The rap genre has evolved greatly over the last decade or two.
Rappers once were known for their ability to create verses based on life experiences or controversial issues. Mixtapes were like bibles to their hometown fans, who understood the daily struggles or positive moments.
Put simply, rap was more than short verses on women, money and drugs cut off by a long, pop-sounding chorus and bridge.
Lupe Fiasco’s “Tetsuo and Youth” is an example of what rap used to be and what it should become again.
The album is 16 tracks long with Lupe doing what he does best — rapping controversial and meaningful verses. Some songs push the 10-minute mark, showcasing how the rapper can be dangerous with words once you get him on a topic.
That being said, you shouldn’t be afraid of giving the album a listen. There are some tracks where Lupe breaks up his heavy words with beautifully sung hooks by Guy Sebastian, Nikki Jean, Terrace and Troi Martin. Don’t put tracks like “Blur My Hands,” featuring Sebastian, on a lower pedestal than the ones that are complete rap — these include just as much heavy content as songs like “Mural.”
One thing Lupe is known for is putting his mouth where it doesn’t always need to be. He’s had tendencies to create controversy by stating opinions on social platforms like Twitter because he just wants to be known for having one.
However, with “Tetsuo and Youth,” the artist is plainly rapping and creating opinions. He isn’t trying to be a controversial icon, he’s just being a rapper and through it is giving listeners plenty of opinions to digest.
Lupe discusses prisoner and police relationships in “Prisoner 1 and 2.” He creates the image of a gay marriage in “Little Death,” discussing how whichever side you stand on the issue, you’re still looked at as wrong.
In “Chopper,” his almost nine and a half minute collaboration track with Billy Blue, Buk of Psychodrama, Trouble, Trae Tha Truth, Fam Lay and Glasses Malone, Lupe and company drop multiple names including Barack Obama and Miley Cyrus. Needless to say, the rapper isn’t afraid to leave any topic or person on the sidelines.
Including the heavy lyrics, Lupe makes sure to make the record instrumentally dynamic.
“Dots and Lines” begins and ends with a banjo soundbite — something different and unexpected for a rap album. “Body of Work” ends with a jazz element, thick with saxophone.
While it takes multiple listens to fully absorb “Tetsuo and Youth,” it’s worth it in the end. Lupe’s musical and lyrical work deserves every praise — especially compared to the rest of today’s rap industry, all Twitter fights aside.