Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

Lupe Fiasco's debut album "Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor" is one the best debut albums in the past decade. Lupe was prevalent on the mix tape circuit in Chicago before getting his mainstream breakthrough. Most of the world first heard of this artist on Kanye West's single "Touch The Sky" off of Late Registration. Well, working with Mr. West must have influenced him to put out gold on his first release. Lyrically, this is one the most creative LPs in a while. Songs such as "Kick, Push II, Hurt Me Soul, and my personal favorite, The Cool, show how talented this young artist is. The production here is great. With Kanye West, Prolyfic, and Lupe's favored beatmakers, Soundtrakk, the music behind the stellar lyrics is awesome. Guest spots are held to the singing of choruses, and Jay-Z on "Pressure". Jay drops a decent verse on the song, but nothing too special. Overall, this is a great album, and a certified banger of the last decade. Personally, it is in my top 5 since 1998. If you haven't yet heard this, check it out. You won't be disappointed.


Lyrics- 9.5/10
Production- 8.5/10
Guest Appearances- 8/10
Overall Sound- 10/10

4.5

-Shaun B.

I've been listening to hip hop my whole life and I must say Lupe is absolutely one of the best out there. His beats are great and original and his lyrics are jaw dropping. I'm just picking up this album after buying his second album "The Cool" because I like every song on that album and had never heard this one. I must say that his second album is better but this one is no slouch either. Basically if you want real rap and not the mainstream "Get low Shawty" rap you hear everyday on the radio pick up this album. You wont regret it.

Top 5 songs:

1. The Cool
2. The Instrumental
3. Hurt Me Soul
4. Sunshine
5. Real

Lupe is a genius. I have never heard a rapper that is so intellegent like Lupe. Lupe's rhymes are flawless on this album. He has something for everyone on this album. And to be totally honest, I was a HUGE Lupe hater when he first came out. I absolutely hated "Kick Push" every time i heard the song on the radio i turned off the radio. And thats why my review is so delayed. I just bought this album a few months ago because a friend said it was amazing. And he was right. Lupe is the best rapper alive right now, hands down. No one else comes close. He is so intellegent with his lyrics. The production on this album is flawless as well. This album honestly changed my views on music. I feel like i was cheating myself by listening to rappers like 50 Cent, Young Buck, & Cassidy. I feel like now, after one listen to Food & Liquour that no one else in rap is close to what Lupe is accomplishing with his music. Yeah, maybe 50 Cent will sell ten times as many records as Lupe ever will. But i guarantee that any Lupe song is better than every single 50 cent song ever created. He is honestly that good. I almost hate listening to rap now if it isn't Lupe. As long as hes making songs like "The Instrumental" which is a classic song with such a deep meaning that i don't think i could possibly describe it in this review. Lets just say it has something to do with the way the people portray the media. And then my favorite song on this album is actually the heartfelt mid-tempo smooth song "Hurt Me Soul" where Lupe just lists things that bring people down every day. Another great song is "Sunshine" which has a really choppy but... well sunny feel to it. Overall i am very angry with myself for sleeping on this album and this rapper for so long lol and this is honestly a classic rap album.


Grade:
A

Lupe Fiasco has a unique style and a great flow. Food and Liquor is a classic and his sophomore album 'The Cool' continues the legacy. Lupe is just getting started and so full of potential. One of the best lyricists out there so check him out.

why this album didnt win a grammy ill never know. all around solid album. lupe step out from nowhere and blew us away with his rhymes. i love when an artist takes a not so common subject such as skateboarding and makes it work. this album reminds you of what hiphop used to be. not about guns and violence but having fun, falling in love, and food for thought. if this album inst in your collection by now you are missing out.