Fresh Off The Press | Lasers

When an artist says they hate their own album due to having little to no control over the final product, then to me, it really isn't "their" work. Such is the case with Lupe Fiasco's third full length album Lasers.

Lupe's debut Food and Liquor and his sophomore album The Cool cemented his status as one of my favorite hip-hop artists of all time. I was impressed by his thought-provoking lyrics and perfect delivery over top-notch production. He had managed to achieve mainstream success without watering down his material and catering to commercial archetypes; a rare feat accomplished in a business where album sales are typically determined by radio dominance. Fast-forward 3 years: Lupe has a dispute with Atlantic and the label decides to withhold the release of his album. Only when fans petitioned for it's release and Lupe agreed to completely change the album's sound, did Atlantic begrudgingly give Lasers a release date.

Hardly a sliver of Lupe Fiasco's past lyrical prowess finds itself on Lasers; a clear indication that Atlantic forced the direction of the album towards more mainstream avenues. In fact, according to Lupe himself, he was told to not rap "too deeply" on the album. Hyped fans who petitioned for the album's release will be disappointed to find that most of the album consists of Lupe rapping unenthusiastically over generic beats featuring horrendous auto-tune hooks (ex. Words I Never Said, Out Of My Head and every song featuring MDMA). These tracks sound nothing like that of the quality music we've come to expect from his past work. Lupe's producer in crime Soundtrakk is no where to be found on Lasers, and is replaced by newcomer King David. His beats aren't actually that bad, but they're mostly ruined by god-awful choruses (no doubt chosen by Atlantic). The only song I found to be up to Lupe's standard was "All Black Everything"; a socially conscious track where the "dream-like" production matched perfectly with the alternate reality Lupe created. Despite being forced to perform on the songs "The Show Goes On" and "Never Forget You" featuring John Legend, these are two of the album's better tracks, which goes to show you how good the rest of the album could possibly be.

Having followed the events that transpired around Lasers, I feel that I can't blame Lupe too much for the final product of the album. Being supressed creatively through contracts and legal means meant that he was simply a puppet controlled by Atlantic. As for now, my hopes are high for Lupe's future as it seems as though he has made peace with Atlantic and is currently half-way finished Food and Liquor II. Hopefully Atlantic executives can keep their hands off this one; I don't think Lupe's career can stand another Lasers situation.

3.5/10

What's Making My Ipod:

Letting Go ft. Sarah Green

Till I Get There

The Show Goes On

All Black Everything

Never Forget You ft. John Legend

Fotography Fridays | Atiba Jefferson

When you think of Atiba Jefferson, you think of the best skateboard photographers of all-time. He has captured some of the most iconic and memorable moments in skateboarding, while making them look flawless. Maybe I was just a little too focused or uneducated? Little did I know,  he has worked with some of the biggest non-skateboarding brands in the world (Pepsi, ESPN, Adidas, and Nike ...too name a few). As well as, some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment (Kanye West, Lebron James, Shaun White, Eric Koston, Reggie Bush, and Snoop Dogg... too name a few). I find it mind boggling: that he finds enough time to share his art with so many different audiences. Still being the best at whatever he does, he is a natural behind the lens.

Not only does he spend time doing photography, some of his down time is spent skating and playing in The Goat & The Occasional Others. Check out some of my favorites: 

Andrew Reynolds// Frontside Flip// Vancouver "Go Skateboarding Day" 2009

This is probably one of my all time favorite skate photo's. Two beasts doing what they do best.

Paul Rodriguez Jr.

Basically the Michael Jordan of skateboarding. Have you seen his Plan B part?!

Allen Iverson// The Pursuit Of Happiness // SLAM Magazine Issue #107 

I actually have had this in my bedroom for three and a half years now, I was a huge Allen Iverson fan. I used to get a subscription to the magazine every year, I did not know Atiba took the photo. 

Kanye West

Lupe Fiasco

This is rad. I think this was around when 'Food & Liquor' was released. Before he became a household name.

Hollywood Fires

I want this in a frame.

Lake

Love the colours.

Fans in the desert

I was in Palm Springs in the summer, and there were a ridiculous amount of these.

This could be a movie poster or album art. So dope.

We Can Do It Now - Common, Lupe Fiasco & Jennifer Hudson

Not sure what this project is for, but regardless, this song is mad nice. Common and Lupe do their thing, Jennifer Hudson on the hook, No I.D. on the boards. ListenUp.