recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
The Cool Tour

**The Cool Tour** was a headline concert tour by American rapper Lupe Fiasco in support of his sophomore studio album, *Lupe Fiasco's The Cool* (2007). He held a release party at Irving Plaza in New York City on December 18, 2007, while the tour itself began at Roseland Theatre in Portland, Oregon on January 10, 2008. It coincided with Kanye West's Glow in the Dark Tour and Fiasco's own six-date Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour, which visited across the continents North America and Europe.

## Critical reception

*The Mercury News* penned, "He cleverly organized the songs to fit a storyline, one that had Fiasco as the tour guide on a trip through his hometown of Chicago and, eventually, into San Francisco. He spoke casually with the crowd members, filling their ears with intriguing bits of both Windy City and Bay Area color, and always cued up his songs as masterfully as a veteran DJ."

## Set list

1. "The Instrumental"
2. "Kick, Push"
3. "Sunshine"
4. "I Gotcha"
5. "He Say She Say"
6. "The Cool"
7. "Daydreamin'"
8. "The Coolest"
9. "Hi-Definition"
10. "Hip-Hop Saved My Life"
11. "Dumb It Down"
12. "Go Go Gadget Flow"
13. "Streets on Fire"

Encore
1. "Paris, Tokyo"
2. "Superstar"

## Canceled shows

 April 23, 2008

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco Announces Nationwide Tour for 2008". *XXL*. December 13, 2007.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco Brings Cool To His Fans". *IGN*. December 13, 2007.
3. ↑ Salazar-Moreno, Quibian (2008). "Lupe Fiasco Lines Up 2008 Tour". *iHipHop*.
4. ↑ Harrington, Jim (January 14, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco Lives Up to 'Rap Savior' Billing in S.F. Show". *The Mercury News*.
Re:Form School

**Re:Form School** is a campaign that calls awareness for the reform of the American Public Education System. As part of the non-profit organization World Up, Lupe Fiasco participated in REDU's Re:Form School pop-up art exhibition on October 9, 2010, in Lower Manhattan. He performed at the Living Remix workshop with DJ SpazeCraft, a live recording session where children could collaborate and create music from scratch. SpazeCraft helped with the beat while Fiasco helped with the lyrics. The session was only supposed to be three hours, but turned into five.

## Background

In an exclusive interview with World Up, Fiasco said, "The Living Remix involves taking everything in its simplest format and letting [the kids] do it. So, they put their life into in every aspect of the track or song: the way they want to record it, the style they want to record it in, even the voice they want to record it in, and the sound effects they want to use. Then, to give that [track] to the world so it's constantly growing, so it's not just "stop and that's it and that's all we're going to do." It like "nah, let's send it to Brazil, let these dues put their take on it, then send it to India, let these dues put their take on it, now send it back and let us take what they said, and we're going change this little bit, and send it back to Brazil." So it's never a finished product, it's always a work in process, like human life is always a work in process."

He continued, when asked how the experience fueled him as an artist: "To see kids doing something that they love, as you can tell, they were home doing this, this ain't their first time coming into a place and rapping, or putting a beat together, or singing, or writing hooks or choruses. To see them do something that I do professionally, I was in their shoes at one point. To see them at the level that they were at, I'm instantly just like this dude is nicer than me right now, she's better than me, I don't even know how to write hooks, she got all that all day long. It's just inspiring to see that the generation that's coming to take my place is dope."

When asked if he wanted to teach, Fiasco responded to MTV News, "I ain't no teacher. I'm good at certain things that I do but, you know, teaching is a very hard job. [...] You gotta have the curriculum and make sure that kids [will be] able to comprehend and make sure you even can fully explain actually what you're trying to teach to somebody at the same time too. I don't have any of those qualities or any of those responsibilities so [these] hour, couple-hour sessions showing kids how to rap is all that got."

## References

1. ↑ "Video: Lupe Fiasco – Living Remix (Re:Form School Workshop)". *The Find*. October 15, 2010.
2. ↑ Mitchell, Ian (March 2, 2011). "World Up and Reform School". *World Up*.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Ellois, Valerie (October 11, 2010). "EXCLUSIVE: Lupe Fiasco talks Atlantic Records agreement". *World Up*.
4. ↑ Ziegbe, Mawuse (October 9, 2010). "Lupe Fiasco Teaches Teens to Rap at NYC Event". *MTV*.
SummerStage

**SummerStage** is a free and benefit concert series hosted by the City Parks Foundation around the five boroughs of New York City. As part of his The Cool 15th Anniversary Tour, Lupe Fiasco performed on September 7, 2022, at Central Park, Manhattan. The event was presented by MeanRed Productions.

## Biography

Since the mid-2000s, Lupe Fiasco has been one of hip-hop's most intelligent and enigmatic artists. A Grammy winner, Henry Crown Fellow, and visiting MIT professor, Lupe Fiasco's complex narratives and creative metaphors are rare examples of commercially successful and critically acclaimed artistry. Initially rising to fame with 2006's 'Food & liquor', the following year's 'The Cool' cemented Lupe Fiasco as an international star. Led by his first top ten single 'Superstar', 'The Cool' received a gold certification and four Grammy nominations. Since 'The Cool', Lupe Fiasco has released several albums, including the chart-topping 'Lasers' (2011), with 2022's 'Drill Music in Zion' his latest. On September 7, join Lupe Fiasco as MeanRed welcomes the Chicago-rapper to New York's Capital One City Parks Foundation Summerstage in celebration of 15 years of 'The Cool.'

## Set list

Based on the official Spotify playlist.

1. "Baba Says Cool for Thought"
2. "Free Chilly"
3. "Go Go Gadget Flow"
4. "The Coolest"
5. "Superstar"
6. "Hi-Definition"

## References

1. ↑ Ortiz, Edwin (September 1, 2022). "Lupe Fiasco to Kick Off ‘The Cool’ 15-Year Anniversary Shows at NYC’s SummerStage". *Complex*.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco: Celebrating 15 Years of 'The Cool'". *City Parks Foundation*.
3. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco: Celebrating 15 Years of 'The Cool'". *Spotify*. July 28, 2022.
The Colbert Report

***The Colbert Report*** is an American late-night talk and news satire television program hosted by Stephen Colbert that aired four days a week on Comedy Central from October 17, 2005, to December 18, 2014, for 1,447 episodes.

American rapper Lupe Fiasco appeared in its seventh season, episode 61, which aired on May 9, 2011. He talked about his anti-establishment views, where he believed it was important to criticize those in power. He added, "I bring that mentality to all parts of my life. I practice what I preach, and I preach what I practice. My music is no less an extension of my life, with the things was taught and the way I was raised." After the interview, he performed his song "Words I Never Said" with Skylar Grey.

## Synopsis

Lupe Fiasco criticizes Obama, opposes the war on terror, and calls Chicago a racist place.

## Dialogue

 Lupe Fiasco
 Stephen
 Lupe
 Stephen
 Lupe
 Stephen
 Lupe
 Stephen
 Lupe
 Stephen
 Lupe

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco". *Comedy Central*.
2. ↑ Burgess, Omar (May 10, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco Clarifies His Political Views on The Colbert Report". *HipHopDX*.
Samurai

***Samurai*** was going to be a concept EP by Lupe Fiasco, based on English singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse. On April 21, 2020, Fiasco announced he worked on the project for around a year. It was said to be around twenty minutes, where he would want to complete it at the end of the summer.

## Background

Back in a 2007 interview, when asked about his single "Superstar," Fiasco shared, "It's really about the ups and downs of celebrity. It's kind of a dark song if you really listen to the lyrics. It's showing that balance between the success and fame of the music business balanced with the tragedy and the infamy of the personal side that's going on at the same time." He revealed that on certain parts, the name that came to his mind was Amy Winehouse.

Over an Instagram story, Soundtrakk mentioned of his favorite beats he made for Fiasco, "There's a beat on *Samurai* and a lot on *Skulls*..."

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco Reveals He’s Working on a Project Based on Amy Winehouse". April 22, 2020.
2. ↑ Anitai, Tamar (November 12, 2007). "Exclusive: Who's Lupe Fiasco's 'Superstar' Muse? Amy Winehouse". *MTV*.
3. ↑ "Soundtrakk (@soundtrakk)". *Instagram*. June 2022.
The Readers

**The Readers** was a book club started by American rapper Lupe Fiasco in 2010. Its mission was "to promote literacy and provide thought-provoking and inspiring readings to the citizens of the world."

He wrote of Professor Vincent Brown's 2010 book, *The Reaper's Garden*, "Rarely do I read books to a great extent. Trust me I've tried. More so of a lecture/podcast kind of person. Unless the subject matter of the book is obsessively focused on a topic that I'm currently studying or unless the book has been suggested to me by someone I genuinely respect and revere it's hard for me to keep it in my attention for too long. This book checked off both those boxes. The author, who just so happens to be the "suggester" as well, is Dr. Vincent Brown esteemed Professor of African and African-American Studies, and Director of the History Design Studio at Harvard University and his 2008 book is titled "The Reaper's Garden." In short the book focuses on the Transatlantic slave trade and very specifically Jamaica. Jamaica was a colonial British slavery outpost for hundreds of years. There are many books which detail the transatlantic slave trade but what sets Dr. Brown's book apart is that it focuses on the slave trade through a very particular lens: Death. The book does a masterful job of systematically analyzing the role that death as a metaphysical concept and a physical reality played in the institution of slavery in all its subtle and not so subtle ways in rather eye-opening detail. From how funerary rites, or lack thereof, were used by slaves and slave owners to establish footholds for revolt for the former and means to control their human property for the latter to how death was basically quantified and used as a tool for enrichment via insurance policies for slave ships and so much more. It is a fascinating read from a point of view that I've never seen a history of slavery told from, Death. So if you are highly interested in the history or slavery of Jamaica or an academic look at Death I highly, highly recommend this book. But a warning, it is graphic in its subject matter and not really fit for people's that are easily upset because it will most definitely upset you greatly in certain chapters. It explains out slavery in a very matter of fact way that some folk may not be ready for. Even with that said the rewards far outweigh the risks but just keep that in mind. Overall it's a great, concise and valuable read."

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco Reviews Professor Vincent Brown's "The Reaper's Garden"". *The Hip-Hop Archive*. February 6, 2018.
Thirty Tigers

**Thirty Tigers** is an American entertainment company founded by David Macias and Deb Markland in 2001. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, the company helps with music distribution, marketing, and management for independent artists. Lupe Fiasco joined the roster in 2017, where the rapper launched his sixth studio album *Drogas Light* through the service after leaving Atlantic Records.

## Discography

### Studio albums

* *Drogas Light* (2017)
* *Drogas Wave* (2018)
* *Drill Music in Zion* (2022)

### Extended plays

* *House* (2020)
* *Tape Tape* (2020)

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco Announces New Release, Launches Indie Label with Nashville’s Thirty Tigers". *Hypebot*. January 27, 2017.
The Singularity

## Song by The Legendary Traxster featuring Lupe Fiasco

"**The Singularity**" is a song by American rappers The Legendary Traxster and Lupe Fiasco. It was released as the fourth track from the B-side of Traxster's double album, *Chicago* (2023), which features fellow Chicago hip hop artists.

On November 4, 2022, Traxster hinted of a future collaboration with Fiasco. On April 29, 2023, he posted the time and date of receiving Fiasco's audio recording, accompanied by a picture of Mount Rushmore in reference to the lyrics.

## Gallery

**@traxster**: "Yeah… @lupefiasco"
* April 29, 2023
* Instagram
**@traxster**: "Yeah… @lupefiasco"
* April 29, 2023
* Instagram

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Intro]

*Someday you'll go too fast*

Absolutely, yeah

You ain't even gotta put my name on this, uh, uh

[Verse]

Knowledge itself, I'm from a pocket [?] gobble the health of a vice lord

Rap music from the trunk of a Chevy is how my life's scored

Distorted bass, black mind lookin' like a physics class whiteboard

You can take my place, if you fight for it

My mic caught it, I write portraits and rap polite orbits

Around whoever you might feel is important

Last album came with a porch and a mortgage

If you can't afford it, then jump off it

The [?] Georgia's, the young and gorgeous who used to breakfast at [?]

Breath control of a swordfish

Or more better yet than a thesaurus

We got options, we got layers

An undisclosed number of poles in the studio

So after the flowin', I can go vote for mayor in here, word to huggy bear

Would say word to me but I don't fucking care

About what you doing up in here

I got so much faith in my barber, that I ain't even bother

Since the black and gold starter

In the 63rd street beach water

Just like an art of Chicago's Shawn Carter except he's odder

When your friends are robbers and martial artists for fathers

Things get faucet and fathered further divergence, it's hard to follow

I'm hard to fall off

We'll never touch like Kedzie and Karlov

My mental state is calm like *Grand Theft Auto* with all the stars off

Superstar, skateboard, kickin' like head sawed off

Man carry license plate, cover how much the car costs

A lot, that's a salat like 47th and Woodlawn

Pilot on it with my good arm

It's much more than Chicago's Rushmore, by the time the deal done

They 'bout to put on the real one

Westside

## References

1. ↑ Howard, Ty (June 16, 2023). "The Legendary Traxster Brings the Crib Together for New Album 'Chicago'". *Fake Shore Drive*.
2. ↑ "The Legendary Traxster (@traxster)". *Instagram*. November 4, 2022.
3. ↑ "The Legendary Traxster (@traxster)". *Instagram*. April 29, 2023.
Save the Rhino

**Save the Rhino** is a benefit concert held by American fashion designer Marc Ecko in recognition of the endangered species, where proceeds went to the International Rhino Foundation. In 2006, returning for its second year, it was held in New York City at Central Park, with hip-hop artists Common, Rakim, Lupe Fiasco, DJ Z-Trip and Rhymefest, and DJ Kid Capri.

In a statement, Ecko said, "Last year, we welcomed an extraordinary crowd to our first annual Save the Rhinos benefit concert, raising much needed awareness of the plight facing these majestic animals. Building on the success of that event, am delighted to bring another great line-up to Central Park this June."

## References

1. ↑ DeCarlo, Lauren (June 1, 2006). "Ecko Hosting Concert to Save Rhinos". *WWD*.
2. ↑ "Rakim, Others Help Ecko Save Rhinos". *HipHopDX*. May 5, 2006.
The Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher

**The Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher** was a two-day technology summit organized by American architect, designer, and educator Michael Ford. It was held from February 21-22, 2018 at Autodesk's headquarters in San Francisco, California, with the premise of "creat[ing] designs in a fast paced, cross disciplinary environment."

Lupe Fiasco visited with his educational guild, Society of Spoken Art (Chino XL, Daylty and Nikki Jean). Recap videos were done by Josh Berry, and uploaded to YouTube on April 3rd and June 18th, respectively.

## Background

Ford had explained back in 2017, "I'm trying to show architects, planners, and designers that our profession is more than brick and mortar. We create incubators of culture. Using hip-hop I can demonstrate that to our profession—and even if someone is not a fan of hip-hop, or simply doesn't like the culture—I challenge him or her to understand why it exists, and how our profession necessitated its birth through bad planning and housing practices."

*Complex* covered the event, where one area explored was virtual reality (VR). When framing VR into the hip hop culture, Fiasco stated, "We can use technology to identify cultural artifacts in raps. The chain has been a symbol in hip-hop for so long. We can discuss the popularity behind the chains we wear, but also what chains mean for black people historically." The media outlet added, "At the end of the Autodesk event, participants created two projects: a concept that analyzed the structure of rap lyrics to create exterior facades and a sculptural garden that enabled users to inhabit spaces generated by their favorite songs."

## Gallery

**@HipHopArch**: "Thanks to everyone for joining The Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher at @autodesk this week. During this two day event, architects, designers, hip hop artists, engineers, and makers explored the intersection of hip hop and architecture through making."
* February 25, 2018
* Twitter
**@HipHopArch**: "Thanks to everyone for joining The Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher at @autodesk this week. During this two day event, architects, designers, hip hop artists, engineers, and makers explored the intersection of hip hop and architecture through making."
* February 25, 2018
* Twitter
**@HipHopArch**: "Thanks to everyone for joining The Hip Hop Architecture Design Cypher at @autodesk this week. During this two day event, architects, designers, hip hop artists, engineers, and makers explored the intersection of hip hop and architecture through making."
* February 25, 2018
* Twitter

 2018

## References

1. ↑ Hooper, Emily (June 13, 2017). "The Hip-Hop Architecture Movement". *Architect Magazine*.
2. ↑ Runcie, Dan (March 5, 2018). "Looking Ahead at Rap's Future in Virtual Reality with Lupe Fiasco". *Complex*.
Say Goodbye to Love (Remix)

"**Say Goodbye to Love (Remix)**" is a remix of Kenna's lead single from his sophomore studio album, *Make Sure They See My Face* (2008), featuring Lupe Fiasco.

## Lyrics

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

[?] running out of time

[?] find

[?] fine

Say he can't leave the girls alone

But they will never know like skulls and bones

[?] on Rome

[Verse 2: Kenna]

The mission is to make you forget

And now is all the time we get

How could you say you're not into it?

Trust me, God as my witness

[Chorus: Kenna]

To say goodbye to love

I feel like I'm nowhere

Say goodbye to love

I feel like I'm nowhere

Just say goodbye to love

[Verse 3: Kenna]

It's got my mind in a twist

I can't think or see straight

I guess I'm leavin' it up to fate

It's all in what you make of it

[Chorus: Kenna]

Just say goodbye to love

I feel like I'm nowhere

Say goodbye to love

I feel like I'm nowhere

Just say goodbye to love

[Verse 4: Lupe Fiasco]

[?] in here

[?] Japanese clothing wear

And more girls

A couple of pinups like [?] to spill

And [?] theme song playing on the plane

The sky's [?] letters of his name

The microphone [?], check it if you rain

[?] checker to a cane

Think it's on my body but make it on the brain

My chomp is like a n\*\*\*ga to a chain

I should check him to a sane asylum, volume

Aesthetically rich, so that look [?]

That took care, that took time, but that took [?]

From Apple to [?] to MacBook Air

[Bridge: Kenna]

Don't you know it goes on and on

Gone, gone, on and on, gone, gone

On and on, gone, gone, gone, gone, on

[Chorus: Kenna]

Just say goodbye to love

I feel like I'm nowhere

Say goodbye to love

I feel like I'm nowhere

[Chorus: Kenna]

Just say goodbye to love

I feel like I'm nowhere

Say goodbye to love

I feel like I'm nowhere

Just say goodbye to love

[Outro: Kenna]

Feel like I'm nowhere, nowhere

Feel like I'm nowhere

Feel like I'm nowhere

Feel like I'm nowhere, nowhere

Feel like I'm nowhere

## References

1. ↑ "Kenna ft. Lupe Fiasco - Say Goodbye to Love (Remix)". *DJBooth*. May 28, 2008.
Troi Irons

*Tetsuo & Youth*This article is part of the Tetsuo & Youth era.Released: January 20, 2015
Label: 1st & 15th Entertainment / Atlantic RecordsCategory
*Drogas Wave*This article is part of the Drogas Wave era.Released: September 21, 2018
Label: 1st & 15th Entertainment / Thirty TigersCategory

## **Troi Irons**

### **Born**

Troi Alexandria Irons
May 12

### **Occupations**

* Singer
* musician
* record producer

## **Musical career**

### **Labels**

* Def Jam
* RCA

### **Website**

troimusic.com

**Troi Irons** (born May 12) is an American record producer and musician from Los Angeles, California. He was named after the city in Greek myths—Troy, Turkey—where the Trojan War took place. He is currently based in Bristol, England.

## References

1. ↑ Brown, Bianca (October 10, 2019). "Troi Irons Is Spearheading a Musical Revolution". *Ones to Watch*.
Mickey Factz

**Mark Anthony Williams Jr.** (born July 13, 1982), professionally known as **Mickey Factz**, is an American rapper and record producer from the Bronx, New York. He is part of *XXL*'s 2009 Freshman Class and is co-founder of the online hip hip school, Pendulum Ink. He is co-founder and member of the organization, Society of Spoken Art, and was formerly part of the hip hop collective, All City Chess Club, both helmed by American rapper Lupe Fiasco. He was one of the few who heard the song "Atom Bomb."

He was mentioned in the 2013 song, "SLR 3 (Round of Applause)," where Fiasco rapped, ''Cause they ain't ready for the front, fax to 'em / Like my n\*\*\*a Mickey Factz to 'em / Aye Mickey what the wicky-wicky wack doin'?'

## Background

During Fiasco's beef with Royce da 5'9", Factz confronted in an Instagram livestream if some lyrics from "Silence of the Lambda" were directed at him. Royce responded no, but "now they were." In another conversation, Royce would say that Factz did not "check boxes" of a great MC, and Joe Budden had joined in (whom Factz previously wrote a diss track at), where it felt like the two Slaughterhouse members were ganging up on him.

Factz decided to jump into the battle with the song, "Wraith," where he fired at Royce, 'We rarely see black Eminems / Kinda shady right?' and 'Lupe freestyled and got you outta here / You cried alone from playing yourself, shed a solid tear.' He commented in an interview, "I wanted people to be like, 'Okay, this guy is nothing to play with. When he says he's written for people in the industry, let's just believe him. Let's believe him when he says he can do this, do that, and leave him alone.' So that's really what it was." Factz thought Royce's track was a "beautiful art piece" while Fiasco's response, "Steve Jobs: SLR 3 1/2," was "visceral" and he enjoyed it, which was "honest" and what Fiasco "felt at that time."

## References

1. ↑ Ketchum III, William (January 6, 2023). "Mickey Factz Wants to Take Rappers to School". *Rolling Stone*.
2. ↑ Powell, Jon (July 27, 2021). "Mickey Factz Jumps Into the Lupe Fiasco/Royce da 5'9" Fray with "Wraith"". *Revolt*.
3. ↑ "Mickey Factz Details the Strategy He Used in His Battle with Royce 5'9 (Video)". *Ambrosia for Heads*. August 18, 2021.
4. ↑ "Mickey Factz Uncensored: Talks Royce l, Lupe, RJ Payne, Ransom, Lyrics and How It Can Make Sense!". *YouTube*. September 20, 2021.
World Malaria Day

“It's hard being a Lupe fan, go to Harvard to be a Lupe stan.”This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia.The original article was at World Malaria Day. The list of authors can be seen in the page history.Category
**World Malaria Day** (**WMD**) is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria. Lupe Fiasco attended the 2012 press conference at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California. The theme for that year was "Sustain Gains, Save Lives: Invest in Malaria."

## Gallery

Photo by Tommaso BoddiPhoto by Tommaso BoddiPhoto by Tommaso BoddiPhoto by Tommaso Boddi
## References

1. ↑ "Press Conference for World Malaria Day". *United Nations*. April 23, 2012.
U.S. Alteration

**U.S. Alteration** is an American clothing brand founded by Miguel "De La Barracuda" Gala in 2011. It is based in Los Angeles, California. American rapper Lupe Fiasco modeled for a few of their collections, including Spring/Summer 2012, Spring/Summer 2013, and Fall 2013.

## Gallery

Spring/Summer 2012

Spring/Summer 2013

Fall 2013

## References

1. ↑ Welty, Matt (September 13, 2013). "The Coolest L.A. Streetwear Brands Right Now". *Complex*.
2. ↑ Banks, Alec (January 27, 2012). "U.S. Alteration 2012 Spring/Summer Lookbook". *Hypebeast*.
3. ↑ Woolf, Jake (February 13, 2013). "U.S. Alteration 2013 Spring/Summer Preview featuring Lupe Fiasco". *Hypebeast*.
4. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco Models the Latest from U.S. Alteration". *Hypebeast*. October 19, 2013.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

***The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*** is an American late-night news and political satire talk show hosted by Stephen Colbert, which premiered on September 8, 2015.

Lupe Fiasco made his debut on *The Late Show* on February 23, 2017. He performed the track "Jump" from his new album *Drogas Light*, with Gizzle.

## Gallery

**@LupeFiasco**: "Tonight tune into @colbertlateshow I'm performing "JUMP" with @BxtchImGizzle on CBS! 11:35et/10:35ct smarturl.it/lightdrogas"
* February 23, 2017
* Twitter
**@colbertlateshow**: ". @LupeFiasco is making the whole crowd 'Jump' on his Late Show debut #LSSC"
* February 23, 2017
* Twitter

## References

1. ↑ Kim, Rebecca (February 25, 2017). "Lupe Fiasco Performs "Jump" on the 'Late Show'". *Hypebeast*.
2. ↑ Goddard, Kevin (February 24, 2017). "Watch Lupe Fiasco & Gizzle Perform "Jump" On "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert"". *HotNewHipHop*.
Volapalooza

**Volapalooza** is an annual student-organized event by the University of Tennessee, where its inaugural year was held in 2003. Lupe Fiasco was one of the headliners in 2015, performing alongside Cold War Kids, The Bad Suns, and Kansas Bible Company at World's Fair Park.

## Set list

1. "Go Go Gadget Flow"
2. "Hip-Hop Saved My Life"
3. "Little Death"
4. "Madonna (And Other Mothers in the Hood)"
5. "Deliver"
6. "Adoration of the Magi"
7. "Touch the Sky"
8. "Superstar"
9. "Next to It"
10. "The Show Goes On"
11. "Kick, Push"
12. "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)"
13. "Battle Scars"
14. "Daydreamin'"
Shirley Jaco

**Shirley Jaco** (born December 13, 1954) is the mother of Wasalu "Lupe Fiasco" Jaco. Working as a gourmet chef, she and Gregory Jaco raised Fiasco in Chicago, Illinois. They split when Fiasco was five years old, where he lived with her and continued a strong relationship with his father. He told *Entertainment Weekly*, "I got nine brothers and sisters. Three of us have the same mother and father, everyone else is half brothers and sisters."

## Background

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco was born on February 16, 1982, at Bethany in Chicago, Illinois, to Shirley and Gregory Jaco. He grew up in the areas of Washington, Albany, and Madison. Shirley described Fiasco as "Smart, a bit complex; he kind of was a loner; he didn't hang with a lot of people. But I had all these books-on medicine, anatomy, philosophy, religion. And he would just pick them up and read. He would be thumbing through a *National Geographic* or listening to music. He loved Tchaikovsky." She added, "He always had the glasses, always had a book bag over his shoulder and some type of a writing tablet. He loved to skateboard, too. You could hear those little raggedy wheels... ka-kunk-ka-kunk-ka-kunk, all night long."

Fiasco told magazine *Bon Appétit* in 2012, "My mom was a chef, but my father was a straight fast food guy. So you knew, if we were with my father, we were eating out. But my mom's a good cook, and wouldn't splurge. She'd be real basic: lentils, rice, eggs and rice, or she would make these White Castle-style little sliders. Every so often, she would dip off to gourmet land, challenging us with some tofu or a machination she learned in school."

Fiasco noted in a birthday post for his mother in 2014, "Born in a small town in Northern Mississippi. Picked cotton as a child then moved up to the Windy City. Westside momma raised us in that drama. Made us into soldiers full of dignity and honor. A teacher, healer and provider with so much more to discover..."

The track "More Than My Heart" from his 2017 album, *Drogas Light*, was released. Dedicated to his mother, lyrics include, 'Gotta honor my mama, so that's what I'm tryna do / Ayy, better love my mama.'

## Gallery

Fiasco and his mother at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards
## References

1. ↑ Watson, Margeaux (January 17, 2008). "The successes of rapper Lupe Fiasco". *Entertainment Weekly*.
2. ↑ *Biography Today*
3. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Twitter*. May 8, 2013.
4. ↑ Smith, Bryan (July 17, 2007). "Lupe Fiasco, Word Star". *Chicago Magazine*.
5. ↑ Dean, Sam (November 16, 2012). "What Rapper Lupe Fiasco Eats for Breakfast". *Bon Appétit*.
6. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@lupefiasco)". *Instagram*. December 12, 2014.
Trae tha Truth

**Frazier Othel Thompson III** (born July 3, 1980), better known by his stage name **Trae tha Truth** (or simply **Trae**), is an American rapper and record executive from Houston, Texas. He and Lupe Fiasco collaborated on several occasions.

## Background

In a 2010 interview, Trae stated, "Me and Lupe rock more on just being brothers, man. That's somebody I can call up and chop it up with, if I'm goin' through it, or vice-versa with him. I consider him to be an uncle to my child. Even right now, he's going through the situation he's going through with [*Lasers*] not comin' out, and he's goin' through somethin' kinda similar to what I'm goin' through [with the radio ban], so that's why I'm 10 toes down with him." He added, "Whatever he needs from me, regardless if it be my mouthpiece of support, regardless if it means I need to be a soldier on the front-lines, it's 10 toes down." He also recalled a moment where he shot a couple of music videos a week prior, and contacted Lupe early Wednesday morning. He continued, "He flew out Thursday morning, did the video, and flew right back to do what he was doin'. That means so much more, 'cause lips can say anything."

During Fiasco's 2010 Steppin' Laser Tour, Trae was one of the opening acts. He noted to *Complex*, "Yeah, Lupe took me with him on the *Lasers* tour. It was amazing when he would bring me out and the fans know my songs word for word. I'm blessed. I'm constantly working and there are a lot of people supportin' me in the streets." Regarding their friendship, he said, "Lupe's like a brother to me. Me and him, we be on some laughin' about life shit. It has nothing to do with music. We both came from the struggle. He came out of Chicago, which is a hard place to come up, so we both understand what it is. He flew in just to help out with Trae Day and I love him for it."

In a 2012 interview with Pow-TV.net, Trae exclaimed, "First and foremost, people gotta understand within the industry, a lot of these n\*\*\*as are my true partners. Like, fuck the music. For instance, me and Lupe, we brothers. When we get together, we ain't give no fuck about music."

## References

1. ↑ Paine, Jake (October 22, 2010). "Trae the Truth Visits Philadelphia Fans, Talks Lupe Fiasco Friendship". *HipHopDX*.
2. ↑ "Interview: Trae tha Truth on Being Banned from Radio One & His Friendship with Lupe Fiasco". *Complex*. September 7, 2010.
3. ↑ "TRAE THE TRUTH TALKS GRAND HUSTLE DEAL, LUPE FIASCO & CHARITY POW-TV.NET". *YouTube*. March 4, 2012.
Stereo Sun

"**Stereo Sun**" is a song by Lupe Fiasco featuring Eric Turner. It was intended to appear on the *Lasers* track listing, though later omitted by Atlantic Records. The song was given to UK rapper Tinchy Stryder for the album *Third Strike* (2010).

Turner explained to Directlyrics.com, "[W]e had been going back and forth with Lupe on several tracks writing over Skype. He was originally gonna do "Stereo Sun" but it got dropped with all the controversy with releasing *Lasers*."

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Hook: Eric Turner]

It's the way of the stage

It's like a stereo sun

It's the way I build up, the business really gets done

It's like a stereo sun

[Verse 1: Lupe Fiasco]

I hear it: the spirit, and I don't fear it

Matter 'fact, I steer it

Right in the heart of the hardships, I don't veer it

And this car is just a metaphor for my experience

No registration or insurance, just a license to ill

God's hands on the wheel, and my pedal's to the ceilin', peelin'

Speeding like 24 frames through the lights

With the traffic cameras filmin', brights

So I could see the brilliance of this life I've been given

Livin' to start a revolution every minute

Driven to win it, no breaks, no pittin'

Pole position ya soul, keep ya windows tinted

So we can see out it, but they can't see in it

So this here's ours, and them theirs rented

Cars moving at top gear, Jeremy Clarkson

I feel like this my first track and I ain't even start nothin, yessir!

[Hook: Eric Turner]

It's the way of the stage

It's like a stereo sun

It's the way I build up, the business really gets done

It's like a stereo sun

[Verse 2: Lupe Fiasco]

The sky's on fire, the storm is almost near us

But that's when I'm the clearest, when things are the severest

I'll be here for its arrival and for its disappearance

Broadcasting live and clear, even with the interference

See this is what it sounds like when life becomes lyric

The best thing ever, you should really come and hear it

But if you can't, cool. We'll be coming to your nearest, soon

Shining like two suns, it's better than two thumbs

The whole plot's to get you

To stop from doing what you do, to do better than you've done

Then we'll stare down the feds in the room

Who dares not to scare? Hear it, boom!

Unaffected by your werewolves, ghosts and your 'boom'

The tour through the tombs don't do nothing to 'em, never!

I turn the pressure into treasure

My problem's in the present and my presence is forever

Yes, sir!

[Hook: Eric Turner]

It's the way of the stage

It's like a stereo sun

It's the way I build up, the business really gets done

It's like a stereo sun

## References

1. ↑ Kujundzic, Petar (March 14, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco featuring Eric Turner - Stereo Sun". *Hypebeast*.
2. ↑ Apaza, Kevin (March 3, 2012). "KEVIPOD Interviews Eric Turner...". *Directlyrics.com*.
Wave

***Wave*** (stylized in all caps) is Lupe Fiasco's accompanying novel for his seventh studio album, *Drogas Wave*. It narrates the myth of the LongChains, a group of enslaved African people who jumped off a slave ship travelling from their homeland. On September 21, 2020, he shared an excerpt of the fifth chapter along with artwork. On October 15, 2022, he shared an excerpt of the eighth chapter and two illustrations. He added that he would try to finish the draft copy in 2023.

## Background

In 2018, Fiasco posted over social media with the header "Mediations On The Philosophical Symbolism Of LongChains & Its Gradual Implementation Into Your Daily Life." He continued in the paragraph below:

> "What good is a Long Chain?" "What Good!! it is a Long Chain!" It is an oxymoron. Chains are meant to suppress freedom. You are only as free as the length of your chain. But what if your Chain was long? What if it was as long as the world in every direction? The Long Chain is a symbol of thoughtful freedom. The chain is a reminder of ones limitations and to approach the world with restraint. The everlasting length of it reminds one to be open minded even amongst limitations. It is at once a challenge and a solution. If one lives a life on a long chain one stays connected to the origins while having the freedom to venture to the ends of the universe if one so chose. It can lead one back home if one becomes lost and also can act as a guide for others to follow. We all have chains. We are born with them. They cannot be broken. But they can be grown. Link by link. Experience by experience. Connecting your chain to the chains of others. How can I transcend despite my limitations? 🌊☺️ #WAVY.
>
>

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Twitter*. September 21, 2020.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Twitter*. October 15, 2022.
3. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@lupefiasco)". *Instagram*. September 25, 2018.
Xperience Boston

**Xperience Boston** is a music festival by the organization, Boston Cannabis Week, held annually at Ink Block Underground in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2019, American rapper Lupe Fiasco performed on September 22.

## Set list

1. "Dopamine Lit (Intro)"
2. "Jump"
3. "Go Go Gadget Flow"
4. "The Show Goes On"

## Gallery

* "Dopamine Lit (Intro)"
* "Jump"
* "Go Go Gadget Flow"
* "The Show Goes On"

## References

1. ↑ Wasylak, Victoria (September 4, 2019). "Boston Cannabis Week Unveils Xperience Music & Arts Lineup". *Vanyaland*.
The Guardian

***The Guardian*** is a British daily newspaper. It was founded by John Edward Taylor as *The Manchester Guardian* in 1821, before its name change in 1959. The publication has covered American rapper Lupe Fiasco's musical career over the years.

## Critical reception

* *The Observer* is the sister paper to *The Guardian*. Their ratings are marked with an asterisk (\*).

## References

1. ↑ Collins, Hattie (April 12, 2008). "Lupe Dreams". *The Guardian*.
2. ↑ Batey, Angus (March 3, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco: 'I Have the Right to Speak Out'". *The Guardian*.
3. ↑ Mulholland, Garry (October 15, 2006). "Lupe Fiasco, Food and Liquor". *The Observer*.
4. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (January 18, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco, The Cool". *The Guardian*.
5. ↑ Yates, Steve (January 20, 2008). "Reviews: 11-25". *The Observer*.
6. ↑ Macpherson, Alex (March 3, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco: Lasers - Review". *The Guardian*.
7. ↑ MacInnes, Paul (September 27, 2012). "Lupe Fiasco: Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt 1 – Review". *The Guardian*.
8. ↑ Morris, Damien (February 12, 2017). "Lupe Fiasco: Drogas Light Review – Soggy and Incoherent". *The Observer*.
9. ↑ MacInnes, Paul (February 9, 2017). "Lupe Fiasco: Drogas Light Review – Skill Shines Through in a Seesaw Comeback". *The Guardian*.
10. ↑ Morris, Damien (June 26, 2022). "Lupe Fiasco: Drill Music in Zion Review – Enjoyable Trip Through a Mazy Mind". *The Observer*.
Scream

"**Scream**" is an unreleased song by American rapper Lupe Fiasco. He performed the song live during his Steppin' Laser Tour, though it was never officially leaked or released. It was intended to be part of his *Lasers* album.

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
Scream...

I see visions, realities that keep in it

Like deep sea swimming, to speedily arisen

To brutally incending me and eatin' me

And keeping me within it

I can hear the secrets feeding me a rhythm

Then take our brains so vividly into them other TV

He be keeping me in prison

Maybe I should sneak when he be shitting and sleeping

And when he's briefly unattending

To try and keep my sanity, I try to be inventive

I be slippin'...

Scream...

Get it back, try to regain my gripping

I wonder if anybody even knows that I'm missing

The last time they seen him they said he was going fishing

They probably unaware of my current disposition

How can I signal it give you a description

So you can understand the conditions in which I live in

Confessing and acknowledging will be a 100% eviction

And the parents shootin' heroin even if you listen,

Even if I...

Scream

Shout it out, out of my mouth

But from within my mouth, hope is descending

Now I'm never getting out

And the doubt is getting out

Faith is getting thinner

Sin is about to enter, n\*\*\*a, I'm getting filled

Maybe I'll find some timber, with it I'll build a house

In it I'll cook some dinner, after I'll figure out

My out from this dilemma, gonna keep from flipping out

My outsides of my innards, would you please just scream it out

Wish I had an antenna, with it I'll send it out

The SOS, much as I've written down

Stressed, so stressed, pressure is bearing down

Depression, the pressure, my Smith and Wesson will blow it out

My own brains, like flames that the Happy Birthday sang

Maybe the smoke from the flames, who choked on the fumes

Heard a yell from the maid

What I thought was a wail was my hotel view

Scream...

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Twitter*. June 9, 2014.
2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Twitter*. July 16, 2013.
What U Want (Chad Hugo Remix)

## Song by Lupe Fiasco featuring Kenna

"**What U Want (Chad Hugo Remix)**" is a song by Lupe Fiasco featuring Kenna, released from Missile Command's *Foolcast* mix series (2011). It is an outtake from Fiasco's third studio album, *Lasers* (2011).

## Lyrics

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

When the night falls

She heard the call of the street life

See the flicker of the street lights

Wanna know what it be like when it be right there

Black lipstick tattoos of the peace sign

Plus the mark of the beast sign oh night please be kind

Baby girl has no fears

Tight clothing

Blowing cigarette smoke in slow motion

All full of love potion but its frozen

Thinks the world's so insincere

Now she dancing with strangers

She don't know they name no

The city has claimed her but she doesn't care

[Hook: Kenna]

What you want want

What you want want

Come and get it get it

What you want want

What you want want want

What you want want

What you want want

Come and get it get it

What you want want

What you want want want

[Verse 2: Lupe Fiasco]

When the night falls

She had to call of the bright life

See the shine in the spotlights

Wanna know what that like when it be right there

White liar put her name in their headlines

Naked pictures on her website

Just a rabbit in the headlights

Baby girl don't you be scared

Red carpet on the arms of an artist

Is starlit on the star-less paparazzi target

Thinks being normal's just so unfair

She knows that its dangerous she wants to be famous

But she's not ashamed 'cause it ain't nothing there

[Hook: Kenna]

What you want want

What you want want

Come and get it get it

What you want want

What you want want want

What you want want

What you want want

Come and get it get it

What you want want

What you want want want

[Verse 3: Lupe Fiasco]

When the day comes

And they looking far away from where they came from

See the night has betrayed them told 'em it would stay young

Told them they would stay young

Now they see the sun

The night's on the run right before the rise

Black mascara's running from their eyes

But big girls don't cry

It'll be alright

It'll be tonight (Tonight)

They'll cut back on the lies

[Hook: Kenna]

What you want want

What you want want

## References

1. ↑ Spadine, Richard (May 2, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco ft. Kenna - What U Want (Chad Hugo Remix)". *DJBooth*.
Terry Richardson

**Terrence "Terry" Richardson** (born August 14, 1965) is an American fashion and portrait photographer. He has shot advertising campaigns for many designer brands and worked for magazines such as *Rolling Stone*, *GQ*, *Vogue*, *Vanity Fair*, *Harper's Bazaar*, *i-D*, and *Vice*. On April 13, 2010, his photoshoot with American rappers Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams was uploaded to his Tumblr blog.

Since 2001, Richardson has been accused by multiple models of sexual misconduct. In 2017, brands and magazines that had worked with Richardson in the past began distancing themselves from him, and said they would no longer employ him. He has not actively worked as a photographer since 2018.

## References

1. ↑ Banning, Tristan (April 13, 2010). "Terry Richardson Shoots Pharrell Williams and Lupe Fiasco". *Sidewalk Hustle*.
2. ↑ Ruano, Luis (April 13, 2010). "Lupe Fiasco & Pharrell x Terry Richardson Photoshoot". *Hypebeast*.
3. ↑ Petit, Stephanie (October 24, 2017). "Famed Celeb Photographer Terry Richardson Reportedly Banned from Top Magazines Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations". *People*.
Splore

**Splore** is a three-day biennial music and arts festival held in Auckland, New Zealand. Lupe Fiasco headlined the first night at the Main Stage, which also coincided with the first date of his Steppin' Laser Tour in support of his forthcoming album *Lasers*.

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco can't stop coming back to NZ". *3news.co*. February 23, 2010. Archived from the original on April 3, 2010.
Remember 2 Smile

**Remember 2 Smile** was a promotional concert by Lupe Fiasco for his forthcoming album, *Lasers*. It was held on October 29, 2009, at Congress Theater in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Special guests included Mikkey Halsted, Dude N' Nem, and Crucial Con. Interspersed throughout of Fiasco's set were vignettes that ran across several themes, including Life, Death, Art, Fame, Faith, and Politics.

## Set list

* "Just Might Be OK"
* "Real"
* "The Emperor's Soundtrack"
* "Touch the Sky"
* "Pressure"
* "I Gotcha"
* "Hi-Definition"
* "The Instrumental"
* "Little Weapon"
* "Liquor Store" (Performed by Mikkey Halsted)
* "Go Go Gadget Flow"
* "Hay" (Performed by Crucial Conflict)
* "Watch My Feet" (Performed by Dude N' Nem)
* "Lupe the Killer"
* "Fire"

## References

1. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco)". *Facebook*. October 20, 2009.
2. ↑ Barber, Andrew (October 30, 2009). "Video: Lupe Fiasco - Remember 2 Smile (Vignettes 1-7)". *Fake Shore Drive*.
SLU Homecoming

**SLU Homecoming** is an event by graduates at the private Jesuit research university, Saint Louis University, in St. Louis, Missouri. Lupe Fiasco performed as the headlining act in 2011 at the Chaifetz Arena, during his Generation Lasers Tour. He was accompanied by the New Boyz, Sarah Green, and Young Marqus.

## Reception

In a review for *Riverfront Times*, Albert Samaha wrote, "At the tail of each bar he gazes into the mass of swaying arms and bouncing bodies, packing the floor of the Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University. It's homecoming weekend here and Lupe is preaching to an anguished generation crippled with college debt, staring into the mouth of the worst economy in 80 years, adolescent idealism prematurely eroding into disillusionment. We're a generation at a crossroads between empowerment and cynicism. Lupe gives us voice." He continued, "Lupe Fiasco music is realism. He paints the dark side of the world -- the cycle of poverty and bombings in Palestine and child soldiers in Africa and the military industrial complex and the crack fiends and the police brutality. He connects with the anguish of the generation. And he seeks to create hope, not by pulling you out of the world, but by challenging you to look the world square in the eyes, dig in your heels and push back, all the while knowing that there are many more alongside pushing just as hard. It's a message of empowerment particularly resonant in an era of growing disillusionment. And it's a message delivered through one of the most gifted rappers of all time."

## Set list

1. "Words I Never Said"
2. "State Run Radio"
3. "I Don't Wanna Care Right Now"
4. "Everyone Nose (All the Girls Standing in the Line for the Bathroom) (Remix)"
5. "Go Go Gadget Flow"
6. "Coming Up"
7. "Till I Get There"
8. "Touch the Sky"
9. "I Gotcha"
10. "Kick, Push"
11. "Hip-Hop Saved My Life"
12. "The Coolest"
13. "All Black Everything"
14. "Out of My Head"
15. "Break the Chain"
16. "Beautiful Lasers (2 Ways)"
17. "Never Forget You"
18. "Superstar"
19. "Daydreamin'"
20. "The Show Goes On"

## References

1. ↑ "SAB lands Lupe Fiasco for concert". *The University News*. August 25, 2011.
2. ↑ Samaha, Albert (September 30, 2011). "Lupe Fiasco At The Chaifetz Arena, 9/29/11: Review, Photos, Setlist". *Riverfront Times*.