Lupe Fiasco – Lasers

(Release Date March 8, 2011)

Lupe Fiasco starts out his album with his politically controversial messages that even if you don’t agree with they still makes you think. His political and socio-economically conscious message is very present throughout the album in a style reminiscent of Mos Def albums. “Words I Never Said” features Skylar Grey on the haunting hook while Lupe’s verses call out politicians on the left and right with bold Lyrics like “Limbaugh is a racist Glenn Beck is a racist Gaza strip was getting bombed Obama didn’t say shit” . Like I said you might not agree but the wheels are turning aren’t they?

Lupe examines socio economic differences in “State Run Radio”. First off this caught me off guard since guest singer Matt Mahaffey used to perform all around Murfreesboro, TN . For anyone who was familiar with Mahaffey’s band self the musical sound of this song is unmistakably him. I hadn’t heard much from or about him in recent years. It was a good surprise that he popped up on this album

The album has some feel good dance songs on it too such as “Coming up” – one of 3 songs to feature MDMA. This is is the pop feel good love song to your baby track. Not to be mistaken for his collab with Trey Songz “Out of My Head”. The music in this one is a little 80’s sounding but it works for the song. And of course Trey’s vocals are on point as always.

You can hear Lupe’s non rap/ R&B influences in a number of the tracks. “The Show Goes On” features the lead guitar riff and the verses share a melody with Modest Mouse’s 2004 hit “Float On”. It gives the song a fun everything’s gonna be ok kinda feel. Then there’s “Break the Chain” which features Eric Turner and Sway. Let me just say I tried googling this Eric Turner and I found football players, other musicians, lil kids on the honor roll but nothing about this particular Eric Turner. Let that be a lesson to you, Parents. Stop naming your kids Eric Turner or they wont be able to google themselves and find anything. Anyway, I digress. Eric Turner’s voice coupled with the music gives the song reminiscent of Erasure. However, the music is more techno trance style than 80’s. Guest rapper Sway swoops in with his bouncy rhythmic verse in the middle and Lupe finishes it out.

Overall this album is a really good listen. Lupe has a good style that he knows how to diversify in different tracks and for different messages. He has some interesting things to say and is good at letting you have fun on the album as well. I definitely recommend getting this album.