Media Diary 2

Album Review:

Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Part One

Tracklist:

1. Ayesha Says (Intro)
2. Strange Fruition (Ft. Casey Benjamin)
3. ITAL (Roses)
4. Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)
5. Audubon Ballroom
6. Bitch Bad
7. Lamborghini Angels
8. Put ‘Em Up
9. Heart Donor (Ft. Poo Bear)
10. How Dare You (Ft. Bilal)
11. Battle Scars (with Guy Sebastian)
12. Brave Heart (Ft. Poo Bear)
13. Form Follows Function
14. Cold War (Ft. Jane $$$)
15. Unforgivable Youth (Ft. Jason Evigian)
16. Hood Now (Outro)
17. Things We Must Do For Others

Record Company: Atlantic Records (First & Fifteenth)
Genre: Rap
Release Date: 25th September 2012

Food & Liquor II is Lupe Fiasco's fourth studio album and the sequel to his debut album, Food & Liquor. The album is mainly about the history of America, which is why it is also called 'The Great American Rap Album. Lupe originally planned on this being a double-disc CD, but Atlantic Records would not allow this, hence this also being part one of the album. The planned release date of part two was to be in the early part of 2013. However, that didn't come to fruition and was cancelled for a new project, Tetsuo & Youth, expected to be released towards the end of 2013.

What is the albums purpose?

The purpose of this album is to tell the story of America, which is why the album is called 'The Great American Rap Album.' Throughout the album Lupe Fiasco talks about the American phenomenon, American society, American culture. Lupe always attempts to educate his audience, this album is just another way for him to do this. He tells the story of America. 

What's good about the text?

As I have come to expect from a Lupe Fiasco record, this album is completely different to any other record out there. The production of the album is very good on the majority of songs. Lupe again delivers in his story telling on his songs, whilst again making them complex and filled with substance. These are things I don't believe many artists out there can do, which I why I'm a huge fan of Lupe Fiasco and this album.

I love songs such as Bitch Bad, where Lupe aims to make his audience think about the misconception of the word bitch and the incorrect way that people use the word, due to those misconceptions. Around My Way is another huge favourite of mine, where Lupe samples the beat from legendary hip-hop song T.R.O.Y by Pete Rock. I also love Hood Now, where Lupe talks about the progression of the African-American race in America. However, my favourite track has to be Put 'Em Up. The production and lyrics are brilliant, but this song is different in the way you can just tell Lupe enjoyed making this track, where he talks about his goals and ambitions in life and how his skills are far superior compared to anyone else in the rap game. It is just a great song.

What's bad about the text?

The song Heart Donor. I can't listen to it after five seconds. Poo Bear is just terrible on the hook for this song. In the past, Lupe has generally produced some of his better tracks when working with Poo Bear, but he is just awful for this song, and it makes it unbearable to listen to. Lupe's verses are great, but the hook completely destroyed the song.

Conclusion

Overall, I think this is a great album. Its easily far better than most albums currently being released, and its nomination for a Grammy shows this. As far as Lupe Fiasco albums go, it far surpasses his last album Lasers, which although was his most successful commercially, Lupe himself admitted he hates the album, as do the majority of his true fan base. This album is not as good as The Cool, so its probably somewhere in the middle with the original Food and Liquor.

Rating: 9/10