- Genre: Hip-Hop
- Influenced by: Brand Nubian, Q-Tip, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Intelligent Hoodlum, Ed O.G & da Bulldogs, Spice 1, Freeway, Two Kings in a Cipher, Eightball & MJG
- Similar Artists: Danny!, Twista, Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Jean Grae, Little Brother, Rhymefest, One Be Lo, Ray Cash
Chicago-based Muslim MC Lupe Fiasco began rapping in junior high school and joined a group called Da Pak several years later. The group signed to Epic, released one single, and split up, all before Fiasco reached the age of 20. Thanks in part to the vocal support of Jay-Z, L.A. Reid signed Fiasco as a solo artist to Arista, but before anything of significance was able to happen (only a promo single and a couple guest appearances were set up), Reid was fired, leaving the MC without a label. Fiasco eventually landed at Atlantic. Preceded by the single "Kick, Push," as well as several mixtapes and an appearance on Kanye West's "Touch the Sky," the album Food & Liquor was set to surface during early 2006, though an unfinished version leaked during the spring, pushing its official release back to September instead. The album earned Fiasco three Grammy nominations. A highly conceptualized follow-up, The Cool, was released in December 2007. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
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All The Way 'Live' Platinum-plated rapper Lil' Wayne will join Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps for the season premiere of 'SNL.' Also news on 5Macis Staple, Yolanda Adams and DMX. All of that and much more in Black Music Notes.