Lupe Fiasco has never been shy about expressing his political views; he’s a golden era lovechild, born during a time when muckraking was the norm. The political landscape has been scaly the past few years and Lupe’s been salivating. He had three albums lined up for 2016 (Drogas, Drogas Light and Skulls), but has since delayed them, explaining on his Instagram in a somewhat cryptic manner that there is a mountain of “red tape” to get around and that the story is “gonna take some time.”
While the details have been scarce Lupe has released a slew of singles to help stimulate the pallet including “Pick Up The Phone,” a pop-infused confessional full of Lupe-isms, and now “Made in the U.S.A.,” which comes at the heels of one of the biggest political upsets in history. Lupe doesn’t hold back, the beat a far cry from the affable “Pick Up The Phone.” It’s sickle and hammer type song that puts the United States’ business out on front street: [LISTEN]
Ku Klux man from Indiana/Brought that shit from Alabama/Making it rain, give ’em Atlanta/Making it, making it rain, rain like New Orleans, Louisiana/That gang shit came from Illinois/That bang shit came from Illinois
Rap needs Lupe Fiasco, especially with a tumultuous four years laying in the wait. His pursuit of lyrical excellence will only demand that other lyricists step their game up too. The days of wild debauchery may not be completely over, but there is a shift in focus with promising minds like Vic Mensa, Kendrick Lamar, and Chance the Rapper leading the way. Lupe Fiasco could potentially be the tip of the spear, and if his singles are any indication of things to come rap fans have something to get excited about.
