The Urban Daily » lupe fiasco

Lupe Fiasco Says Collab Album With Pharrell Williams Is On The Way

Brad Wete — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:50:51 +0000

Lupe Fiasco took to his website to make two announcements to his fans: “FOOD AND LIQUOR 2 COMING SOON….LUPE AND PHARRELL ALBUM COMING SOON…”

That’s right, 2012 will likely see the release of his his fourth solo album, a sequel to his debut effort. And more surpisingly, there is also a collaborative set with Neptunes producer/rapper/singer Pharrell Williams.

Some may recall that the two, along with Kanye West, planned on releasing an album as a group called Child Rebel Soldiers years ago. It never panned out. But maybe they’ll have an easier time hooking up. Two busy men with hectic schedules is more convenient than three.

XXL Freshmen Class Of 2008: Where Are They Now?

jazzyf — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:01:17 +0000

Every year since 2008, XXL Magazine has released a “Freshmen Class” issue, which consists of new rappers who have the potential to be breakout artists. These MCs have created a buzz for themselves via the internet, social media or by simply staying consistent and dropping mixtapes left and right.

But where are they now? It’s one thing to predict the future, but almost four years later whose career has panned out? TheUrbandaily takes a look back at XXL’s Freshmen Class of 2008 “Leaders Of The New School” to see who graduated, who dropped out and who might have failed.

Name: Lil’ Boosie

From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana,

Releases: Bad Azz (2006), Superbad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz (2009) Incarcerated (2010)

Lil Boosie had a great start. His unique flow and voice had gained him enough attention to possibly be the next hottest rap artist coming out of the south. The first and only single off Bad Azz, “Zoom,” featured Yung Joc and helped Boosie grab the attention of hip hop fans. However, there was one small problem with Lil’ Boosie, he lived the troublesome life he rapped about. In 2010 he was sent to prison for violation of his probation. He did release his Incarcerated album from behind bars, but as you know jail can make or break a rap artist.

Name: Gorilla Zoe

From: Atlanta, GA.

Releases: Welcome To The Zoo (2007) Don’t Feed The Animals (2009), King Kong (2011).

Since the 2008 Freshman cover, Gorilla Zoe dropped his sophomore album Don’t Feed The Animals which hit #8 on the Billboard 200. In February of 2010 he dropped an entire mixtape for every day of the month. He is still signed with Bad Boy South and released his third album King Kong in July.

Name: Plies

From: Fort Myers. FL

Releases: The Real Testament (2007) Definition of Real(2008), Da REAList (2008), Goon Affiliated (2010).

Talk about blowing up straight out of the gate. Plies had great success with his debut album The Real Testament in 2007. Plies released not one but two albums in 2008, Definition Of Real & Tha REAList. Although Plies has started to cool off, his fans are still humming along to his hit “Bust It Baby Pt 2.” It’s sample of Janet Jackson’s “Come Back To Me” makes it a quiet storm staple for sensitive thugs everywhere.

Name: Crooked I

From: Long Beach, California

Releases: Hood Star, Block Obama II EP, Mr. Pigface Weapon Waist EP, Planet C.O.B. Vol. 1 EP, Planet C.O.B. Vol. 2, Million Dollar Story EP.

Crooked I had seen his fair share of setbacks before appearing on the cover. From Virgin Records to Death Row and now with Shady as a member of SlaughterHouse. He formed super group Slaughterhouse with classmate Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden and Royce Da 5’9. Since appearing on the cover in 2008 Crooked I has taken his grind into over time. He is CEO of his own record labels, Dynasty Entertainment and C.O.B. Digital as well as Senior Vice President of Treacherous Records. In 2020 he released the album Hood Star which is a compilation of unreleased music while at Death Row.

Name: Rich Boy

From: Mobile, Alabama

Releases: (mixtapes) Bigger Than The Mayor (2008) Kool-Aid, Kush & Convertibles (2009) 12 Diamonds (2011)

It’s hard to you go wrong when Polow The Don and Keri Hilson are members of your camp. However, Rich Boy has not been able to top the charts since releasing “Throw Some Ds.” He released a few mixtapes since and plans to release his second album Ressurected In Diamonds soon.

Name: Saigon

From: Brownsville, Brooklyn

Releases: All In A Days Work, Warning Shots

You would think with a co-sign from Jay-Z, Kanye West and Kool G Rap he would have stepped into the rap game with no problems. Nevertheless, Saigon publicly battled Atlantic Records over the release of The Greatest Story Ever Told. While in label limbo he released two mixtapes Warning Shots and All In A Days Work. After years of fighting to be released from Atlantic with the material, Saigon finally got what he asked for and with the help of Just Blaze and MTV’s Sway he finally released The Greatest Story Ever Told in 2011.

Name: Lupe Fiasco

From: Chicago, Il

Releases: Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor (2006) Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool (2007) Lasers (2011)

Before appearing on the cover, Lupe released his debut The Cool which is certified gold. He later publicly battled Atlantic Records to release the Lasers album which caused fans to sign petitions and protest outside of the Atlantic records office. As a result, Lasers was finally released in March of 2011. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at #1 with 204,200 copies sold, the highest of Lupe’s career. He is currently working on the followup Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album.

Name: Young Dro

From: Atlanta, GA

Releases: Mixtapes- I Co-Sign Myself (Hosted by Himself as DJ Dro), Drocabulary (Hosted by DJ Smallz).

Young Dro has not released an album since appearing on the cover but he has been keeping busy. He has plans to release his P.O.L.O album soon along with a joint mixtape with Vado. He has not released any chart topping hits since appearing on the cover. But being signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle we’re sure Young Dro will be coming back better than ever.

Name: Joell Ortiz

From: Brooklyn, NY.

Releases: The Brick: Bodega Chronicles (2007)Free Agent(2011),

When Joell Ortiz appeared on the cover he was signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath label, but shortly after he asked to be released from his contract. He and classmate Crooked I formed the group Slaughterhouse with Joe Budden and Royce Da 5’9 in 2009. The group released a self-titled album the same year. Joell dropped Free Agent on E1 formerly known as Koch and then landed a solo deal with SRC in 2010. Slaughterhouse announced their deal with Shady Records in February of this year.

Name: Papoose

From: Brooklyn, NY

Releases: (mixtapes) Build or Destroy, 21 Gun Salute, Military Grind, Papoose Season, The 2nd Coming, King Of New York

The Brooklyn MC left Jive Records and has yet to drop his debut album. He has dropped several mixtapes since the cover and is still riding with DJ Kay Slay. Papoose married female MC Remy Ma in jail in 2008 and has plans to release a joint project with her soon.

VMA Winners 2011 Prediction List [VIDEOS]

Regina Michelle — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:01:41 +0000

Kanye West? Lil Wayne? Adele? Bruno Mars? Wondering who will walk away with MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs) at 9 pm on Sunday, August 28, 2011? Will Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” triumph over Beyonce’s “Run The World (Girls)” for Best Female Video? Will Wiz Khalifa lose to Kreayshawn for Best New Artist? Check out who I predict will win from categories of the VMAs. Do you think I’m on target, or are my picks or way off? You can comment below and cast your vote for most categories here.

9 Most Awkward Cross Genre Collaborations [VIDEOS]

The Five Oddest Free Agent Pick-Ups In Music

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Tyler, The Creator, “Yonkers”
Bruno Mars, “Grenade”
Beastie Boys, “Make Some Noise”
Predicted Winner: Katy Perry, “Firework”

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Lil Wayne feat. Cory Gunz, “6’7’”
Kanye West feat. Rihanna & Kid Cudi, “All Of The Lights”
Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”
Lupe Fiasco, “The Show Goes On”
Predicted Winner: Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes, “Look At Me Now”

BEST NEW ARTIST
Foster The People, “Pumped Up Kicks”
Tyler, The Creator, “Yonkers”
Big Sean feat. Chris Brown, “My Last”
Kreayshawn, “Gucci Gucci”
Predicted Winner: Wiz Khalifa, “Black and Yellow”

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”
Katy Perry, “Firework”
Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”
Lady Gaga, “Born This Way”
Predicted Winner: Beyonce, “Run The World (Girls)”

BEST MALE VIDEO
Eminem feat. Rihanna, “Love The Way You Lie”
Bruno Mars, “Grenade”
Kanye West feat. Rihanna & Kid Cudi, “All Of The Lights”
Justin Bieber, “U Smile”
Predicted Winner: Cee Lo Green, “F*** You”

BEST COLLABORATION
Pitbull feat. NE-YO, Nayer & Afrojack, “Give Me Everything”
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes, “Look At Me Now”
Kanye West feat. Rihanna & Kid Cudi, “All Of The Lights”
Katy Perry feat. Kanye West, “E.T.”
Predicted Winner: Nicki Minaj feat. Drake, “Moment 4 Life”

BEST ART DIRECTION
Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”
Katy Perry, “Firework”
Lady Gaga, “Judas”
Predicted Winner: Kanye West, “Power”
Death Cab For Cutie, “You Are A Tourist”

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Predicted Winner: Beyonce, “Run The World (Girls)”
Britney Spears, “Till The World Ends”
Lady Gaga, “Judas”
Bruno Mars, “The Lazy Song”
LMFAO feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock, “Party Rock Anthem”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”
Beyonce, “Run The World (Girls)”
Eminem feat. Rihanna, “Love The Way You Lie”
Katy Perry, “Teenage Dream”
Predicted Winner: Thirty Seconds To Mars, “Hurricane”

BEST DIRECTION
Beastie Boys, “Make Some Noise”
Katy Perry feat. Kanye West, “E.T.”
Thirty Seconds To Mars, “Hurricane”
Predicted Winner: Eminem feat. Rihanna, “Love The Way You Lie”
Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”

BEST EDITING
Predicted Winner: Katy Perry feat. Kanye West, “E.T.”
Thirty Seconds To Mars, “Hurricane”
Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”
Kanye West feat. Rihanna & Kid Cudi, “All Of The Lights”
Manchester Orchestra, “Simple Math”

BEST SFX (SPECIAL EFFECTS)
Manchester Orchestra, “Simple Math”
Predicted Winner: Katy Perry feat. Kanye West, “E.T.”
Kanye West, “Power”
Linkin Park, “Waiting For The End”
Chromeo, “Don’t Turn The Lights On”

9 Most Awkward Cross Genre Collaborations [VIDEOS]

Regina Michelle — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:24:17 +0000

In the 1990s, it was pretty unusual to hear songs that fuse distantly related musical genres together. But the new millennium has introduced indie pop to hip-hop, R&B to alternative rock, American folk to dance music, and so on. Even though genre fusions are the norm today, here are a few songs that made us take a double listen and wonder, “What the … ?!”

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Jay-Z and Linkin Park “Numb/Encore”

Mary J. Blige and U2 “One”

Alicia Keys and Adam Levine “Wild Horses”

Kanye West and Bon Iver “Lost In The World”

Lil Wayne and Mike Posner “Bow Chicka Wow Wow”

Lupe Fiasco, Eric Turner and Sway “Break The Chain”

Nelly and Tim McGraw “Over And Over”

Lil Mama and Avril Lavigne “Girlfriend”

Nicki Minaj and Pearl Future “Look At Me”

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Lupe Fiasco Says Lil B’s “I’m Gay” Album Is “Genius & Revolutionary”

jazzyf — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:08:21 +0000

Lil B The Based God’s “I’m Gay” album was released today on itunes without warning. Many people are wondering why. My guess would be the album leaked without permission. I received a email last night of the full album and thought to myself, “I don’t remember a release date being set for this album.” The only way anyone would know the album hit itunes, would be if you followed Lil B, or a retweet came across your time line. Lil B has been slandered by too many rap artist to name but not everyone has jumped on that bandwagon. Lupe Fiasco tweeted how much he loves the album and the message Lil B is sending out. He also feels its “genius and revolutionary.”

Check out the tweets below!

Top 5 Songs On Big Sean’s “Finally Famous”

Regina Michelle — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 18:59:13 +0000

Today, Detroit rapper Big Sean released his debut album on Kanye West‘s G.O.O.D. Music label. When I listen to Finally Famous, I can’t help but draw comparisons to Drake; both artists are obsessed with fame and women, and their lyrical content reflects that. But unlike Drake’s Thank Me Later, Big Sean’s debut album is markedly superior in terms of production and musicality, thanks to No I.D. While I also like The Neptunes produced “Get It” and the playful “High” featuring none other than Wiz Khalifa, these are my top five songs:

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5. “Memories” featuring John Legend produced by No I.D.

I’m a fan of songs that allow me to connect with the artist on a deeper level. So I like that Big Sean reveals himself on this track. The strings, piano, guitar, and layered vocals reinforce the sincere and sentimental vibe.

4. “Wait For Me” featuring Lupe Fiasco produced No I.D. and Exile

Okay, so this sample just made my soul smile. And the fact that Lupe Fiasco jumps on is an automatic enhancement to the song.

3. “My Last” featuring Chris Brown produced by No I.D.

Catchy. Fun and easy to sing along to. If you’ve heard this song on the radio recently, I’m sure you already know why this song is on my list!

2. “So Much More” produced No I.D.

Comparable to Kanye West’s “Cheers” on College Dropout, this song nearly tops my list (mainly because the sample is so hot)! And unlike most, I like listening to rappers babble about their journey to stardom … seriously.

1. “I Do It” produced by No I.D. and The Legendary Traxster

Let me just say, this beat is hard! And some of lyrics have me laughing my head off. I’ve probably listened to this song too many times. If you’re looking for a song to give you an ego boost, press play.

Bill O’ Reilly & Lupe Fiasco Battle It Out [VIDEO]

Shamika Sanders — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:37:43 +0000

Lupe Fiasco’s comments about president Obama being the “biggest terrorists” has landed him in a battle against political expert Bill O’ Reilly. Reilly who has a long history with rappers challenged Fiasco to a debate on Fox News. Watch the footage below:

Lupe Fiasco “The Biggest Terrorist Is Obama!” [VIDEO]

Hot Summer Jams For 2011 [VIDEO]

Regina Michelle — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 13:00:15 +0000

Music makes everything better, especially summertime! And there are lots of great songs to choose from this summer in the world of Hip-Hop and R&B. Some of these songs have been poppin’ for a while, and some are brand spankin’ new! Below is a countdown of the 10 hottest summer jams for 2011.

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10. “The Lazy Song” – Bruno Mars

9. “Run the World (Girls)” – Beyonce

8. “The Show Goes On” – Lupe Fiasco

7. “Just Can’t Get Enough” – The Black Eyed Peas

6. “How Many Times” – K. Michelle

5. “My Last” – Big Sean feat. Chris Brown

4. “Super Bass” – Nicki Minaj

3. “Roll Up” – Wiz Khalifa

2. “So In Love” – Jill Scott

1. “She Ain’t You” – Chris Brown

Lupe Fiasco “The Biggest Terrorist Is Obama!” [VIDEO]

Shamika Sanders — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:17:46 +0000

Lupe Fiasco is quite known for his unabashed statements and emotional inconsistency. The popular lyricists sat in on CBS news’ What’s Trending where he voiced his displeasure with the government and specifically president Barack Obama.

“In my fight against terrorism, to me, the biggest terrorist is Obama in the United States of America. For me, I’m trying to fight the terrorism that’s actually causing the other forms of terrorism. The root cause of the terrorism is the stuff that you as a government allow to happen and the foreign policies that we have in place in different countries that inspire people to become terrorists. And it’s easy for us because it’s really just some oil, which we can really get on our own.”

Spotted @Necole Bitchie.com

Lupe Fiasco “Words I Never Said” [MUSIC VIDEO]

Lupe Fiasco Secures #1 Debut, 204K Sold

Lupe Fiasco Reconciles With Atlantic Records [VIDEO]

Regina Michelle — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:35:11 +0000

Rapper Lupe Fiasco enjoys the success of his new album, Lasers, and ends the beef with his record label, Atlantic Records. Watch how it goes down in the latest installment of The Playlist, brought to you by TheUrbanDaily and TV One. The Playlist Week 11: Read more..

Celebs React To Bin Laden’s Death

The Urban Daily — Mon, 02 May 2011 13:44:57 +0000

Last night, President Barack Obama announced that al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden had been killed as a result of a military operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan. The news spread like wildfire as many celebrated the death of Bin Laden, who had been on the FBI’s most wanted list since 1999.

Twitter became flooded with comments from its users expressing their opinions about Bin Laden’s death. The hip-hop community certainly made it’s voice heard as many rappers, producers, and writers shared their thoughts.

Lupe Fiasco: “Osama dead? Afghan Operation done now??? Now kill poverty, wack schools, and US imperialism…”

Chuck D: “USA is at it again , number one in the rankings of Killing Championships. Stealing the Gold in the Murder Olympics, and the crowd goes wild!”

?uestlove: “I hope those rejoicing can hear O’s words that to engage in anti Islam/Muslim rhetoric is missing the point”

Jermaine Dupri: “They are saying Bin Laden is dead, I need to see the body.”

Just Blaze: “So I just landed and heard this Bin Laden news.That’s cool and all but I feel like this is only gonna rile them al-Qaeda boys up crazy…Like ‘Oh you just killed the boss? OK check this out. We’s blown up evvvvverything! Hide ya kids hide ya wife!”

Royce Da 5’9: “Don’t nobody care about no Bin Laden death.”

Phonte: “Osama was Barksdale. Best believe a Marlo is already in place. In the immortal words of Butchie, ‘This ain’t over…’ On one hand, I’m glad Obama got him. On the other, it just feels like Daddy killed the imaginary monster in our closet so we can sleep.”

DJ Scratch: “Terrorists will strike back, that’s what war is about. Don’t get scared, just get ready for war.”

In case you missed it, watch President Obama’s announcement below!

Lupe Fiasco “Words I Never Said” [MUSIC VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:06:53 +0000

Lupe Fiasco is clearly courting controversy in his new music video for “Words I Never Said.” The video features Lupe attempting to free a wrongfully imprisoned woman from jail.

Lyrically, Lupe takes the government to task, claiming that the war on terror isn’t real, and various other conspiracy theories.

“Words I Never Said” is featured on Lupe’s latest album, Lasers.

Lupe Fiasco Announces Spring 2011 Tour Dates

The Urban Daily — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:45:27 +0000

Lupe Fiasco has announced a string of spring tour dates that will take him to colleges and theaters across the country. Lupe is currently promoting his third album, Lasers, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts this week.

Check out Lupe’s tour dates below:

3/27 – Los Angeles, CA @ DUB Car Show (L.A. Convention Center)
3/31 – Durham, NC @ Duke University
4/1 – Ann Arbor, MI @ University Of Michigan
4/13 – Albany, NY @ SUNY Albany (Washington Ave. Armory)
4/16 – Keene, NH @ Keene State College
4/19 – Oxford, OH @ Miami University
4/21 – Phoenix, AZ @ Mesa Amphitheater
4/24 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom
4/25 – New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom
4/26 – New Haven, CT @ Yale University
4/28 – Bristol, RI @ Roger Williams University
4/29 – University Park, PA @ Penn State University
5/1 – Baltimore, MD @ Meriweather Post
5/6 – New Orleans, LA @ Congo Square
5/7 – Boise, ID @ Boise State University
5/11 – Lewiston, ME @ Bates College (Grey Gym)

Lupe Fiasco Secures #1 Debut, 204K Sold

The Urban Daily — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:45:27 +0000

Lupe Fiasco‘s new album, Lasers, will top the Billboard album chart this week as predicted. The album sold 204,200 copies in its first week in stores.

Lasers has given Lupe Fiasco, who recently said that he loves and hates the album, his best sales week and highest chart debut to date.

In other charting news, Raekwon‘s Shaolin vs Wu-Tang debuts at number 12 with 28,900 copies sold. Nicki Minaj‘s Pink Friday falls from number 12 to number 16 with 25,300 copies sold.

Lupe Fiasco Explains Why He Wanted To Commit Suicide

Shamika Sanders — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:41:07 +0000

Lupe Fiasco has had a tumultuous year, between putting out a new album and dealing with his record label. The powerful lyricist explains in an interview with Tavis Smiley why he wanted to commit suicide and more about the long journey to putting out the highly anticipated album “Lasers.”

Lupe Fiasco’s “Lasers” To Debut At #1

Lupe Fiasco Says He’d Never Do “No Hands” Remix [VIDEO]

Lupe Fiasco Feels Like He Is Being Held “Hostage” By Atlantic Records

Lupe Fiasco’s “Lasers” To Debut At #1

The Urban Daily — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:30:51 +0000

Lupe Fiasco is having the best week ever. His new album, Lasers, has defied all of the bad press heaped upon it by critics… and Lupe himself, to land a number 1 debut on this week’s Billboard chart.

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Lupe’s third album sold between 190,000 and 220,000 copies, according to the trade publication, making it Lupe’s best sales week ever. Lupe’s second album, The Cool, sold 143,000 copies in its first week.

Lupe Fiasco Says He’d Never Do “No Hands” Remix [VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:22:13 +0000

Charlemagne The God, Angela Yee and DJ Envy interviewed Lupe Fiasco, who has a new album Lasers is in stores now. The Chicago rapper talks label politics, not having commercial success, why he would never do a “No Hands” Remix and a lot more.

“This is the fourth version of Lasers, between the second and third version I asked ‘what do you want?’” – Lupe Fiasco to Atlantic Records

RELATED POSTS:

Lupe Fiasco Says B.O.B.’s “Nothing On You” Made Him Suicidal

Lupe Fiasco Feels Like He Is Being Held “Hostage” By Atlantic Records

Lupe Fiasco Says B.O.B.’s “Nothing On You” Made Him Suicidal

The Urban Daily — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:45:10 +0000

Lupe Fiasco recently revealed that he became suicidal during the recording of his new album, Lasers. In a new interview, Lupe says that the release of B.O.B.’s hit single “Nothing On You” drove him to the edge.

“That was the tipping point,” says Lupe, who also recorded a version of the song that was rejected by his record label. “It was less about the bruised ego but more the audacity of it. It was mentally destructive. I say it with a certain laissez-faire now because I’m past it, but back then, hearin’ that s**t, it f**ked me up.”

We don’t know about you, but after several months of hearing “Nothing On You” everywhere we went last year, we contemplated suicide too. #justsaying

Listen to Lupe’s original version of “Nothing On You” below.

Source: The Guardian

Lupe Fiasco Feels Like He Is Being Held “Hostage” By Atlantic Records

Shamika Sanders — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:03:38 +0000

On the heels of the statement “I listen to [Lasers] and I’ll like some of the songs. But when I think about what it took to actually get the record together and everything that I went through on this record–which is something I can’t separate–I hate this album” Lupe Fiasco admits that he feels like he is being held “hostage” by Atlantic Records, the profound rapper told The Chicago Sun Times.

“I was specifically told” — Fiasco chuckled — “‘Don’t rap too deep on this record.’” He laughed some more. “That was a specific order from the top. ‘You’re rapping too fast or too slow, or it’s too complex.’ …

There are consequences and combat that comes from that process and the eventual compromise. With me, though, I’m not writing about someone else. I’m writing about me. This is my life. It’s very personal for me. So for somebody to kind of put their fingers in that and play with that, it becomes more damaging.”

“I am a hostage. I gave them what they wanted. If I didn’t, at the end of the day the album wasn’t coming out.”

It seems like everyone is unhappy with his or her record label.

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Lupe Fiasco On New Album: “I Love And Hate This Album”

The Urban Daily — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 20:45:27 +0000

Lupe Fiasco‘s third album, Lasers, has been a bit of a thorn in its creator’s side for several years now. After his label initially rejected it, Lupe’s fans gathered in protest to demand its release. Now that it’s out been leaked, fans seem to be disappointed in it. Lupe himself has admitted to being disappointed in the album in an interview with Complex Magazine.

One thing I try to stress about this project is, I love and hate this album. I listen to it and I’ll like some of the songs. But when I think about what it took to actually get the record together and everything that I went through on this record—which is something I can’t separate—I hate this album. A lot of the songs that are on the album, I’m kinda neutral to. Not that I don’t like them, or that I hate them, it’s just I know the process that went behind it. I know the sneaky business deal that went down behind this song, or the artist or singer or songwriter who wrote this hook and didn’t want to give me this song in the first place. So when I have that kind of knowledge behind it, I’m just kind of neutral to it like, ‘Another day, another dollar.’ As opposed something like The Cool, which is more of my own blood, sweat, and tears, and my own control. With this record, I’m little bit more neutral as to the love for the record.

Lasers is in stores March 8th.

Have you heard Lasers? What do you think of the album?

Kanye West And Mos Def Freestyle @ Blue Note Jazz Club [AUDIO]

jlbarrow — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:15:52 +0000

Kanye West and Mos Def were searching for some drunk and hot girls but ended up at Lupe Fiasco’s show at The Blue Note Jazz Club. The frequent collaborators had more than two words for the audience as they freestyled over J-Dilla instrumentals courtesy of the Robert Glasper Experiment.

Mr. West took a few moments to vent on everything from Illuminati rumors to a perceived Grammy snub for Dark Twisted Fantasy. However, it should be noted that he released that album after the cut-off for the 2011 Grammy Awards.

Props to Nahright for the lyrical transcription:

Kanye and Mos Def at The Blue Note Ft. Robert Glasper Experiment by cisconyc

Shout out to Steve Stoute… you know what this shit ’bout
My whole family… now I’m scared of the Grammys
Cause everybody know that Dark Fantasy,
was the highest rated album in history, get me?
So I just avoid it, not to be exploited, not be recorded
Cause I cannot afford it, I cannot afford more shit and be in more debt

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Lupe Fiasco: “I Don’t Vote In Presidential Elections” [VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 15:30:12 +0000

Lupe Fiasco recently sat down with BBC Radio 1xtra’s Tim Westwood in the UK and revealed that he doesn’t vote in presidential elections. Fiasco says he doesn’t agree with Federal government’s foreign policy and spending money on weapons.

The rapper is currently awaiting the release of his third album, Lasers, in March.

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Lupe Fiasco: I Considered Suicide To Keep From Killing Someone Else

The Urban Daily — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:45:42 +0000

Lupe Fiasco has revealed that he fell into a deep depression during the recording of his forthcoming album, Lasers. The depression was so serious that the Chicago rapper contemplated suicide.

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WBW Honors: Booker T. Washington

Lupe cites his battle with his record label, Atlantic, over the direction of the album as contributing to his depression in an revealing interview with Details.

…When Fiasco submitted his first Lasers tracks two and a half years ago, his label, Atlantic, rejected them as not commercial enough, according to Darrale Jones, his A&R rep. “I don’t know how to do what Kanye does,” Fiasco says matter-of-factly. “I don’t have that Midas touch.” A creative clash ensued: Atlantic froze his production budget. Fiasco asked to be released from his contract. The label refused. By his own account, Fiasco descended into a deep funk. On “Beautiful Lasers,” one of the album’s standout songs, he raps over a reverberating gothic beat: “If you feel like you don’t want to be alive, you feel just like I am.” Did he really contemplate suicide? “To keep from killing somebody else,” he says. “The creation of Lasers was a very painful, dark, fu*cked-up process.”

Lasers is due out in stores on March 8th.

Lupe Fiasco To Perform At Detroit High School With Most Improved Attendance

The Urban Daily — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 21:30:54 +0000

Radio One’s HOT 102.7 (WHTD) is currently holding a contest for Detroit Public High Schools to win an appearance by Lupe Fiasco.

The Detroit Public High School with the most improved attendance will win a FREE Assembly by recording artist Lupe Fiasco. The contest starts on February 14 until March 5, 2011.

WBW Honors: Richard Wright

WBW Honors: Berry Gordy

On February 22, Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Robert C. Bobb announced that DPS has reached a 62 percent graduation rate, the highest since state began new cohort methodology in 2007. The first step to ensuring a student graduates is to ensure they are going to school, that is why Lupe Fiasco is sending his call for action to Detroit Public School Students. It’s always been the philosophy that improving academics starts by improving attendance. Improving teen’s futures by keeping education at the forefront falls in line with the Lupe’s positive mantra.

On March 8th, the rapper will release a revolutionary album called LASERS which is an acronym for “Love Always Shines Every time: Remember to Smile,” and it’s a reflection of a 14-point manifesto the Chicago-born MC composed to guide him through this project. “I want to start a popular uprising,” says Fiasco. “The music is the bait to get people to come in and listen to what I’m saying.”

The winning school will be announced on March 7, 2011 at 8pm by HOT 102.7 evening Radio Personality and Hip Hop Artist “Shorty Da Prince.” Shorty knows that education comes first when pursuing your dreams. Starting his career at the tender age of 12, “Shorty” knew from the onset that he’d have to pay his dues to get to where he wanted to be.

Lupe Fiasco, Estelle, B.o.B & Janelle Monae Are “Game Changers” [VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:00:16 +0000

Atlantic Records assembled four of their most artistically unpredictable signees–Lupe Fiasco, Estelle, B.O.B & Janelle Monae– to discuss what it means to change the music game. Billboard Magazine Editor-In-Chief Danyel Smith moderates the panel.

“I’m always down to pick the brains of my fellow artists,” says the usually outspoken Lupe Fiasco. “This is my third record deal. I’ve been through rapping fast, gangster rap…what the label wants me to do. I’ve been through all of that. At the end of the day I gained the most success from me doing me.”

Watch the full clip below.

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Lupe Fiasco “The Show Goes On” [VIDEO]

Bill Johnson — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:00:13 +0000

Lupe Fiasco’s long battle to get his third album, Lasers, in stores is finally nearing its end.

Lupe released the video for the album’s first single, “The Show Goes On,” just before the Christmas holiday.

Check it out!

Lasers is scheduled to drop on March 8th, 2011!

Lupe Fiasco Says He Would Do A Song With Justin Beiber [VIDEO]

The Urban Daily — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 17:00:40 +0000

EZ Street gets Lupe Fiasco’s thoughts on various stories he finds on popular urban video site Worldstarhiphop.com including Soulja Boy hooking up with 50 Cent, doing songs with Justin Beiber and boxer Manny Pacquiao whooping Antonio Margarito’s a**. [Props to KYSDC]

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Lupe Fiasco Defends Kanye West, Says “F*ck Bush”

Shamika Sanders — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 22:40:29 +0000

Lupe Fiasco comes to Kanye West’s defense via Twitter. After Kanye’s latest spazz-session on the Today Show over president Bush Fiasco made a great point by saying “Maaaaaaaaaan… f*ck bush!” “That n**ga was a tyrant and a menace! American Imperialist and terrorist! Supported financial chicanery and illegal wars…f*ck him!”

He goes on to say:

““Till @kanyewest is responsible for the deaths of Hundreds Of Thousands of people he good in my book. The Tea Party Don’t Like Black People!!”

Click here, for full article.

Although Kanye is an arrogant brat, I agree with him and Lupe. Kanye is no where near as bad as Bush and shouldn’t be treated like he is.

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Lloyd Banks Responds To Young Buck [from HotHipHopDetroit.com]
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Russell Simmons’ Intern Flashes T.I. [from TheBVX.com]

#ThingsBlackGirlsDo Brings The Ignorance [from Vibe.com ]

Questlove Recalls Michael Jackson On ‘Soul Train’ [fromTheBoombox.com ]

TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With Twista [from TheSmokingSection.com]

Why Kobe Will Never Surpass Jordan [from Newsone.com ]
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Soulja Boy Talks Lupe Diss, [from TheBoxHouston.com]

Soulja Boy Clarifies Alleged Lupe Fiasco Diss, Says Karma Will Catch Up To Kat Stacks

The Urban Daily — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:58:20 +0000

Our friends at 97.9 The Box in Houston were paid a special visit by Soulja Boy who addressed just about every issue you could imagine!

On Lupe Fiasco diss:

Soulja Boy clarifies that it was a taken out of context, and that he only made a reference to Lupe in comparison to his lyrical style. He says it wasn’t meant as a diss but the media “glorified” that and he knows controversy sells. He then stated that he and Lupe are actually cool and Lupe DM’d him on Twitter and they talked briefly about it.

But then it takes a turn, and Soulja Boy says that if Lupe did take offense to it,”grow up-this is HipHop” and in the industry people will always make reference to you in some way.

On Kat Stacks:

Soulja Boy jokingly talks about how he “loved” Kat Stacks and he couldn’t believe she ‘betrayed’ him. He then confirms that she is not pregnant by him rumors and that because she has put out so much negativity, her karma will eventually catch up with her. He also dismisses that he had anything to do with her recently getting arrested to be deported.

Watch the interview over at TheBoxHouston.com!

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