Album review: Lupe Fiasco, 'L.A.S.E.R.S.'
2.5 stars (out of 4)
Lupe Fiasco’s struggles to make his third studio album, “L.A.S.E.R.S.” (1st & 15th/Atlantic), didn’t end with its release. Instead, he has turned the album into a document about its difficult birth, and it’s not always an easy listen.
Normally such self-referential, the-record-company-done-me-wrong albums are ill-advised nonsense, a sign that the artist has completely lost touch with his audience. But Fiasco, exceptional in his ability to dissect broad social and political issues with thoughtfulness and insight, has never been one to bite his tongue or succumb compliantly to pop cliches. He turns the corporate in-fighting over radio hits into a broader exploration of how those in power manipulate those who are not. But at times, the compromises necessary to get L.A.S.E.R.S.” out of record-company limbo sap the music, with Fiasco sounding like a guest on his own album.
Fiasco’s first two albums raised expectations. Here was an MC who positioned himself as something unique in hip-hop: a nerdy, skateboarding street poet who acknowledged that he had been shaped by the ghetto even as he detested how hip-hop had exploited ghetto pathology for profit. His music packed hooks as inventive as his lyrics; his breakthrough hit, “Kick Push,” played out over a sample from a Filipino jazz orchestra.
But the music industry is in a different, more desperate place since Fiasco started, and the pressure to create instant radio hits is higher than ever. So “L.A.S.E.R.S.” is really the story of two albums, one that expands on the greatness of Fiasco’s first two releases and another reminiscent of Atlantic Record’s latest rap-pop breakthrough, last year’s simplistic “B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray.”
Sing-songy choruses abound, with tracks dominated by hitmakers John Legend (“Never Forget You”) and Trey Songz (“Out of My Head”) and an interpolation of Modest Mouse’s 2004 hit “Float On” (“The Show Goes On”). These relegate Fiasco to an afterthought. When the balance shifts, the MC delivers top-tier material: the call-to-activism “Words I Never Said,” the potent daydream “All Black Everything,” the shattering “Beautiful Lasers.” These tracks blend wrenching introspection and an undercurrent of anger with beautifully down-tempo music, perched somewhere between melancholy and despair. The strength of these layered, evocative tracks rescues the album from anonymous pop blandness.
In a recent tweet, Fiasco called the album a "note2self … the product of trying to figure a reason to keep going.” Based on the dire scenario outlined in “Beautiful Lasers,” it’s a small victory that he made something out of this album. Its best music shows what it might have been. The rest feels more like an obligation reluctantly met, a difficult bridge to the next phase of Lupe Fiasco’s career.
greg@gregkot.com
hear me out on this
The purpose of Lu's album and it's mix between club bangers and concious rap's is to drive the point home that people shouldn't pride themselves on being intelligent and conscious because we are hypocrites one way or another
Posted by: nabeel | March 01, 2011 at 09:49 PM
the reason why he didnt do to good and you could feel it in his tracks as he is rapping it feels like he aint really like bringing energy i blame atlantic records because of this they give him beats which they overly sample so that its so hard to find out who was the originator really like "the show goes on" the album is 4 out of 4 no matter if something went wrong cause whatever he worked with he still killed it in his verses the guy can do anything really.....
Posted by: Jack Encarnacion | March 01, 2011 at 10:20 PM
i agree. atlantic screwed him on this one.
it'll prolly be his worst album, but still better than 90% of whats out there.
at the same time this won't be the spectacular sounds of F&L or The Cool
because back then he had complete control of his material.
and once again critics are gonna do what they do to every other artist, compare it to their previous work, when really in a review you should take the album for what it is and not critique it for what it's not.
Posted by: jcruz | March 01, 2011 at 11:31 PM
Even though it may not have completely been the album that Lupe himself wanted, its still amazing music because of the power of his words. For example, Never Forget You feels like such a personal track from Lupe, with him even referencing his father in the final verse, and yet he recently revealed that track was given to him by Atlantic Records and they essentially told him to complete it. The fact that it turned out to be such a powerful song and one that is not only emotional to listen to, but feels deeply personal, is kind of a head-scratcher, or really is the perfect example of why Lupe is perhaps the most gifted writer of our time.
The songs seem more accessible to the mainstream and sound more universal, but the themes he talks about have been in his music for years. The style is different and easier to consume and not as technically advanced as his earlier work, but the message is now maybe clearer than ever. And maybe that was the whole point of it all.
Simply put, if you were a Lupe fan before, you will still be one after Lasers, and will probably enjoy the hell out of the album; even while knowing the obtrusive role the label played in its creation.
Posted by: or | March 02, 2011 at 12:37 AM
The label wanted more pop/radio hits in the album and that's exactly what they got. However, with the leak of the album, an early listen for Lupe fans, it turns out that the 'radio' hits have generated the negative criticism for the album. So the label were wrong to push the 'radio friendly' tunes onto Lupe's album.
Well done Atlantic.
A strong lesson to let the artists do what they want. Unfortunately, from early criticism of the album Lupe has paid the price.
(By the way, I haven't listened to the leaks, that will just make things worse for Lupe)
Posted by: Hassan | March 02, 2011 at 07:34 AM
the author of this review is a huge giant ... that likes jammin out to lady gaga in the closet
Posted by: asdasd | March 02, 2011 at 08:59 AM
What happened to the intelligent and intriguing joints on "Food n Liquor" and "The Cool?" They seemed to be replaced with bad attempted radio "jams". Lupe has ditched the creative storyteller role to hop on the BoB bandwagon, and as a former intense Lupe follower, not only am I extremely disappointed, but I feel betrayed. I think I'm going to pop on the "Fahrenheit 9/11" mixtape and try to pretend "Lasers" never happened.
Posted by: dan crowley | March 02, 2011 at 07:48 PM
My boy and I reviewed the album off the leak sry I couldn't wait but Im buyin it anyway. We are big Lupe Fans and we were completely objective on the album with no bais. If it was bad I would say but this ablum was solid. We gave it a 4.2/5. The Beats was really good exept for 2 songs, the hooks were mainstream but good for the most part a few were annoying but overall solid hooks, especially when Lupe was doing hooks and chorus. But too me the lyrics stood out he kept his usually hot lyrics no matter kind of hook or beat, he does his usally Lupe self. So it was better than I thought I can listen to 10 of 12 consistently. So definitely pick this up its a really really present suprise. Sry he cant be more commerical like Drake and Wayne, but the may be mainstream but not commerical and If u quality this as commerical than its the best commerical album I've ever heard.
Posted by: AJ | March 03, 2011 at 09:34 PM
As a Lupe Fan I choose not to be disappointed with this album... This for me its a teaser for what's to come and all the negative reviews he is receiving from this album is a kick in the nutts to Lupe... Hopefully he never sells out his fans to the label again... all-in-all the album is OK!... I say still support him and lets not turn one of the greatest MC's into a "Nas" story and allow him to get out of Atlantic and on his own 2 ft... It has some good songs and "Words I never said" is a hit that shows Lupe still has it!... I am now looking forward to his next release rather its a mixtape or something... Whether its a F&L2 or and L.U.P.End i dont care... he needs to push something showing he still hasnt forgotten the importance and expectations of his biggest fans...
March 8th Support Lupe buy the album... if you can Buy 2!... then take 1 to Atlantic Records Corporate offices and Fling it into one of the major executives face and say " I support my artist B#tch! Now give me the REAL album!!!"...
Posted by: Scrapp | March 04, 2011 at 06:23 AM
Wow! Really? Our you listening to the sam album I heard. This is the hottest ish out right now. This album is the breath of fresh air HipHop has been gasping for. HipHop can no longer survive on same stagnate beats and stale lyrics of yester year. This album is symbolizes the evolution of HipHop. Naw, scratch that. It is the EVOLUTION of Music itself!!!
Posted by: Da Truth | March 04, 2011 at 06:45 PM
This album is SOLID. Solid hooks, solid writing and solid production. If you sit down and REALLY listen, this album is a feast of political stances and governmental confrontation. This review is really not accurate…and I do understand that people are attracted to an artist because of a certain style but that really boxes in creativity in the long run. Linkin Park took a chance on their new style and have sold a TON of records. Sometimes as an artist you just have to go for it…but I can tell you that I predict that this album will be a HUGE seller if the label is able to market it the right way. I give this album a 9.5 out of 10. This album SOARS.
Posted by: Korey Black | March 05, 2011 at 04:31 PM
Anyone saying this album is anything short of hugely disappointing is either lying to themselves or listening to the CD they accidentally put in their CD player instead of Lasers. They challenged Lupe to make a commercial album, and what he made was a manifestation of all of the annoying Bobby Ray cliches that we sought to avoid when listening to Lupe's excellent mixtapes, his great first album, and his better-than-average sophomore CD. I can only hope that this ruse works and this album moves a few hundred thousand (it won't) and Lupe has more creative control over his next album. Since I'm here I'll give it a 2/5.
Posted by: maybe next year, lupe | March 06, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Why is everybody hating on something different. This is a dope album with good beats and meaning. His music has meaning unlike 90 percent of rappers. I give it 9/10 because its a good album with solid beats.
Posted by: Unknown Person | March 12, 2011 at 04:38 PM
I back this album and the back-story makes me enjoy it even further. Any artist that can make you contemplate any relevant idea, is a person with power. Lupe drops an album that stands as a staple of his enduring nature.
Posted by: Dante | March 12, 2011 at 06:58 PM
I am very disappointed in this album, but as stated in the above comments i don't blame Lupe either, I blame Atlantic Records. When I first listened to the album, I was wondering if I had accientally turned the radio to B96. "Beautiful Lasers / 2Ways" is definately reminisant of what his previous albums offered and it is a shame Atlantic wanted a pop album. I was hoping that since it took so long for this album to drop it would be quality, but i guess I will be listening to The Cool and Food & Liqour and his vast selection of Mix Tapes until the next album comes out.
Posted by: Kris | March 14, 2011 at 12:08 PM
I don't blame Lupe at all for what Atlantic Records did to his album. I was heart broken while waiting in line to have him sign his album, to see that Trey Songz was featured in a song in the album. When I got home that night I listend to the album three times from the beginning to the end. I'm a huge Lupe fan and I listened to his two previous albums that day before listening to Lasers. Don't get me wrong, the concept of the name of the album, the album cover, and the art work of the CD itself says "LUPE" all around it. After listening to the album though, the only songs I really like are "Words I Never Said", "Beautiful Laser", & "All Black Everything" Those are the ONLY songs on the album that I feel and believe are truly from Lupe. All the others songs, I know they are from Atlantic because it ain't nothing compared to his previous works, its pop and Lupe ain't a pop artist. He's a Rap & Hip-Hop artist. Another thing that made me real upset about the album is, where is "I'm Beaming", "SLR (Supe Lupe Rap)", "Walk In My Shoes"??????? "I'm Beaming" was advertised as being on his next album and its not even on there! I'm just going to continue to listen to Food & Liquor, The Cool, and all his other mixtapes that I have, the three songs I mentioned that are (in my opinion) are Lupe's real work, and the other three songs that weren't even featured on the album. Even Lupe himself stated he doesn't like the album. He had no choice but to do what he was told and I heard it through his work in the album. Note to Atlantic Records: You messed this album up! Thank you for messing it up for Lupe's real fans like myself and others out there who appreciate his work. Hopefully next time around, you listen to the artist and don't try to mess with their work to try to make it something that is not going to work as much. [Rating of Album: Half A Mic]
Posted by: Dayz | March 15, 2011 at 02:11 PM
The commerical 'cheesyness' that you complain is the best thing it has going. The substance of the lyrics is trite, George Soros , left-wing MSNBC garbage. Let him cry about the pligt of the Palestinians to the family that was recently butchered. Limbaugh/Beck racists....wow, what brave novel concepts.
Posted by: scott | March 15, 2011 at 05:08 PM
This album hurts me soul...
Posted by: Jav | March 18, 2011 at 11:44 PM
You pep r crazy Atlantic was pushing tha wrong albums because they wanted his career to fall off due to the fact of not taking their advice in molding him. They persistent to get him to become a actor and make a sound they like not what he liked. That can throw anyone off track. As a listener and resident of his birthsite, most people will never understand what he's really saying. So until then let's listen to stanky leg and artist who set examples going to jail promoting their album.
Posted by: bo reala | April 17, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Lupe, is a lyrical genius, who has had the mainstream garbage forced down his throat. With that said, Lazers is a solid album and exemplifies his ability to adapt, his creativity and passion for this art form called Hip Hop. Lyrics are tight as always. Beats not so great on some trax, but still better than most radio garbage.Lupe will not disappoint on the next. Head bopper!!
Posted by: J | April 17, 2011 at 11:46 AM
As an old lady (50s) who really likes rap.... I say --if you like it listen to it. If nothing else, if you aren't familiar with Lupe's work , the hooks will pull you in... it will leave you wanting more, and investigating what has come before.
(That is how I got my young teens to "turn on to Lupe")
And that is what it is all about!!!!
Posted by: boots | May 15, 2011 at 05:13 PM