Almost four years since 'The Cool', Lupe Fiasco has finally returned with his long awaited third album, 'Lasers'.
Lupe has never been your cliché rapper, concerned with money, cars, and booty. His witty, intelligent and articulate bars are both enlightened and thought provoking and this album is no different.
A rapper with a social conscience, Lupe addresses many important issues on this album. He salutes the independent woman of this world on the inspiring “Coming Up”, a rap song that talks about woman in a positive light- there's an anomaly for you.
Lupe outlines his disgust with some of the worlds ills “Words I Never Said” (w/Skylar Grey), he even has some words for the American President: “Gaza Strip was getting burned, Obama didn't say shit.”
“All Black Everything”, sees Lupe explore an alternate reality, one in which slavery never existed. In this new world, global politics and religion are skewed. He talks about a world where: “Fox News reports live that Ahmadinejad wins the Mandela peace price.” The haunting use of orchestral music makes this all the more intense.
Despite lapping up much critical acclaim since the release of his debut album, “Food and Liquor” in 2006, major commercial success has escaped Lupe's grasp so far. This is something he addresses in “Till I get there” where he mocks his label and their desperation to make him a famous money maker by 'prescribing him a publicist'. Perhaps a dig the label for delaying the release of this album.
It's not all intensity on 'Lasers' though, Lupe lightens it up a little with the smooth“Out of my head” (w/Trey Songz) which sees the pair swoon over a girl they can't forget about. Here, you can't help but wonder if this was included simply to appease the label, who are yearning for more commercial success. While it's not a bad track, it is a little out of place on this album.
Electro banger, “I don't wanna care right now” shows a more playful Lupe dabbling with autotune and an infectious hook that should make it a chart shoo-in.
This is a thought provoking piece of work where Lupe takes on the role of a rap philosopher taking his listeners on a journey. A little less 'cool' than his last album, but much more inspired in places.
With the album set to top the US Album Chart this week, Atlantic records can breath a collective sigh of relief that they didn't shelve it.
Standout Tracks: Words I Never Said, All Black Everything, Beautiful Lasers (2 ways)My verdict: 8/10
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