Out of nowhere, Lupe Fiasco drops a track for his fans. As we all wait for his upcoming album Tetsuo & Youth, Lupe drops “Animal Pharm” for the viral world. The Chi-Town MC’s wordplay is nuts on this track as he eloquently tells a story, putting his own spin on the George Orwell’s masterpiece. Listen to the track below.

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May is coming to a close, and that means that most schools around the country will be out for summer. With that in mind, XXL decided to dig into the archives and look back at some of our favorite rappers when they were still in school. Now, here’s a collection of 35 yearbook photos from some of hip-hop’s biggest acts.

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This week’s biggest new release comes from Lil Wayne with I Am Not A Human Being II, while the likes of Durag Dynasty and the Ces Cru hold now the underground scene. At the same time, P.A.P.I. – also known as N.O.R.E. – and Stalley deliver new high-profile singles.

Album Releases

Lil Wayne – I Am Not A Human Being II

Durag Dynasty – 360 Waves

The Las Supper (Big Daddy Kane, Showtyme & The Lifted Crew) – Back To The Future

Ces Cru - Constant Energy Struggles

Trinity (AG, Sadat X & DJ Jab) - 20 In

Single Releases

Stalley feat. Scarface – “Swangin”

P.A.P.I. a/k/a N.O.R.E. feat. Pharrell – “The Problem (Lawwwwdddd)”

Talib Kweli feat. Freddie Gibbs & Jon Connor – “Makes No Sense”

Smoke DZA – “Ghost of Dipset”

The post Recap: New Releases & Weekly Album Sales, Ending 3/20/13 appeared first on XXL.

Lupe Fiasco has never been one to hold his tongue when it comes to waxing eloquent about certain social and political issues. Now, the Chicago emcee takes aim at violent music in a new diatribe.

Yesterday, Lupe published a series of Tweets decrying violent lyrics in hip-hop. According to Lu, violent music provides “positive reinforcement for negative actions,” and that many artists hide behind the excuse of art reflecting life to justify it.

Later on in the line of discourse, Lupe owned up to his own use of violent lyrics early in his career, saying that he’s become fed up with hip-hop playing the soundtrack to news stories like the 13-month-old Georgia baby who was recently killed in a shooting. Ultimately, he said that some emcees at least need to own up to the violent content of their songs.

Check out a portion of the Tweets in question below.

 

Q: Does violence in music promote/cause/support/influence violence in the world and society? A: Of course it does.@pro_orangetree

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

Violent music (and all violent media) effectively says its “ok” to be violent. It provides positive reinforcement for negative actions.

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

If you rap and make violent music then own up to it. Stop hiding behind “art imitating life” as a way to evade the guilt. — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

 

“How the hell you gonna tell this man not 2 be violent?, Cuz he dont need to go the same route that I did”-Eminem & Dr. Dre “Choices” — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

 

correct title of the song aside, U know what I meant!The issue stands that violent music puts violence into this world one way or another. — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

It creates the atmosphere that violence is an acceptable means to an end. Agree or disagree doesnt really matter at this point honestly.

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

 

But to not even acknowledge the possibility that violent music has even the most minute effect on violence in the world is frankly bullshit.

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

 

Ive made violent music. Done violent things. Most my friends are violent. Lived in violent neighbors. Seen violence first hand.

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

A certain point you start to get tired of it. You ask why? why is it like this? what is causing this? why is this ok to live like this? — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

Then you turn on the news and see that a 12 month old got shot in the face by two teenagers in Georgia for no reason at all. — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

Then you hear a song on the radio talking about “shooting everyone in sight”…bad times man…fuck… — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

you may not give two shits about the next man and his troubles and thats cool with me…live you life…but I do and most people I know do — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

but dont sit there and act like high ass inner city murder rates are just falling from the sky for absolutely no reason… — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

everything plays a part…EVERYTHING. Take responsibility for the part you play. motherfuckers can at least start there. — Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

yeah I got issues. My hood aint been safe in 25 years! At the point now u can die for nothing. just random death and disregard. tired of it

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

I know you don’t hear me. I guess its the LAST desperate act of a desperate man in desperate times. On one…peace…

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) March 24, 2013

[via RapRadar]

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It’s been a pretty wild week in hip-hop. Then again, if you looked at most weeks through the scope of hip-hop, just about every one would be considered wild. Either way, Chief Keef is out of prison, and you can’t help but be excited for the young Glory Boy, but also worry about what trouble he might get into next. Gucci Mane put out a new song and is continuing to tease Trap House 3, which we’re sure will be better or at least just as good as Trap House 1 and 2. And of course, rappers old and new traveled to our nation’s sweaty underbelly for South By Southwest, where artists like Yelawolf put on lively shows while the rest of the city’s visitors explored Austin’s great cart food options.

In our new weekly column called In the Cut, the diversely-opinionated XXL staff celebrates another lively week in hip-hop and picks some of their favorite releases from the past week. Some are songs, some are videos, all are incredible in their own way. See you next week, rap world.

Gucci Mane – “Hell Yes”

Guwop tries his hand at Future’s sensitive, auto-tuned crooning and nails it. Whether sincere or manufactured, Gucci sounds legitimately melancholy here and going platinum in ‘Auskralia’ has never sounded so lonely. I can only pray Trap House 3 sees more of this. – Neil Martinez-Belkin, Assistant Music Editor

Birdman ft. Lil Wayne, Future, Mack Maine & Nicki Minaj – “Tapout”

This song is pretty vulgar and also features Mack Maine, but the way Future says “Million Dollar Ooooh” is incredible, so now I recite that particular part very often, and in public. – NMB

Drake – “5 AM In Toronto”

I know this came out last week, but Drake’s “5AM in Toronto” was on repeat for me this whole week. Before I go on my pro-Drake rant, I must say thanks to all those who fired up Mr T.O. to body this cut because the boy sounds ten times hungrier (“I’m on my King James shit, I’m tryin’ to win here again”) and 20 times as confident (“Give these niggas the look, the verse, and even the hook/That’s why every song sound like Drake featuring Drake”). You can’t go wrong when these two factors come into play when Drizzy’s on the mic. Nothing Was the Same!!! – Ralph Bristout, Assistant Lifestyle Editor

AZ - “Thank You (Freestyle)”

AZ returned this week with a gem on this dope joint that featured the legendary DJ Doo Wop providing a medley of beats. Everything the original Sosa’s been dropping as of late sounds good. I’m looking forward to that Doe Or Die II. – RB

Chief Keef – “Now It’s Over”

It’s a joyous occasion for Chief Keef fans everywhere. Yesterday, Sosa was released after serving 60 days in a juvenile detention center. His first order of business was feeding the streets once again. “Now It’s Over” is his comeback cut that finds him relishing in the moment. He returns with unapologetic rhymes and a tough hook, showing the time away hasn’t affected him musically. It’s a strong start to the #SosaBack campaign, which will pick up speed when Bang: The Mixtape Pt. 2 drops later this year. – Eric Diep, Editorial Assistant

Yelawolf ft. A$AP Rocky & Big Henry – “Gangster”

Yelawolf went through some hardships after releasing label debut Radioactive, but looks to redeem himself with Trunk Muzik Returns. One of the tape’s few posse cuts is “Gangster,” which features A$AP Rocky and newcomer Big Henry. Produced by WillPower, now going by SupaHotBeats, the song illustrates revealing tales of friends close to those deeply involved in the hustler’s grind. In other words, “Gangster” is gritty hip-hop at its purest. Catfish Billy is back. – ED

Lupe Fiasco – “Jonylah Forever”

You’ve probably heard about the violence that’s very real in Chicago right now. While the music stemming from the popular drill scene is a direct reflection of the city’s current woes, there’s no denying that a voice of reason is necessary to echo what’s really going on. “Jonylah Forever” by the most hated-yet-beloved rapper from the Chi, Lupe Fiasco, is a more literal deliberation. Six-month-old Jonylah Watkins shouldn’t have taken five bullets that were aimed at her father, who was changing her diaper at the time. The somber hook, and Lupe’s imaginary plot of what could’ve been Jonylah’s fate is heart-aching. This is headphone reality rap that should rally you up to stand against injustice and the decaying system, but you don’t hear me though… – Jaeki Cho, Senior Online Editor

AraabMuzik – “Motion Picture”

The way AraabMuzik pummels the poor MPC gets the overarching energy so hype, it makes you want to nod your head until your neck cracks. Plus, the weary, synthesized, night-cruise-before-a-robbery melody sets an ominous mood for some criminal-minded ventures. “Motion Picture” gets you in that zone, and the dance music tidbit finale is an excusable slot for you to sly up on a shorty. Bong! – JC

Ghostface Killah ft. Adrian Younge & William Hart of the Delfonics – “Enemies All Around Me”

Ghostface’s collaborative album 12 Reasons to Die with Black Dynamite composer/editor Adrian Younge has been at the top of my must-listen list since it was announced back in November. Now, hearing Ghost over Younge’s spaghetti-western-by-way-of-Wu-Tang production – featuring the incredible William Hart of the Delfonics, no less – has me more excited than ever. – Sean Ryon, News Editor

Marco Polo ft. Big Daddy Kane – “Nite & Day”

I’ve been following Marco Polo ever since I saw a massive ad for his debut album Port Authority plastered above Fat Beats (RIP) back in ’07, so to hear one of my earliest favorite producers link up with an icon like Big Daddy Kane has me in somewhat of a underground rap nerd trip. Marco’s crisp boom-bap drums and densely-layered samples provide the perfect back drop for Kane, who after 20-plus years of making music, can still tear a whole in your speaker with his rhymes. – SR

Blu & Exile ft. Andy Allo – “Ease Your Mind” Video

For those of us who remember Below the Heavens, hearing Blu and Exile re-connect is always a positively nostalgic experience, especially after rumors that Blu was heavy in the crack game (not as a dealer). But he looks like he’s back to normal in this Wes Anderson-inspired video that shows Blu and Exile on a boat, which is probably a metaphor for something. – Dan Buyanovsky, Associate Editor

T.I. – “Addresses” Short Film

I love this “short film” purely for its ironic ignorance. It’s like T.I. doesn’t even remember going to prison on federal weapons charges, three years ago. In the video, he’s seen holding a semi-automatic rifle and balks pretty convincingly about killing someone who has apparently wronged him. Oh Clifford, you’ll never learn. – DB

FRIDAY BONUS:

The-Dream – “Tron”

If I woke up in a new Bugatti today, I’d probably listen to this song on repeat and drive around South Beach with no shirt on. What I’m trying to say is, The-Dream unexpectedly goes in harder than a lot of the trap rappers I’ve heard in recent memory, and yes, I’m saying that about the guy who wrote “Umbrella.” The world’s a crazy place. – DB 

The post In the Cut: XXL’s Song Picks of the Week appeared first on XXL.

In honor of the death of 6-month-old Jonylah Watkins, who was gunned down as her father changed the baby’s diaper; Lupe Fiasco released a new song under her name. “Jonylah Watkins” is a personal account of the ongoing problems of gun violence, as Lupe addresses her youth and the struggles of being in a street gang world. Says Lupe:

She lives as long as we do. She will live forever. God bless your soul and the family you left behind. We Love You.
Not a song but a life. Be respectful Please keep negative comments to yourself.#lovelifechitownforever

For more details on this developing story, head over to ABC Local.

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South By Southwest Music is officially kicking off later this week. During a stop at Austin’s Hyatt Place, Lupe Fiasco announced his new role as creative director at Higi, which he is assisting in launching a new health and wellness app.

The app calculates a Klout-like score—ranging from 1 to 999—and combines body vitals like blood pressure and weight. It gives extra weight to wellness measures like social interaction and community interaction. Lupe explains that the latter part of the Higi score can help show results in lowering either category.

“When I first checked in I was 160 [pounds] and my score was something like 760. I checked in today, and I was 155, but even though I lost 5 pounds I wasn’t active in my social activity enough and my blood pressure was a little high… It shows you how weight and wellness aren’t the same thing. You can be super fit and super depressed because you’re not interacting with your social network. You could work out and work out, but that doesn’t really translate to how happy you are in life. You could be at home super happy, super comfortable, just logging in to your computer all day, but your body is paying for it.”

Higi will be available as an app for iOS and a kiosk near the pharmacy in stores such as Shop Rite, K-Mart and others. An interesting feature of the app is a photo-tagging feature that allows users to upload images of their meals or their social activities. It then provides suggestions to work it off based on the relative calorie content.

Lupe is excited to hit the ground running with his involvement as creative director. “The dope part about this, other than just being creative director, is adding value to this company, because it adds value to the world,” he said.

[via Billboard]

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Lupe Fiasco calls releasing new music like verbal exercises. His output has been all over the place lately, but that’s just means he is keeping busy.

Earlier today, he released a snippet of the song “Light Blue” along with a message: “DONT MIND ME….JUST STAYING IN SHAPE…JUST PRACTICE…LIKE A PIANO PLAYER OR A GYMNAST. Not on T&Y…So pls dont Say It Is on your blog. Thanx.”

To be clear: this won’t appear on his upcoming project, Tetsuo & Youth. However, it is some new Lupe to vibe out to. Listen to “Light Blue” below.

[via P&P]

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Happy 31st birthday, Lupe Fiasco!

The rapper, who was raised in Chicago, popped onto the scene in 2006 with the debut album, Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor. The album was nominated for three Grammy awards and followed it up with three more albums.

In addition to music, Lupe has a passion for fashion and has two clothing lines. He also has his own record label and has also not forgotten to give back, working with numerous charities.

The post Happy Birthday Lupe Fiasco appeared first on XXL.

Lupe Fisaco and Guy Sebastian put on a stunning performance of “Battle Scars,” the single off Lupe’s album, Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album. The Chi-Town spitter recently announced the new title of his next project, which will be Tetsuo & Youth, due out sometime in 2013. Check out the performance above.

The post Watch Lupe Fiasco and Guy Sebastian Perform on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” appeared first on XXL.

Drake took care of some business by winning his first GRAMMY ever by taking home for Best Rap Album with “Take Care.”

The album ended 2012 on Billboard’s charts as the #1 Rap Album, #1 R&B/Hip-Hop Album and #3 album overall on the Billboard 200.

Here’s the full list of Best Rap Album nominees:
Drake, Take Care
Label: Cash Money Records

Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1
Label: Atlantic

Nas, Life Is Good
Label: Def Jam

The Roots, Undun
Label: Island Def Jam

Rick Ross, God Forgives, I Don’t
Label: Def Jam

2 Chainz, Based On A T.R.U. Story
Label: Island Def Jam

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Lupe Fiasco was set to be the headliner for the StartUp RockOn concert to celebrate President Obama’s re-election last night. After spending more than 30 minutes performing “Words I Never Said,” he was removed from the stage for not supporting the current administration.

While on stage at The Hamilton in Washington D.C., Lupe announced that he never voted for Obama in November’s election. The song’s lyrics were a red flag, especially these lines: “Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a racist/Gaza strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say shit.” He was also asked to move on to the next song, but he refused.

Josh Rogin, who is a staff writer for The Cable, was live at the scene and described what happened:

Lupe Fiasco just got thrown off stage here at the Hamilton Live after he went on an anti-Obama diatribe mid set.

— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) January 21, 2013

So Lupe played one anti-war song for 30 min and said he didn’t vote for Obama and eventually was told to move on to the next song.

— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) January 21, 2013

So Lupe played one anti-war song for 30 min and said he didn’t vote for Obama and eventually was told to move on to the next song.

— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) January 21, 2013

Fiasco has been outspoken about the president and politics before. Last summer, during a press run for Food & Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1, he had criticisms about Obama’s strategies on the war on terrorism.

“On one hand, you have someone who is a great speaker, but kills little children – our President.” He continued, “I’m talking about ordering a drone attack. Ordering drone attacks that go and kill mothers, innocent bystanders, children. Militants too, but the collateral damage. You’re responsible for that, too.”

Earlier this morning, Hypervocal—which co-founded StartUp RockOn with EventFarm and Fighter Interactive—released an official statement about last night’s incident that says Lupe wasn’t kicked off stage for an anti-Obama rant.

Lupe Fiasco performed at this private event, and as you may have read, he left the stage earlier than we had planned. But Lupe Fiasco was not “kicked off stage” for an “anti-Obama rant.” We are staunch supporters of free speech, and free political speech. This was not about his opinions. Instead, after a bizarrely repetitive, jarring performance that left the crowd vocally dissatisfied, organizers decided to move on to the next act.

The post Lupe Fiasco Thrown Off Stage for Anti-Obama Comments [Video] appeared first on XXL.

While we placed Lupe Fiasco’s second part of Food & Liquor on our 35 Most Anticipated Albums List, it looks like we’ll have to wait for an entirely new project.

Lupe, who recently made his Twitter inactive, took to Twitter to announce that the album will not be coming out this year. He did reassure fans with saying a new title and concept would be revealed. Check out what he had to say below.

Hello. A decision has been made that the project titled “F&L2 Part 2″ will be summarily cancelled for public release in 2013. The title/concept for Lupe’s 2013 release will be revealed later this year.

The post Lupe Fiasco Cancels "Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 2" appeared first on XXL.

Last year, G.O.O.D. Music’s Cruel Summer, Rick Ross’ God Forgives, I Don’t and The Throne’s Watch The Throne follow-up were among the many hip-hop albums anticipated by critics and fans alike. Now that the new year’s in full bloom, there’s a new batch of long-awaited and highly anticipated releases set to drop and we couldn’t be anymore excited. With artists like Pusha T, Drake, J. Cole, among others, all expected to arrive with their next solo LPs this year, 2013 looks to be another strong year for hip-hop.

To properly kick things off, XXL Presents… The 35 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013. Place your bets.—XXL (@XXL)

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Together with The Roots and Guy Sebastian, Lupe Fiasco appeared on Jimmy Fallon to perform his latest single, “Battle Scars.” As usual, Lupe brought plenty of emotion to his lyrics to turn out an impressive live performance. His Grammy-nominated album, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1, is in stores now. Watch the video above.

Props Mr. World Premiere

The post Watch Lupe Fiasco and Guy Sebastian Perform “Battle Scars” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon [Video] appeared first on XXL.

Last night, Lupe Fiasco made an unprecedented move by deleting all his previous tweets. He says that his account will be deactivated until next year. In the meantime, he releases a new cut called “LupeFiascoStore.com.” He is currently working on his next project, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 2. Check it out below.

The #LF twitter is currently deleting all past tweets. pls disregard any retweets etc. This account is currently closed will return in 2013.

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) December 20, 2012

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Standout: “On That”

Also Check Out: “My Own”

Name: Jimi Nu

Age: 23

Reppin’:Tallahassee, Florida.

My style and/or skills have been compared to: It varies, I mean a lot of people say [Young] Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Eminem. You know it’s on those lines. You know if I try to talk, I can talk just like Jeezy. Now watch this. [In best Jeezy impersonation] ‘Yo, chill ni–a what it do nigga?! It’s XXL Magazine, ni–a! You already know what time it is!’ Jeezy gotta lot of pain when he raps, a lot of pain in his voice. It’s a lot of punctuation in his rap, that’s why his music is not boring. So, I mean that’s cool. That’s an okay comparison for me.

My standout records and/or moments have been: Developing my team man. It’s the Music Committee. You know, everything kind of comes together at once. That was like the best moment [so far] because you can’t start a movement without a team.

I’m gonna change the game by: I’m going to change the game by really, really being conscious of what I put out and not over-saturating the market with free music. If you just keep giving somebody something, free then they’re going to expect it free. If I was selling you a car and it’s two cars—One of them were free, one of them you have to pay for—first, you’re thinking in your mind is ‘That shit is free! I’m going to go get in this!’ But then you get it and it breaks down right when you get off the block. Then you go buy the car and you paid for it but it rides for the next four years. That and not rapping about the same thing—drugs, money, bitches.

I’d like to work with: I mean two of them are dead. I would love to work with Biggie, I would love to work with ‘Pac. I would love to work with Eminem, would love to work with Jeezy, Andre 3000, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, Wayne, Drake.

My goal in hip-hop is: To go diamond on at least one album. I want one of my albums out of my career to go diamond and I don’t want it to go diamond 10 years later. I want it to go diamond in the next five years.

I’m gonna be the next: Because first of all it’s God’s plan, second of all I got the team, third of all…I got the drive and the talent.

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