Lupe Fiasco - Food and Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album (23/11/2012)
Lupe Fiasco is a mysterious figure. Stemming from both the subjects and their sensitivity that he often explores in his music and interviews, Lupe Fiasco has become somewhat of a literal avant-garde MC.
Citing his inspirations from the likes of Malcolm X and Wasalu Muhammad, Fiasco’s craft has touched on the issues of fair government treatment, racism, the War in the Middle East and so on. Yet if any of the greatest attribute about Fiasco can be outline, it is he unconditional lack of fear to express what he deems wrong within society. It is because of his unwavering musical style that Fiasco has been able to build an army of admiring fans and with the release of his 2011, ‘Lasers’ album, it is reassuring to know ‘Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album’ has returned Fiasco to his original essence most evident in his ‘Food & Liquor I.’
The introduction of the Album, ‘Ayesha Says’ acts as a prelude to the entirety of the Album, similar to the chorus in Romeo And Juliet, who narrates the setting, plot and themes of the story. The accompanying pieces in-turn carries on the words utter in the ‘Ayesha Says’, creating an intellectual property for his listeners, thus allowing a response to the ideas that shape society which could also lead to intelligent curiosity.
That interpretation of the ills of society is never subsided by Fiasco, always centering as the attention in songs such as ‘Strange Fruition’ where Fiasco comments on police corruption and single parent homes and ‘Lamborghini Angels’ where sex abuse in the church becomes the focus. And while ‘Lasers’ can be considered Fiasco’s most mainstream orientated album, ‘Food & Liquor II’ also features certain tracks targeted at the mainstream audience, but this is done in such a subtle form that the distinction throughout the entire album is almost uncanny.
‘Battle Scars’ featuring our own Guy Sebastian and ‘How Dare You’, sacrifice a bit of Fiasco’s niche and instead relies on choruses of their respective artists, but this is only a momentary sacrifice when compared to the momentum established upon reaching ‘Battle Scars’.
All in all, perhaps only a singular term can be best to describe ‘Food & Liquor II’, but to choose what term would be difficult in it’s own right. Genius could be one, but so could memorizing, Lupe Fiasco has certainly came back with a raw vibrant album that is most certainly steering Fiasco back to his original roots.
Jason Cheung
Citing his inspirations from the likes of Malcolm X and Wasalu Muhammad, Fiasco’s craft has touched on the issues of fair government treatment, racism, the War in the Middle East and so on. Yet if any of the greatest attribute about Fiasco can be outline, it is he unconditional lack of fear to express what he deems wrong within society. It is because of his unwavering musical style that Fiasco has been able to build an army of admiring fans and with the release of his 2011, ‘Lasers’ album, it is reassuring to know ‘Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album’ has returned Fiasco to his original essence most evident in his ‘Food & Liquor I.’
The introduction of the Album, ‘Ayesha Says’ acts as a prelude to the entirety of the Album, similar to the chorus in Romeo And Juliet, who narrates the setting, plot and themes of the story. The accompanying pieces in-turn carries on the words utter in the ‘Ayesha Says’, creating an intellectual property for his listeners, thus allowing a response to the ideas that shape society which could also lead to intelligent curiosity.
That interpretation of the ills of society is never subsided by Fiasco, always centering as the attention in songs such as ‘Strange Fruition’ where Fiasco comments on police corruption and single parent homes and ‘Lamborghini Angels’ where sex abuse in the church becomes the focus. And while ‘Lasers’ can be considered Fiasco’s most mainstream orientated album, ‘Food & Liquor II’ also features certain tracks targeted at the mainstream audience, but this is done in such a subtle form that the distinction throughout the entire album is almost uncanny.
‘Battle Scars’ featuring our own Guy Sebastian and ‘How Dare You’, sacrifice a bit of Fiasco’s niche and instead relies on choruses of their respective artists, but this is only a momentary sacrifice when compared to the momentum established upon reaching ‘Battle Scars’.
All in all, perhaps only a singular term can be best to describe ‘Food & Liquor II’, but to choose what term would be difficult in it’s own right. Genius could be one, but so could memorizing, Lupe Fiasco has certainly came back with a raw vibrant album that is most certainly steering Fiasco back to his original roots.
Jason Cheung