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There is nothing more satisfying for a journalist to have their questions answered with the depth and eloquence which Lupe Fiasco did for HHM. Yet another artist from the advancing forces of the Midwest, Lupe has something that can only be described as the ‘it’ factor. He demands your attention with his lyrically enticing wordplay and when you get down with just where he is coming from in terms of his views on the industry, how he has been blessed to get to the place he is today, you cant help but feel you have fallen upon someone who may just possibly create more that just a fleeting buzz in a dormant industry.
With his debut album “Food and Liquor” destined for release in September, co-executively produced by Jay-Z, fans wait patiently and perhaps, to a degree, unknowingly, to be blown away by what he will present.
The Chi-Town local has been closely monitored and encouraged by Jay-Z and just that in itself makes you sit back and think ‘well if Hove is seeing something in this dude there has to be something about him.’ Lupe Fiasco is both business man and artist which doesn’t necessarily stand him apart from the crowd of rising stars; as crucial business acumen is paramount for any up and coming today. But this knowledge can only encourage and prolong his own existence as a personality in this, sometimes often, convoluted world of Hip-Hop.
Lupe Fiasco is taking you back to what Hip-Hop really is about; he will encourage you to think back to why you fell in love with the music in the first place. He is more than just a breath of fresh air to Hip-Hop; he is the epitome of raw talent ready to take music fans to the next level and beyond.
Where did the name come from ?
I picked up "Lupe Fiasco" in high school. One of my good friends was this Columbian kid named Lupe. We were super cool so I jacked his name. But I was always known as Lu because my real name is Wasalu so it´s been shortened to Lu since a kid. The "Fiasco" part is a lil´ more complicated. I'll explain it on the album [laughs].
You are causing a serious buzz in the game, did you ever think you would get to the point that you have today ?
I really don't know, I never really asked myself that particular question. It seems kind of arrogant to say, "Yeah, I knew I was gon' be hot, nigga what?!" But I've always had "Cavier dreams" - I guess you can call them that - like dreaming about my Grammy acceptance speech [laughs]. It's a blessing; God is great.
How hard has it been getting to this point ?
Man, it´s been a journey. But to start listing sacrifices made by myself and others in my circle to get this lil thing right here off the ground would take a memoir not an interview[laughs]. A lot of the good and the bad. All I can say is God is Great.
Who and what inspired you to become a rapper ?
Officially my man Bishop G, once a Jr. High buddies. We're like brothers. He was doing poetry in 8th grade and getting rave reviews and notoriety from the teachers for it so I was like "Hey I can do that" and thats when it really started. All my raps sounded like Eazy-E, Ice Cube or Spice 1 though because thats who I was bumping at the time [laughs].
Chicago is really doing it right now and emerging as the capital of the Midwest scene. You think this is long overdue? Or do you believe in the motto good things come to those who wait ?
I look at it like this when the stars align for you to shine or to do whatever it is you do. Chicago has been hot before with Crucial Conflict, Twista, Common and a few others as far as hip-hop then at other times not hot at all. Chicago was just like every other city, so it´s a cycle...then to a further extent you gotta define what's "Hot"...does that apply to the prominence or vibrancy of the underground of a particular place or the commercial success of artists on major labels all hailing from a certain area or something else entirely. It´s not a question of "do we deserve?" or has there been a "overlooking" of Chicago as far as hip-hop talent? I asl myself who's doing the "overlooking"? The Major's? Then ask yourself does their opinion really count when it comes to hip-hop? I will say from first-hand experience more than half these labels are out of touch and to some extents have no clue what hip-hop is or is about but then they have this "mysterious" ability to shape and mold and define what hip-hop is, what's hot and what's not to the masses who willingly accept it because all they want to do is dance to some sometimes thoughtless gibberish that isn't that hard for them to understand or relate to that the labels keep saturating the market with because its profitable (and don´t get it confused when I say "Masses" I'm talking about the demographics that "Really" buy music) but then instead of us "Righteous Upstanding MC's" fighting the powers that be what do we do? We conform. Why? Because it's profitable and not to mention easy. Excuse me for ranting and getting off subject a lil´, just gotta speak it when you feel it [laughs]...Chi-Town baby!
I mean Chicago artists have sat back and watched other states get attention for so long, now the talent is just oozing out of its pores, Bump J, Gemini. Shayla G, one of my favorites Qualo and of course yourself. Y’all are quality rappers with messages to deliver, do you think this is what hip-hop needs to bring authenticity back to the game? You dealt with a couple of different labels before finding your home at Atlantic, can you tell us about that ?
As you might know both Gemini and Shayla G are signed to me and my partner Chilly's company 1st & 15th. Bump has been doing his thing for a minute now and Qualo are like the kings of the Chicago underground on the come up. The talent has always been here and will probably always be here just depends on who's looking and for what. "Authenticity" is becoming overrated if it´b s not already that. I think hip-hop lost it´s authenticity a long time ago when the first recording contracts were printed up. I say that because thats when hip-hop became a business and business ain´t about authenticity. It´s about makin' money. It´s a "game" is about "winners & losers" and not too many people I know want to be "authentic losers" in this "game" because that means your poor. I was on Epic initially with a group called Da Pak. Then I was on Arista as a solo artist up until the "changing of the guard" as I like to call it and the BMG merger with Sony. Now 1st & 15th has a label deal with Atlantic Records. It´s cool beans so far...real cool staff...very friendly and helpful. I can't complain.
You have an insight into the business aspect through First and Fifteenth Entertainment. How did that company come about ?
1st & 15th is the brainchild of me and my partner Chilly. We started it right after the deal at Epic fell through in like 2001.
How do you balance the rapping and the business side ?
Well, it can be a little taxing at times being an artist and an executive on the same company. A lot of responsibility and pressure but having a good partner to fall back on in the midst of the craziness is a plus...and then trying to have good organizational skills always helps.
You think it is essential for new artists coming up to be hands on with the business in order to maintain longevity in the game ?
No. It´s a double-edged sword. Some people are not built for the day-to-day managing and dealings of running an operation. Some positions require specialization in a particular field which most artists or layman's in general just don't possess. Why don´t music CEO's become artists and market and put themselves out? Simple because most of them can't and vice-versa. I'm not saying it´s impossible or don't strive for positions such as that just have a firm overview and general idea of the business which means basically have some common business sense, be willing to learn and (probably most importantly) know your position before you pursue it. It can mean the difference between
success and failure.
How do you think you will make a difference to the industry as an individual ?
I don't know truthfully. Only God knows that and he ain't telling...
What messages are you trying to get across with your talent ?
Just for people to be more open and understanding about the world around them. It doesn't begin in the suburbs and stop at the ghetto.
You truly are like a breath of fresh air to the scene. You think you could be bringing a new feel to the game which is going to take hip-hop in a new direction ?
Thank you for the compliment all praises due to God. As far as the question I dont know. That's scary though now that I think about it, a lot of responsibility you got there.
You have rubbed shoulders and talked real talk with the still King of the game, Jay-Z, how did you and Jay meet and just what have you learned form him ?
We met a couple years ago here in Chicago through a mutual friend my man Big Chuck. Jay was interested in signing me to Roc-A-Fella but it fell through. We remained in touch ever since though. In fact he's Co-Executive Producing on this album. I learned a lot from Jay business and therwise. I can´t go into detail too much that'll cost ya...[laughs]...secrets of the trade.
Your album "Food and Liquor" is tentatively dropping in the Fall right ?
Yessir..."Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor" drops this September.
How is it working with Mike Shinoda? He is a perfectionist, someone you can learn from no doubt about it. How is the vibe with y’all in the studio ?
That was a dream come true. I'm a big Linkin Park fan so to be in the studio with Mike was crazy. It was dope. He's a real stand-up guy fughettaboutit...[laughs].
What was your main focus with this album ?
To say "Hello".
In terms of producers who are you using for this project ?
The in-house 1st & 15th staff of producers Pro and Soundtrakk, The Buchannans, DJ Paul & Juicy J, Mike Shinoda, godwilling Pharrell and Chad soon and maybe few more people as we start winding down but as far as right now that's about it.
Are you happy with the way it is going so far ?
Sure, why not? As long as God keep waking me up I'm good with whatever comes my way.
I heard Hove was making an appearance, anyone else you can tell us who might be stopping by to show you love ?
As a Ninja would say...no comment.
Any other projects you are working on ?
As far as music I Just did some work with Kanye for his new album "Late Registration", I worked with Mike Shinoda on his solo project "Fort Minor" As far as other things I'm developing this brainchild called The RKF which stands for "Righteous Kung Fu" a company we just started not to long ago that focuses on different little urban cotoure' items and things of that nature of which I am a fan...*cough* Toys, Skateboarding, etc. *cough*....oh! excuse me....
Who do you look forward to working with in the future ?
My favorite producers of all-time The Neptunes and hopefully that lovely lady and all around inspiration Jill Scott. If your reading this holla at a player. I love your music.
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