Review: "Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor"

Lupe Fiasco's "Food & Liquor" (4.5 of 5) Chitown's Lupe Fiasco is a somewhat new addition to the rap genre, in that he crosses from the rap field into that of the skateboard culture. Articles written on Lupe claim that during his upbringing his parents offered him alot of exposure to different things in life, and that only helps make his rap lyricis that much more creative. It is a refreshing new perspective for the things to come in the genre. It's hard to poke any holes in this album, as each track is unique and offers a unique message. You don't feel as if this is a southern style "shake this", "clap your hands", "bounce" type album. Lupe has alot to say and the beats serve him well with each of his various messages. Production from Kanye West, the Neptunes and Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park don't hurt either. Lupe's creativity shines on these tracks. One example is "Daydreamin' (featuring Jill Scott) which has an old school 50's radio-style hook sung about daydreams. Lupe takes the daydream further into imagination as if he's looking at things from inside of a giant robot. The album has an interesting futuristic feel on many tracks such as the Kanye West produced "Cool" or "Just Might be OK"'s backdrop with a spaced invaders type feel. Other great tracks are "I Gotcha", "Emperor's Soundtrack", "Just Might Be OK", "Hurt Me Soul", and "Pressure" which features the latest verse from hip-hop leader, Jay-Z. Although this album might not seem entirely new to some, due to an internet leak of an early copy of the work several months ago, those that waited to hear this album were rewarded greatly. Many songs from that initial leak were renamed, a few beats were changed and special guests added. Regardless, the album ranks as one of the best offerings in rap music this year.