Last month I wrote a blog entry critiquing Lupe’s marketing scheme in promotion for his 3rd studio album, Lasers (NOW AVAILABLE IN STORES). In the article I was particularly critical of the fact that, despite his ability to organize a diverse group of young supporters to come together in Union Square, he failed to do something impactful to coincide with the great momentum that he had generated from his recent song “Words I Never Said.” At the time, many had suspected that since a rally for Egypt was also taking place at the same time and location, the politically conscious MC would attempt to mobilize young hip hop fans in a display of solidarity. Needless to say, many were left disappointed when seeing that the special event was in fact, the revealing of a digital Lasers QR ad, promoting the new album.
Here lies the dilemma that many artists face in today’s society. At the end of the day… He is a rapper who is using his craft to make money, and there is nothing wrong with this, it’s what we all do essentially. He has continued to stay true to his commitment of educating his listeners through his thought provoking lyrics, and is becoming increasingly outspoken in a maintstream that does not endorse radical consciousness. So with that being said, I copped my ticket and headed to Webster Hall...
Mic Check:
Black Milk is on the Webster Hall Stage performing in front of a sold out crowd in the heart of the city. Known for his heavy drum kits, raw lyricism, and authentic gritty yet soulful sound, the MC epitomized the aura of Detroit hip hop, in front of a crowd of head nodding tilted brims. The minds beneath the snap-back caps were not quite focused on Milk however, it was Lasers’ Eve and Lu was headlining the Webster Hall Ticket. As Cypha Sounds spun OFWGKTA’s new banger, Yonkers, the packed venue lingered in anticipation like the rising smoke hovering above. The place went dark: flashing lights, cameras, action.
You’re in a rave….light projections stretching across the room, a blend of fog machine and sour diesel permeates the altitude, and hands raise in unison to the sounds of bass bravado and electric synthesizers. Its no secret that Lasers made many fans feel skimped after first listening, but the loyalists understood the politics that were involved in putting out this album...
Lasers had sparked loads of controversy as Lupe’s public struggle with Atlantic records ultimately resulted in the release of a product that Lupe himself cannot fully endorse:
“The climate of this record was very weird, in some instances surreal. I became very abstract. I had to create this commercial art that appeases the corporate side. I had to acquiesce to certain forces. Hopefully within that I snuck in some things I actually wanted to say any way I can.”
It seemed as if before I could even fully put together my thoughts surrounding Lasers, Lupe himself was able to articulate my impression as a fan. Instead of reviewing, rating, or critiquing the album, I will delve into the question:
Can real art exist within a corporate structure?
I will attempt to tackle this question in a future post, but my abridged two word answer would be an emphatic: Hell Nah!!!
So what should he do? Being legally bound and unable to completely Break The Chain, that Atlantic has on his artistic integrity, he should seek to connect to his long-time fan base through the releasing of constant FIRE via the internet. Lupe, put your shit out for there for free (Enemy of the State)! Phonte of Little Brother did it, and if anything he helped his buzz grow even more and connect with people outside of his immediate following. Until the day that you are able to establish a better situation that is more conducive to your creative freedom, it is important that you remain relevant amongst the hip hop elite. This can only happen if you stay true to yourself. While I feel your recent statements in interviews regarding the album's short comings, disclaimers will only take you so far. You're only as real as people perceive you to be.
Labels:
artistic integrity,
lasers,
live,
lupe fiasco
