Props to Alexander Wright for the dope Fan Made cover
Disappointing. Whack. Mainstream. These are but a few of the words being thrown around in regards to the leaked version of Lupe Fiasco's L.A.S.E.R.S. I've been waiting somewhere around 3 years for this album and was crushed when I heard the early whisperings of a possible failure in Lupe's upcoming (March 8th) release. Then.....I gave pause.
"Burdens on my shoulders now. Burning all my motors down. Inspiration drying up. Motivation slowing down."
The issues that people spoke of were things that any person with common sense could have seen coming and things that Lupe alluded to in multiple interviews and appearances. At some point in the past three years, progress halted. Talks broke down between Lupe and Atlantic based on creative differences. Then, after an amazing showing by dedicated fans by way of petition and protest, the album was given a release date. It would have been ignorant to believe there weren't some serious strings attached to the sudden compromise. Now that I've listened to the entire album, the strings are evident, but over-exaggerated.
"Have you ever had the feeling that you were being had?"
The sound is definitely of a more mainstream focus with the pop-ish instrumentals and hooks, but the "Super-Lupe-Lyrical" content hasn't faltered a bit. With every song, we hear the same honest, inspirational, bold artist we grew familiar with on "Food & Liquor" and "The Cool". I've always found some of the beats to be the only weakness found on a Lupe album and this one's no exception. I think the Atlantic issues gave people a target and excuse and, thus, pushed them to such terrible reviews of the album.
"Let the record reflect, the records we set. Best foot forward, with every step."
After a full listen, I think I came away satisfied the album as a whole. The only song I found a problem with was "State Run Radio". I think that song had such potential and it wasn't executed well. I'd heard "Til I Get There" played at a live performance and didn't like the sound of it at all but, now that I've heard it in its entirety, its definitely a great listen. "Beautiful Lasers" was a song that appeared on the internets in multiple forms and I'm glad I waited for the album version to pass judgement. Its final cut is miles ahead of the various versions released online. I'd have to say "Coming Up", "Letting Go", "Words I Never Said", and "Break The Chain" are the highlights.
"I'm only moving forward homie thats that. Direction, a lot of shoulders lack that."
In the end, I enjoyed L.A.S.E.R.S. "The Cool" represented a creative evolution following "Food & Liquor". L.A.S.E.R.S. is no different. I just fear that Atlantic took what could have been another impressive addition to Lupe's discography and made it simply a decent mainstream album. I'll continue giving it spins until F&L II comes out since it seems that one has label politics removed from the creative process, allowing Lupe the freedom he deserves.
Verdict: If you're a true fan of Lupe Fiasco, buy it. If you're simply a fan of good music, buy it. Nuff said.
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