After the release of his platinum selling sophomore LP “The Cool”, which produced a couple of platinum selling singles. Lupe Fiasco went back to the studio to produce a three album series entitled L.U.P.End. Unfortunately for Lupe, and fans like myself Atlantic Records would not allow this to happen. Reports lingered that Lupe’s record deal did not allow that album format to take place, foretelling the host of problems surrounding this matter. Soon after reports surfaced that Atlantic wanted Lupe to sign a deal granted them 25% of all his profits from concerts, to possible endorsement deals. Lupe reportedly decline and Atlantic threatened not to support his projects, forcing Lupe to pay for the “I’m Beaming” video out of his own pocket.
Die hard Lupe Fiasco, and conscious music fans are accredited with the release of the album, and some of the singles like; “The Show Goes On.” During the midst of the Lupe’s battle with Atlantic fans staged a protest outside of Atlantic Records and created an online petition that supported the release of his music. This epic movement forced Atlantic to release the lyrical ingenious of the Grammy Award winning artist.
“Love, Always, Shines, Every time, Remember 2 Smile,” is a heartfelt anagram for l.A.S.E.R.S., and the tittle of Lupe Fiasco’s third studio album. Lupe also used the anagram for his viral video entitled “The L.A.S.E.RS. Manifesto,” which can be found on the official website, and YouTube. The manifesto coincides with the message of the album and struggle Lupe endure on his journey of making the album. It entails his thoughts on what did, what is, and will continue to take place in our society. The manifesto reads;
“We want an end to the glamorization of negativity in the media. We want an end to status symbols dictating our worth as individuals. We want a meaningful and universal education system. We want substance in the place of popularity. We will not compromise who we are to be accepted by the crowd. We want the invisible walls that separate by wealth, race & class to be torn down. We want to think our own thoughts. We will be responsible for our environment. We want clarity & truth from our elected officials or they should move aside. We want love not lies. We want an end to all wars foreign & domestic violence. We want an end to the processed culture of exploitation, over-consumption & waste. We want knowledge, understanding & peace. We will not lose, because we are not losers, we are lasers! Lasers are revolutionary. Lasers are the future”.
As an artist, one wants their record label to support their creative genius, and give them a chance to profit. As a fan one wants their favorite artists to produce favorable music that appeases their taste. One can easily say that Lupe should have swallowed his pride and given Atlantic what they wanted, after all he did past up on a number one song in “Nothing On You” featuring. Bruno Mars. However, if you made millions of dollars for your record label with your brand of music, you too would have a problem conforming to their wants.
Despite the rave reviews and mixed emotions about the L.A.S.E.R.S. album, this particular fans like it. I admire Lupe for not giving into the cultural strata and limiting himself. According to billboard.com Walt Frazier interview with Lupe Fiasco "I think I set the precedent for record labels -- showed everyone that you can have rappers that don't fit the format and still have a presence," I admit, I was looking for his crafty word play over a thumping tracks or melodic samples. Instead I was greeted with a commercialized LP that does not necessarily compliment Lupe’s style.
As a Lupe fan it’s evident that he forced the commercial album to appease the label heads and acquiesce certain forces. Nonetheless, Lupe’s consciousness and lyrical content will keep me in tune. Now, I’m eager to hear what “The Great American Rap Album” which was recorded simultaneously with “Lasers” sounds like.
References:
Condon, P. New album not Fiasco Atlantic was expecting. (2011) The Daily Cardinal.
Conner, Thomas. Lupe Fiasco’s battles with Atlantic dampens long-awaited ‘Lasers’
(2011). The Chicago Sun-Times. http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/conner/4099380-452/lupe-fiascos-battles-with-atlantic-dampens-long-awaited-lasers.html
Frazier, W. Lupe Fiasco Drops Label Beef to Focus on 'Lasers'. Billbord.com
Langhorne, C. LUPE FIASCO & ATLANTIC RECORDS EXECUTIVE MEET FACE-
TO-FACE. (2010)
Padania, J, Jay Soul. Rap Review of the Week. (2011).
The Music Industry Report. (2010)
