Lupe Fiasco bounces with each step as he is escorted behind the scenes for his music video “The Show Goes On.” All of a sudden, he is comparing terrorists and suicide bombers to the “emaciated models” of America with “cocaine and blood pouring out their nostrils” in his new album “Food and Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album (Part 1).” Fiasco implies that people are subject to their respective faiths, regardless of immoral conduct.
In Fiasco’s “Around My Way,” he describes how models will snort cocaine to compensate for their hunger and need to appeal to the media. Fiasco carefully places “catwalk” in reference to the length of one’s lifetime. On the catwalk, women walk for cameras, pause for a moment of fame then turn around and disappear backstage again, implying hot quickly life passes by.
Those who remember Lupe Fiasco’s first hit single “Show Goes On,” which quickly became #9 on Billboard Hot 100, from “Lasers” might remember it for the catchy melody.
“There’s nothing really to tell about that record, to be honest,” Fiasco said, “I didn’t have nothing to do with that record. That was the label’s record.” He promised his lyrical tongue, which was hardly included in the making, would make a comeback in his new album.
In “Around My Way,” Fiasco says, “We marvel at the state of Ottoman/ then turn around and treat Ghana like a garbage can.” According to Fiasco, many people are unaware of how powerful the Ottoman Empire and Ghana once was, but every good phase must end.
America displays deep concern for underprivileged countries, yet Ghana is where the West piles millions of tons of electronic waste every year. Fiasco asks how a country is supposed to prosper if it’s being used as our electronic wasteland.
In his fifteenth track, “Unforgiveable Youth,” Fiasco references a time where archeologists will find the remnants of present-day America and come to the conclusion that the twenty-first century was a peaceful time. Fossils will show healthy records because of improved healthcare products and the soil will show no enemies because of wars fought overseas.
At the end of the song, Fiasco says he is “reporting live from the other side/ where government broadcasts hidden lies.” He applauds teachers who encourage students to speak up, and prisoners who take a stand for justice.
Though listeners may be uncertain why “Food and Liquor 2” was not immediately recognized in mainstream music, it becomes clear his lyrics are not depictions of poodles and butterflies. Fiasco’s track list is not the easiest to listen to. I would give it a five out of 10; however, the depth of his lyrics make it seven, so give it a try! It’s worth a listen if you’re looking for an insight into the raw truth of America.
