Lupe drops the video of Words I Never Said.  I am posting this without even having seen it.  But imagine its DOPE (sorry for using that word to much, i need to expand my vocabulary)  

Blogs linking to the review:

http://holy-crackers.tumblr.com/post/4069251396/like-a-vegan-telling-you-what-steakhouse-is-the

http://simtraks.com/archives/1237

http://thisismybrainondrugs.tumblr.com/post/4170665612/check-out-the-homie-abbas-review-of-lupe-fiasco-latest

After having read enough Lupe interviews, LASERS reviews, and after several discussions with hip hop enthusiasts, for what it’s worth, I think it’s about time I offer my opinion on Lupe Fiasco’s third album, LASERS.

Consumed by the fame and oblivious to the capitalistic motives of the music industry, many rappers abandon the truth of hip hop social justice and compelling storytelling to sell records to an immature audience who view artists as a means and not as ends.  Rappers are owned by their label, influenced to sell out to stakeholders.  The corporations could care less about social responsibility, community engagement, and in its basic form:  knowledge; money is what they are after and by any means necessary.  This consequentialist approach is damaging for those of us who appreciate rap for its principles.  However, no matter the strength of the influence, one rapper has yet to sellout to the racist corporate hegemony of the mainstream music industry—Lupe Fiasco, the prophet of hip hop.

In his latest album, Lupe laments that Atlantic Records (may the Heavens be displeased with them) manipulated him into doing premade songs, leftovers from other artists, being told specifically not to be “too deep” or “too lyrical.”  He himself was very fed up by the entire process and artistic constraint that oppressed his musical sensibilities.  Given this knowledge, many analytically inept reviewers have complained that Lupe has lost his charm and brilliance.  Like a vegan telling you what steakhouse is the best, many of these music critics come off as charlatans through and through; I had to question how they knew what they were talking about.  These critics are simply regurgitating Lupe’s own sentiments of his album, and the artistic constraints of Atlantic records.  Instead of recognizing the merit of this album, they are exploiting Lupe’s artistic honesty and to the point of nausea, they continue to tar this album as “bad.”       

Because many of these reviewers are amateur critics, it is no surprise that, like the masses at large, they continuously get duped and unknowingly yield to the status quo.  Artists like Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat knew how easy it was to trick the masses into paying millions of dollars for pieces of ‘art’ that possessed no artistic merit.  L Ron Hubbard also took advantage of this when he created his own religion (i.e., Scientology) because he knew how profitable it was to exploit peoples’ stupidity.  Even Jay Z admits to this paradox, “If skills sold, truth be told, I'd probably be, lyrically, Talib Kweli.  Truthfully, I want to rhyme like Common Sense, but I made five million; I ain't been rhyming like Common since.”  And in all fairness, and in an attempt to avoid ad hominem attacks on these critics, I will say that their reviews, by themselves, were poorly thought out and a mere recapitulation of Lupe’s feelings and that status quo. 

Do these reviewers even know what Lupe is about?  He is about NOT selling out, continuously doing his best within his limits, and rapping with a purpose.  LASERS did not fall short of that one bit.  Every song on this album was dope, and the knowledge his lyrics transcribed in my mind was worth the wait.  Here is a brief run down:

Letting Go:  Struggles within himself and with his record label.  Constant battles of self-doubt, depression and suicide, probably the result of Atlantic’s artistic oppression. 
     But when I put down my gun,
     I turn around and pick up one.

Words I Never Said:  This song was what we needed with all the Islamophobia and hate sweeping this country.  If this is Lupe rapping superficially, not “too deep” or “too lyrical,” then imagine what he is capable of otherwise.
     I really think the war on terror is a bunch of bullshit
     Just a poor excuse for you to use up all your bullets
     ...
     Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a racist
     Gaza strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say shit
     That’s why I aint vote for him, next one either
     I’m a part of the problem, my problem is I’m peaceful
     And I believe in the people.
     ...
     Jihad is not a holy war, where’s that in the worship?
     Murdering is not Islam! And you are not observant
     And you are not a Muslim
     Israel don’t take my side
     cause look how far you’ve pushed them
     ...
     Just listening to Pac aint gone make it stop
     A rebel in your thoughts, aint gon make it halt
     If you don’t become an actor you’ll never be a factor

Till I Get There:  Another track that comments on the themes and elements of the wretched music industry.  This track highlights the hidden message of the entire LASERS album, a middle finger to Atlantic Records through his lyrics.  Unfortunately, they are profiting of Lupe’s angst and hatred towards his record label.  If only CBS could have profited in the same way from Charlie Sheen’s antics. 
     Album on hold, whole word on hold
     ...
     I tell 'em tell 'em don't homocide me
     I just a little old hope with his back against the ropes
     Fighting for his fans and, fighting for his folks
     ...
     Be a jerk to these jerks, yeah that'll make em hurt
     Huh? Instead of young boy in the mirror
     A young version of me, so I started to tear up
     He said "you need to cheer up, your mind need to clear up
     You're already here, just be yourself from here up"
     Then he disappeared and I felt something familiar
     Something I was taught, something I had lost
     If you are afraid, the fear that you gon' change some
     All you gotta do is just remember where you came from

I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now:  This is one of those tracks that it’s very obvious the chorus came with the beat, but it does highlight what Lupe would have done if he was on a Neptune’s track like “Universal Mind Control” or “Blanco.”  The chorus line is also very telling of his sentiments towards the album making process.  Lupe takes every premade chorus line and turns it on its head like musical double entendres done right.     
     Said I could never break away from your hold
     Watch me, turn though
     Said that I blew it like Turquoise
     Just mad hear it all in your word choice
     Know it hurts but I really don’t care though
     Let me rub it in, get it all up in that ho

Out of My Head:  Trey Songz is nothing but an Usher-wannabe who only sings about his sexual moral repugnance.  I never found him to be a worthy artist of my ear space, until this track with Lupe.  Not to sound like an apologist, I will be fair; this is not one of my favorite tracks.  The lyrics sound too superficial, but I have a feeling this was one of those Atlantic Records influenced tracks.  But, the plus side of this track is that it might generate commercial success and get the music n00bs to listen to more Lupe.    
     Yeah, I need you to sing that single again
     Play that video I seen you up in

Show Goes On:  This was a track Atlantic Records had forced on Lupe, and told him to insert a verse, without being too lyrical.  And what did Lupe do?  His first verse was a subtle attack on Atlantic Records, like a verbal middle finger for making this the single.  Much appreciated. 
     Have you ever had the feeling that you was being had?
     Don't that shit there make you mad? They treat you like a slave
     Put chains all on your soul and put whips up on your back
     They be lyin' through they teeth, hope you slip up off your path
     I don't switch up, I just laugh, put my kicks up on they desk
     Unaffected by they threats, then get busy on they ass
     See, that how that Chi-town made me, that's how my daddy raised me
     That glittering may not be gold, don't let nobody play me
     If you are my homeboy, you'll never have to pay me
     Go on and put your hands up, when times is hard, you stand up
     L-U-P the man, cuz, the brand that the fans trust
     So even if they ban us, they'll never slow my plans up

Beautiful Lasers:  Lupe had originally intended for this track to be the single before being shafted by the corporate music heads.  This song was written while Lupe faced depression and thoughts of suicide.  This song reminds me of the good old days of The Cool, dark and deep.  This song is Kid Cudi’s entire career summated in one song. 
     We all gotta go one day,
     I just wanna cut to the chase,
     I wanna stop these nightmares,
     I just wanna touch your face

Coming Up:  Tupac’s soul through Lupe’s voice.  There is not much I can say about this song other than it reminded me of classic, intelligent Tupac.  Lupe is above the influence and pressure to do gangsta rap, not caring about the aesthetic preferences of white folk.
     In my day, mane, I did a little somethin some-
     They like "how come you don't rap that?"
     Cause that's a backtrack and I ain't tryna back back
     I'm only moving forward homie that's that
     Direction, a lot of shoulders lack that

State Run Radio:  I feel as if this song was written with the left over words from “All Black Everything.”  Atlantic again was probably like “hey take this chorus about revolution and anarchy and do something not lyrical but with a message.”  And even if that’s not true, I still believe the message Lupe puts forth is of worth and merit.  He may be preaching to the choir, but sometimes a reminder is needed.
So beware whats on the air waves
And be more aware of whats not gettin air played
     Independent spirit you can barely hear what they’re sayin
     Youth aint gettin on like shampoo on an airplane
     Propagandas everywhere constantly on replay
     All the hits all the time back to back on relay

Break the Chain:  The song is one of my favorites off the album, I don’t care if people hate it for sounding like a trance hip hop remix of a Brittney Spears song.  The only thing I didn’t like about this song was the clown rapping on the second verse who sounded like a Dizzee Rascal and Tinie Tempah’s unsuccessful love child.  Lupe’s delivery, flow, lyrics, style, everything was impressive.   
     How the hell you gonna tell us something
     We ain’t have a father
     How to try to grow up and be one
     See umm feel it in my bones
     That I’m sittin on a throne          
     Like a killer with a chrome
     When I spit another poem
     Shed a whole lot of light on a little bit of home, blaow

All Black Everything:  When the beat matches the metaphors of a song, you get this song.  The lyrics make this track, the concept of challenging social construction, emphasis on critical analysis of all things perceived.  A new epistemology presented. 
     Malcolm Little dies as an old man
     Martin Luther King read the eulogy for him
     Followed by Bill O'Reilly who read from the Quran
     President Bush sends condolences from Iran
     Where Fox News reports live
     That Ahmadinejad wins Mandela peace prize
     ...
     That inspired the five white guys called the Jacksons
     Eminem fitted in but then again he inspired a black rapper tryin to mimic him
     And thats what really rose up out of Michigan,      
     the sign of white rapper by the name of 50 cent
     ...
     Uh, and I know it's just a fantasy
     I cordially invite you to ask why can't it be
     Now we can do nothing bout the past
     But we can do something about the future that we have
     We can make it fast or we can make it last
     Every woman queen and every man a king and
     When those color lines come we can't see between
     We just close our eyes till its all black everything

Never Forget You:  For critics to hate on this track simply because Lupe was handed it from John Legend’s basement is as foolish as nominating Lil Wayne for any sort of award.  John Legends voice is magical, and what Lupe did to this track was holy.  Honoring his father is respectable, and virtuous.  One constant message, apart from the Atlantic Record bashing, is Lupe’s upbringing, constantly reminding us of how was raised.  Despite all the dark spots in his life, his parents’ legacies shine through in what he stands for.  I don’t even have to meet his parents to know they were brilliant, loving, and strong individuals—how parents should be.   
     Everything cherished, remembered in my heart
     So you will never perish, you will never part
     I tell ‘em all about you, drummin’ in the park
     We put you in the ground, but I see you in the stars
     Go on, take a bow, a round of applause
     The best that ever, always ready we are
     Love always shines, that’s how I’ll find you
     In case you forgot, I hope this reminds you

Im Beamin: This is the track that Lupe put together while feuding with Atlantic, paid for the Music video himself, and essentially put this out for his fans.   This song was one of my top jams, and truly highlights Lupe’s dedication to the craft, his humility, and appreciation for his fans.  Actions speak louder than words, so thank you Lupe for putting this gem together.    
     And baby girl what does it matter where your purse from
     Your hair done, your nails did, your ass fat but you're dumb
     Mix Melyssa Ford, with Maya Angelou
     Become a Top Model, and Sojourner too
     I try to follow this, what Muhammad do

Shining Down:  I am assuming this track was created following the success of The Cool’s “Superstar.”  Whether that’s true or not, this track still holds its own ground and was a well received sign of Lupe’s return to the game.  Full of spunk, energy, wit, intelligence, knowledge.  This song, very much like “Im Beamin” is what Lupe is capable of , but I bet the only reason Atlantic threw these tracks on the album was to make more money off Lupe.  We need a petition to get him off Atlantic and on GOOD Music or Roc Nation.  And maybe another petition to get that CRS album out. 
     But my daddy named me warrior, this is his memorial
     ...
     No, I ain't the nigga trying to get a liquor line
     When I be scrippin' lines, want this petition sign
     It says I'm sick of dyin', sick of this prison time
     I really love my people, I'm sick of pimpin' mine
     Now, if we Auto-Tune that shit
     We can hear the songs from that opera-groomed fat bitch

When no one knew about Lupe’s feelings or the process of him putting together LASERS, everyone was praising Lupe for every track he put out.  When he released “Never Forget You” and “Show Goes On,” everyone was jockin’ Lupe.  Then when he said those were premade tracks forced on him by Atlantic everyone retroactively withdrew their praise.  When Lupe wished for more artistic freedom, claiming to be upset with the production of his album, everyone turned around and regurgitated his sentiments without appreciating the album for what it was.  An interesting juxtaposition would be between LASERS and Eminem’s Relapse.  Eminem had full creative control over his album, and returning from his hiatus he put out a terrible album, and apologized for it later when he finally actualized his potential and put out a quality album like Recovery.  Lupe, on the other hand, was confined by his record label to make unintelligent, pop rap music, telling him to be like other artists.  Within those limitations he didn’t sell out and still produced a great album for 2011. 

Because scales are meaningless without a reference, compared to every album out this year, and those that will be out, this is and will be one of best albums of 2011.

Rating:  A