For five years, Lupe, like his hometown predecessors, didn't receive the proper acclaim for his outstanding musical ability. Lupe's music broke the restraints that surrounded the booty-shaking and rock-slinging standards of commercial hip-hop and created a whole new level to which hip-hop can aspire. Frankly, the world was not ready for Lupe. But, like fellow Chi-Town native Common once said, "It don't take a whole day to recognize sunshine." And Lupe has come to illuminate the current dismal state of real hip-hop.
Since real recognizes real, it only seems right that Jay-Z was the one to discover Lupe Fiasco and his great potential. Mr. Carter (well, he's "retired" isn't he?) even went as far to say that Lupe possessed the same talent that he himself possessed five years ago in his prime. Being a man who personally backs up his claims, Jay-Z wore the hat of executive producer for "Food and Liquor," Lupe's debut album.
"Food and Liquor" is an eclectic mix of 14 tracks with subjects ranging from skateboarding to the decrepit state of hip-hop to prejudice surrounding the black and Muslim communities. Reflecting the scope of these subjects is the diverse production lineup which consists of Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, The Neptunes, Kanye and Pro and Soundtrakk of 1st & 15th Productions, Lupe's own production company.
Even though "Kick, Push" was the song that launched Lupe onto the radio stations and music charts, each profound track deserves a third and fourth listen. In particular, the tracks "Daydreamin'," "American Terrorist" and "The Cool" take "Food and Liquor" to another height with impressive flow rapped over inventive beats.
On "Daydreamin," Lupe uses frank, sarcastic lyrics to mock hip-hop artists and their videos: "Now come on everybody, let's make cocaine cool/ We need a few more half-naked women up in the pool/ And hold this Mack-10 that's all covered in jewels/And can you please put your titties closer to the twenty-twos?"
Yet, right after deriding the state of hip-hop, Lupe goes onto to thank the same hip-hop artists and their videos: "I had to turn my back on what got you paid/ I couldn't see had the hood on me like Abu Ghraib/ But I'd like to thank the streets that drove me crazy/ And all the televisions out there that raised me."
This same good-bad complex that Lupe embraces even resonates in the album's title. When explaining the album title "Food and Liquor," Lupe says, "The 'food' part is the good part and the 'liquor' is the bad part. I try to balance out both parts of me."
If you know about the Abu Ghraib story that he mentioned in "Daydreamin'," then you know where Lupe stands on the war against terrorism. In fact, Lupe, whose real name is Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, is a Muslim. So be prepared for politically charged accusations in "American Terrorists." On this track, Lupe delivers profound lines: "Now if a Muslim woman strapped with a bomb on a bus with the seconds running give you the jitters/ Just imagine an American-based Christian organization planning to poison water supplies to bring the Second Coming quicker."
While many innovative directions are made in "Food and Liquor," Lupe still manages to deliver a clear, intelligent flow that reiterates his passion for hip-hop and the streets. Once again, Chi-Town has another reason to stand proud.