Lupe Fiasco – His Long-Awaited 5th Album

As an earlier article was posted here last week about the anticipation for Joey Bada$$’s album, there has also been a long-awaited project (much longer than B4DA$$) in the works as well. Today Lupe Fiasco released Tetsuo & Youth.

The project was first announced during the 2013 Grammy Awards, although since then has faced several delays and supposed singles. There was ‘Old School Love’ with Ed Sheeran, ‘Next To It’ with Ty Dolla $ign, ‘Crack’ with Chris Brown, and plenty of other random projects in between. You can see why this Chicago native’s fifth studio album has been highly anticipated, especially because Tetsuo & Youth is his first album since the release of Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album in 2012. There are features from Ab-Soul, Nikki Jean, Guy Sebastian, Ayesha Jaco and a few more on the album, though the tracks featuring Ed Sheeran, Ty Dolla $ign and Chris Brown did not make the cut.

It’s said that Lupe Fiasco is steering clear of social and political commentary this time, focusing more on life in Chicago’s South Side. “I don’t think this album is for new Lupe fans,” the emcee said in a recent interview with DJ Skee, “I don’t think you can get this album and become a Lupe fan.” Which is interesting because fans of Lupe are already so accustomed to his commentary towards society and politics; But the album does share some powerful themes with albums Food & Liquor & The Cool in terms of instrumentation and style, which I believe will greatly satisfy Fiasco Fanatics.

Lupe announced a 33-date tour starting in November. Stream Tetsuo & Youth now and decide whether he reclaims his former glory (Because Lord knows how dope Food & Liquor and The Cool was…)

 

Spotify: Lupe Fiasco – Tetsuo & Youth