50 Cent vs. Lupe Fiasco feud?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Even during his days as a mixtape rapper, 50 Cent was known as one of hip hop's biggest forces. In 2003, 50 Cent released his commercial debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin', which was laced with disses aimed at Ja Rule. At the time, Ja Rule was the biggest rapper in the game, 50 Cent took that role.

On his second album, The Massacre, 50 Cent moved on from his feud with Ja Rule. While he still dissed his foe, 50 Cent began dissing Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and Nas. Because of this, Game, then a member of G-Unit, separated himself from 50 Cent. This led to a feud between the label-mates.

50 Cent sparked a feud with Cam'ron before the release of his third album, Curtis. At the same time, 50 Cent found common ground with Jadakiss. It has become clear what 50 Cent does when it is time for him to release a new album. 50 boasted of how he may decide to release a new album this year.

For his new "Street King" movement, 50 Cent has been releasing a new track every day. While the movement is for a worthy cause, 50 Cent took shots at Lupe Fiasco. After being out of the limelight for four years, Lupe Fiasco returned with his chart-topping album, Lasers. The album solidified Lupe Fiasco as the new socially-concious figure in hip hop. For the most part, Lupe Fiasco has stayed away from beef, but he had a minor tiff with Soulja Boy last December.

With 50 Cent apparently taking shots during a time when beef is more of a joke than a true competition, will Lupe Fiasco respond to 50 Cent, or will be invite him to dinner?

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Lupe Fiasco marches in Wall Street protest, speaks on New World Order

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Late last year, Lupe Fiasco returned to the game, after being away for a few years. Initially, Lupe Fiasco intended to release his third album in 2008. However, due to his content, Atlantic Records began giving him the runaround. Before coming back, Lupe Fiasco had a bout with suicide, among other things.

Upon releasing Lasers, Lupe Fiasco sold well over 200,000 copies in his first week and his singles were also successful. His Trey Songz-assisted "Out of My Head" single, became one of the biggest hits of the summer. Still, Lupe Fiasco made the most noise due to his controversial single, "Words I Never Said."

Aside from the music, Lupe Fiasco has been very outspoken. He has called out President Obama on a number of occasions. The president has not been the only victim of Lupe Fiasco, the entire government has. Taking a stand, Lupe Fiasco, along with a number of Americans gathered on Wall Street for the protest called "Occupy Wall Street."

Currently, the president is fighting for higher taxes on the wealthy and Lupe Fiasco can agree with him on something. Lupe Fiasco spoke on the high oil prices, which has led to the War on Terrorism, which has taken the United States into wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. People have been dying for eight years over this fight and there is still no resolution. Lupe Fiasco questioned this and he spoke out against the capitalist economy.

Lupe Fiasco asked the government to be honest about why they are fighting. If they are truly just fighting over a terrorist attack, Lupe Fiasco says "let it be known." Speaking during the protest, Lupe Fiasco said he feels this is all headed by the New World Order.

See what else Lupe Fiasco had to say in the video below:

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Lupe Fiasco delivers "Food & Liquor" Fifth Anniversary Edition

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Five years ago, Lupe Fiasco released his Food & Liquor debut album. In 2006, Lupe Fiasco received a major boost when Kanye West decided to release "Touch the Sky" as a single. Lupe Fiasco recorded a verse on the song, which ended up becoming a hit.

During the summer of 2006, Lupe Fiasco released "Kick, Push," and formally introduced himself. Since then, Lupe Fiasco has released critically-acclaimed music. Most-recently, he released his album, Lasers, which has been a commercial success.

Lupe Fiasco also announced he was working on a sequel to his 2006 debut. While the Food & Liquor 2 may not come out until next year, the five-year anniversary of the original was today. In celebration, Lupe Fiasco released the five year anniversary special.

The new album includes additional four tracks, "Theme Music to a Drive-By," "Tilted," "Carrera Lu" and "What It Do." Official videos for "I Gotcha" and "Daydreamin" are also included in the special edition.

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Lupe Fiasco boldly dubs himself "The Best" in Freestyle

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Currently, hip hop is in a very competitive mode. Almost everyone is taking shots at someone. At the forefront is Lil Wayne, with the shots he took at Jay-Z and Beyonce. Other than Wayne, there is the feud between Young Jeezy and Rick Ross, among other situations.

After being out of the spotlight for some time, Lupe Fiasco made a triumphant comeback, earlier this year. His "Out of My Head" collaboration, with Trey Songz, became the summer anthem. The overall Lasers album was met with mixed reviews. Despite the mixed reviews, many credit Lupe Fiasco as one of the best.

Lupe Fiasco is among the many who credit himself as the best. The hip hop scene is buzzing, with new albums from Jay-Z and Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Game, Ace Hood, and others. Recently, Lupe Fiasco freestyled and called himself the best in the freestyle, dissing Watch the Throne and Tha Carter IV.

Check the lyrics out below:

“When you’re done Watching The Throne, turn around and watch me, when you’re done with the Carter 4 come back to me for more, when you’re done with that Drake, no, I ain’t trying to hate but I’m back up on my grind and I’m about to skaaaaate on these niggas,” he rapped. “Put it on your blog and your tumblrs on your twitters that Lupe said that he’s the best, nigga!”

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Lupe Fiasco goes Double Platinum with "The Show Goes On"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After all the battling and fussing, Lupe Fiasco has emerged victorious. The outspoken rapper had trouble landing a secure release date for his Lasers album. In an effort to build buzz, Lupe Fiasco released "The Show Goes On" as his lead single.

The single quickly became a hit and fans began supporting the music from Lupe Fiasco. With everything going in his favor, Lupe Fiasco landed a release date. Lupe Fiasco next released the controversial "Words I Never Said," which helped propel his album to number one.

Lupe Fiasco has experienced tremendous commercial success with his new album. The success has continued, as his lead single has reached a new milestone. Recently, it was announced his "The Show Goes On" single had reached platinum status. With fans loving the first single, it has earned Lupe a broader fan base.

Now, this broader fan base has helped propel "The Show Goes On" to double platinum status.

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Lupe Fiasco working on "Food & Liquor 2"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Five years ago, the world was introduced to Lupe Fiasco through his debut album, Food & Liquor. The album was executive produced by Jay-Z, who wanted to sign him to Roc-A-Fella Records. Despite not signing Lupe Fiasco, Jay-Z still recorded a verse for the album.

The success of his debut album led to Atlantic Records scheduling another Lupe Fiasco album in 2007. While he posted his hit single, "Superstar," the album was not as successful as his debut. As a result, his next album faced three years of delays.

After a dispute with Atlantic Records and Lupe Fiasco almost going suicidal, Lasers was finally released. The album has since gone on to become the most-successful of his career. Now, Lupe Fiasco has started working on a sequel to his debut album.

Lupe Fiasco said he is applying the lessons he learned on Lasers to Food & Liquor 2. While he does not have release date selected for the album, he hopes to release the sequel to his debut album sometime before the end of 2012.

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Lupe Fiasco discusses his Fan Base

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After three years of battling with Atlantic Records, Lupe Fiasco was able to release Lasers. While the album was far from what he wanted, it has been his biggest commercial release to date. In a matter of days, Lupe went from wanting to leave the label to praising them for their promotion.

Had it not been for his die hard fans, Lupe Fiasco may still be waiting on the release of Lasers. Following the release of his second album, The Cool, Atlantic Records wanted Lupe Fiasco to go pop. When he refused, Atlantic refused to release new albums from him.

Recently, Lupe Fiasco opened up about the fans who helped revive his career. The Chicago rapper said he does not have to put out another album again. Because of the fan base he has already built, his name will always be relevant. Lupe Fiasco remained a major hip hop figure even though it took four years for him to release an album and he credits his fan base for this turnaround.

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Lupe Fiasco hits a snag with "Lasers"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For months, Lupe Fiasco has been discussing how unhappy he is with his label situation. Ever since 2008, Lupe Fiasco has been trying to release his third album. Atlantic Records has made up various excuses before Lupe fans forced their hand. In return, they forced his hand, making him go commercial.

When the media gained access to Lasers, the album was met with negative reviews. Because of this, Lupe Fiasco went into a slight depression. During this time, he admitted he had been suicidal over his career. B.o.B.'s hit single, "Nothin' on You," was intended for him, but Atlantic Records took it.

Lupe Fiasco was on top of the world last week, though. Despite all of the drama, his album debuted on top of the charts. Now, however, Lupe Fiasco is back to reality. The Chicago rapper is expected to see a 75% decline in his record sales. The drop is one of the biggest in recent history in the span of only one week. Even with the fast start, Lasers, may very well be Lupe Fiasco's most disappointing album, overall.

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Lupe Fiasco celebrates chart-topping Record Sales

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The album that gave Lupe Fiasco the most pain has turned out to be the one that rewarded him the most. Lupe Fiasco has tried to remain outside of the box. His first two albums were unlike other albums released during that period of time. Fans were attracted to Lupe Fiasco because he was different.

Atlantic Records signed Lupe Fiasco because he was different, but he was not treated like T.I. and other major stars. Lupe's content went deeper than most rappers. All of his messages were positive, but he told them in such a deep lyrical mannger. The label wanted Lupe Fiasco to change on his third album.

Eventually Lupe Fiasco gave in, just a little bit, to his label's demands. In the weeks leading up to Lasers' release, Lupe had nothing but bad things to say. However, following the chart-topping success, Lupe Fiasco has been celebrating left and right. He has even had positive things to say about Atlantic Records.

Years of hard work have finally paid off for Lupe Fiasco and he is thankful for it.

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Lupe Fiasco tops Billboard Hot 200

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Throughout his career, Lupe Fiasco has been in the shadows for various reasons. Having the opportunity to sign with Roc-A-Fella, he decided to follow his own path. Lupe Fiasco has spent his entire career on Atlantic Records. Initially, the relationship was strong, but it is now in shambles.

Lupe Fiasco was hurt when Lasers, his latest album, was met with negative reviews. Quickly, he blamed this on Atlantic Records, who basically strong-armed him. The label wanted him to go pop, but he refused to do so. Because of this, Lupe Fiasco's album was delayed from 2008 until 2011.

Despite the album not being what Lupe Fiasco wanted, the fans have responded positively. The album sold over 200,000 copies in its first week. Lupe Fiasco has hit a new peak, in terms of popularity, despite being at his lowest. First, his "Show Goes On" single goes gold and now he is celebrating having the highest-selling album on Billboard for the first time in his career.

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Lupe Fiasco defends President Obama diss

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

While he has not recorded with Jay-Z since 2006, Lupe Fiasco is still under pressure. When he emerged into the game, Lupe attracted fans because he was different. The lyrics from Lupe Fiasco made listeners think. His first two albums sold very well, but his label wanted him to go mainstream for his third album.

After his 2007 album, The Cool, sold 700,000 copies, Lupe Fiasco was reluctant to change his style. But, having his next project delayed for nearly four years helped Lupe Fiasco change his mind. Despite abiding by Atlantic Records' rules, Lupe's album has been a commercial and critical flop.

Each day, Lupe Fiasco is in the news for one reason or another and he made news because he called out the president. Lupe Fiasco was among the rappers vocal during the 2008 Presidential Election. Being a Chicago native, and a man from the rough neighborhoods in the violent city, he supported Barack Obama. It seems most rappers have stopped talking now that Obama is president.

However, Lupe Fiasco has continued to be vocal, even calling the president out. Lupe Fiasco recently said it was necessary for him to call President Obama out. At this point in his career, Lupe said he no longer cares about being famous and having attention. When he reads his bank account statements, Lupe Fiasco sees he has not made any money from his record label. Their plans to have him cross over did not work and Lupe has taken matters into his own hands.

When speaking on the "Words I Never Said" song, Lupe Fiasco questioned how disrespectful he had been by only telling the truth. Lupe Fiasco said everything in the song was true, when Gaza was bombed and hundreds of people died, President Obama did not say anything. Instead of being disrespectful, Lupe Fiasco said he was only speaking the truth and deciding not to cast a ballot for something he does not believe in anymore.

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Lupe Fiasco nearly done with "Food & Liquor 2"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Currently, Lupe Fiasco is preparing for the release of his long-awaited album, Lasers. After giving in to the demands of his label, his album was prepared for release. However, Lasers has been met with negative reviews, unlike his other two albums. The negative reviews have hurt Lupe tremendously.

But, Lupe Fiasco has been a fighter throughout his career. Knocked down once, he has already gotten back up. Before Lasers can even be released, Lupe Fiasco is already working on his next album. Five years ago, Lupe released his classic debut, Food & Liquor. Many predicted he would become big after this album.

While the popularity did not come for Lupe Fiasco, the critical acclaim did and he is working to get it back. During an album signing, the Chicago emcee announced to fans he was nearly done with a sequel to his 2006 debut album. One fan asked if Atlantic Records would force him to make changes to this album, too. Lupe Fiasco said Atlantic Records would not be making him change one thing on this album.

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Lupe Fiasco blasts Atlantic Records over "Lasers" content

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

One reason why it has taken four years for Lupe Fiasco to release Lasers is because of its content. When he released his first two albums, Atlantic Records did not like his music because it was "too deep." Lupe wanted his third album to be similar in content and his album was delayed to give him time to change up.

Lupe Fiasco said he was speficically told not to go too deep on this album. He said the message came straight from the executives of Atlantic Records. The Chicago rapper was told how fast or slow to rap and how complex he could be. This has been too much for Lupe, as he is writing about himself.

With his album finally set to come next week, Lupe Fiasco said he was basically strong-armed by Atlantic Records. Finishing his latest album, Lupe Fiasco admitted he lost his creativity. This is something that hurts, especially when the artist is as creative as he is. Now, at the end of the day, his album has been panned by critics and it is because of the pressure Atlantic Records placed upon him.

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Lupe Fiasco responds to "Lasers" leak

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With his Lasers album finally on the way, Lupe Fiasco was excited to return to the spotlight. The album, much like all albums, was leaked to the internet a week before its release. Due to the leak, many hip hop websites and critics have already checked the album out.

Lupe Fiasco is used to receiving positive reviews from critics on his albums. He openly avoided going mainstream to focus more on lyrical ability. But, for his third album, he gave in to the demands of Atlantic Records and featured many high-profile guests.

Lasers has not gotten the response Lupe Fiasco assumed it would get. So far, his third album has had mostly negative reviews from the critics. Earlier this week, Lupe Fiasco expressed his own frustrations with the album, but he still thought the critics would love it. Lupe was wrong on many levels and he has responded.

Despite the negative reviews, Lupe Fiasco praised his fans for forcing Atlantic Records to give him a solid release date. He went on to state he never thought Lasers would inspire such a major wave of negativity and he was crushed because of it. Still, Lupe Fiasco is encouraging fans to support the album and purchase copies next week.

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Lupe Fiasco upset with "Lasers" album

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Three years of anticipation have boiled down to seven days of waiting before Lupe Fiasco releases his third studio album. On this album, Lupe has a star-studded lineup. Lupe Fiasco had only a few big names on his previous albums. But, with Lasers, he has gone all out.

The album would have been released years ago, but Lupe Fiasco has had disagreements with Atlantic Records. Finally, Lupe gave in to some of their demands. The result of this was them finally agreeing to release his album. Excited because of this, he has been heavily promoting the new release.

With the album set to come next week, Lupe Fiasco opened up about the material. Describing this album, Fiasco said he loves and hates this album. Listening to the music and the subject matter on his songs fills Lupe Fiasco with joy. But, when he thinks about all of the fighting that went on with his label as he tried to record, and the delays, he gets highly upset.

Outside of the feelings, Lupe has some songs on the album that he likes and some songs on the album that he does not like. Then, he has some songs in which he is neutral on and will let the fans decide. Lupe Fiasco thinks of the songwriters and artists who did not want to work with him on this album when he listens to some songs and he gets upset. But, when he thinks about his album finally being released, he quickly cheers up, acknowledging it is a sharp turn from 2007's The Cool.

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Lupe Fiasco goes gold with "The Show Goes On"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Nearly four years have passed since Lupe Fiasco last released an album. By the looks of things, it was well worth the wait, as Lupe has been one of 2011's most popular rappers. In a little less than two weeks, Lupe Fiasco will be releasing his third album, Lasers.

Originally, Lupe Fiasco had planned to release his third album in 2008, but he could not land a secure date. Meanwhile, Plies ended up releasing two albums in 2008. Lupe Fiasco soon was pushed back to 2009 and no album came.

Atlantic Records said Lupe Fiasco would release his long-awaited third album in 2010. While the album did not come, he soon landed a March 2011 release date. In December, the first single, "The Show Goes On" was released.

The song has quickly become one of the most popular songs out. The video has been well-received by critics and fans. Now, with the song being played and downloaded so much, it has become a seller. Recently, it was announced Lupe Fiasco has sold 500,000 copies of "The Show Goes On." The song has been certified gold and Lupe Fiasco hopes Lasers will follow suit.

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Lupe Fiasco prepares "Fiasco Fridays II" for "Lasers" promotion

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After missing four years of action, Lupe Fiasco is doing all he can to promote his third album, Lasers. Many fans were turned off from Lupe Fiasco because of his subjecy matter. But, on the other hand, hip hop heads have been in love with Lupe since he first released Food & Liquor.

In recent months, Lupe Fiasco has been in the headlines for various reasons. Last fall, he was dissed by teen sensation, Soulja Boy. Throughout his career, Soulja Boy has been accused of not being a real rapper. In defense to his lyrical style, he said he is nothing like Lupe Fiasco who is too lyrical.

Not long after replying to Soulja Boy, Lupe Fiasco began promoting his new album. Lupe has had release dates for the album since 2008. Finally set with a secure release date, Lupe Fiasco officially started the promotion for his album. With the album right around the corner, Lupe has joined the rappers who release weekly music.

Until the official release date of Lasers, Lupe Fiasco will release a new track each Friday, called "Fiasco Fridays II."

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Lupe Fiasco wants "Lasers" first single to be Controversial

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Having been away for four years, Lupe Fiasco is looking to grab the attention of the rap world. Had it not been for his label, Lupe would have released Lasers years ago. But, for unknown reasons, Atlantic Records held up the release of his album.

Known for being an outside of the box rapper, Lupe Fiasco wants to come back strong. In an effort to lure mainstream fans in, the Chicago rapper has Trey Songz on the album. Their collaboration is destined for greatness.

But, because of the current situation in the world and his album situation, Lupe wants to turn heads. He is currently working on what will be Lasers' first single. Lupe Fiasco wants this single to be the most-controversial single of 2011.

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Hip Hop needs Lupe Fiasco and "Lasers"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Four years have passed since Lupe Fiasco last released an album. Much like other low-selling rap artists, Lupe has had trouble with his record label, Atlantic Records. The reason for these troubles have been his subject matter. For years, hip hop fans complained that Lupe Fiasco is too philosophical.

Soulja Boy commented on Lupe Fiasco a couple of months ago, saying he wanted to show his lyrical ability, but he did not want to be like Lupe Fiasco. He said Lupe raps and people do not understand what he is talking about. Soulja Boy goes on to say that is why he does not sell many records.

When Soulja Boy came into the game, he received negative publicity when he was criticized for his lack of lyrical ability. It has been this way for multiple Southern rappers. Over the years, rappers have turned this around and defended their lack of lyrical ability. Soulja Boy admits he keeps his rhymes simple so people can party. Young Jeezy and Jim Jones often state their "swagger" keeps them going.

Young Jeezy and Jim Jones have recently began receiving heavier radio play. The criticism has stopped for these rappers, as they have finally gained respect in the hip hop game. But, with Lupe Fiasco preparing his return to the game, he is receivng negative flack. However, hip hop was founded on the same principles exhibited by Lupe Fiasco. He is always telling a story in his rhymes and he relies on his wit, leaving fans to decipher what he said and have their own take on it.

In the early days of hip hop, rappers like Lupe Fiasco were prominent. However, over the years, such rappers as Soulja Boy, Jim Jones, and Young Jeezy have emerged and they rely on their "swagger." Now, with Lupe Fiasco coming back, it is looking as if he is the one who is uncool. Hip hop is also about everyone being free to be themselves without criticism. When Soulja Boy emerged in the game, he came in with a different style, as did Lupe Fiasco.

Especially in recent years, hip hop has been dumbed down more and more by the day. The hip hop scene desperately needs Lupe Fiasco back to balance the game again. Almost every rapper coming out is trying to be like someone else. When he was out before, Lupe Fiasco was Lupe Fiasco and he called himself cool, even if no one else did. When Lasers is released, he will be bringing this back to the game. Because of this, hip hop needs Lupe Fiasco and Lasers.

However, this does not mean hip hop does not need Soulja Boy, Young Jeezy, and Jim Jones. Hip hop needs to respect artists who rely on "swagger" as well as artists who rely on intellect.

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