Life is like a Lupe Fiasco album; you never know what you’re gonna get.
Or is a Lupe Fiasco album like life? Will it be Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor or Lasers? Tetsuo & Youth or DROGAS Light? In the case of Mr. Jaco’s latest, DROGAS Wave, it’s a hefty mix of all of the above. The album combines the lyrical wizardry and enriched production reminiscent of his landmark albums with the aimlessness and misguided indulgence of his misses. The result is a frustrating reminder that Lupe Fiasco could easily be one of the top 10 MCs of all time if he were more focused.
Lupe has never been more absorbed in his wordplay throughout his 13-year career. It’s as if he’s shaking the demons out of his body after the pointed parody that was DROGAS Light. The result is lyricism that is equal parts impressive and annoying. Because while the meaning in the music is undeniably there, it takes way too many spins to fully unpack.
Though Fiasco should never been punished for refusing to dumb it down, there are times his verbal gymnastics on the bars detract from his message. “Manilla” articulates the plight of being Black in America and appropriately features tense drums and an ominous bassline. However, the song is bogged down by overindulgent rhymes like “Hijabi mommy, dissect invaders of Samaveda / Anointed players who coin phrases, that’s metal paper / Level layers, several shades of gray, submission for it / MILF lover under silk covers who kiss her horses.”
Had Lupe channeled the bottomless depth of details into a cohesive listening effort, he very well may have crafted one of the most avant-garde rap albums this decade. Yet, DROGAS Wave is all over the place. The album’s loose, intriguing concept is of slaves who jumped ship and survived to fight slavery from the bottom of the ocean. However, little is heard of this concept after the seventh song of the 24-track, 98-minute album. Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool also had loose threads, but they were interspersed throughout the album as a running theme and were wrapped up in a much more concise fashion. Lupe’s nosedive from the storyline into a wide array of meaningful-yet-disconnected topics renders the album a disorienting affair whose gems get buried in a conceptual landslide.
For such a lengthy affair, filler such as “DROGAS” and the formidable-yet-gratuitous ender “Mural Jr.” foster exhaustion, making it hard for the essences on winners such as “Haile Selassie” to shine through. Lupe has done concept albums brilliantly before and has nothing left to prove on that front. It’s been 3 ½ years since his last meaningful release, so Fiasco should have tightened up his sentiments for a more visceral experience.
There is one theme that ties DROGAS Wave together: humanity. Lupe’s most admirable quality is his ability to bleed his vulnerable compassion onto wax, and he does so handily throughout the album. “Alan Forever” is one of two reimaginings of lives lost, and love for the late Syrian refugee Alan Kurdi is apparent as he creatively invents what the toddler would have grown into had he lived. The most beautiful cut is “Haile Selassie,” which finds Lupe narrating the plight of African Americans in a few bars: “Man’s limitation, transfiguration / Haka dance done at the welcome to the demo / Modern man comes to the weddin’ in the limo / Mixin’ doves with the rice rain / Uncle Ben’s off the rails on the night train / And that storm took us to the platform, pushas.”
His words are bolstered by production (scored by the likes of Soundtrakk, Davin “ChristopherKillumbus” Boykin and even Fiasco himself) that is somehow both subdued and soaring, with rolling drums to sync his stream of consciousness.
After the last allegory is outlined, it’s clear that DROGAS Wave has enough value to be memorable but is less than the sum of its parts.
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“It takes way too many spins to fully unpack…”, so what do you want Lupe to do? Dumb it down. The beauty of his lyricism is the layers and depth within them and it takes time to decode. DROGAS is not filler material either, to suggest this is insane.
how about make an album that you can digest in one setting? this isn’t homework it’s hip-hop!
There are plenty of artists that you can get that from. Some people want a little more.
bro some of the best albums that are viewed as important albums for the culture aren’t those type of albums where you pick up everything in one sitting. TPAB, Reasonable Doubt, Madvillainy, Deltron3030 are just a few of the many albums that require you to go back and understand the complex bars presented within those pieces of work…why should Lupe be frowned upon if he takes it up a notch?
exactly…These mfs be wanting dora the explorer rhymes…lupes always been like that from kick push and daydreaming to now. All of a sudden its a problem. You gotta bring hov and jada even now a cardi or migos back a lil to understand too so whats the difference.
forgot to rate
Incredible album. His first two, T&Y and this one create a catalog matched by few. Easily top 5 in hip hip
Nah this was the one… classic
Pure hip hop! Storytelling on another level !!
This Rating is complete trash, this album is straight Classic Material. Crazy this man has 4 arguably classic albums, for a 24 track album it flowed well to me. I honestly think he’s the best rapper to ever touch a mic. The amount of content and reply value is second to none, the lyricism packed into this album will last for years deciphering!
Lupe made a great comeback with another classic!
Don’t really agree with the ‘hot-take’ ish review here. Lupe’s albums actually feel like media that is worth the money. People now want less content in their music and I can’t for the life of me understand that stance. This album is classic.
horrendous! you gave Bas a higher rating
Album is a classic, don’t get where this review is coming from at all.
AOTY with Skyzoo and KA albums being a distant 2nd.
Naw you just like rappity rap. Do you still own a cassette deck too??
whatever you say clown
At a time we’re garbage rap is sold/streamed and shoved down our ears all over the place especially the radio (I never listen to the radio ever) Lupe drops a brilliant and needed album. With top tier lyrics and beats. Heck a solo violin track speaks to u without words. Amazing. Thank u for what u have done for rap and the culture. Easily AOTY.
Worst review I’ve ever read. Was this even a review of the album or of Lupe?
oh you said it bro!!!
But Everythjng is Love is a 5 lol fuck outta here
yeah that was classic material apparently haha
Fucking Joke
Aron mckrell. U should be fired for this review. AOTY.
This album is as complex as it is beautiful.
This album was incredible
This album is incredible. I think the reviewer is wrong saying that the album is too much or all over the place. The instrumentals, interludes are brilliantly placed to give the listener a break and gives you a hint for where he’s going. I bet the reviewer just skipped past it. With Lupe, you listen to the instrumental first, hook second, then try to decipher his lyrics after your 3rd listen. This album has a very laid back vibe to it.
Don’t comment on a album you don’t understand.
Fantastic Album, a masterpiece, this review does not make much sense, the album is very focused and is completely cohesive top to bottom. The theme of the album is resurrection, this reviewer seems like they skimmed Reddit or KTT for the most basic takes of the album.
Fire this clown please. Then hire a real hiphop student asap.
This album is the rap album of the year no question. SMH review the album bump and don’t insert your personal bias about the artist.
5/5
Amazing album
Everybody has an opinion, I respect that, but this reviewer’s opinion is completely wrong when he says that this album is ‘unfocused’. The whole album fits around the concept presented, the broad focus of the album, the beats and the lyrics all flow well with each other. The themes of resurrection, freedom, optimism and struggle all come together in a very intricate way with the various interludes serving as bridges as the story advances. This was a brilliant album and one of the best this year from any genre.
What kinda Mickey Mouse BS y’all running? This review was boo-boooo! Less than the sum of its parts…this review were barely a page on MS Word double spaced! Y’all need some writers you got my email.
Long live the long chains. ……you niggss are the same ducks who be giving lil.yahty 4.00 and shit.
Adding my rating to my previous comment.
Fire your damn writer..shit like this is digusting….. albums 4.5/5 or higher period…get this shit all the way outta here..makes your brand worse to see shit like this
As others have pointed out, it looks like you missed some MAJOR themes that tie the album together. It is one thing to not enjoy the music (music is subjective), but another to call it “unfocused” when it is one of the most deeply thought-out albums released in years. All tracks (even the 2nd half) relate (there are many versions of slavery), but you didn’t do your research first to discover it.
You may want to think about retracting this until you actually take the proper time to listen. If you did, you would find the central themes that tie the album (brilliantly) together.
a masterpiece
Great follow up to T&Y
pains me so much to see lupe still not getting the ridiculous amount of credit he deserves for one of the greatest comebacks in music history. this is his third classic project in the past 3 years. he’s blessed us with t&y, pharaoh heights, and now drogas wave (we’ll pretend drogas light didn’t happen) and all of these deserved a much stronger reception than what they got. like at least the reviews have been positive, but these projects still deserve so much more acclaim imo.
It’s one thing to not like an album sonically and have your own opinion, however, to call this unfocused is a RIDICULOUS statement. If you think the concept died after the 7th track, you clearly didn’t understand the concept to begin with. I think this review deserves a rewrite. Anyone can have an opinion but this one is plain wrong.
“Unfocused “ you’re tweaking bro, this album is everything but. I don’t wanna be “that guy” but yall would’ve been all over Kendrick’s dick if he dropped he had dropped this. If you don’t like Lupe that’s fine but don’t let that bleed into your review that’s already lazy as it is. This is the type of album they make college courses around, layers upon layers. This might be Lupe’s magnum opus AOTY for me idc who drops next
This is aoty ❌? lowkey Tpab but better lyricism and less good production
I never care to comment ask I usually feel like who cares but wow your writer is seriously lacking in credibility with this
Is this a hip hop site or what ?
So you guys aren’t legit telling me this album is just as good as freaking Russ Zoo ??
Not even 4 stars for one of the most creative hip hop albums in 20 years
If Kendrick made the exact same album you would jizz ur pants
Yup if it was Kendrick it’d be getting 5’s all around smh
I can appreciate that coverage, but wow, some of these takes are just TOO trash. It takes too many listens to unpack? The lyricism is annoying? Wow man, why are you reviewing this project? So much disrespect to the art & skill, it really does hurt hearing shit like this.
I’ve never posted on here, but I set this up just to let you know respectfully that “lacks focus” is up there with one of the dumber takes on this album. Maybe comprehend better?
What’s a horrible writer
Aaron McKrell remember this name fam and if you serve it anywhere make sure you shit on anything he writes
Aaron McKrell is a unfocused writer
You gotta take your time reviewing any Lupe album especially this one. With that being said ?????
Of all the mindless, directionless, pointless and utterly TALENTLESS people who are given a platform it’s Lupe you take to task? Fuck outta here. No focus? You got confused with your own damn self.
it is amazing to me how real MCS albums and lyrics are criticized pick the part and judged by the lyrical content they’re flow their delivery and other aspects of their art as they should be. However the Mindless soulless and artless craft of commercial artist are praised celebrated and not held to the same artistic standard of real MCs. I guess it’s true when KRS 1 raps, so don’t expect respect from slaves and hose nor video Masters and video shows. You know the rap mags you know how it go especially Black Mags you know they don’t know. Such a sad State of Affairs.
Another one ?
“Lacks focus” WTF?? Compared to what? It’s one of the most focused/concentrated albums I’ve heard any MC drop in years. If you can’t “unpack” the deeper layers, that’s on you. Something isn’t unfocused just because it flies over your head.
The writer got this one wrong. You need to digest this one. At least a 4.5/5
If you build it they will come….smh
This is the same website that gives young thug a 4/5 , promotes the tasteless and trashy music that is leading the youth in the wrong direction , this websites integrity was compromised a while back , giving a artist that truly loves the craft and art that is hip hop and delivers a masterpiece that this website can not comprehend , just sad ..
It’s too early to review this masterpiece. Having said that, fuck Aaron Mackerel
Aaron Mackerel is a fish for this
Lmfao @ this review. I loved the last album too but you sound like you’re looking for a Drogas Light. He already did that fam. A- for both. Which is better than anything in recent history from anyone. Lupe the great!!!
So you’re telling me Eminem’s album was better than this? Gtfoh!!!!!
lupe is a ronin, a samurai with no real masters to obey or fight for. the freedom he wields with his lyricism is so unbelievably focused and carefully composed among this body of work, that seeing how badly written this review is reminds us all that not only rap artists are in a decline of legitimate quality content, but also the reviewers and community itself.
this review (by aaron mckrell) is a reminder that the ignorance brewing in hip hop is pretty strong and our bearings are slowly being lost to more accessible dumbed down content.
i hate commenting on these things but my god, pls aaron don’t EVER confuse a painting with a poster mate.
well said bro!!!
aaron should be reviewing mind numbing pop music not thoughtful hip hop art…. this review was terrible
smh
Man people now a days don’t have an attention span. That’s why this 7 track album and 2 minutes songs are becoming more popular. Lu is doing something on the other side of the spectrum, and is being critiqued for being to hard to understand!? I rather have people dissect lyrics and learn something of value rather than saying Gucci Gang. But our values have changed the system now says we are consumers and not producers ;). Everyone has their own opinions, but i feel like this dude got it wrong. We should promote this type of music in the wake that people not only learn, but see music for what it really is. This is art and it should be cherished, and celebrated not dumped to the side. Overall I taught Lu handled the concept of RESURRECTION extremely well. This is 24 tracks lol and they flow effortlessly with interludes that make you think.
To me this album is really special with an amazing story, and great production.
10/10 AOTY
If it ain’t Kendrick or Cole they’re not trying to hear it.
I hope Aaron gets checked for this
order by fire comments to have a great insight on what the community think of this review 🙂
Incredible album
Fuck these reviewers
5/5 Damn looks like lupe really being blackballed from the industry. Lacks focus? This is the most focused album from any artist in years.
This album is so perfect for the times we live in. This is a message that needs to be heard. To say it lacks focus is missing the point of Drogas Wave in a huge way. I believe it is reviewers like this who are hyping up every sound cloud rapper with shirt albums and shirt singles that are holding the culture back. They highlight the brainless, the pretencious and the generic. When a truly great album comes out they let there own opinions of the artist influence their reviews. It is obvious that there he his review holds a bias against this artist and could not truly unpack this landmark album. With that said, this was a fabulous piece of work by one of the best MC’s in the game.
his best work since The Cool. WAV Files is one of his best songs period.
fuck aaron mckrell
Best Lyricist if all time
top tier album shouts to lupe
In an a era of idocracy, artists like lupe fiasco get chastied for thinking out of the box and creating a poetic epic album that is ahead of his time let me be clear this man is on the same level of creativity and lyricm of people like andre 3000, rakim,kilah priest, , gza, nas , krino , locksmith. So its a damn shame this man won’t get his due until he passes away to a higher relam to where pherhaps he is understood more
Lupe dropping gems…. shouts to the real hip hop community standing up for this atrocious review
It’s a double album, meaning 2 discs, and the name of it is “DROGAS Wave”, not just wave. The entire album isn’t about the slaves and longchains. It’s first and foremost about resurrection, and that theme carries all the way towards the end on happy timbuck2 day. The second theme is DROGAS, which is drugs in Spanish and picks up at about XO, considering the hook of the song mentions extacy. It’s about addiction to different things, some to god, some to actual drugs, love, etc…
Sorry man, you completely missed the point of the album.
This is the exact same way the cool is structured.
this is a body of work. I am still stuck on WAV files and Manilla. King Nas is dope af. Too many gems here and I am not even done with the whole album. This stupid review by this Mackerel fella was rushed. This is an album for us as descendants of slaves. When he name dropped those slave ships I almost wept. I could imagine my people cramped in those ships in the middle of the night, starving and having to brave the elements and probably even eating each other to survive while the slavers were being guided by those stupid stars. Its like reading a book, I am still on the 4th Chapter. So far this will go down as a classic for me.
Lupe didn’t feature any emcees on this project or some pop artist, he just used his genius and wrote a personal story about the African experience in America. He went from being in a slave ship (Part 1 of the album), enduring brutality in America, to finally being a man (King Nas). To say this album is disjointed (as pointed out by the reviewer), is insincere. This is the best album conceptually in over 10 years. WAV files is one of the most brilliant songs ever composed. Reviewers were not so kind to illmatic when it came out in ’94, same with Madvillain in 2004, Drogas Waves is in that bracket of great albums, scholars will study this album in future.
Lacks focus? Are you fucking kidding me? Did you listen to the right album? If you seriously think that, you should seriously just give up writing about hip hop. You obviously have no idea what you’re doing. I would give this more than 5 stars if I could.
This sounds like me on Black on Both sides.
U did not bump black on both sides upon its drop. Fall back little one.
Wow!!! Exhausting????? This album made me realize that Lupe is officially the deepest, most intelligent lyricist ever!!!! Even some of my other favorites pale in comparison. While this review made me realize that we truly don’t deserve a lyricist of this caliber. I’d tell Aaron this shit went over his head, he’d say how? When I can just reach up and catch it? BRUH!
65 community ratings, and only 5 didn’t give it a 5/5 (and most of those still gave it a 4)! If that doesn’t tell you this completely flew over your dumbass head McKrell, I don’t know what will. If you have any self-respect, you should take this piece of garbage down from the site and take the time to write a real review.
A 24 track concept album, and you give us a 653 word review? Lupe had more words on almost all of the tracks on the album. SMH, what a joke.
Crazy that someone who gets paid to listen to and review music couldn’t find the threads that tie this album together. Amazing work by Lupe
Lets just ignore what the staff rated this album, post a common and give it the 5 it deserves!
This album is a master piece! Taking history and combining with insight to create a a definitive piece of work that i hope every person could understand.
Tupac is arguably the most revered hip hop artist because of his charisma, talent etc. Black Thought is lyrically in Top 5 of all time, although under appreciated. MF DOOM is one of the most abstract. Mos Def in his prime had the best flow, he could sing nicely as well. Rakim laid the foundation for lyricism. Nas has always been a street poet, probably one of the best at story telling. Lupe Fiasco with this album has cemented his place as probably one of the most genius poets who can play with words in a way that you listen to his music while reading the lyrics on rap genius. He is to poetry/hip hop what Tiger Woods is to Golf.
Which is apt because of his he is back to top form
Ladies and gentlemen. This is the Album of the year… Ridiculous review.
Forgot to rate
Dumbest review of the year. Clowns at this site nowadays
Fuego … that`s it
His best work so far
I’m just here so I can give my 5
NO mention of WAV files … Really?
Cant give it a rating, but shit i heard was pretty good.
Lupe is so musical it`s crazy.
Quite an important work of art in the history of Hip Hop.
????
Did we actually listen to the same album? I think you forgot to take your Adderall, cause the only person who lacked focus is you.
Just here to give my 5. Aaron McKrell please review this album again. Thank you.
I am a man now!!!
I am a man!!
I ain’t mad, I just like things you don’t.
5
This review is straight disrespect to the realness in Hip-Hop.
When you are quoting lyrics critically, the least you could do is get it right. Its actually
“Punjabi mommy dissecting vedas of sepulveda”
lupe is clearly in focus this album. Its great to see love given to Haille Selassie but missing out a monster like “WAV files” is blasphemoius. xD . Peace.
?
Shipwreck with us
Listened it 3 times, the third time it was even better than the first. Incredible
Nothing I can say that every comment before me hasn’t . This album is a master class in MC’ing and necessitates more than a casual listen and rushed review. This is, by far, the most lyrically dense and yet cohesively brilliant album I have ever heard. It deserves a 6/5 and that is not hyperbole.
amen brother!
Let’s all be honest, no one has really listened to the whole album, it’s too early. I have been listening to Manilla and WAV files for 2 dAys straight. Even if the rest of the songs are wack “(I dunno yet), I will give it a 4 just based on the strength of these 2. I’m feeling a light 5/5 on this thing. TRANS…..
SITION!
Did you love it, did you hate it?
What should I review next
5/5
What the fukckalfkaælfdfscædlskgæfd
What the fuuuukckkcskdskdåsakdadksal
At least give a 4, what the hell is “3.9”.. Dead.
Summon the forests. I could see the slaves (us), having a go at Mother Nature failing us. Lupe should do a track about the slaves that were on plantations. Genius
DW > TPAB
Everything you could want from a Lupe album, but no “Kick Push” -esque tracks
???
They should let people who listen to hip hop review hip hop again, glad ppl are seeing how corrupted ppl who write reviews are now though, keep it up, we’re getting close to the resurrection of hip hop fuck the pop/Government agenda, they are one in the same as are movies videogames all forms of social interaction and yes music/videogame reviewers push that agenda
In a future life I won’t even have to rhyme,
get the whole Armageddon with only half of the signs
YES!!!
CLASSIC!!!
Review = 🙁
I’m on my second listen on this album and I can tell this is one of his most complex yet well put together works he put out since Tetsuo & Youth. Introspective, abrasive, and coherent with topics about African culture to social injustice. The production is solid throughout the record. Soulful, bassy, jazzy, and funky melodies all over the album. Definitely one of the best albums to come out this year. It’s up there with Food and Liquor, The Cool and Tetsuo & Youth.
Also you can’t just listen the album once and put it down. This require multiple listens just to absorb all of the content to just have some understanding of what’s going on.
AOTY
This album is phenomenal, Lupe straight snapped on Haile Selassie no cap.
This dude should be banned from reviewing based solely on the fact that he MISQUOTES THE VERY FIRST VERSE HE MENTIONS
“Punjabi mommy, dissecting Vedas on Sepulveda”
Lmao
This dude should be banned from reviewing based solely on the fact that he MISQUOTES THE VERY FIRST VERSE HE MENTIONS “Punjabi mommy, dissecting Vedas on Sepulveda” Lmao
Good observation. Explains it all, hope they give this to someone who is actually a competent reviewer. If he can’t even get the first few verses right, how he know what the album about. Like everyone has said, this is one of the most cohesive and well put together albums ever.
Bruh, you really gave the same score to Heartbreak Kodak lol give it up
Awesome album. Very educative. And that’s all u could ever want from an artist. Enlightenment!!!!! Bought a copy just to put on the book self for future references.
So basically you marked the album down because you guys are shallow, easily distracted narcoleptics that can’t listen to a body of work if it’s longer than twelve songs? Gotta love the streaming generation. I’m impressed that as long as this album is, it still managed to keep me captivated to the pointed of not reaching for the skip button at any point. Oh and can you ditch this idiotic decimal point system you have going on? It’s like you know the album is worth at least 4 put was scared of giving it too much credit. Seems to me that any artist that puts lyricism front and center of their music always seems to get the most unreasonable reviews.
Better then Kamikaze
This album is impeccable and fantastic.
album is a masterpiece. It is split into three parts with a theme and motif of resurrection throughout
Masterpiece
What a load of crap.
Lupe released this album after working on it for 5 years and getting out of Atlantic after they countlessly tried to fuck him over by scrapping 3 albums of his if not more. This album is a masterpiece, has a great concept, shows great range with a SPANISH SONG and a song in Jamaican patois, then cycles back from slavery all the way to current events with Alan / Jonylah being real kids that died recently and Lupe rapping like in his early career with songs similar to Failure. How the hell is any of this unfocused
This album is a 5/5, the album of the year so far and one of the best albums of the decade.
Wow this has to be the worse review you’ve done all year. As a fan I can admit a few of his latest output (DROGAS Light, Lasers, and even Food&Liquor II) have not been the best but this album isn’t like those others. This is the best Lupe has sounded since The Cool and will go down as one of the best releases of this year.
Guess I shouldn’t expect to get a halfway decent review of a Lupe album from the site that gave The Carters a perfect rating. 5/5
Dude still got it.
This album was a masterpiece. Well thought out, amazing production I mean the list goes on. Anyone who gave this album less than 5 I say it’s because most of what he said went over their heads. Lupe’s work consistently speaks for itself and he only gets better with time.
I doubt Allen McKrell is a Black man. If he is, then he is really out of touch. If he is not, I understand his review. This is a story of slaves, its emotional on so many levels if you are a Black person in this planet. This album will go over many peoples heads. I am actually surprised this guy reviewed it this early already. I am waiting on DEHH and Fantano. I have no doubt they will both herald this as a classic. Allen McKrell will look back and regret having been the one to do this review. Imagine how people that dissed illmatic back then feel right now.
My friend, Lupe crossed the Rubicon with this album, he shall forever be revered in Hip Hop.
Fantano is a cuck who I imagine will review it negatively and not give it justice, based on his previous Lupe reviews and how he thinks “being complicated” is a bad thing.
Fuck Fantano
Best album since Madvillain.
TPAB was much better than Drogas Wave
Insane to give this a 3.8. Just look at the user reviews. Sorry it isn’t catchy and mumbly like all the “hip hop” you guys rate higher. Maybe if Lupe got some face tattoos he’d get a 4? Easily the album of the year and one of Lupe’s best. Please take the title “hip hop” out of your sites title, this site has gone downhill fast.
So much of what made this album a masterpiece went right over the reviewers head. The review seems like a surface level listening of the album.
Lacks focus ? You’re out of touch my brother. Do everyone a favor and listen to Drogas Wave again, but really listen this time. I haven’t been this proud of brother Wasalu since The Cool. Great concept, Great production, Surgical delivery. Lupe Fiasco is a top 5 Emcee.
Destroy this review and the person reviewing!!! Who moderates and makes the final decision on these posts? The community has spoken…and given this album certifiable classic status.
Did you rate it son? Go ahead and rate
This is up there bruh. It’s up there with those stars that guided the black baby alligator baitors
Whoever wrote this review doesn’t respect conceptual hip hop. By saying “it takes way too many spins to unpack” is proof that you prefer the easily digested, palpable album structure. This is a really strong and memorable opus by a lyricist who’s technical ability is to be revered, in an age of albums being done without much of a concept at all. The only one that’s lacking focus is you and the people that thought you were the right person to review this album in the first place.
I agree with this review 100%. There’s a 12 track masterpiece in Drogas Wave dying to come out, but that shit’s buried in a wave for real. By this stage in his career Lupe should’ve created a more focused album, this joint is all over the place.
Shut it Aaron. You failed in this review buddy. Your opinion is in the minority
No it isn’t. The album isn’t about the damn long chains. It’s not called “LUPE FIASCO AND THE ADVENTURES OF THE LONG CHAINS”. It’s called “DROGAS WAVE”. Drogas is spanish for drugs, and the running theme of the album is addiction, mental slavery and resurrection. Addiction to love/ectasy like in XO, or addiction to straight up drugs like Sun god sam, addiction to God. The larger theme in this album is about resurrection, the slaves drowning was just one aspect. They were reborn, so was alan kurdi, so was jonaylah, so was lupe’s career and creative freedom (which is what imagine is about), and so was timbuck2. The other part of it was mental slavery, not just physical, one of the interludes explains that perfectly, which is why you get tracks like King Nas and Kingdom.
Lacks focus? Laughable conclusion. This album is one of the most complete albums I’ve ever heard. It’s the best we’ve ever heard Lupe. The best production ever on a Lupe album too. This review is borderline disrespectful.
Pure hip hop.
AOTY
I just got off the phone with CHIEF after having a conversation about this album review. He says, “this ain’t it.”
Reviewer clearly doesn’t know what he is talking about?
Yeaah pretty sure its not a 3.8
Superb album. Up there with F&L, The Cool and T&Y.
Honestly, it’s way too early to be giving this album a final review. I’ve listened to it 3 times and I barely comprehend it, but i know the substance is there waiting to be understood. I’m going to be listening to Drogas WAVE ten years from now and pick up on stuff I hadn’t noticed. The reviewer is treating that like it’s a negative thing, when in fact that’s what makes it so brilliant!
Seems more like the reviewer wasn’t too focused on reviewing this album properly.
Great album, great concept throughout the whole album, great message.
Judging Aaron Mckrell based solely on this review, he must think that Lupe’s best song is Old School Love feat. Ed Sheeran.
This is waaaaaaaay better than most albums ranked 5 stars in the history of this site. I’ve never put out a comment on here but this deserves it. I’ve been a daily hiphop listener for almost 3 decades and I can tell you that there is not a lot of albums that top this body of work. Exceptional work from the most slept on artist HipHop has ever seen.
Album is a masterpiece, reviewer is a joke.
3.8?!?!?
This reviewer is not qualified to rate a Lupe album apparently. That number is so far off the mark I’ve gotta question the credibility of this whole site.
Shit is trash!! KendrickL allday!!
I completely disagree with this review. DROGAS Wave is one of the best hip-hop projects I’ve heard in recent years. The only albums I can think of that compare over the last few years are Malibu, 4:44, We Got It From Here: Thank U 4 Your Service, and TPAB… all in my opinion, of course. If it is not a 5/5 it is damn near close.
Dope album Lupe Fiyaa
You say it’s been 3.5 yrs since his last respectable project, he should be more focused. Id say he spent 3.5 yes writing an album too complext for you to digest in a couple days.
LUPE HAS REALLY COME TO HIS OWN WITH THIS ALBUM AND TETSUO. BTW, THIS ALBUM CLEARLY DOESN’T LACK FOCUS AS ITS POSSIBLY OVERLY FOCUSED ON THE CONCEPT AT HAND.
The reviewer don’t know nothing about good music if he rate the album 3.8. Come on now. You don’t have to like the album as a reviewer but your review show that you don’t know what you talking about lol.
This dude gave this and Kodak Blacks heart break shit the same rating. Nuff said.
SUBLIME! Lupe never disappoints.
Ya’ll seriously rated Astroworld higher than Drogas Wave?!? Okay… I’m done here, ya’ll are lost on me
WAV files sort of reminds of the first time I heard Ras Kass’s Nature of the threat off that amazing Soul on Ice album. This album gives me that 90s excitement. Thank you Lupe
Looking back at your reviews you gave this the same score you gave Kodak Black. Lmao get the fuck outta here bruh
Amen.
That is fucking blasphemy. I guess no credentials are required to review Hiphop albums these days.
nice
Great album but I agree with the reviewer on the point of the concept portion falling off. Realistically this should have either been two separate albums or a dual disk with two concepts. But nonetheless it is refreshing during the time of the worst lyrical generation in hip hop.
For some reason the reviewer raised the normal standards when it came to reviewing this album. Valid points but exaggerated the negatives and glossed over many positives. Disappointing consistency.
it is a dual disk with two concepts………………………
It is two albums, and despite that, the theme doesn’t fall off. It’s called DROGAS WAVE. Drogas is one half of the title, and what the middle half of the album is about. The running theme is here resurrection, not the long chains. They are one aspect of the album. They were resurrected, so was alan, so was jonylah, so was timbuck2, so was lupe’s career on “imagine”, that theme is present in the entire thing.
And like Waleed said, we aren’t being fair. We are not critiquing this album on its own merit, but comparing it to the cool, a project he released a decade ago. This is better than 99% of what’s come out this year and most of whats come out in the last 5, and it doesn’t even get a full 4 because he missed the entire point of the album? Thats BS.
This clown doesn’t care for consciousness. It’s not cool enough. Black = n wod moments for him
AOTY
WHAT?! 5/5 easy
Is this the best community rating ever for an album on this site? That speaks volume about the quality of this release. This is a Perfect 5 if you ask me.
Album is a masterpiece 5/5
Lyricism at its Finest!
he stuck to the concept throughout. 1st half is giving you the real, 2nd are examples of how to live. ultimately you will be mentally free currently and spiritually free when it’s all over if you walk right with the knowledge you have
Aaron McKrell I almost feel like you’re not qualified to review this album. It could never ever touch you in ways it can black people. It’s not your fault, but the things he is talking about on this masterpiece are things you can never ever…ever ever ever relate to even if you tried. Nothing in your DNA could come close to the pain and emotion that is on display on this album. You sir, come off as a casual listener in which THIS album isn’t for. Even Lupe “back-up fans” will have to return to this album often over the years to understand a lot of its meanings and teachings. Each listen will be something new and you cannot find that with any hiphop album today. This album has generational longevity. Whats in this album are things that should be taught to all black kids, teenagers and adults. This is the blackest, most honest album to date and God bless Lupe’s mother and father.
I’m BLOWN away at the amount of people who responded to this “review”. Really happy to see that Hip-Hop has not died. I won’t beat on the dead horse, but I will say that this is exactly why we need to live with music before putting out reviews. I am not saying that has to be a lot of weeks or months, but certainly, a day or two just will not cut it especially for an album of this magnitude. I would rather wait a week on a review that had time to truly consume the music than a once over. Peace
Top tier lyricist.
A profound work of genius 5/5 easily!!! Keep it up Lupe. I know they can hear you but can they understand you?
None of his concepts have ever touched on the album in it’s entirety in face value. They are always about greater, larger themes than the one initially presented.
“gotta eat” on The Cool was from the perspective of a damn cheeseburger. “Little weapon” had nothing to do with the original concept of Michael Young History, nor the streets, game, or the cool. Neither did “dumb it down” and a few others.
Also, you are just wrong. The album isn’t called “Lupe and the LongChains”, it’s called DROGAS WAVE. Key word here is “drogas” which is spanish for Drugs, which is what the middle half of the record references, Sun god sam and the California “drug” deals, the hook for XO talking about ectasy.
Its not even about the long chains, they are just one way he tells the greater story of Resurrection. The long chains are resurrected during the west “atlantic” slave trade (Lupe was signed to atlantic records),
Alan kurdi was resurrected and lived his life to save others,
Jonylah was resurrected,
Lupe resurrected his career from ATLANTIC records on “imagine”,
Timbuck2 was a Chicago DJ that died in 2015 who is subsequently resurrected on happy timbuck2 day.
The theme is there the entire time. You just missed it. Look, your entitled to your opinion, but as a critic, don’t you think its your journalistic duty to make sure you get it right, especially when your reviewing the work of an independent artist who’s paying for this whole thing out of pocket? If you didn’t like it sonically, nobody would dislike the review. Thats personal preference, but you can’t be blatantly wrong like this. There’s no personal preference here. You are flat out wrong.
Get him Lu. thanks for the album
Masterpiece
The concept is absolute. The lyrics are top-tier. It’s hip hop at it’s finest. But it’s not just hip hop. It’s a history lesson. It’s jazz. it’s classical. It’s varied in it’s delivery. It’s the album of the year.
Dude, this article will be discussed more than the Eminem album one was discussed. Its the highly rated users album in a long time with so many ratings being submitted. Aaron should apologise for this trash review.
You soft effeminate sugary sweet tasty treat high fructose corn syrup ass puss deleting comments now? Yall can’t handle the truth! You website will be shut down It you listen to the people who keep you pussys in business! Re-Review the album! This is a very unprofessional review, take time to to understand the concepts and get the full understanding of the album before you review it! But don’t have Aaron McKrell review anything here ever again!
I think the focus was there..
This is a great album from Lupe. The focus is clearly there throughout the album. Aaron is is too lazy to really listen and he is out of touch with this one.
Why cant we give Lu the credit he deserves?! If Kendrick dropped this album tomorrow yall would have given him a bare minimum 4.5/5. We beg artists to give depth in the hip hop world and here we are pretending that Lupe hasnt just dropped one of the most in depth and highly conceptual albums we have ever seen. STOP IT NOW!
Needs more of the story. For that reason it’s a 4.
How did you not pick up on the theme of resurrection? Did you seriously just write an entire review about how Lupe should dumb it down. Are you tryna make him do a “Dumb it Down” TWO?
Maybe take a little longer if you can’t understand the album instead of giving it a bad review.
“It takes way too many spins to fully unpack.” How is having replay value a bad thing? Finding something new every time you listen to an album is my favourite thing about music. Not sure how that’s a negative.
wow! this is shocking, absolutely shocking, who pays you to destroy an important hiphop artist of our generation? this is disappointing from a so called hiphop site. its clear Lupe is being blackballed, in order for them to elevate Kendrick they must destroy Lupe completely what a shame, why cant we have two kings coz they both mean a lot to us black folks? smh. This is album is a solid 5/5
Dont forget to rate this masterpiece
BS review, easily elite level album to the casual and the hardcore
Just passing through to give my rating.
Also, fuck this review.
AOTY
Forgot my rating
AOTY??
Rubbish review.
Imo you’ll need 3 clear listen’s to take in the entire concept, if ur listening with ur lil baby or lil xan ears, you’ll miss most of whats being said…at 1st listen this was a 5/5 (it checks off all boxes) but Lupe projects are often under-rated….Aaron give a listen or two more..cheers!
This review is a total injustice to real Hip Hop. Aaron must have caught his chick in bed being drilled by someone fresh outta the pen and decided to take it out on this review, total BS review.
This album is incredible, a genuine, heartfelt journey when you listen to this album. Several favorites to choose from. Give this a few spins and cop it, well worth the time and money invested.
Album is easily 5/5. Lupe is one of those artists who can’t win. No matter how awesome the album, there will be always 1 thing that holds his albums back. Firstly, Tetsuo and Youth and Drogas Waves are the only 2 albums that matter. Both Food and Liquor are awesome albums but I feel they were too tainted by Atlantic Records
Secondly, the album’s shift from the album’s central theme starts at Track 18. I think some people forget an artist’s job is to leave the dots for audiences to connect and allow the audience the opportunity to discern figurative language emanating from any piece of art and to understand the artwork’s hidden meaning. For myself, Drogas Wave also entails an allegory that typifies Lupe’s career in the past, as well as, where Lupe currently stands being totally Independent from Major Labels.
Thirdly, yes the album is long, but considering the album maintains a sonic fluency from the beginning to the end. I don’t understand why certain reviewers and certain audience members beleive their inability to stay engaged with an project that exceeds 30-45 min is something that pertains to everybody? Seriously, the album is only 1hr and 39min, y’all telling me you all don’t have the mental stamina to watch a movie in one setting, or how can one binge watch a TV show, and have the patient to give the album a couple of serious listening session?
Fourthly, this album is sonically pure Lupe, something Atlantic Records tainted through years of meddling.
Lupe focused or not is already Top 10 and lyrically, he’s Billy. The onus is on the listener to make up their own mind. It’s a 5 to me.
A solid 5/5, this and TPAB will go down as historical albums of our generation.
Every song is great
is this the top rated album ever by the users? amazing work of art .
This album is Interlinked within and without the album beyond any degree of any other album that I’ve heard. Love the density of it, its a mythological, philosophical, character driven journey. And he matched elevated bars with dope beats… I’m gonna be rockin’ with this one for a while
Just saw this rating and had to represent the opinion of a real hip hop fan. Best album 2018 hands down.
This is an absolutely brilliant album that will go down as a classic. Lupe delivered a lyrical masterpiece with this one. 3.8 rating is a disgrace. It is MINIMUM a 4.5
It’s a 5 at best. This and Tetsuo and Youth are different level type of shit. This album got my mind wondering
This is a certified classic
I love this album, breath of fresh air and more
Literally a great album
Great album
We need more albums like these
To give this anything less than a 5, in today’s day and age, just proves how much intellectual depth one must be lacking. This album is so rich, in so many ways. Not to mention the production work that went in without the big names. This is ART!!!
I genuinely don’t understand how anyone could rate this album under like a 4.4 or 4.5. I love and am passionate of music as a whole, art, hip hop, and music that actually speaks something. I’ve had a week to let this album soak in, and the honestly, this album is an instant classic. Lupe has been sub-par at best in his last few studio albums, however this album…The lyricism, the knowledge, the production value, the hooks, features, the vibe the whole album thing as a completed piece brings to the table… It’s no secret that appreciating Lupe takes a certain level of intelligence, world knowledge, historical prowess, and sheer appreciation for music with meaning.
As Big K.R.I.T. once said, “If it don’t touch my soul, I can’t listen to it”.
DROGAS WAVE, is the sheer epitome of the implication given by that line.
(Because that last one had grammar errors that slipped me, had to repost) I genuinely don’t understand how anyone could rate this album under like a 4.4 or 4.5. I love and am passionate of music as a whole, art, hip hop, and music that actually speaks something. I’ve had a week to let this album soak in, and the honestly, this album is an instant classic. Lupe has been sub-par at best in his last few studio albums, however this album…The lyricism, the knowledge, the production value, the hooks, features, the vibe the whole album brings to the table as a completed piece… It’s no secret that appreciating Lupe takes a certain level of intelligence, world knowledge, historical prowess, and sheer appreciation for music with meaning. As Big K.R.I.T. once said, “If it don’t touch my soul, I can’t listen to it”. DROGAS Wave, is the sheer epitome of the implication given by that line.
Love that you brought up K.R.I.T too. 2 of the best rappers to do it in the last 15 years
Album is No less than 4 out of 5
Secondly, For myself, Drogas Wave also entails an allegory that typifies Lupe’s career in the past, as well as, where Lupe currently stands being totally Independent from Major Labels and subsequently having to earn back the trust of some of his fans that didn’t give up on him (ie Resurrection/ the Rise of the Phoenix)… Moreovet, the album’s shift from the album’s central theme starts Kingdom- Feat Damian Marley and ImagineTrack 18. I think some people forget an artist’s job is to leave the dots for audiences to connect and allow the audience the opportunity to discern figurative language emanating from any piece of art and to understand the artwork’s hidden meaning.
Thirdly, yes the album is long, but considering the album maintains a sonic fluency from the beginning to the end. But I most note that both Alan and Jonylah Forever tracks could’ve been left off the final album cut, but those 2 tracks describe where the world is today as result of the Imperialistic evils stemming from the Trans Atlantic and Arab Slave trades. Understand we were Stamped from the Beginning (Ibram X Kendi) I only say this because there is a fine line between considering your audience and not sacrificing artistic integrity.
I don’t understand why certain reviewers and certain audience members believe their inability to stay engaged with an project that exceeds 30-45 min, and inability or unwillingness to dig/ think past the surface level, is something that pertains to everybody? Seriously, the album is only 1hr and 39min, telling me some don’t have the mental stamina to watch a movie in one setting, or how can one binge watch a TV show, and not have the patience to give the album a couple of serious listening sessions?
sorry for the typos^^
I get what you saying, but you missed this one, to me there is nothing more refreshing than being able to listen to an album several times and pick up on a new theme. For an album to be as long as it was and stick to the same underwater/ rebirth theme, in addition to dropping some bangers and absolutely beautiful songs in Alan forever or wav files, i think you might want to give it another listen
This album was a breath of fresh air and the reason why we shouldn’t give up in hip-hop. It was intellectually brilliant. I do not think all of the songs were memorable but I the album as a whole is amazing and I will listen to it months/years from now!!
whoever wrote this review is a fuckin idiot, how tf is this the same rating as Russ’ Zoo?? are you guys literally autistic? did you even take the time to digest this project?
Dude, this will go down as one of the most discussed reviews on this site due to 2 reasons:
1. The album was amazing, it was like a Tiger Woods comeback, I didn’t think Lupe would reach these heights again
2. The community overwhelmingly thinks this is a classic
3. The reviewer rushed the review and to be honest, will do down as 1 of the minorities that didn’t understand this project
Dude, this will go down as one of the most discussed reviews on this site due to the following:
1. This Lupe comeback was Tiger Woods-esque
2. This is a classic
3. The reviewer is an idiot
Dude, this will go down as one of the most discussed reviews on this site due to the following: 1. This Lupe comeback was Tiger Woods-esque 2. This is a classic 3. The reviewer is an idiot
5* certified classic. This review is bemusing. The reviewer sounds frustrated that he did not understand the message of each song upon first listening. If this is what he or anyone else were expecting then they are listening to the wrong album and the wrong artist. Drogas Wave flows incredibly well, the production is clean and blends beautifully with the story Lupe portrays. It took me a while to understand what the content was of each song but this is part of Lupe’s genius. His wordplay is so complex, its incredible how he joins words to within the frame of a beat. Lets not forget about the important subject matter too. AOTY
This Album is a Masterpiece. This is the Lupe Fiasco that everyone has always asked for . It has depth, it has meaning, it has delivery.. 5/5 . You cannot go wrong with the Album , he took part in producing some music, he handpicked his features very well, and the storyline is brilliant! THIS IS HIP HOP!!!
Masterpiece.
this review is baffling. how is this a 3.9 but that “everything is love” trash a 5?
Because they were paid off.
Man, you guys fuck up reviews left and right.
Aoty contender for sure.
Also. Reviewer lost me the secon he said it takes too many spins to unpack. Foh. Thats what makes an album brilliant.
AOTY This album goes deep! It’s a (5/5) For Sure. Lupe Is A True Mastermind And Lyricist
Class-sick
Perfection.
I LOVED THIS ALBUM FROM TRACK 3 THRU 24… THE PRODUCTION & LYRICAL CONTENT ARE FIRE!!! PLUS THE INTURLUDES AND SPOKEN WORDS ARE ON POINT… LUE IS A MIX OF COMMON & WEEZY… HE IS TURNT BUT CONSCIOUS! 1&15TH WE FEELIN IT BRUH.
LMAO the reviewer said it sucked because he couldnt understand it hahahahahahahaha. the first tracks tell you that the album is about a slave ship sinking with the slaves still alive and they went to a new world
“The album’s loose, intriguing concept is of slaves who jumped ship and survived to fight slavery from the bottom of the ocean.” Direct quote from the review, but it’s a concept he abandoned after track 7. Are you able to understand reviews, or do you simply skim through them? Lupe WANTS his albums to take many spins to unpack, which is usually welcome. But when he’s telling a story, loading up with easter eggs can detract from the narrative, as it does here. But, the Lupe stans and purists read this review very selectively. As expected, I suppose. Fanboys gon’ fanboy.
Again, you completely misunderstood the concept. It’s not about the longchains or the west Atlantic slave trade. That’s ONE aspect of the larger theme, slavery of the mind (baba kwesi interlude, creative slavery at Atlantic records, etc..) and More importantly, *resurrection*. Stop saying he abandoned that after track 7. He didn’t. Jonlyah forever, Alan forever, happy timbuck2 day, imagine, all have the theme of resurrection. It’s called DROGAS WAVE, not “LUPE FIASCO AND THE ADVENTURES OF THE LONG CHAINS”.
Even on wav files, he merged the longchains story with present day references in the first verse, directly telling you that it isn’t about the long chains themselves, but it’s a larger theme. Why would the longchains be talking about Jay Z and tidal? Again, did you even listen to the album?
this clown in the comments double downing on his trash opinion and review…dude still talking about he abandoned his concept after track 7 ahaha he think the album is only album the Longchains
Aaron, with all due respect, you don’t have a clue about what you’re talking about. the fact that you said the album takes too many spins to understand, and that he abandons the longchain concept after track 7 (NEWSFLASH, THE ALBUM ISN’T ONLY ABOUT THE LONGCHAINS) shows that you rushed this in to meet your deadline and the album went over your head. Remove this farce and let someone else write up this review, properly. Every review you write from now on about hip hop has lost all it’s credibility.
this album is great, stop hating.
Great album, definitely some of Lupe’s best work
3.8 what do you actually listen to in your office better yet on a day to day what do you actually play. rate yourselves 3.8s smh
Community Resistance In Progress.
????
Community Resistance
In Process! Lupe be prophesying!
I like this album. The lyricism is top-notch like other great projects of Lupe fiasco. But this album is special because how he connected the past with present day is amezing.
youre fuckin buggin and the fact that credible hip-hop journalists dont fuck with this site only reinforces that statement.
5/5 this site is a jome
Diaspora & Sonnets
Yeaaa
Never coming back to this website. Best hip hop album of all time! 5/5
This album is a masterpiece! not surprised by the biased dishonest review to be honest, real music journalism died along time ago!
A clear concept album, Lupe expertly tells a story of better lives for groups and individuals. Crisp production through the entire album accompany excellent hooks and signing by Nikki Jean and Lupe himself. It’s quintisential Lupe with bars that aren’t quite understandable, and writing which kills your foolish dreams of being a rapper. Overall it is either lupe’s best album or second best after Tetsuo and youth. There were two areas which I found lacking. The odd violin interludes, while excellent on T&Y, was weird and offputting here. And the somewhat similar sounds to all the songs I found to be a weakness. It made songs like Happy Timbuck2 Day, which are sonically different, stick out as maybe the best track on the album (although Manilla is fire).
Y’all know nothing about Hip hop. Watch tomorrow you will praise lil wayne & tekashi projects smh. Hip hop outlets like yourselves lack the appreciation for meaningful content. Smh. Hip hop is dead.
Absolutely genius! What a record!
The depth of the album is incredible.
Gorgeous piece of work Brother Wasalu.
There’s so much content and substance in this double album release, and even tracks that are about other things besides the myth are interwoven with the main thematic crux of the project (resurrection, both generational and self-resurrection, re-interpretation of the past sometimes via myth for a better future). In a hip-hop climate full of bloated releases to pad streaming, Lu has released a double album that flows so well and is tied together by repeating motifs all the way through. This writer was sleeping. Watch you guys give Carter V, an album just as long (and with just a modicum of “focus” and cohesion that Drogas Wave had) a much higher score.
Amazing.
Do you fools listen to music or do you skim through it?
This Alan Forever joint
This WAV files joint
This Manila joint
This King Nas joint
This Mural Jr joint
We are not worthy!!
Dear aaron mckrell,
You have forgotten the face of your father… this album is a 5/5. Smh..
Amazing album❗️
Usually when an album is too good people need time to catch up. Incredible!
it’s funny. albums like this give me hope in hip hop. but “hip hop” websites like this with their bs reviews do the opposite. clearly lupe is being blackballed. still, 250 community ratings with an average of 4.92/5. there is hope. power to the people. thank you lupe for this beautiful gift.
album of the year
Lu is so slept on. This album has at least 20 great tracks and it only gets a 3.8. “Lack of focus” that isnt it.
Genuinely shocked by this album review. I’ve never really even been a Lupe fan. Yeah, I’ve always respected his ability to spit and his pen, but his work never quite held my attention … that is until now, with “Drogas Wave.” 7 tracks in and I was floored by its power. I’ve listened to it 3 times in the last 24 hours and the exposition grows with each spin. The “bars,” the lyrical flexing, the content/storytelling, the production … this is music. It’s almost like a live rap/soul/history musical playing out in your mind as you listen.
I advise you and your team to give an intent listen … maybe even read along at Genius while you do, and come back with an edited review and rating.
Album is very good. Up for album of the year.
Album of the year without a doubt! Thanks Lupe I think it’s the most focused you’ve been.
Dope Album
Great album. I’m sure it’ll get better with more listens. Shame this website rushed to review it rather than take a week or so to keep playing it.
This will go down as another Lupe great album!!
An album for Lupe fans.
If Kendrick had released this it would be 5.0 and everyone would be setting themselves. FACT!
AOTY!S
AOTY!
If AOTY stood for crap albums.
Hahahah this website is a joke
This website lacks focus.
They lack balls! A bunch of females behind a desk! Effeminate Lil boys!
The only album that deserves 5/5 is that Beyonce and Jay Z joint this is a 1/5
LMAO whoever did this review has a shallow mind of what our culture and music really is. I’m ashamed this is site has “hiphop” in its name. This album is by far the greatest collection of songs and concept we have seen in years and what better way for it to be independent! This album was made for blacks to wake up, understand how the system works, help one another and carry on with our blessings in the long run. This dude sat back and studied and traveled a lot you can tell in his music. Wordplay Lupe is great we all know this, but concept Lupe is another story. He set the bar for how hip hop should be treated. It’s not N*ggas, ass, guns, money, drugs. That’s what this goofball who reviewed it wants and the people over this site tries to push on the culture. Thank you lupe and I will buy album and I want a vinyl for collectors sake! This is a masterpiece
I totally agree with your comments, however, I think there’s just one vital thing you’ve missed. And for all the credibility that this man and his music has if there’s an inability to connect to an individual then the information can be lost. And I think that’s the polarising issue with lupe at times he just misses that and I think that’s why he doesn’t get the accolades as many of his peers do. I mean they gave The Carters the highest album review this year, where a woman lauded by 16- 18 years olds glorifies brands that most of these people don’t even know, then goes on about dignified and a role model she is, regardless of her talent, that just says it all!
Disrespectful. Wouldn’t happen if Justin was still an editor
5
Lupe the Killer
This is a complex work of art. You need to take time to listen to it over and over. Live with it. Feel it. As a descendant of slaves I felt it. This review is shallow as a tea spoon. No respect for this site. This is for Lupe Fans. GTFOH and shut the hell up if you can’t call yourself a true fan. Go listen to some fake woke rapper out there..
the reviews for this have been disappointing.
AOTY. *****
AOTY
Forgot rating
This album is phenomenal and these guys should take notes on giving album analyses from TheComapanyMan’s review. The album reviewer here either did not understand the album, or is just following orders to continue blackballing this guy. Honestly, at this point I am losing faith in these reviews due to such lacking of objectivity at times.
Man I’m just some suburban white boy and even I can spare some time to give it a few listens before popping out an “i dont get it” and a 3.8 like this fool
AOTY
I can’t with album
I remember Jaden Smith always said Lupe was a huge influence. Jay-Z always fucked with him heavy. I don’t know one rapper that went on Twitter or Instagram to promote this album for Lupe. I rarely believe in hip-hop conspiracies but maybe he is being blackballed.
I’m not shitting on Young Dolph or anything, but this website gave his album a better score than Lupe’s. Yikes.
AOTY
If Kendrick put out this same album they would have given it a 5/5 lol
Ridiculous review. This album is simply incredible.
Community Resistance is In Progress!
User rate this masterpiece at hotnewhiphop aswell to bring the user rating to what it deserves…..a 5/5!!!
AOTY
Masterpiece
AOTY
3.8 are fuckin serious!!!
AOTY
AOTY, the depth of the album flew over the reviewer’s head. King Lu
This album review lacked focus but it IS bolstered by AD revenue generated by controversial clicks.
If album critics put in a FRACTION of the effort artists have to in order to sell a product or an opinion this would be an entirely different piece and it would be worth reading. Buy a thesaurus. Double space your content. Find better writers/reviewers.
YEAH ITS YOUR BOI YOUR COUSIN YOUR NEPHEW YALL DUN FUCKED UPPP AND I JUST WANNA SAY THAT THIS SITE IS TRASH
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Greatest album ever made.
This album went over my head the first time I heard it but after a while I started to get it. It’s a very in depth personal album that gets dark and haunting at times. Shit almost brought me to tears with that Alan Forever & Jonylah Forever. The production is solid. It’s fairly smooth and not as raucous. That track Down is relaxing as shit. Out of all the tracks I didn’t care for the track Drogas. It sounds dope but its in Spanish.
AOTY without a doubt…
C’mon a 3.8, really?
I used to trust this site (for years) but after reading this garbage, you lost me (& many others I’m sure). This album is timeless. A true masterpiece. Album Of All Time #AOAT
You dun goofed.
AOTY.
I think the album would be getting so much more of the respect and attention it deserves if it was in fact trimmed down to the tracks contributing directly to the LongChains theme (could have easily been split into two separate albums to avoid confusion). That said, I’m a huge fan of Lupe and his recent output and, though I agree that it seems to lack the focus I would’ve liked, I still can’t deny that Lupe just dropped a 2 hour long project with not a single moment of filler. The album is such a monumental contribution to Lupe’s legacy.
4.95! 4.95 MF!!!
#Lonlivelupe
Revolutionary; Deep. 5/5
a lot of people don’t/can’t appreciate this album because they don’t know what he’s talking about most of the time. if you feel confused please go to rap genius, otherwise this album if filled with knowledge!!!
Album Of The Year, incredible effort. long live KING Lu
IF THIS ALBUM IS 3.8 THEN YOU CAN FUCK YOURSELF … YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT MUSIC IS… DON T LET CORPORATIONS DICTATE YOU WHAT TO LISTEN
Lupe Fiasco is to rap, what Friedrich Nietzsche is to philosophy. All I got from this absurd review is the writer’s frustration and inability to grasp the depth and complexity of this body of work.
Never watered down.
#SLR
This whole article lacks focus, this album gets better after every listen
1/5
Still dissecting the layers months later. This album is a gift.
2019 and still listening to this encyclopedia of culture
Months later and I love this album. I’m going 5/5 it is everything I want in an album. A ton of variety of content and topics, great productions, great lyrics, crazy bars, multi-syllabic flow, double and triple entredes, similes and metaphors out the ass and most importantly smart music that isn’t the same insulting bullshit every other rapper is talking about.
This album is incredible. For it to be so long, its a surprising easy listen. At 1:40 min its a bit too long but once you get wrapped up in the songs its just so good. Favorite tracks: Cripple, King Nas, Timbuck2 Day, WAV Files, Down, Hailie Selassie and XO.
5/5 lupe is a master of his craft
My favorite album for 2018
Legit lupe’s best work imo
5/5 AOTY possible AOTD contender
Honestly I strongly believe this is the best hiphop album of all time