Nurtured in the soul drenching brass and skipping beats of Kanye and A Tribe Called Quest and channeling the flow of Jay Z, Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor presents a fresh direction in the world of hip hop. Throughout his album, Lupe spices his songs with lyrics that actually tell a story beyond ice, Cadillacs, and hos, which currently gums the airwaves. In fact, many of his lyrics reflect a struggle between his Muslim beliefs and the pull of the hip-hop scene he wishes to utilize.
On the tracks “Just might Be OK” and “The Emperor’s Soundtrack” Lupe details his struggle to establish a name for himself while still staying real to his message of faith and positive attitude. This is however balanced by more easy going tales such as the hit “Kick, Push” which details a day in the life of a skateboarder and his skater girl, backed by an infectious groove that begs repeated listening.
The only weak track is “The Instrumental” which squeezes the tired tit of another Linkin Park-like/Hip Hop collaboration (actually the featured vocal on this track is from Far fame Jonah Matranga- but still!) that seems to be the de rigueur of some hip hop artists today.
There are many strong points on Food and Liquor, and to only have one dud, well two if count the lengthy 15 minute “Outro” (which would be humorous if it was tongue in cheek), points to the fact that this is one of the few hip hop releases in recent years to showcase an album versus track approach to record making.
Chimpanjesus says:
More butter for my funkcorn, please.”
“Screaming Eagle samples never get old.”
“Shout out to my skateboard and it’s mad trucks.”
“Those who play brass we salute you!”
“Jilly from Philly cold-rocking my dreams”
Article comments
1 - chimpanjesus
Dear lower primate,
Get off my name.