Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor

1st & 15th / Atlantic

Lupe Fiasco's debut record 'Food & Liquor' was released on this day in 2006. What happens to people so that they're blessed with pristine vision and the gift of articulation? A 24 year old Lupe came with more mental fortitude than most in their later years.

Has the sociopolitical rap game been done in a more polished and listenable manner? Food & Liquor is as serious as cancer and still remains fun and spiritually care free. To get a message across without skewing its impact is a rare ability. Many world leaders, whose jobs are to lead and inform, and their teams haven't produced a more well-rounded broadcast of emotion and vigor. There isn't creed or colour that could listen to this and feel like it doesn't speak for them. It's an all inclusive scripture ranging from historical narratives on 'American Terrorist' to the coldest of cautions of the street life on 'The Cool', of which Lupe would name his sophomore album, released in 2007.

The only other artist that comes to mind when the sociopolitical spectrum gets tackled head on is Talib Kweli, at least on the somewhat radio friendly side of said spectrum. There are many others of course, Immortal Technique for example, but keeping the music 'friendly' and inviting seems to be a rare occurrence. It's understandable, political issues seem to bring displeasure and resentment to the surface after all.

'Food' represents the good and 'Liquor' the evil. The ying and yang, see-saw of everyday existence. The constant struggle between dynamic opposites - the duality of life. Food & Liquor is as universal a thought and law as any.

September 19th, 2006.