Here's the latest effort from Lupe Fiasco. Remember, this is just my personal opinion as a listener (if you're new to the blog). Let's jump into it:

Letting Go (feat. Sarah Green): The title to this track is a little contradictory. We all know the drama that came along with the release of this project and Lupe opens up the album by expressing where a lot of his stress lies; not necessarily with his label or the music industry, but more with the pressures of stardom and other inner “demons”. It may take a few listens to grasp everything in the song given the music and other voice modifications used, but the track is still a pretty good one. However, it still borders a little more on the personal side and you know I’m not a fan of rating the personal or introspective songs (how can you rate somebody’s life?), so this song won’t get a rating.
 

Words I Never Said (feat. Skylar Grey): I don’t have to say too much about this song. I already wrote an entire blog on this song, so you can click here for the full details. Regardless, the song is still amazing in my eyes and it without question receives a 5.

Till I Get There: The hook on this track really stands out and is very catchy. Although some of the song is based Lupe’s personal emotions (I doubt that him running into a tree while skiing and then going to a concert is reality), much of the song does once again represent his struggle with popularity and the battle he has trying to remain true to himself. In the end though, he is reminded of “where he came from”. The song can also serve as inspiration to others. I want to rate it, but it is still just a little too personal for me to rate. This is definitely a song you will be singing along to, though.

I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now (feat. MDMA): This one threw me for a loop on the initial listen. The title of the track may explain the direction for the overall music and structure of the song. To put it simply, it just wasn’t something I would expect to hear from Lupe in general and on this album specifically; but it’s not bad. The production, handled by the Audibles, has the feel of a club mix in many ways, with a very upbeat tempo and hypnotic sound. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but the title of the song and the music were too coincidental to me and I came away with the feeling that Lupe did this song truly because he didn’t want to care. He didn’t want the typical rap song and he didn’t want to conform to any rules or styles. After a few listens it may grow on you, but it may come as a bit of a surprise at first. I give this a 4.25.

Out Of My Head (feat. .Trey Songz): It’s no secret that label issues delayed this longer for much longer than necessary. We also know that, often times, labels require certain types of songs be placed on albums. I can’t say for certain, but I’d be willing to bet that this was one of the labels choices. Once again, not that it’s a bad song, but it certainly isn’t one that will stand out; especially given what Lasers represents. Lupe rapping about his picture-perfect lady and Trey Songz singing a radio-friendly hook, I wouldn’t be surprised if the label decided to use this as a another single for the album (if they haven’t already). I give this one a 4.

The Show Goes On: It’s not often that the single for album is one of my favorite tracks, but that’s not the case for “The Show Goes On”. Artists continue to attempt to make anthems for their hoods or for the hustlers, but this is an anthem for the people. This is the brand that Lupe mentions in the song and it is one that should be embraced by all of hip hop. This is what hip hop at its best looks like and I can only hope that the words to the song reach millions of ears. Another 5.

Beautiful Lasers (2 Ways) (feat. MDMA): It’s clear that all of the turmoil Lupe has been facing over the past few months (possibly even years), whether it be Twitter beef with fans, label issues, or any other number of things, has really taken a toll on him. This is now at least the third song on the album that deals with the constant battles he faces, but in this song, he gives says that the “lasers” (i.e. fans/supporters) are what has kept him motivated to keep going. It may take a couple listens, but you will probably come to really enjoy the song, but I once again can’t give a rating because there’s no way to put a number on emotions.

Coming Up (feat. MDMA): Lupe serves up another form of hope with this song. The track is one that will probably get you moving a little bit, but it still supposed to help those that feel like they are alone know that they at least have a fan in him (and God) and to also keep those that are feeling good to continue feeling that way. It’s a nice track that brings about a bright side after the less joyful previous track. Overall, I’d say 4.75.

State Run Radio (feat. Matt Mahaffey): This song took a relatively old topic (the redundancy of radio stations) and put a bit of a twist on it. While still taking shots at the radio directly at parts in the song, Lupe also draws the connection the society as a whole and shows how being “dumbed down” will not only get you success on the radio, but in life. It is just another way of encouraging people to follow their own minds, hearts, and paths and to not try to stick to the script society has drawn up. This is a 5.

Break The Chain (feat. Eric Turner & Sway): It looks like Lupe was able to let the label give him at least one song where he raps at rapid speed, and turned out really good. I really enjoyed the hook on this song and the message just as much. The concept is pretty much an extension of “State Run Radio” and is telling all listeners to break the chain found in their mind. What many people consider to be alright or cool in fact isn’t and that we need to stop that line of thought in order to move on. It is the only track that features another MC and (as with a few other songs on the album) will take multiple listens to extract everything, but you will enjoy listening to it. I give it a 5, again.

All Black Everything: This is probably my favorite song on the album and the concept is dope! The hook has Lupe going to sleep and imagining the plight slavery and civil rights never existed. He imagines us enjoying the first 400 years in America, Martin Luther King Jr. reading an aged Malcolm X’s eulogy, Bill O’Riley reading the Qur’an, and even a role reversal of two popular artists (you’ll just have to listen to the song). Nobody knows what could have been, but it’s fun to imagine. The only thing that might be a little perplexing is that he dreams there were no slave ships and that we stayed in Africa, yet makes references to many things that would happen only if we were in America (Lupe, if you ever see this, I’d love to ask you about the whole album in general). It doesn’t really matter, though. The song still gets a 5.

Never Forget You (feat. John Legend): “Never Forget You” is a kind of bittersweet song. It gives the feeling of reflection, but it’s hard to tell if the reflection is coming from a place pain or joy. Throughout the song, Lupe reminds us that when we reflect, that we reflect only to remind of us of where we came from, but not to relive those memories. John Legend uses that soulful voice to do an amazing job on the hook and bring a close (neither on a positive or negative note) to the album. Given the whole back-story behind the album, it’s a pretty fitting end and everybody will take their own meaning away from this song. Yet, there are still a lot of personal stories and emotions behind this one, so I can’t rate it (Sorry! I know there are a lot of songs on this album).

Overall, it’s pretty difficult to give this album an overall rating. I had high hopes and expectations for the album, which were met on some levels and not on others. However, I’m sure that part of the reason for that is because Lupe and the label had to come to some sort of agreement and the label’s influence more than likely altered the outcome of the record. With that said, this album isn’t The Cool where we find Lupe spazzing over every track while still dropping knowledge. The focus was more on the content and the message that it provided to all of the Lasers out there. The manifesto, which is found inside the CD jacket, is what this album represents more than anything else, and that carries a lot of weight. So, all things considered, I’ll give it a 4.25. Perhaps not his best effort (for reasons already stated) and perhaps too high of expectations on my part (songs like “I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now” and “Out Of My Mind” didn’t fit well to me on the album), but Lupe fans will still be satisfied and the fact that the album came out at all is a victory. Lupe is one of the artists we have today that truly fights for a just cause. The album, during its greatest moments, represents that. I can’t wait to see what the next one brings!

What’d you think about the album? What’s your favorite song? Did Lasers live up to your expectations? Let me hear it. Comment and you can always e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.