Lasers 20

Lupe’s third album might be his most controversial; mostly due to events directly and indirectly associated with its creation. With two critically acclaimed (and relatively commercially successful) albums, Lupe had established himself within the Hip-Hop sphere. His stature as a statesman had begun to grow as the world came to know more about his eclectic taste and strong stances both on and off record. In the four years since “The Cool”, Lupe had become even more entrenched (and disenfranchised) with the music business, and media as a whole. He courted controversy at the VH1 awards with his flub of two lines on Electric Relaxation. His subsequent interviews at the time, by some, felt dismissive (claiming to not have listened to Tribe coming up). On closer examination, Lupe’s assertions showed the complexity of who he was. A young Chicagoan as much attached to the streets, as he was to abstract philosophy and anime. Hindsight shows a misread on many people’s parts because of his style, and ultimately it became much ado about nothing.

The real controversies stemmed around his music. While rappers claiming retirement is as common as them asking an audience to throw their hands in the air, Lupe was serious. His original plans were to release a final triple album, then what would ultimately become Food & Liquor II (which did end up being his fourth album).

Atlantic had different plans. By this point, Lupe was their hottest commodity, and despite this they still felt there was more commercial potential untapped. Behind the scenes a battle of wills as to the direction of Lasers ensued. Ultimately, it was the pressure of fans that ultimately saw “Lasers” released. By his own admission it’s one of his least favorite records he’s released, which might largely stem from it’s probably his most straight ahead record. While lyrically, there is no let up, the format and guests felt more like a pop record. Ultimately, fans are mixed, but to date it is Lupe’s most commercially successful album.

“Words I Never Said” could be Lupe’s most straightforward political song. Having created music post 9-11 and during a decade plus of the Iraq War, the housing crisis and the first Black president to name a few, more than ever Lupe’s personal crusade to open minds seemed more urgent.

I really think the War on Terror is a bunch of bullshit

Just a poor excuse for you to use up all your bullets

How much money does it take to really make a full clip?

9/11, building 7, did they really pull it?

Uh, and a bunch of other coverups

Your child’s future was the first to go with budget cuts

His disillusionment with the government, the media and America is palpable in the final four lines of the first verse:

Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a racist

Gaza Strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say shit

That’s why I ain’t vote for him, next one either

I’m a part of the problem, my problem is

I’m peaceful

And I believe in the people, yeah

In the second verse might be one of his most direct statements he’s made as he directly confronts Islamophobia, while also critiquing his community

Jihad is not holy war, where’s that in the worship?

Murdering is not Islam, and you are not observant

And you are not a Muslim Israel don’t take my side ‘cause look how far you’ve pushed them Walk with me into the ghetto, this where all the kush went

Complain about the liquor store, but what you drinking liquor for?

Complain about the gloom, but when’d you pick a broom up?

Just listening to Pac ain’t gon’ make it stop

A rebel in your thoughts ain’t gon’ make it halt

If you don’t become a actor, you’ll never be a factor

He continues his critique, not only of his community, but the toxicity of western culture, and our dependence on pharmaceuticals, our poor diet and predatory financial system.

Pills with million side effects, take ‘em when the pain’s felt

Wash ‘em down with

diet soda, killing off your brain cells

Crooked banks around the world would gladly give a loan today

So if you ever miss a payment, they can take your home away

The final verse concludes as a personal manifesto. To rise above the fear and isolation that modern society has created. Considering the personal challenges and suffering he’d face leading up to the battle to release Lasers, it’s no wonder he felt the need to call himself out as much as everyone else.

Fear is such a weak emotion, that’s why I despise it

We scared of almost everything, afraid to even tell the truth

So scared of what you think of me, I’m scared of even telling you

Sometimes I’m like the only person I feel safe to tell it to I’m locked inside a cell in me, I know that there’s a jail in you

At the same time, his message was for his fans as well. The irony of Lasers is it’s Lupe’s least favorite record, yet it is the one that galvanized his fans in a way that he’d never seen before. His bond with them was elevated in this moment and unlike before possibly he felt more connected to them then ever, so ultimately this manifesto was also for them.