Lupe Fiasco’s newest album disappoints, panders to Atlantic Records

Ryan Chippy
Contributor
Regardless of the critical acclaim and recognition he’s earned, Lupe Fiasco learned the hard way that artists are always subject to the whim of their record label. Despite overwhelming praise – and a gold certification – Fiasco disputed fruitlessly with Atlantic Records over the content of Lasers. Eventually, he gave in to the label’s demands and released an album that has disappointed the fans who have waited two years for its release.
For those familiar with Lupe Fiasco’s work, interference from the label is evident in songs seemingly added for commercial appeal and not at all befitting his style. From the synth-heavy, Black Eyed Peas-inspired “I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now” to the aptly titled “Out of My Head,” Lupe seems nonchalant and apathetic, struggling through songs included to appease Atlantic – at the expense of his fanbase.
To be fair, Lupe is also genuine at moments. His profound, introspective and socially relevant lyrics are delivered impeccably in tracks such as “Beautiful Lasers.” Despite his record label’s ambitions, his creativity shines through and the audience gets a sense of his personal struggles.
Overall, the album does have brief moments of pure artistic brilliance, making it accessible for first-time listeners; however, avid fans (such as myself) will have to wait once more for a worthy follow-up to the work that put Lupe above the rest – hopefully without a meddling label in play the next time around.