Singer-songwriter Dan Black looks for U.S. breakthrough
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Reuters - Found Mar. 15, 2010 Any artist you would like to work with ?A: I'd like to work with lots of hip-hop artists like Lupe Fiasco and also women like Love Foxxx, the... Singer-Songwriter Dan Black Looks for U.S. Breakthrough - ABC News Singer-songwriter Dan Black looks for U.S. breakthrough - Reuters Dan Black Looks for U.S. Breakthrough - ABC News Singer-songwriter Dan Black looks for U.S. breakthrough - Reuters Explore All |
Lupe Fiasco takes part in MTVs Summit on the Summit:Kilimanjaro
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Examiner.com - Found Mar. 14, 2010 Lupe Fiasco takes part in MTV's 'Summit on the Summit:Kilimanjaro' March 14, 4:48 PMChicago Celebrity ExaminerCarrie Holtz Comment Subscribe Get |
Nikki Jean Interview: SXSW 2010
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Spinner.com - Found Mar. 15, 2010 She has already worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Lupe Fiasco and the Roots . Her music is one of a kind, with... |
Hirsch's mountain climb threatened by infection
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Hollywood - Found Mar. 12, 2010 The actor joined other celebrities including Jessica Biel and rapper Lupe Fiasco for the trek up the African peak in January (10). But Hirsch's trip Justin Parties in Sin City as Jessica Rumors Fly - MSN Movies Biel: 'Bad Teacher is fantastic' - Digital Spy Kenna On The Inspiration Behind 'Summit On The Summit: Kilimanjaro' - MTV Jessica Biel keen to climb Mount Everest - Digital Spy Explore All |
PR inside |
Music Video: Lupe Fiasco feat. Kenna & Mike Shinoda - Resurrection
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Notes from a Different Kitchen - Found Mar. 11, 2010 " Lupe Fiasco and Kenna have released a music video for "Resurrection" (produced by Mike Shinoda ) from Music For Relief's Download to Donate |
Lupe Fiasco Used 'Karate Magic' To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
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MTV - Found Mar. 10, 2010 'Summit on the Summit: Kilimanjaro' documentary airs Sunday at 9 p.m. on MTV. By James Montgomery Lupe Fiasco Photo: MTV News NEW YORK ? To make it ... So What Does Jessica Biel Think of Justin Timberlake's Steamy Sex ... - EOnline.com Jessica Biel Loves Justin Timberlake's Mom - People So What Does Jessica Biel Think of Justin Timberlake's Steamy Sex ... - E! Online Jessica Biel Loves Justin Timberlake's Mom - People Explore All |
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B.o.B. Drops Debut and Joins Lupe Fiasco on the Road
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CMJ - Found Mar. 9, 2010 Starting March 5, he will join Lupe Fiasco on his Steppin Laser Tour, playing dates through early May. |
B.o.B Slates Debut Album; Hip-Hop Virtuoso Heralds Long-Awaited ...
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Houston Chronicle - Found Mar. 8, 2010 The dates -- supporting 1st & 15th /Atlantic labelmate Lupe Fiasco's 'Steppin Laser Tour' -- began Friday, March 5th at Claremont, California... / CORRECTION - B.o.B Slates Debut Album; Hip-Hop Virtuoso Heralds ... - PR inside / CORRECTION - B.o.B Slates Debut Album; Hip-Hop Virtuoso Heralds ... - Sys-Con Media B.o.B Slates Debut Album; Hip-Hop Virtuoso Heralds Long-Awaited ... - PR inside Explore All |
J. Armz - How To Be An MC Vol. 65
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TBOHipHop.net :: HipHop's Promotion Source! - Found Mar. 4, 2010 ... by The Smeezingtons) ¦¦¦¦ 22. 02:36 Lupe Fiasco - IĘm Beaming (Prod. by The Neptunes) ¦¦¦¦ 23. 02:26 Serius Jones feat. |
Lupe Fiasco Writing First Book
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About Rap / Hip-Hop - Found Mar. 3, 2010 ... to Lupe Fiasco's list of exploits. The hip-hop star will make a foray into the literary world with his first book, to be published soon. Lupe... |
Lupe Fiasco Biography
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Lupe Fiasco
|
| Lupe Fiasco | |
|---|---|
Fiasco performing at Northwestern University, May 2007
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Wasalu Muhammad Jaco |
| Born | February 16, 1982 |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Occupations | Rapper, songwriter, record producer, CEO |
| Years active | 2000āpresent |
| Labels | Arista, Epic, 1st & 15th, Atlantic |
| Associated acts | Child Rebel Soldier, Japanese Cartoon, Matthew Santos, GemStones, Kanye West |
| Website | www.lupefiasco.com |
Contents |
Life and career
1982ā2005: Early life and career beginnings
Fiasco was born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco on February 16, 19821 in Chicago, Illinois.2 Born of West African descent,3 he was one of nine children of Shirley, a gourmet chef, and Gregory, an engineer.24 His father, who was a member of the Black Panther Party,5 was a prolific African drummer, karate teacher and owner of karate schools and army surplus stores.6 Fiasco was raised Muslim on the West side of Chicago.78 At the age of three, Fiasco began taking martial arts classes.9 By age 10, he earned his first black belt.4 He attended Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois.10 He initially "hated" hip hop music for its use of vulgarity.7 He began rapping when he was in the eighth grade, and upon hearing Nas' 1996 album, It Was Written, began to pursue hip hop.8611
Growing up, Fiasco was given the nickname "Lu", the last part of his first name, by his mother. "Lupe" is an extension of this nickname, which he borrowed from a friend from high school. "Fiasco," he says, "came from the Firm album. They had the song, 'Firm Fiasco'. I just liked the way it looked on paper."10
At age 19, Fiasco was in a group called Da Pak. They signed to Epic Records and released one single before splitting up.12 Fiasco later signed a solo deal with Arista Records, but was dropped when president and CEO L. A. Reid was fired.12 During this time, he had guest appearances on singles on Tha' Rayne's "Kiss Me" and "Didn't You Know" and also K Foxx's 2004 "This Life". He also released the song "Coulda Been" on a compilation of MTV's Advance Warning.13 In 2005, he was featured on Kanye West's single, "Touch the Sky". This cameo plus his politically charged āConflict Diamondsā mix-tape rhyme over Kanye Westās āDiamonds From Sierra Leone,ā as well as his āKick, Pushā single about skateboarding raised curious eyebrows from hip-hop aficionados, getting the new artist lots of attention.14
2006ā2007: Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor
During this time, rapper and mogul Jay-Z heard Fiasco and assisted him in the production of what would become his debut album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor.15 Soon after, he released his first single "Kick, Push", a song about skateboarding and also a love story between two lovers with the same passion for skating. As his popularity steadily increased, so did anticipation for his upcoming album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. The album was officially released on September 19, 2006. The album featured production from Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mike Shinoda, The Neptunes, Prolyfic, and more. Singles from the album were "Kick, Push," "I Gotcha" and "Daydreamin'" featuring Jill Scott. The critically lauded album was later nominated for three Grammy Awards including Best Rap Album. In the same year, he was voted by GQ magazine as the "Breakout Man of the Year."16
2007ā2008: Lupe Fiasco's The Cool
In 2007, Fiasco announced his second album, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool, a concept album that expands on the story of the track of the same name on his first album. While recording the album, Fiasco's father had died and his business partner, Charles "Chilly" Patton, was convicted of attempting to supply heroin and was sentenced to 44 years in prison.5 The album was released in December 2007 in United States. The first single and video from the album, "Superstar", featuring Matthew Santos, was released the first week of November 2007. Baseball's Hanley Ramirez, Troy Tulowitzki, Ryan Zimmerman, Gerald Laird and Ryan Braun have used "Superstar" as their at-bat song.17 The song has also been featured in HBO's Hard Knocks TV show. The songs "Put You on Game" and "Little Weapon" are featured in the movie Street Kings in the latest trailer.citation needed
Also in 2007, it was revealed that Fiasco, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams had formed a group known as Child Rebel Soldier.1819 CRS has so far released one single, entitled "US Placers" and featuring a Thom Yorke sample. Since its release and the ensuing Glow in the Dark Tour, the group has not yet been spoken of any further.
In an interview with The Village Voice, Fiasco revealed that he was writing a novel about a window washer20 aptly titled Reflections of a Window Washer. In 2008, Fiasco and his band 1500 or Nothin joined West's Glow in the Dark Tour, which also features Rihanna and N.E.R.D. The tour stopped in several cities, including his hometown of Chicago. In 2008, MTV named Fiasco the 7th Hottest MC in the Game21 and announced that he was remixing The Cool with French electro house act Justice.22 Fiasco's "Superstar" has been included in the video game Lips.23
2009āpresent: Lasers
Fiasco announced at a Chicago concert late in 2008 that his next and most likely final album will be a three disc album and that the first disc "Everywhere" would come out in June 2009. The trio was going to be named LupE.N.D.24 On January 30, 2009, Lupe Fiasco originally announced that LupE.N.D. will be postponed indefinitely. Instead, he would release three albums; The Great American Rap Album in June 2009, two following albums in December 2009 and June 2010, with LupE.N.D. following afterward.25 However, it was announced by Fiasco that his next album would instead be titled, "We Are Lasers"; yet later his official rep announced and confirmed that it would instead be titled simply "Lasers".26 On June 26, Fiasco announced at the Chicago Theater that the album would be released fourth quarter 2009, most likely in December.27 The album's first single, "Shining Down," features Matthew Santos and is produced by Soundtrakk. However, Shining Down did not do as well as Fiasco had hoped, and thus has been taken off of Lasers. The single was released on July 7, 2009.28 On January 26, 2010, 'I'm Beamin' released. This song is on Lasers, it is referred to as a 'taste' of what is coming. 29 There were a few snippets of songs that have been released as of August 24, 2009. The songs unofficial titles are "Army Girl," "Ladies And Gentlemen," and "2 Ways."30Lupe Fiasco has a bonus track called Solar Midnight on iTunes for the New Moon soundtrack in which he produced and performed himself. 31 On October 7, 2009, Lupe released a song in response to the release of MTV's 2009 "Top 10 Hottest MC's List," on which he was absent. Lupe stated that the track, entitled "Fire", would prove that he belonged in the number 1 spot on the following year's list.32
In October 2009, Lupe released two new freestyles, "Turnt Up" and "Say Something". Both freestyles were included on his official mixtape Enemy of the State: A Love Story, released on November 26, 2009. The mixtape also included beats from Diddy's "Angels", Lil Wayne's "Fireman," and Radiohead's "The National Anthem."33
In an interview with Australian radio station Triple J, Lupe revealed that the album had been submitted to his label with an estimated release date of mid-March 2010. Lupe Fiasco plans to go on a tour to promote his new album. The tour will be called Steppin Lasers Tour and tickets will be available in March 2010.
Philanthropy and business ventures
In 2002, Fiasco co-founded with Charles "Chilly" Patton 1st & 15th Entertainment (or "F&F), a vanity record label under Atlantic.34 Although Fiasco was initially to serve as vice-president, he became CEO after Patton was convicted on drug charges.3536 Fiasco and singer Matthew Santos were two of the most recognizable signed artists. In November 2009, Lupe Fiasco announced he would get "rid of the entire First and Fifteenth Record Label. Me and Sarah Green are the only artists on the label, like I got rid of the whole label. It was just such a āthis isnāt right for you right now. This isnāt gonna work for you right now. You need to be focused on you. Do you really want that, do you really have the capacity to do it?ā37
In January 2006, Fiasco signed with major footwear and apparel corporation Reebok becoming part of the "O.G" marketing campaign, where rap artists such as Lil Wayne and Mike Jones designed their own personal colorway of the Reebok "O.G" model.38 Fiasco also runs his own fashion label under the name "Trilly & Truly".39
On January 7, 2010, Lupe joined musician Kenna, actress Jessica Biel, and other celebrities and activists for an expedition to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro called Summit On The Summit to raise awareness of the billions of people worldwide who lack access to sanitary drinking water.40
On January 20, 2010, Lupe released a track called "Resurrection" with Kenna in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The song, part of a compilation released through the charity Music for Relief, aimed to encourage donations for immediate relief and long-term recovery following the devastating disaster.
Discography
- Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor (2006)
- Lupe Fiasco's The Cool (2007)
- Lasers (2010)
See also
References
- ^ Wikipedia Files interview of Lupe Fiasco
- ^ a b "Lupe Fiasco: Biography". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/lupefiasco/biography. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
- ^ Lee, Chris (2006-10-01). "Kick, push, coast, rap". The Seattle Times. The Seattle Times Company. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2003279913_skaterap01.html. Retrieved 2009-10-18.
- ^ a b Watson, Margeaux (2008-01-11). "Lupe Fiasco: The Art of Being Cool". Entertainment Weekly. Time. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20170520,00.html. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
- ^ a b Collins, Hattie (2008-04-12). "Lupe dreams". The Guardian. Guardian Media Group. http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2008/apr/12/urbanmusic.culture. Retrieved 2009-07-05.
- ^ a b Blackman, Guy (2007-01-08). "Lupe Fiasco - a sheep in wolf's clothing". The Age. Fairfax Media. http://www.stuff.co.nz/3921934a13975.html. Retrieved 2007-09-02.
- ^ a b "Lupe Fiasco: rapping outside the box". FindArticles. CBS Corporation. 2006-12. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_2_62/ai_n27094633/. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^ a b Creekmur, Chuck (2006-02-10). "Lupe Fiasco: Revenge of the Hip-Hop Nerd". Allhiphop.com. http://allhiphop.com/blogs/features/archive/2006/02/10/18133452.aspx. Retrieved 2007-09-02.
- ^ Morse, Russell (2006-09-07). "10 Artists to Watch 2006". Rolling Stone. Wenner Media. http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/11544785/10_artists_to_watch_2006_lupe_fiasco_the_noisettes_jibbs_silversun_pickups_paolo_nutini. Retrieved 2009-09-24.
- ^ a b Fruchter, Alexander (2006-05-11). "Hip To Be Square". Soundslam.com. http://www.soundslam.com/articles/interviews/interviews.php?interviews=in060511lupefi. Retrieved 2007-09-02.
- ^ Adaso, Henry. "Lupe Fiasco". About.com. http://rap.about.com/od/artists/p/LupeFiascobio.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-08.
- ^ a b Kellman, Andy. "Lupe Fiasco: Biography". Allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:dxfuxqlsldte~T1. Retrieved 2007-09-02.
- ^ MP3.com, 2006-09-26. Lupe Fiasco. MP3.com
- ^ Lupe's back-story on Exclaim.ca
- ^ Watson, Margeaux (2008-01-11). "Meet rapper Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's The Cool". Entertainment Weekly. Time. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20170758,00.html. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
- ^ Lupe Fiasco Declared GQ's Breakout Man Of The Year
- ^ OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers (July 31, 2008). OnMilwaukee.com Recommends: July 31 On Milwaukee. Accessed September 29, 2008.
- ^ "Lupe and Kanye teamed with Radiohead". MTV UK. 2007-05-30. http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/30052007/lupe_and_kanye_teamed_with_radiohead. Retrieved 2007-06-01.
- ^ Gudmundson, Darryl (2007-05-29). "Kanye, Lupe & Pharrell Form Supergroup???". HipHopDX.com. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5291/title.kanye-lupe-pharrell-form-supergroup. Retrieved 2007-06-01.
- ^ Dodero, Camille (2007-12-10). "Interview: Lupe Fiasco". The Village Voice. http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/archives/2007/12/interview_lupe.php. Retrieved 2008-11-05.
- ^ Lupe Fiasco Rises To This Year's number seven Hottest MC - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News
- ^ "Justice Remix Lupe Fiasco". MTV. http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/17042008/415479/justice_remix_lupe_fiasco. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
- ^ Tom Magrino (October 22, 2008). Rihanna, Duran Duran kissing Lips mid-November GameSpot. Accessed October 22, 2008.
- ^ http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=115&csid2=844&fid1=34791 "Exclaim News". Accessed November 14, 2008.
- ^ "Lupe Fiasco's Retirement Plans Deferred". Rap-Up. http://www.rap-up.com/2009/01/30/lupe-fiascos-retirement-plans-deferred. Retrieved 2009-02-01.
- ^ Martens, Todd (2009-04-09). "Coachella preview: Lupe Fiasco". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/04/coachella-preview-lupe-fiasco.html. Retrieved 2009-04-09.
- ^ http://lupefiasco-lupend.blogspot.com/2009/06/lupe-fiascos-lasers-update.html
- ^ Shining Down [feat. Matthew Santos (Explicit Album Version).] Amazon.
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/producers-take-lil-wayne-to-the-prom-1003934662.story
- ^ Shining Down [feat. Matthew Santos (Explicit Album Version).] Amazon.
- ^ [1]
- ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Raff46EYzHM
- ^ http://lupefiasco-lupend.blogspot.com/2009/11/mixtape-lupe-fiasco-enemy-of-state-love.html
- ^ http://recordlabelhistory.blogspot.com/2008/12/1st-15th-entertainment.html
- ^ http://www.hiphoprx.com/2007/06/04/lupe-fiascos-record-label-partner-sentenced-to-44-years-denies-involvement-in-drug-ring/
- ^ http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=10554
- ^ http://www.rubyhornet.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5728:lupe-fiasco&catid=21:interviews&Itemid=49
- ^ Simona Siad (2007-01-03). "Would you like music with your Reebok?: DJ Mick Boogie mixes tunes for kicks, and for fun". Excalibur. http://excal.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2726&Itemid=2. Retrieved 2007-04-08.
- ^ http://trillyandtruly.com/
- ^ Santigold and Lupe Fiasco to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro With Jessica Biel. 11 December, 2009.<http://pitchfork.com/news/37376-santigold-and-lupe-fiasco-to-climb-mount-kilimanjaro/>
External links
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Lupe Fiasco |
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![Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor [Explicit]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511U7euqAhL._SL160_.jpg)



![Lupe Fiasco's The Cool [Explicit]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41zbzNTuHRL._SL160_.jpg)

![Shining Down [Feat. Matthew Santos] (Explicit)](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41BI8rMg%2BQL._SL160_.jpg)

