Lupe Fiascio "Lasers" Album Review

                How goes it, everyone? It’s that time again! I had no choice! Too many people demanded it, and I heard too many conversations about it. As we all know, there is plenty of hype around Lupe and his new record Lasers. If you don’t, do your research. For those that are on it, we all know Lupe Fiasco to be bold when it comes to concepts and sounds; but this album by far is his most controversial. He’s more politically aware and he’s even calling people out, from politicians to some of your favorite rappers. Though he goes away from that signature sound (almost completely) that you’ve heard on Food and Liquor or The Cool, due to the expectations and terms of Atlantic Records, he still manages to deliver the same lyrics with a little more spice in the content. Is that enough though? Plenty of people that have had a hip hop conversation, or music in general, with me will be the first to tell you that Bello James could care less what you’re saying in a song, do you sound good!? I can honestly say Lasers is decent. That’s all I can give it. This is one of those situations where Lupe can say “I was just warming up “and get away with it. We definitely need a second go round at the making of this album. Now let’s dissect this thing!

                Lupe has a dramatic entrance to this one with Letting Go. He could have had a better intro, but we can work with this one. Letting Go is by far one of the best songs on the album, and he wastes no time in setting the tone of the album with some self reflection and honesty. Words I Never Said features the buzzing Skyler Grey on a beat similar to the one you hear on Dr. Dre’s I Need a Doctor. A coincidence, maybe...? Either way, all of you die-hard Obama fans better buckle your seat belts and iron out your panties; Lupe takes some of his first shots on this album at American’s current president and other well known politicians. At least we know who he isn’t voting for in the 2012 election. Aside from Barack Obama, Lupe voices his opinion (an educated opinion hopefully) about a lot of world issues and corrupt people in a position of power. It’s true; these are words he’s never said before (in this order), it almost seems as if Lupe is angry on this one, but words can take you but so far Lupe. Till I Get There keeps the pace of the album going. Lupe offers more of his honesty on his issues with Atlantic withholding the album. I Don’t Wanna Cry Right Now makes me want to cry right now. I know Lupe likes to be different, but this is just a cry for help, literally. I can see why some would like this song for it’s up tempo chorus and happy melodic vocals of MDMA (whoever he is. Whoever this guy is, he didn’t get the memo about auto-tune receiving its obituary by Jay). Unfortunately though, this song will not show Lupe in his worst light on this album.    

Have you ever seen a really good boxing match, and the champ goes down, and barely makes it to his feet as he grips the ropes for dear life? That’s what it’s like when Out of My Head comes on. Some one seriously needs to call Trey Songz, and who ever put this song together, and smack him through the phone. It’s not the beats fault, its not even Trey’s fault. It’s just hard to listen to this song while being fully aware of who’s rapping on it. The beat is ok; Trey does a decent job, but Lupe Fiasco’s presence on this song is identical to you walking into your kitchen in the middle of the night for a late night snack and you see me, Bello James, standing in the middle of your kitchen wearing a Viking hat, a hula skirt, a flip flop, one tap shoe, holding a pitch fork singing at the top of my lungs “Feed me socks!” That is all.

Moving on, Lupe makes up for it with The Show Goes On. Kane samples Float On by Modest Mouse (good song to sample if you ask me) and does a good job, considering this was his lead single. The harmony of the chorus compliments the theme of perseverance and overcoming struggle perfectly. We get a slight hiccup with Beautiful Lasers, the beat is lazy and Lupe’s flow sounds forced. No worries though, Coming Up is a good pick me up, and is some appropriate feel good music. Matt Mahaffey (try saying his last name three times fast) takes the repetitive route on State Run Radio. “And over again, and over again, and over again, and over again, and over again” (yes, I counted) is how you chose to open this song? Really? Not to mention you hear “state run radio” over and over again after you hear that! Over all it’s a decent song if you can get past the repetitive chorus. Lupe continues his slaughter on government policies and the propaganda fed to the public on this song, which I can understand. Break the Chain is a chopped techno song that sounds more like a song that was trashed by Linkin Park with a side of political messages. This song is for you die hard fans, and I don’t know who Eric Turner is, but he needs to put the mic down. All Black Everything is apparently where Lupe comes snaps back to reality. Start ducking, Lupe loads the gun and takes a shot at 50 cent. I don’t know. I could be wrong; I’m not instigating a fight. But if you read the lyrics “Eminem fitted in/ but then again/ he inspired a black rapper, tried to mimic him/ and that’s what really rose up out of Michigan/ then signed a white rapper by the name of 50 cent”. Remember these aren’t my words people, I’m just quoting.  Besides the warning shots, Lupe flips some very controversial ideologies and puts them into an interesting perspective. Never Forget You is something you can’t get mad at. It’s the end of the album and Lupe has had a hard run at trying to satisfy his fans and his record label simultaneously. So if it seems he’s out of breath, you know why. It’s not even close to a good ending (for those of you that didn’t buy the deluxe edition), but hey, give Lupe a gold star right on his forehead for even attempting to publicly fight the system plaguing the music industry by putting his own art on the slab and chopping it into pieces.

                To all of you protesters and Dj’s that supported the release of this album, thank you. To be honest though, this album needs to be recalled because of the presentation and lack of team work by Atlantic Records. I don’t mind some of the songs (that’s what we have iTunes for) but this will not look good on Lupe’s track record. I don’t know who MDMA is, apparently Atlantic is trying to advertise for him. I don’t know who called Trey Songz…..time out….really? trey songz and lupe? This is where R&B and hip hop should part ways. This does not work! That’s like putting R. Kelly and Mos Def on a song. I know you just made the ugly face, so did I. Anyway, I’m sure Lupe lost a few fans with this album, but I’m sure the true supporters understand and await his next effort.

1.)    Letting Go (ft. Sarah Green) – 4.4/5

2.)    Word I Never Said (ft. Skyler Grey) – 4/5

3.)    Till I Get There – 4.2/5

4.)    I Don’t Wanna Cry Right Now (ft. MDMA) – 3/5

5.)    Out Of My Head (ft. Trey Songz) – 2.3/5

6.)    The Show Goes On – 4.4/5

7.)    Beautiful Lasers (2 ways) (ft. MDMA) – 3.3/5

8.)    Coming Up (ft. MDMA) – 4.2/5

9.)    State Run Radio (ft. Matt Mahaffey) – 3.6/5

10.)  Break The Chain (ft. Eric Turner And Sway) – 2.8/5

11.)  All Black Everything – 4.3/5

12.)  Never Forget You (ft. John Legend) – 3.6/5

13.)  I’m Beaming – 4.8/5

14.)  Shining Down (ft. Matthew Santos) – 4/5

Am I still Hip Hop?

I wont apologize because I don't wear my jeans baggy enough for you to see my butt...
I respect women, make an honest livin, I dont watch television...
Through my years I've become humble and modest...
A goal that wasnt accomplished in a prison.
Am I still Hip Hop?
If not I understand...
I have separated my self from a generation of exposed underpants...
Meaningless facial tattoo, obnoxious rap grooves, gaudy jewelery, no self respect, & reckless attitudes...
I still burn up cyphers though, word play is crazy, im nice with the flow.
Peep it..
Even Jesus would preach this thesis to students and teachers. I was cursed as a fetus to hear the truth, blurt and repeat it. Watch me put these words in a sequence to ignite a surge, that will even give courage to the weakest, so they can face their fear and defeat it...
Yea I know I can spit...
I can hang with the best of em.
but I dont rap about my chain or my gun...I dont have one
no cars, no "bitches", no cribs, no riches...
I just have these bars that are the opposite of fiction...
Am I still Hip Hop?
If not its cool...
On my block we go to school
maybe three gun shots a year, and it was probably by a fool with something to prove...
The police are actually bored around my way, so yes the black youth is still harassed and unjustly tried..
Out of boredom of our law enforcement...
Nothing to do, they were picked on in school, beat up, ignored, and had no girl...
so they grew up, got a gun & a badge and took their frustrations out on the world...
I still dont like the police...
now if that isnt hip hop, I dont know what is.
Hip Hop gave us a righteous voice at one point and time.
We'd have our choice of rhymes, and we would actually make a point.
now it seems that voice is muffled, screaming so loud from the underground.
But the sound cant reach past the clouds and into the stars and speak loud enough to make a change.
Is that Hip Hop?
Or is that a culture divided, manipulated, and blinded?
A way to feed babies taken for granted.
A way to give the jobless jobs, and even make a way for your grandkid's grandkids
see...you got me preachin...
but thats all I know how to do when im disgusted with the current state of things...
I have this mic, and no other way to make a change.
I AM HIP HOP
I'm the MC that you doubt...
Never thought lil ol James would have an opinion or an identity...the boy got skills...
thats a given, most definitely...
Or am I just delusional, a wanna be...lol either way I love me...
I "speak proper", im not a pimp, I wear what I want and my sneakers are still hotter!
I can burn up 99% of you artists and still care enough to pick you up after I knock you down.
lift you up, wake you up, and build you up, cause you to realize that you look like a clown...
guess im just the modern day conscious MC, honest and aware of the way I live
so if its life or the mic, either way I Love Hip Hop...
Now Playing: Right On by The Roots ft Joanna Newsome & STS 

Adele "21" Album Review

    I apologize for the hiatus every one; I’ve taken my craft to the gym (corny metaphor for college) so I could improve it and bring it to its highest plateau. All for you! So I figured I’d do a quick review before heading to breakfast and getting back to these books. Let’s pick up where we left off with a good listen.
               I became aware of Adele through a really good friend of mine. She played Chasing Pavements (the live version), and I fell in love with Adele, but not deep in love. That song alone gets a 5/5 alone in my book though. Up until recently Adele has been a no-thought. When I heard about her actual success, I had to get a look at the lady. So, I googled Adele saw that she was a cute, pudgy little white girl! At first sight I would have never thought of her having such a voice. That goes to show, never judge a book by its cover…or a person by their face…whatever. That’s beside the point though. I heard she was putting out a new album entitled 21 (songs that represent her mind set and experiences at the age of 21). If only every adolescent roaming around aimlessly could take a look into them selves humbly and see the truth, and express what they see honestly. Anyway I listened to the album and I liked it; but you know I had problems with it. When do I not have something to say? Would I be Bello if I didn't have a comment or two, or three, or four? Anyway, with out further adieu, let’s get to the commentary.
               Adele brings in the album strong and maintains exceptional consistency throughout. Rollin in the Deep has a motivational flow to it; strictly for the soul searching lovers. I literally started clapping my hands when the chorus came on. My mother even came in the office and started dancing to the music (the visual is very embarrassing). Besides my mother’s busted tired dance moves, Rolling in the Deep is the best you’re going to get on this album when it comes to energy. Rumor Has It has a dramatic and funky introduction, and immediately draws you in. I began to fist pump in support of her funky, bitter attitude until the chorus came on. How many times can you say the word “rumors” in 15 seconds? “Rumor Has It” could have been much better with a better chorus. Moving along to Turning Tables, this song definitely lives up to it’s name.  I think the effect of this song is effect John Legend was looking for when he made Ordinary People. Unfortunately Ordinary People was exactly that. Ordinary.  She expresses her ideas with taste though. Who wouldn’t be fed up with the constant ups and downs that relationships consist of? If you were to ask me it’s a song about strength and maturity, being mature enough to let go of some one so you don’t end up destroying your self.
                 Don’t You Remember contributes another four minutes and three seconds of sadness to go along with tears you would already have shed with the previous song. How do you go from wanting to letting some one go on the previous song, then turn around and cry when they actually leave? At least she admits it when she says “I know I have a fickle heart, and a bitterness/ and a wandering eye, and heaviness, in my head”. The psyche of a woman we will never understand. Don’t bother to try understanding fellas. Set Fire to The Rain is the album’s brief lagging point, and when you think about it...really? set fire to the rain? That's when you know you're trying too hard. The album would have been better off with out it if you ask me. You come back to the good music with He Won’t Go. The beginning of the song lives up to the phrase “less is more” with subtle percussion moving into a smooth bass. You get another dose of Adele’s incisiveness accompanied by a choir on Take it All. She brings it back with “I’ll be Waiting” though. One and Only shows more of Adele’s ever growing maturity. Even though you’re getting more and more piano, it has a church vibe to it, real soulful.  The album pretty much has a steady pace with Love Song and Someone like You until you reach If it Hadn’t Been For Love. If it Hadn’t been for Love could have been a stellar ending to 21. The recipe for this song is nothing but the concept, an acoustic guitar, and Adele singing her heart out. This song is about the crazy things we do for love. I guess in the end we’re all looking for love in one way or another, and I would have loved if she would have stopped the album here. But, no! she had to end it with Hiding My Heart. Don’t get me wrong it’s a good song. But this could have replaced Set Fire to the Rain and made the album as a whole that much better.
                          Even though the album sings about nothing but heartache, pain and loneliness, I enjoyed it. It's a different perspective of the trials we encounter in relationships. Though they are mature perspectives, they are perspectives through the eyes of a 21-year-old. I can’t say I don’t look forward to her next album. Hopefully the title of her next album won’t chronologically correspond with the titles of her previous albums; that would be redundant and completely contradict the mature image she’s portraying. The album could have used some minor tweaking and a couple omissions, but she gets an A for effort and a mid-to-low B for presentation. Time to go listen to 19! No review for that one though, this is strictly for my listening pleasure. I know I’m late, I know.

1.)    Rolling in the Deep – 4.3/5
2.)    Rumor Has It – 4.0/5
3.)    Turning Tables – 4.6/5
4.)    Don’t You Remember  – 3.43/5
5.)    Set Fire to The Rain – 3.5/5
6.)    He Won’t Go – 4.0/5
7.)    Take It All – 3.85/5
8.)    I’ll Be Waiting – 3.8/5
9.)    One and Only – 4.0/5
10.)  Love Song – 3.8/5
11.)  Someone Like You – 3.7/5
12.)  If It Hadn’t Been For Love – 4.4/5
13.)  Hiding My Heart – 3.75/5