If you’ve never seen the anime film, Akira, you’ve missed out on a work of art that has just as much depth to it than, well, a metaphor from Lupe Fiasco. It contains themes of fate vs. free will, friendship, the journey for power, and sacrifice. So for an intellectual emcee like that of Lupe’s caliber to name his fifth album after the antagonist of a highly praised anime film, it’s safe to assume that he’s layered many complex lyrical intricacies for the listener to peel away with each listen. And we got a taste of just that at Irving Plaza Monday night.
As the venue slowly filled in and the widely varied crowd crept closer to the stage, the first opening act, Chris Cartier stepped out for a short set sans DJ. The young NYC rapper confidently warmed up the crowd, as they started their first round of drinks, with a passionate delivery capped off by an a capella verse for his girlfriend who was stuck outside of the venue. Soon after, Ro Spit and Boy Illinois held it down for the Midwest with their respective sets. Our Unsigned Hype alumnus Dee-1 was up next and proved that he deserved his recent deal with RCA Inspiration, dreads and all.
Mickey Factz did the most with his set by creating a 1 of 1 graffiti piece of Mickey Mouse on stage that he said he would sell later. He also previewed a track with Erykah Badu on the hook and a guest verse from Lupe, who stepped on stage to tease a few bars for the crowd. Then during Mickey’s last record, “Venice,” he had two women join him on stage-one coyly brandishing a black fan and the other carrying a bouquet, which was later tossed into the crowd as if it were a wedding. The Honest Cowboy, Stalley did right by MMG standards with “Swangin,” “Samson,” “Pound,” and “Petrin Hill Peonies.” He hit the stage and owned it like it was in Massillon, Ohio.
With only the house music on low in the venue, everyone knew that everyone else was anticipating the final set-Lupe. But before the show went on a woman off stage wanted to remind everyone in the building that Lupe is much more than just an artist. He’s a community leader who is supporting his Lupe Fiasco Foundation. The proceeds from the t-shirts they had on sale goes to teacher training, student grants, and so much more for the education of the youth in Chicago. Then as the visuals of a pair of eyes flicked on screen on the stage and drunk college kids shouted, “Lupe! Lupe! Lupe!” Mr. Fiasco came on stage to show the youth how a kid from a city in the Midwest, arguably the best city in the whole wide-wide world puts on a show. It was hit after hit for Lupe’s set with “Kick Push,” “Hip-Hop Saved My Life,” “Paris, Tokyo,” “Go Go Gadget Flow,” “Daydreamin’,” and his verse on “Touch The Sky.” And of course he stayed true to the name of the tour by performing “Crack,” which is to feature Chris Brown, and “Drizzy’s Law.” Both new tracks are supposed to be ratchet in the sense of being graphic and unfiltered truth. And judging by the crowd reaction, it may take some time for them to jump on board. Lupe’s knack to throw curve balls with each project seems to polarize some fans to either confusion or even more respect. Only time will tell with Tetsuo And Youth but we’re excited to see how we fall on the spectrum.
You can catch Lupe Fiasco tonight as well back at Irving Plaza with a slightly different lineup of opening artists: The Rapper: H, Boy Illinois, Your Boy For Life, Stalley, and Mickey Factz. Buy those tickets HERE. If it says that there are none left, call the venue to check if they’re selling any at the box office. For any Lupe fans, it’s definitely not a show you want to miss.
Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)
Shenae Curry (@xCurry08)
