I love Lupe!

Okay, it has taken me a while to write about this because my appreciation for his latest album has grown as I have taken the time to really listen to it all. But I think Lupe Fiasco's album is just great! It is not the kind of album that you just turn on in the background and listen to. I mean, you can do that but then you miss out on all of the poetic genius and social commentary that is interwoven into this album. Now, I liked Food and Liquor a lot but I think The Cool just takes it to the next level. With commentary about the disintegration of the black community, the misguided views of current mainstream rappers, the story of young African boys who have been stolen from their families and used as soldiers in rebel armies... every song has something profound to say and that is so exciting to me, an excitement that I don't feel about music often these days. Plus, like many of the Chicago rappers, Lupe is looking to creative musical sources and inspirations to build great musical productions.

A male friend of mine told me the other day that he had a "man crush" on Lupe, that he just wanted to meet him and hang out with him. I chuckled when he said it but I really am feeling that statement now. A man with artistic integrity who is making it on his own terms and with enlightened and empowering things to say -- I have a little crush myself!

So with that, I am going to gift you with a clip from this great live performance of the song "Superstar" from the House of Blues in Chicago last year with Michael Santos. I think I am going to start scouring his concert dates to see when he comes here! And I recommend you get a little Lupe for yourself!