Jaws of Life

I bare arms

Crack my paws and write

Laws an rights

Rules an regulations

Tubes and medication

Fools who speculating

Did he leave it in his car?

Little did you know

You've been bleeding from the start

I ain't waiting on the shots

I'm leaving on ya mark

Get ready

5th steady

96 heavy

Wait (weight) n\*\*\*a

Waste (waist) bigger

Aids slicker

Sharp n\*\*\*as get head shots

Make flippers

Great whipper

Bavarian Motorola

My voice streams

Lakes, rivers

Constant

Keep spitting on the solders

If non sense is ya conscience

Your sitting on your shoulders

Whether Gucci loafing

Or walking on air

Sitting on mines or talking about there's

[Verse Two: Lupe Fiasco]

I'm just playing my part

Life is a chick

Run my fingers through her hair

While she play in my part

And I'm never ending

'Cause I'm staying at start

Plus I need a vehicle to be conveying my thoughts

I am a purveyor of talk

Seller of words

Merchant of speak

Saying of thoughts

Player of soughts

But I can't walk you

Nor will I cross you

Never been a player of sports

You gotta be upright to walk

Upnights to work

Down right to worship

Sunlights to dark

Down right converse

And they wonder what keeps me going

Like perpetual motion

Its just incredible devotion

And they telling you promotion

If you don't know what to say in flow

Just don't make a sound like the K in known/no

Listen to the hustler babble

Little dudes wanna tie me down like Gulliver's travels

I got it mummified

They unraveled

Paper towels

Just thumb tacks and a run flat

I will not go down

Maintain my speed

Can not slow down

Stay in my seat like Rosa parks

He came back busing now ain't that something now

Ya wanna sit where he sit

But ya folding chairs that boy is ski lift

Ever since I crawled on the block

I been up there had to fall to the top

This my say in a cold baray

All a dude got like Jay cosea?

And I'm not letting it Go I mastered this

And gotta keep spelling it out for y'all like Fabolous

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco: Cold World". *Hypebeast*. June 5, 2008.
Moneyman

"**Moneyman**" is a poem by American rapper Lupe Fiasco. It was written for the Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement, where he also donated tents and spoke of the cause at his concerts. He said in a statement to *BET*, "The Occupy movement literally represents an 'occupation' of the power structures that make up this society. The most powerful and meaningful of these structures being the will of the people ourselves. We are attempting to get back in the driver's seat and 'represent' ourselves and reinstate the 'real' common good. We are all leaders […] I hope the Occupy movement becomes institutional and a permanent fixture of the social and political landscape of America."

## Poem

Hey Moneyman the crowd is outside. The past, the future and the now is outside. The teachers and cooks and the drop-outs too. Word on the street is they looking for you…

Hey Moneyman they saying what's the score? And how much blood have you spilled on the butcher shop floor? Those numbers keep running but what they running into? The crowd is outside and they asking of you…

Hey Moneyman Moneyman the mayor's on the phone. He says he wants to know if all those people went home. Those momma's and poppa's and students and cooks. Those teachers and preachers, one second I'll look…

Hey Moneyman Moneyman the tents are still up, the songs are still singing and the coffee's in cups. The nights due to fall and the sun's going down but its still a whole mess of good folks hanging round...

They eyes are wide and their voices are loud. Its white and black and colorless proud. The signs are big and the smiles are bright. By heaven I reckon its gone be one hell of a night!

Hey Moneyman poor Moneyman you should slip out the back. 'Cause the forces of greed are under attack. No bombs or bullets or rocks or guns. Just hashtags and voices at the tops of their lungs!

And Moneyman Moneyman I won't need a ride. But if you need me…

You can find me outside!

## References

1. ↑ Gipson, Brooklyne (October 11, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco Defends Occupy Wall Street". *BET*.
Le Messie

**Le Messie** is a Singaporean entrepreneur. He is the co-founder alongside his wife Amanda Scully and creative director of fashion brand FALSE. He also co-founded the punk rock band Japanese Cartoon, of which he is responsible for production. He was shouted-out in American rapper's Lupe Fiasco's songs, "Outro" ('Shout out to Le Messie and Amanda, from LMAC') and "Paris, Tokyo" ('Amanda and Le Messie want to know when we going there').

## Background

Messie and Fiasco have known each other since 2004. Fiasco was a fan of his work and reached out to him for a customized hoodie. Messie said in 2012 to *Yahoo! News*, "I was very honored when he invited me to work with him. I had a lot of insecurities back then as I wasn’t really sure about how good I was. Back then, I was making money designing brands, not making music. But he heard a few of my old tracks… and he asked for two tracks (to be produced for him) and he ended up choosing one."

## References

1. ↑ Aw, Melissa (July 28, 2012). "Uncovering the Mystery of Le Messie". *Yahoo! News*.
Needlz

*Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor*This article is part of the Food & Liquor era.Released: September 19, 2006
Label: 1st & 15th Entertainment / Atlantic RecordsCategory
*Lasers*This article is part of the Lasers era.Released: March 7, 2011
Label: 1st & 15th Entertainment / Atlantic RecordsCategory

## **Needlz**

### **Born**

Khari Cain
April 19, 1978 (age 45)
Lansing, Michigan, U.S.

### **Occupations**

* Record producer
* songwriter

## **Musical career**

### **Labels**

Dry Rain

**Khari Cain** (born April 19, 1978), professionally known as **Needlz**, is an American record producer and songwriter. He has worked with American rapper Lupe Fiasco since the mixtape, *Fahrenheit 1/15 Part I: The Truth Is Among Us* (2004).

## Background

When asked of the controversy behind *Lasers* being released, Needlz responded, "I try to stay out of it. With the Lupe-Atlantic situation, I've known Lupe for a while, since we both started, and we're both fans of each other, so I knew that there was some drama going on. I don't know the specifics, so it's kind of like if I were to comment on something that you don't really know too much about. Even what you may read in magazine interviews, you really just never know what's going on day to day." He continued, "I've always been a big fan of Lupe and he knows that. If he ever needs anything from me I've got him. […] I don't know if it was the album that he wanted to necessarily put out, but it's been extremely successful. I've never heard this much Lupe on the radio and it seems like it's about to go gold and you can't really complain about that. He still has loyal fans, and this is only the third album, so I'm sure there's more to come. It's not like the end of Lupe as we know it."

## References

1. ↑ Bernard, Adam (August 2, 2011). "Needlz Interview". *RapReviews.com*.
Dillo Day

**Dillo Day** is an annual all-day music festival at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Lupe Fiasco performed in 2007 and returned as a guest speaker in 2009.

## References

1. ↑ "BREAKING: Lupe Fiasco to perform at Welsh-Ryan on Nov. 4". *The Daily Northwestern*. October 13, 2011.
2. ↑ "The Daily’s Guide To Dillo Day". *The Daily Northwestern*. May 23, 2007.
Baba Kwesi (Interlude)

## Song by Lupe Fiasco

"**Baba Kwesi (Interlude)**" is a song by Lupe Fiasco, released as the 17th track from his seventh studio album, *Drogas Wave* (2018). It was spoken by Ronald "Baba Kwesi" Harris (1960-2016), who was an ambassador for M.U.R.A.L and the director of the African-American Male Resource Center at Chicago State University.

The two knew each other for awhile, where in 2013, Fiasco was invited by Kwesi as a keynote speaker for the ceremony, Mass Black Male Graduation and Transition to Manhood. Fiasco also named Harris as one of the inspirations behind the 2014 anti-cancer anthem, "Mission".

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Interlude: Baba Kwesi]

Hello. My name is Baba Kwesi Ronald Harris, M.U.R.A.L. Mission Ambassador. Don't ruin us. God said, "Be lifted, be gifted, be spirited. Be you." The worst form of imprisonment is the imprisonment of the mind. For those confined within their mind, knowledge of self is the key. Love will set you free and let you be you. Wise eye always open. Never blind to self. Be you

## References

1. ↑ Watson, Andrea (June 26, 2016). "Family, Friends Remember Chicago State's 'Kwesi' Harris". *DNAinfo*.
Hypebeast

**Hypebeast** is a Hong Kong-listed company that focuses on contemporary culture and lifestyle. It was founded by Kevin Ma "as a simple sneaker blog" in 2005, and eventually branched out into other industries, including e-commerce and media. They have covered Lupe Fiasco's musical career over the years since its inception, where the rapper also gave a shout-out to the website and the founder in his song, "Outro."

## Background

In 2006, Lupe gave acknowledgment to the company in *The Fader* and *GQ*. He said from the latter that it was a part of his morning routine, where he would check out the site. He added, "I've been a fan since it first started." He also had his own blog on it, which he updated frequently.

Kevin Ma noted in a 2011 interview with *Forbes*:

>
> I kept working on Hypebeast to bring in more newsworthy content and eventually the individual that helped propel the site onto the next level was a hip-hop artist called Lupe Fiasco. He was one of the first guys to see the site and understood what it was about. Through his influence, Hypebeast gained a wider readership and helped us command a larger audience. For example, through Lupe's relationships with different hip-hop individuals, artists such as Kanye West began blogging and tweeting about our site and even mentioned Hypebeast in one of his songs.
>
>
>
>

## Article

*The following text has been modified for clarity.*

While sampling Kanye's new album I came across "Touch the Sky" featuring HYPEBEAST's very own Lupe Fiasco. So I decided to conduct a small four-question interview about him being on Kanye's album which comes out August 30th. Anyways without the album being out yet, "Touch the Sky" has already made it to radio stations! Congrats Lupe!!

Chris: So what was it like working with Kanye on his new album?

Lupe: Cool beans…

Chris: In your verse you say Lupin the 3rd. Are you into anime?

Lupe: Yeah man… *Akira*, *Crying Freeman*, *Giant Robo*, *Gundam*, *Macross*, *8 Man After*, *Lupin*, *Cowboy Bebop*, *Hellsing*, *Guyver*… I'm down with some Manga… I used to collect it…

Chris: Do you think being on Kanye's new album, a lot more people will want to feature you on songs?

Lupe: Nah maybe not…. I believe it's because I unjustifiably charge millions of dollars for a verse!!!… If anything people will stop calling all together and pay no attention to it whatsoever…….. Yeah sure and I'm the King of the Moons of Mars… My celly is stupid ringin'!!! Hahahahaha…. Swanky!

Chris: How about a shout on on your next mixtape song? Hahaha

Lupe: How 'bout you just jump on my album cover with me?

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Interview". *Hypebeast*. August 22, 2005.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco: Cold World". *Hypebeast*. June 5, 2008.
3. ↑ Newton, Matthew (September 8, 2011). "Hypebeast Founder Talks 'Influencers' and Authenticity". *Forbes*.
Big Blue (MURO's KG Remix Part 2)

"**Big Blue (MURO's KG Remix Part 2)**" is Japanese hip-hop group Shakkazombie's MURO remix of their 1999 single featuring Lupe Fiasco. It was released on March 23, 2022, dedicated in memory of member Takeshi "Big-O" Osumi (1973-2021), who passed away from sepsis.

Fiasco had collaborated with Osumi and Hidehiro "Ignition Man" Iguchi for Swagger with his clothing brand, Trilly & Truly. He shared that he first met the duo in New York during the mid-2000s. Fiasco had also done a musical collaboration with Big-O on the 2007 song, "City Wings," from the *Straight to Next Door* album.

## Personnel

* Hidehiro "Ignition Man" Iguchi – vocals, writer
* Murota "Muro" Takayoshi – remixer, recording arranger, producer
* Shinji "Tsutchie" Tsuchida – vocals, writer
* Takeshi "Big-O" Osumi – vocals, writer
* Wasalu "Lupe Fiasco" Jaco – vocals, writer

## Gallery

* Interview
* Message

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Intro: Lupe Fiasco]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Lupe!

Yeah, yeah, yeah (Blue sky), yeah, yeah

(Red carpet)

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Uh huh

Yeah, yeah, uh

[Verse 1: Lupe Fiasco]

By the way, at the time, we was lookin' fly

On the magazine covers, love you like a brother

Now you hover way above us in that blue sky

Phenomenal swagger, that's the crew, right?

Tokyo to Chi, Chi to Tokyo

Two sides to every coin, where we both of those

Shabu-shabu on the late night, we mix it up

Rip a stage, strike a pose, let them flick it up

Picture us, are a [?] but our hustles

And similar struggles to mob bubble

You kept it Trilly Trill

You let that beat ride

You helped the movie film, you rep that Eastside

Only rappers know what rapper plight

What we be rappin' 'bout, what we rappin' like

We know that life is a gift, that's why we wrap it nice

Yeah, uh

The nicest rapper I know, O

Shakkazombies don't die, they come back from the afterlife

Where they appetite, right

You always had your City Wings, now you a saint with a soul

## References

1. ↑ Wetherille, Kelly (February 3, 2021). "Takeshi Osumi, Designer of Mistergentleman, Dies at 47". *WWD*.
2. ↑ Leung, Ambrose (February 3, 2021). "Mistergentleman, Phenomenon Founder Takeshi "Big-O" Osumi Dies at Age 47". *Hypebeast*.
3. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco Special Interview on BIG-O (Short Ver.)". *YouTube*. March 22, 2022.
Naomi

## Song by Lupe Fiasco

"**Naomi**" (stylized in all caps) is the seventh track from Lupe Fiasco's eighth studio album, *Drill Music in Zion* (2022).

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Intro]

Can you see it? You see it

I know you see it, uh

Signs of intelligent life

Mosquito nets repel anopheles bites, look at the night

Nice, we look alike, they want a slice of your dreams

Even Christ took a knife for the team, so swing

Yo, fatal flying guillotine, uh, yeah

[Verse 1]

I just come around to help like Batman utility belt

All by myself with the world on my delts

We can chill while it melts, the beat bill feel like it's felt

My suspicion Christians killed all the Celts

What else? What else? Forget what happened in the past

You gotta let it go like what happened to the gas

Can't have such anathema inside a mass

It'll ruin your communion and soil all of your fast

Stay away from rebels worshipping the devil like jazz

When Heaven loses a job, Hell wins staff

Looking over macroeconomic math

Counting, weighting, and calculating how much time that we have

Then put it all in a graph, look at all of the paths

But look at Instagram then go back and split it in half

I ain't rapping, what's happened is blowing glass

Trakk is tapping drums and Crystal's blowing the brass

Per the usual

All that beautiful musical moving you like a inter-cooled Subaru

With an Italian man saying, "Look at what I do for you"

A nice Chicken Vesuvio

Be in North Boston often

'Round them Sicilians I be walking like the ambiance and talking

My favorite part is when all of the affogatos is brought in

You can put Dolce vita chicken risotto in my coffin

It's a—, ayy

[Interlude]

We are in the building, yes

Yeah, uh-huh, yeah

[Verse 2]

I was in Roxbury on Malcolm X block

Talking that talk that got Malcolm X watched

Tryna pick up where Malcolm X stopped

Only game I play is a Malcolm Xbox

Look in the sky, see the Malcolm X ring

Malcolm X-files, it's a Malcolm X thing

As you ask yourself, "What does Malcolm X mean?"

I return to the force in a Malcolm X-Wing

And scene

[Refrain]

You know they want a slice of your dreams

But even Christ took a knife for the team

So, swing
Nishigawa Iaido Club

**Nishigawa Iaido Club** is a clothing brand started by American rapper Lupe Fiasco in 2021. It translates to 'Westside' in homage to his upbringing, where he practiced martial arts and grew up in Westside Chicago.

He has worn a Nishigawa jacket in his "Autoboto" music video in 2022, the cap in the cover artwork of "Outside," and wore matching apparel for his performance at Sole DXB.
HP Skit

## Song by Lupe Fiasco

"**HP Skit**" is a song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released as the twelfth and final track from his mixtape *Enemy of the State: A Love Story* (2009). It promotes Hewlett Packard and mentions *Summit on the Summit*, where Fiasco and several others scaled Mount Kilimanjaro in efforts to raise awareness of the global clean water crisis.

Chris Yuscavage of *XXL* remarked in their review, "a Hewlett Packard commercial that gets reprised as the last skit on this mixtape, unrelated plans to film with Matt Damon and climb Mount Kilimanjaro".

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Verse: Man, *Woman*, **Lupe Fiasco**]

Check this: I'm climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to fight the global clean water crisis

*You're not climbing solo, you know*

**Yeah, you know we gonna have your back up there**

Check out our tweets, clips, and pics on our website from Day 1

A sight the same height as the mountain itself

**You got that right**

Climb with us at SummitontheSummit.com and help us reach our goal

Expedition technology, on and off the mountain

The HP dm3t with an ultra-low voltage intel dual processor

(*Enemy of the State*)

## References

1. ↑ Yuscavage, Chris (December 1, 2009). "XXL Reviews Lupe Fiasco's "Enemy of the State: A Love Story"". *XXL*.
LupeFiasco.com

**LupeFiasco.com** is the official website for American rapper Lupe Fiasco. Its current navigation has the five tabs 'Home,' 'About,' 'Shows,' 'Shop,' and 'LFT.' In previous versions, the website would feature a 'News' section, alongside media (ringtones, photos, videos) and fan interaction (community discussions, blogs). During *The Cool* era, visitors could play a flash game, where players had to survive a zombie-infested cemetery.

## Biography

Wasalu Jaco, professionally known as Lupe Fiasco, is a Chicago-born, Grammy award-winning American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and community advocate. Rising to fame in 2006, following the success of his debut album, *Food & Liquor*, Lupe has released eight acclaimed studio albums; his latest being *Drill Music in Zion* released in June 2022. His efforts to propagate conscious material garnered recognition as a Henry Crown Fellow and he is a recipient of the MLK Visiting Professorship program at MIT for the 2022/2023 academic year.
Ottawa Bluesfest

**Ottawa Bluesfest** is an annual outdoor music festival that takes place each July in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Lupe Fiasco performed in 2011. Before launching into "Words I Never Said," he joked that he wanted to create a ballot for Chicago to become an official city of Canada.

## Background

It was reported that after the band Cheap Trick had been playing for 20 minutes, the weather grew violent, and the main stage collapsed. Two people suffered injuries.

## Reception

*OLM* wrote, "Lupe Fiasco started the night with a bang; pumping the crowd as he pogo-bounced around stage, stopping the show to buy a staff of popcorn from a wandering vendor, tossing open water-bottles into the sticky crowd and spitting out recognizable rhymes. His energy and mass following was remarkable, and he was just about the only thing that could get that many people so close to each other and moving wildly in the hazy evening heat. Regardless of whether or not we wanted to, Lupe got us sweating more."

## Set list

1. "Shining Down"
2. "The Instrumental"
3. "State Run Radio"
4. "Go Go Gadget Flow"
5. "Words I Never Said"
6. "Superstar"
7. "The Show Goes On"

## References

1. ↑ "Ottawa Bluesfest stage collapse 'a freak situation'". *CBC*. July 18, 2011.
2. ↑ "Unfortunate End to Bluesfest 2011". *OttawaLife*. July 18, 2011.
Metacritic

**Metacritic** is an online aggregator review website that covers films, television shows, music albums, video games, and formerly books. It was created by Jason Dietz, Julie Doyle Roberts, and Marc Doyle in 1999, and was acquired by Fandom, Inc. in 2022. All eight albums by American rapper Lupe Fiasco have been assessed, his highest score being *Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor* (83) and his lowest score being *Drogas Light* (56).

## Critical reception

Score index
 Generally favorable
 Overwhelming dislike

## References

1. ↑ Weprin, Alex (October 3, 2022). "TV Guide, Metacritic, GameSpot Acquired by Fandom in $55M Deal with Red Ventures". *The Hollywood Reporter*.
2. ↑ "*Food & Liquor* by Lupe Fiasco". *Metacritic*.
3. ↑ "*The Cool* by Lupe Fiasco". *Metacritic*.
4. ↑ "*Lasers* by Lupe Fiasco". *Metacritic*.
5. ↑ "*Food & Liquor, Vol. 2: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1* by Lupe Fiasco". *Metacritic*.
6. ↑ "*Tetsuo & Youth* by Lupe Fiasco". *Metacritic*.
7. ↑ "*Drogas Light* by Lupe Fiasco". *Metacritic*.
8. ↑ *Drogas Wave* by Lupe Fiasco". *Metacritic*.
9. ↑ "*Drill Music in Zion* by Lupe Fiasco". *Metacritic*.
Pearl Harbor

## **"Pearl Harbor (Freestyle)"**

"**Pearl Harbor**" is a freestyle by Lupe Fiasco, released to his Twitter on September 1, 2018. He raps over the instrumental of Travis Scott's "Sicko". This was in the same month he released his seventh studio album, *Drogas Wave*. Several people he mentions in the flow are YG, Stephen King, and Jean Baptiste.

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Intro]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

[Verse]

Uh, number ones around Afros

Making figures like Hasbros

Off the field we still keep the helmet like Daft shows

Vietnam how the draft flows, private browsing, cash flows

Flow, flow, double deck, cash cash, that's a double check

Two jobs, double desk

Keep a magnum on me, you are not a fucking threat

That Vietnam, I'm too mature, dawg, I'm a ducking vet

Freudian slip, I correct my mistakes just to scope

One eye open, one eye closed, sniper face (ah, ah, ah!)

One eye open, one eye closed, pirate face

One eye woke while one hibernate

Look, it's colored people time

Both eyes open, and that is how you isolate

Optimally-speaking, global warming, ice is late

ISIS, I.C.E. is too, baby

Oh you cold cold? I'm both though

Stay dangerous as YG, you safer than a Volvo

You buy these, I sell those, I'm Crenshaw, you Melrose

Like huh? (Huh, huh, huh, huh, huuuuh)

That's street street, let's go fleet fleet

That's thirty sixes like 3 police (Woo woo woooo)

You can even lease, I'm Stephen King meets Jean Baptiste (Yeah!)

Rip locs, get the drum or something, that's 1500 or nothing huh?

These goofy n\*\*\*as with they summer runs think they runnin' somethin'

They don't want none of him

I'm losing n\*\*\*a, my head band is number one

The otaku, they don't understand where I'm comin' from

Choir singing and the pastor preaching and nuns will hum

Speak tongues to them, and I'm done with thought

And I ain't even begun it young, wave

Yuhh!

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Twitter*. August 31, 2018.
Pop, Pop

## Song by Lupe Fiasco

"**Pop, Pop**" is a song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released from his mixtape *FNF Mixtape Vol. 1* (2002).

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Hook]

Y'all don't wanna see them pop pops when this on

'Cause if n\*\*\*as get them pop pops

Then they gone

You know I don't pop pop at the bar

But I might send pop pops through your car

Y'all don't want them pop pops when this on

'Cause if n\*\*\*as get them pop pops

Then they gone

Who is that kid with the jewels in his face

With the tools in his brace

Put the tool in your face

[Verse 1]

Got the police the hustlers and the gangstas nervous

And all these little rappers on basic service, I'm knowin'

I ain't the hottest n\*\*\*a out got that fire though

You gone have to put your hottest n\*\*\*a out

And I ain't talkin bout when the party's over

I'm a Molotov cocktail Bacardi thrower

15-carat bezzled out Bulgari holder

Size ten alligator skin Mari loafers

And I'm just like the cops, word to the life

'Cause I serve and protect

Wit a bird and a tech

And when the lights on

Gotta merge to the right

Sixteen drop in new jers[ey]in with rice

Or in Chicago with the truck

Or in the Ne-va-da with the luck

Or in Lala with Chuck

Or in Ghana gettin' ducks

Or in Jamaica speakin' patois in the huts

[Hook]

Y'all don't wanna see them pop pops when this on

'Cause if n\*\*\*as get them pop pops

Then they gone

You know I don't pop pop at the bar

But I might send pop pops through your car

Y'all don't want them pop pops when this on

'Cause if n\*\*\*as get them pop pops

Then they gone

Who is that kid with the jewelry on his arm

With the fury in his palm

Got the fury all along

[Verse 2]

Fiasco fiasco

Send shots ten blocks

Split tops I rent cops

And bend blocks and Benz drops

I been hot now shake spot

Or take shot like hen rock

My gridlock on big blocks that miss not that a

Tip yachts and flip drops

So spit out the hip hot

The wrist watch rock don't risk it watch in the ristwat with chics who sip ---

Livin' so cris pop my clique cop pot

Your clique get kid-knocked

Your clique stop

We spin knots

Send hustler to my hustlers locked in jinn pop and they able to switch spots there is not

Stand back hand clap kick stomp

What you in pop

Bust m's put you inbox

I'll push box dog

You push my r

It's L-U when I tell you

All y'all

[Hook]

Y'all don't wanna see them pop pops when this on

'Cause if n\*\*\*as get them pop pops

Then they gone

You know I don't pop pop at the bar

But I might send pop pops through your car

Y'all don't want them pop pops when this on

'Cause if n\*\*\*as get them pop pops

Then they gone

Who is that kid with the jewelry on his arm

With the fury in his palm

Got the jewelry all along
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. In 2008, Santos was an opener during 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."

## Background

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.'" This was expanded on to *Northern Transmissions*:

>
> I 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.
>
>
>
>

He left the 1st & 15th label due to pursuit of his own career away from mainstream success and being known as an indie artist, 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."

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Interview: Matthew Santos (Chicago)". *Mezzic*. March 13, 2012.
2. ↑ "Matthew Santos". *SeanTheRobot*. December 31, 2011.
3. ↑ Hasty, Katie (January 2, 2008). "Matthew Santos". *Billboard*.
4. ↑ Dan, Jen (August 9, 2015). "Matthew Santos". *Northern Transmissions*.
Lasers Manifesto (Interlude)

## Song by Lupe Fiasco

"**Lasers Manifesto (Interlude)**" is a song by Lupe Fiasco, released as the fifth track from his mixtape *Enemy of the State: A Love Story* (2009). It samples the 1969 song "Doggone" by Love and his own 2009 song "Shining Down," with production handled by Soundtrakk.

## Background

The manifesto was published to YouTube in June 2009 in the form of an ad campaign, which was the very foundation of *Lasers*. In the "Words I Never Said" music video, it also appeared:

>
> To every man, woman [and] child... We want an end to the glamorization of negativity in the media. We want an end to status symbols dictating our worth as individuals. We want a meaningful and universal education system. We want substance in the place of popularity. We will not compromise who we are to be accepted by the crowd. We want the invisible walls that separate by wealth, race & class to be torn down. We want to think our own thoughts. We will be responsible for our environment. We want clarity [and] truth from our elected officials or they should move aside. We want love not lies. We want an end to all wars foreign [and] domestic violence. We want an end to the processed culture of exploitation, over-consumption [and] waste. We want knowledge, understanding [and] peace. We will not lose because we are not losers, we are lasers! Lasers are revolutionary. Lasers are the future.
>
>
>
>

Fiasco further explained, "Lasers are the opposite of losers. Lasers are shining beams of light that burn through the darkness of ignorance. Lasers shed light on injustice and inequality. Losers stand by and let things happen. Lasers act and shape their own destinies. Lasers find meaning and direction in the mysteries all around them. Lasers stand for love and compassion. Lasers stand for peace. Lasers stand for progression. Lasers are revolutionary. Lasers Are The Future."

He informed *Loud and Quiet* of the record's concept and relation to Fiasco Friday (which had 30,000 signatures and an organized peaceful protest outside of Atlantic Records' headquarters in New York City), "The album was supposed to insight social activism and get people out there doing things in the real world, but they did that without hearing it; because they couldn't hear it! It was all because of the manifesto, which has been looping online for two years."

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
We will not compromise who we are to be accepted by the crowd

We want substance in the place of popularity

We want to think our own thoughts

We want love, not lies

We want knowledge, understanding, and peace

We will not lose, because we are not losers

We are LASERS

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco - The L.A.S.E.R.S. Manifesto". *Hypebeast*. June 29, 2009.
Million Star Motel

## Song by Nikki Jean featuring Black Thought and Lupe Fiasco

"**Million Star Motel**" is a song by Nikki Jean, released as the eighth track from her debut studio album *Pennies in a Jar* (2011). It features guest vocals from Black Thought and Lupe Fiasco.

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Intro: Lupe Fiasco]

Good day sir

If you need anything let us know

Hope you enjoy your stay

[Hook: Nikki Jean]

Lord knows I've been lower

Locked underneath the cellar door

I've been bent til I broke but never poor

You might ask why I'm smiling

With empty pockets can't you tell

Diamonds shine in the midnight sky

And the world is my million star motel

[Verse 2: Lupe Fiasco]

L-U-P I'm back where the beat at

Love always shines every time I see that

Hugging the track if you're under attack

And you're stuck, I'll be back in your arms like a relapse

Take you out the lobby, put you where a suite at

Sweet you ain't gotta check, gotta bring the key back

Keep that do not disturb on the door

This a non-smoking floor, not where infidels creep at

In a room where the lovers don't cheat at

Concierges, room service

Complimentary mini-bar, you ain't reserve this

But you deserve this, and we all agree that

House-keep let you sleep where you dream at

And if you need new dreams we can bring that

This the W-O-R-L-D

Anytime, anything where Nikki Jean at

[Hook: Nikki Jean]

God bless not-believers

They teach the dreamers how to fly

Love and hate fuel the fire inside their eyes

The suits and the schemers

Can't see beyond what they can sell

Diamond shine in the midnight sky

And the world is my million star motel

[Verse 4: Black Thought]

Checked into a room with a view

One brick wall, one portrait of you

Still feel like I was walking into

A place more blessed than the less fortunate do

But, it couldn't be more far from the truth

Spot look small, not far from the booth

And the basement not far from the roof

And the whole staff look way darker than blue

But, I'm not really wanting for too much

I could feel like a millionaire with a few bucks

Whether in black Chucks or a new tux

Some take note but never give two fucks

Whether Wu-Tang Clan or the Klu-Klux

Wonder how the world gon' handle the new stuff

Find true love, that's my new drug

Nikki Jean get the orchestra cued up

[Hook: Nikki Jean]

You might ask why I'm smiling

With empty pockets can't you tell

Diamond shine in the midnight sky

And the world is my million star motel

## References

1. ↑ Lilah, Rose (July 12, 2011). "Million Star Motel". *HotNewHipHop*.
Guy Sebastian

**Guy Theodore Sebastian** (born October 26, 1981) is an Malaysian-born Australian singer and songwriter.

He and American rapper Lupe Fiasco collaborated on the song "Battle Scars" (2012), which they performed live on several occasions, including on *The X Factor* (2012), at the 26th Annual ARIA Music Awards (2012), *Late Show with David Letterman* (2012), and *Play It Forward* (2013). This earned them a nomination at the 44th Annual NAACP Image Awards in the Outstanding Duo or Group category.

In 2014, they created the song "Linger" from Sebastian's *Madness* album.

## Gallery

* The X Factor
* ARIA Music Awards
* Late Show with David Letterman
* Play It Forward

Photo by Mark NolanPhoto by Mark NolanPhoto by Mark NolanPhoto by Mark NolanPhoto by Mark NolanPhoto by Mark Nolan**@GuySebastian**: "@LupeFiasco Straight to the pool room"
* November 14, 2014
* Twitter
**@LupeFiasco**: "Yo @GuySebastian look what came in the mail..."
* April 30, 2013
* Twitter
**@GuySebastian**: "Loved working with this legend again on #Linger from my new album #Madness @LupeFiasco"
* November 14, 2014
* Twitter
**@GuySebastian**: "I'll be up bright and early tomorrow to perform #Linger on @Sunriseon7 with @LupeFiasco ! Hope you can tune in!"
* January 7, 2015
* Twitter
**@GuySebastian**: "@LupeFiasco and I chatted to @Smallzy about our new track #Linger!Tune in tonight at 7pm"
* January 13, 2015
* Twitter
**@KIIS1065**: "Today at midday @GuySebastian and @LupeFiasco takeover #KIIS1065 and plays all their fave hits. Tune in #KIISTAKEOVER"
* January 19, 2015
* Twitter

## References

1. ↑ "Guy Sebastian (@GuySebastian)". *Twitter*. September 18 2012.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Twitter*. April 30, 2013.
3. ↑ "Guy Sebastian (@GuySebastian)". *Twitter*. November 14, 2014.
4. ↑ "Guy Sebastian (@GuySebastian)". *Twitter*. January 7, 2015.
5. ↑ "Guy Sebastian (@GuySebastian)". *Twitter*. January 13, 2015.
6. ↑ "KIIS 1065 (@KIIS1065)". *Twitter*. January 19, 2015.
Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

The **Museum of Contemporary Art** (**MCA**) **Chicago** is a contemporary art museum near Water Tower Place in downtown Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the two-day free event "MCA Hearts Chicago" was held. American rapper Lupe Fiasco performed live on October 21, 2017, accompanied with DJ Double L.

In *Air Chicago Magazine*'s Fall 2019 issue, Fiasco named MCA as one of his favorite spots to visit.

## Biography

Twelve-time Grammy nominee rapper, producer, and entrepreneur Lupe Fiasco headlines our 50th anniversary with a rare live appearance.

**About the Artist**

A Chi-town native who refused to embrace the misogyny in hip-hop and carved a place in the genre as one of the creators of the conscious hip-hop movement, Lupe Fiasco uses his music to converse on social issues such as religion and Islam, terrorism, politics, and war.

## Gallery

Photo by Jason Peterson (@Jasonmpeterson)Photo by Jason PetersonPhoto by Jason PetersonPhoto by Jason Peterson
## References

1. ↑ Long, Zach (September 25, 2017). "Lupe Fiasco, Billy Corgan and More Will Celebrate the MCA's 50th Anniversary at a Free Event". *TimeOut*.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@lupefiasco)". *Instagram*. October 18, 2017.
3. ↑ Alyea, Ginny (October 16, 2017). "Happy Birthday MCA! 50th Celebrations Oct 21 and 22". *Chicago Gallery News*.
Hip-Hop Theater Festival

The **Hip-Hop Theater Festival** (**HHTF**) is an annual festival held in Washington, D.C. Lupe Fiasco joined the Voices Remix: A People's History of the United States event on July 7, 2009, at The Kennedy Center. It follows the documentary, *The People Speak* (based on Howard Zinn's books), where various guests read of important figures throughout America's history.

## References

1. ↑ Godfrey, Sarah (June 30, 2009). "Lupe Fiasco Joins Hip-Hop Theater Festival". *Washington CityPaper*.
Failure (Intro)

## Song by Lupe Fiasco

"**Failure (Intro)**" is a song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released as the lead track from his second official mixtape, *Lupe Fiasco: The Future* (2003).

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Verse: Lupe Fiasco, *DJ GI*]

Lupe Fiasco is here

*Hey yo, check this out! I go by the name of the DJ GI from New York City*

*There's a whole lot of emcees and DJs around, but y'all got to make room*

*I got an army behind me*

*And my man from Chicago, let me introduce y'all, he goes by the name*

Lupe (*Who?*)

Lupe (*What?*)

Lupe to the F-to-the-I

To-the-A-to-the-S-to-the-C-to-the-O (*C-to-the-O!*)

*The future of hip hop is here!*

*Me and my man, what they tell you cuzo?*
Kenna

*Lasers*This article is part of the Lasers era.Released: March 7, 2011
Label: 1st & 15th Entertainment / Atlantic RecordsCategory

**Kenna Zemedkun** (born October 30, 1978), known mononymously as **Kenna**, is an Ethiopian-born American musician, philanthropist and technology creative. He is the founder and producer of the Summit on the Summit clean water initiative, and also partnered with Justin Timberlake to re-imagine the social network Myspace before its purchase by Time Inc.

In January 2010, American rapper Lupe Fiasco was invited to participate in Summit on the Summit. That same month, he, Kenna, and Mike Shinoda released the charity song "Resurrection" for the compilation album, *Download to Donate for Haiti*, in response to the Haiti earthquake.

## References

1. ↑ Kujundzic, Petar (January 21, 2010). "Lupe Fiasco & Kenna - Resurrection (Produced by Mike Shinoda)". *Hypebeast*.
MDMA

**Jason Paul Douglas Boyd** (born September 4, 1978), known professionally as **Poo Bear** and formerly as **MDMA**, is an American songwriter, singer, and music producer. He has been featured in many of Lupe Fiasco's songs, and is credited as a songwriter and producer on the three following albums *Lupe Fiasco's The Cool* (2007), *Lasers* (2011), and *Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1* (2012).

## Background

Poo Bear told *Consequence* in 2022 about Fiasco:

> Lupe is a mad scientist, genius, songwriter, great performer, and a great lyricist. One of the greatest rappers and lyricists for me of all time. I'm still learning new double and triple entendres—if I listen to his music now, I'll be like, 'Oh shit, that's what he meant.' That concept came from him, and I was just able to embellish on it, put the melody and sing on it and really just add to it.
>
>

Boyd added that when they were in Los Angeles, they worked on four songs that ended up on Fiasco's 2012 album, *Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1*. He continued, "At that time, Lupe just had a batch of beats, and we were just going through music. ["Bitch Bad"] came on, and I was like, 'Yo, this is really amazing.' That was an Audibles record if I'm not mistaken, and it was just inspiring. If you listen to that beat, it doesn't sound like anything you've ever heard before, which to me is always inspiring when I could write over something that I've never heard sonically." Concerning Fiasco's artistry and work ethic, he stated how they were similar in putting out records. "He turns it on, he's freestyling, he's coming up with four bars at a time on the spot. I'm coming up with my lines and my melodies on the spot in real-time. I don't write anything down, he doesn't write anything down. We're just on a microphone, letting our emotions flow, letting melodies flow and cadences flow. It was really a magical day because anytime I go in the studio and I'm making four to five records, and all of them come out and they all turn into copyrights that generate revenue. I consider that as being like a really special day and a magical day, I felt like they were great songs that were complete thoughts, complete ideas, and I think those records will live on forever."

## Discography

### Production and songwriting credits

 "Hood Now (Outro)"

## References

1. ↑ Fu, Eddie (November 17, 2022). "Behind the Boards with Poo Bear: Producer and Songwriter Talks Justin Bieber, Usher, DJ Khaled, and More". *Consequence*.
Intro (Enemy of the State)

## Song by Lupe Fiasco

"**Intro**" is a song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released as the opening track from his sixth official mixtape, *Enemy of the State: A Love Story* (2009). It samples the 2009 song "Knock You Down", performed by Keri Hilson.

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Verse: Lupe Fiasco]

Welcome

This is, *Enemy of the State*

It's a love story

Because, I feel like my fans really have love for me