LUPE FIASCO's RESURRECTION | Drogas Wave Breakdown

Justin Hunte breaks down Lupe Fiasco's DROGAS WAVE.
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How Lupe Fiasco won his beef with Atlantic: • How Lupe Fiasco Won Hi...
Why Lupe Signed To Atlantic: • Charles "Chilly" Patto...
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Life Through The Lens of Hip Hop.
Justin Hunte is a former Editor-in-Chief of HipHopDX and creator of DX's popular series The Breakdown and #DXLive. Hunte has debated at the prestigious Oxford Union and is featured on Shade45's "All Out Show w/ Rude Jude," as well as Revolt TV’s “Revolt Live” Billboard magazine, digital campaigns for Lexus, Honda, Brisk, and Simple Mobile. Prior to joining HipHopDX, Hunte spent 5 years working in investment banking at Banc Of America/Merrill Lynch and has covered music, politics, and culture for numerous publications. He is currently based in Los Angeles, California.
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[@dadorage1695]

Please support this album as much as you can. As a 24 tracks long independant project, this is immensly time and money consuming and NO ONE is talking about it. No reactions on youtube, no IG hip-hop page talking about it, nothing... We have the power to actually make this album sell better by just recommending it to people and talk about it more. Buy it, recommend it to your friends, recommend it to big reactions channels like Rock Reacts, Tabby or Lost in Vegas, just remind people that this amazing album exists

[@TheCompanyMan]

I bought it today... and a Wavy jump suit.

[@parmar__12]

Can I stream it

[@TheCompanyMan]

Apple music. Tidal. Spotify.

[@parmar__12]

@@TheCompanyMan Thank you

[@SquatsAndOats2plate]

word. I rec'd it to at least 10 of my closer friends and will @ blackyspeakz, shawncee, fantano, big quint and DEHH so they talk about it hopefully.

[@TheNewTravel]

Lupe is a true storyteller.

[@TherealKabong]

I mean i agree...but did lupe just go all dethwater on us?

[@SrAkiddOice]

This album is Pulitzer prize worthy.

[@haydendecker8895]

I swear

[@axixngolola4845]

Kendrick Lamar Is Living In Lupe's Fans Rent Free.

[@SrAkiddOice]

@@axixngolola4845 have you heard Drogas Wave?

[@axixngolola4845]

@@SrAkiddOice Yes. A Fucken Great Album That Has Its Moments. But I Still Say This: Lupe Couldn't Pick A Beat To Save His Life. I Still Love Him Though

[@manaulhoque6507]

@@axixngolola4845 Bruh the original comment was before kendrick won a pulitzer

[@Afro_Sensei]

When Lupe rapped about Slaves blaming the Trees for being the woods used for their imprisonment and then the Tress apologized and asked to be burned as recompense, I lost my mind. Such amazing storytelling. Lupe is the greatest writer in the History of Hip-Hop

[@TheCompanyMan]

Tupac_Senpai 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@the77th]

Then there’s phonte Coleman aka the greatest story teller in hip hop history

[@spaceepandaa]

77tele bro I Iove me some Te but Lupe and a handful of others are better storytellers

[@banditboybanks5959]

Tupac_Senpai yea that shit humbled me too. Lupe doing what he's always been the best at. But better

[@the77th]

FreshPrince “cuz you don’t understand him it don’t mean that he nice, just means you don’t understand all the bullshit that he writes” - Shawn Corey Carter aka Jay Z . H.O.V.A. In response to nas stans ... There’s beauty in complexity, there’s also beauty in knowing when to simplify..... Lupe can’t let complex go and it’s simply not always effective.....

[@MrFresco702]

You really got approach a Lupe album like about your about to study for a midterm.

[@MzSoulll]

seriously.

[@guscarvell7343]

And I'm trying to do both

[@sterlingarcher1361]

Facts!

[@drehardin]

Man for real ! Get a whole encylopedia set !

[@koldraiynedownskayle5744]

You don't just listen to Lupe. That brother will make you smarter just to understand him.

[@Panopticon14]

The beginning of the album follows the TransATLANTIC Slave Trade. There's a lot of messaging throughout the album but I think it's a metaphor for Lupe feeling like a slave on ATLANTIC records. That's one of the themes.

[@Panopticon14]

So many layers, it's crazy 🤯

[@ArmandTheBlackRevolutionary]

Yes beautiful analysis, it clicked for me on Imagine. Crazy stuff

[@sbuderlenyora]

Spot on. I remember he had an EP back in 2014 or 2015 called ‘lost in the Atlantic ‘ with songs his record label refused to put on his album (Marzinger, haile selassie)

[@salem7101]

Lupe is the rogue knight of hip hop. He doesn't follow a path he doesn't believe in

[@KontryBoy706]

Albums like this should be winning the Grammys.... but you know how that goes

[@rmyrie5963]

They over looked Tetsuo but maybe this will get that recognition

[@krypto210]

Lupe has had I believe 4 gram noms for best rap album, he has never won one but its not unfeasible for him to get a nom this year. We can hope.

[@Bishcona]

@@krypto210 I wish but they'll just probably just end up giving it to drake or Travis cuz they're super duper big. I'd give it to veteran by jpegmafia probably but I don't think jpegmafia is very popular on these types of hip hop head channels lol. But still this album was great

[@CapN_Crump]

Maybe not for best rap album, but he did win a Grammy for Daydreamin'

[@ripdajacker23]

Grammys are a fixed popularity contest. Fuck the Grammys

[@archibaldnhlangano6575]

The mythology in Lupe's discography is so immersive and makes relistening to his music so rewarding. Lupe continues to have one of the most interesting career arcs in hip-hop.

[@TheCompanyMan]

the MOST INTERESTING.

[@redpillproductions7187]

More interesting than Naruto's War arc? Lol jk. Im really coming to terms that Lupe is in a tier by himself. Over Black Thought, DOOM, 3 stacks, Eminem, Hov, Killah Priest, Ghostface, all of em

[@haydendecker8895]

H

[@mawandemdutywa2571]

@@redpillproductions7187 maybe not DOOM but the rest of em? Sure

[@Grizzlee.0n0]

Lupe Fiasco : " ...As I look back through all my work I think I’ve found my purpose. The main idea of my art...It is to resurrect! When I’m doing the work of the “resurrective” is when I’m in my flow state. It is the best thing I know how to do. Bringing things back to life. On “Don’t Ruin Us God Said, Wave” I resurrect many things, one being my autonomy and freedom from the clutches of an industry that tried to and did destroy me. It destroyed my joy and my innocence. It made me mean and inconsiderate. With this that joy of creation returns from the netherworld. I return to myself. No pressures & no expectations. Independence earned, the hardest way. “From the depths of the sea...back on the block...” 🌊

[@ImInYourBrains]

fuuuuck Much respect to Lupe.

[@Cykelpump33]

Wav Files made me stunned. Felt like i was reflecting my life and was about to enter a second one.

[@brandoncarter6027]

EXACTLY

[@kingdolo23]

All i got is gold....gold n memories

[@shuncharon]

ALAN FOREVER HAD ME TRIPPING. I seen the whole damn life, and the HOOK is Flamboyant!

[@brucesnow7125]

Lupe is honestly my favorite rapper.

[@idesignfreedom]

Bruce Snow mine as well. I love him.

[@garybush5471]

Me too

[@whatssogoodaboutindy6696]

Same

[@knux64]

Yes

[@Luke973T]

It's hard being a Lupe fan, go to Harvard to be a Lupe stan...

[@TheCompanyMan]

This project made me feel like I need to be at Xavier's School For The Gifted.

[@fackfb8653]

lmaoooooooooo

[@Luke973T]

@@TheCompanyMan facts!!

[@chanes4044]

SLR 2.

[@MalonS23]

I ain't sayin that I'm harder, it's just harder when it's in Lupe hands. Welcome nigga! Lupe Land!

[@big_oh_tea]

Lupe got an iron clad discography and it's time he gets recognized for that.

[@KingDavid314]

I still listen to his old mixtapes. Like pre Food & Liquor.

[@veksone77]

It makes me sad that he's never listed in anyone's top 5...

[@Mfasis_DDM]

Tetsuo & Youth solidified Lupe as top 5 for me. Was listening to it before I got this notification. It always excites me to see him get coverage cause I'd hate to see him become another forgotten legend in hip hop ✊🏿

[@TheCompanyMan]

He's too influential for us to let that happen.

[@fackfb8653]

He ain't for everyone. One day he won't just be considered one of the GOAT rappers he will be considered a GOAT literary artists. Hip-hop aint ready for him and neither is the literary world.

[@Mfasis_DDM]

lol that's fair. I love those projects too ✊🏿

[@mcfriedchicken1972]

Just a reminder Lupe now has 4 incredible albums 👀 F&L, The Cool, Tetsuo & Youth, DROGAS 🌊

[@TheCompanyMan]

MCFriedChicken1 helluva a resume

[@dadorage1695]

And amazing mixtapes too

[@antonioburns1125]

5 FOOD AND LIQOUR II WAS AMAZING !

[@undergroundvagos8481]

I thought the same thing lol no more holy Trinity XD

[@kooleyBear]

Can't forget about Pharaoh height 2/30

[@EchoGuzman]

"It's hard being a Lupe fan" Good vid Justin!

[@midnightmenace8715]

"it's hard being a lupe stan"

[@fackfb8653]

Go to Harvard to be a Lupe Stan

[@R0m0n3]

Intelligence isn't cool in the age we live in and it is a requirement to digest Lupe at his best.

[@highkey_steeze]

Go to Harvard to be a Lupe Stan !

[@dominicsouder4938]

This album seemed like Lupe’s return to innocence for me...a struggle I’ve had myself with depression where the way you view life as a boy that made it possible to imagine and create worlds is infiltrated by mercenaries and traitors, giving the world a dark filter (which shows in the person btw - I know I remember the cynical Lupe that seemed much more closed off to a lot of things). Then there is the rebirth of the innocence and getting back in touch with your boyhood, but it takes intentionality now, not just a natural ease as it is when you are a kid. This is what I thought of when Lupe talked about how there is one thing that he would change, how natural all of his vigor, excitement and ease his craft came prior to his enslavement and depression. I can go on for days. Lu’s life and craft keep me up at night due to how parallel his story sometimes feels to my own, but I guess everyone will share similarities with another person’s life if it is shared honestly. Plus Lu is out there putting out classics and I’m writing KZbin comments 😂. Thanks again, Justin. Definitely fun being a Lupe fan being able to dissect shit like this. Peace to ya.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Salute to you, Dominic. Thank you for that.

[@bahstudd9662]

I feel ya, Dominic. I too have struggled with depression and anxiety, and it truly is a beautiful thing that there's artists such as Lupe and music such as his that really do help in dark times. Great comment, mate and keep ya head up 👍🏻

[@fackfb8653]

This is the fool card in Tarot seeing the world purposely with young eyes creates a feedback loop of humility, happiness, and sometimes divine favor.

[@bravotheerunner9319]

I may not have gone through a depression, but I’ve had a huge lack of motivation for about 2 years until last summer, and this album had the most impact on me. I feel like I’m living back in the past again, despite being in a whole different environment, which was what I needed. I feel that Hip Hop has Saved me in general. Props to you if you got that last reference.

[@VandalCabbage]

This album is WAY too good to be ignored. Been recommending it to everyone I know, Tetsuo and Youth didn't get the recognition it deserved and this project is arguably better and it'd be disgusting if DROGAS Wave gets no press.

[@MrEherndon5]

VandalCabbage I loved tetsuo and youth

[@CynicalPoet92]

I've been waiting for reviews to pop up but with it being so detailed and thought provoking, it's going to take a few takes and patience to gather up a honorable one. So patience it will be. Album of the year contender if word gets out on this one.

[@akirahasrisen]

Awesome thing I noticed with the track “XO” He fuses flows from his older songs “The Instrumental” and “Streets on Fire” in every verse.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Ashura I like that about that joint. Nice catch! 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@middletonwilliams8819]

I think this Drogas Wave album just wiped out every other project in 2018, another timeless masterpiece well done Lupe!

[@djdj696]

I'm so tempted to skip right to Mural Jr., but I'm gonna take my time and listen to it from the beginning.

[@IvefoundthetruthonMay]

Every minute is worth it, trust me

[@elparadox1575]

Like Tetsuo & Youth, I'm gonna be listening to this album for years and still find something new.. That's the nice thing about Lupe's music and of course being a Lupe fan

[@fizzle242]

The album is so dense, well structured and filled with gems and buried treasures (pun intended...Long chains.). Lovely listen, Most socially conscious album out this year when you think about it, no shades at KOD but this album was Fire, heat wave, tidal wave. Wave hit me hard!

[@DeeBiobaku]

Agreed, I think I prefer this to Tetsuo and Youth and that's hard to say

[@haydendecker8895]

Y

[@TheKalebWard]

If you think being too deep in rap is a problem, you’re the problem (my hot take of the day)

[@richardskinner1155]

Kaleb Ward definitely!! There is plenty enough shallowness to go around.

[@TheKalebWard]

Pee In My Mouth, Mommy can people not look up things on there own 🤔, the point is for you to think, not everything has to be “vibe” music

[@user-pc5dk7gp4b]

Pee In My Mouth, Mommy if people are too stupid to break it down traen they don’t deserve it. Fuck off.

[@michaell9022]

Thank you!!

[@m_js5709]

The guy in the review video wasn't saying that it's a problem though. He was saying that it would be extremely difficult entry point for people who aren't used to listening to music like this. It wasn't that hard to understand. The critique absolutely makes sense from that point of view. I would tell people that this album is like reading a book and you need to give it that level of attention to make it worth listening to

[@davidmukka1208]

Album art: The manilla image and its shadow mimics a sailing ship. The greenish hue represents the Atlantic ocean (oceans). The black line cutting across denotes the horizon and the grey above it is the sky

[@TheCompanyMan]

David Mukka Didn’t know that at all. Thank you!

[@peaceiladel83]

Thank you for writing this information. I thought it had something to do with anchors at first. But, then I listened to the album and I knew he wanted to show something in correlation with the story of the album! Dope!

[@davidmukka1208]

You're most welcome. The cover itself has a place in the art galleries and I must admit it has more hidden meanings

[@Michaelsp9]

This album is going to go down in history. Alan Forever is heart breaking

[@RUDEMusicUS]

Drogas Wave is the best hip hop album I've ever heard. AOTY hands down.

[@Dizzinator2114]

I actually still hold Royce da 5'9 book of Ryan being better than this album. For my album of the year, but certainly this album is a solid number 2 or 3 for me.

[@danielg7315]

@@Dizzinator2114 Denzel Curry's Ta13boo is right up there too.

[@Dizzinator2114]

@@danielg7315 agreed.

[@louisgregoire3927]

Best album I've ever heard

[@aidsbringer1]

not even close man. the concept of this album is the corniest shit I've ever heard and the rapping is boring as fuck.

[@kingdolo23]

Bro this album is a master piece! Its insane man

[@M2DreDaniel]

This album needs and deserves to be talked about. This album is like an interactive history session. Lyrically Lupe is an unbelievably talented lyrically genius. Spread the word.

[@naheemquattlebaum2267]

*AND IF YOU HAVEN'T LISTENED TO THIS ALBUM YET PUNCH YO SELF IN DA FACE!*

[@ilovehinata101]

"go to Harvard to be a lupe stan" I love this project so far i'm so happy to be getting new lupe music even drogas- light i thought had really good moments. I'm happy someones covering lupe he just never seems to get the love or respect someone of his skill level deserves.

[@gondwanaman9362]

whether he knows it or not... in Xhosa culture we believe in our ancestors who live underwater, sometimes the living are called underwater for spiritual rebirth. After they finish the process they come back on land as spiritual healers and seers. As black people all around the world we seem to have a fear of the ocean, so many people go missing inexplicably in the oceans and hear their names being called underwater. all in all man, black people are MAGIC!!!!!!!!

[@superflysebentin6154]

Lira Mayne dude you have no idea how I resonate with what you done say AND the album. I'm Zulu so I know what you're talking about.it's amaaazing that Lupe spoke on it...well indirectly but yeah

[@seaberry11]

Lupe is one of the best hip hop artists ever, it’s sad that he’s around in an era where he’s to smart for the average hip hop fan cause the music is so dumbed down. Thank you for this breakdown Justin, the album is super fire and original!

[@johnnyaugustrossvegas9014]

Nathaniel Seaberry he’s in my top 3 all time 1. Kendrick 2. Lupe 3. Wayne 4. Eminem

[@greg20423]

@@johnnyaugustrossvegas9014 j Cole Kendrick and then Lupe for me

[@NickMintz]

This is the album of the year to me hands down. Thank you for continuing to recognize Lupe Fiasco as an artist who continues to push the artistry of music. I honestly think he should also start doing movies as well.

[@russellrobinson6404]

Almost every track is thought provoking, makes me go research shit lol

[@NickMintz]

Russell Robinson Hell yeah I always get my Googled up on a Lupe album

[@russellrobinson6404]

@@NickMintz this album is perfect, not taking anything away from Wayne. But this shit is deep, I've been waiting for art like this since Anderson Paak's Malibu album

[@NickMintz]

So does anyone have a favorite song on the Drogas Wave album? It's hard for me to pick just one favorite song on here though myself.

[@russellrobinson6404]

@@NickMintz I've been listening to Stack that Cheese

[@jeremydiesel7805]

Lupe is too advanced to be mainstream but too nice to be unpopular. He never needed a major label but he would be huge if he was on one.

[@SwaySilva]

Lupe, to me, was the GOAT that could have been. He’d be ruling this generation if it wasn’t for the system his art abides in. Which in an of itself is a tragic point about the times we live in and what a sincere artist must suffer to reach his potential

[@VTheVoiceOfficial]

This album had me emotional Justin. By track 5, I thought he wasn't gonna stop till he made us cry...

[@TheCompanyMan]

I'm literally on the phone with all my Lupe homies like, what's going on here? Why do I feel this way! hahahaha.

[@saqlenhasankhan1594]

Same here bruh this album is so great in evryway

[@brandonwoods7886]

Alan forever brought tears to my eyes

[@kudabeen]

This made me question why I didn't take a harder listen in my first listen as a Lupe fan...gonna put it on while I'm home and relaxing...not just driving around.

[@azure7687]

Lupe to me as a child and now that I'm older is like the universe telling me it's not all bad. He showed me that you can escape the hellscape. He is the Internet of my world reminding me that there's always an equally beautiful side to existence.

[@Ainttrippin]

Super excited about this record...Tetsuo and Youth was a CLASSIC.

[@user-mc1ir2ri9i]

@@ceetruth4709 no such thing

[@ArmandTheBlackRevolutionary]

I loved Down. The hook is really catchy.

[@Insomnia_Central_]

Wardell Stephen Curry II Stan same here

[@mastabeta85]

Sanjay Bradford I liked it too... If I'm being honest, I did give the hook the side eye with my first listen but it grows on you. The production alone in down is flawless.

[@krishnansen1301]

It's lengthy, but it's well worth the listen.

[@johnnywilson1453]

I just gained so much respect for you covering this over the bullshit going on in the industry distracting us from projects like this one

[@quezdaman4453]

Does Drogas Wave help Lupe's case to finally getting a GOAT piece he truly deserves? I think it does Justin. Great video as always bro. You always seem genuinely excited to talk about Lupe and his work. You are truly a Lupe fan. Did you also go to Harvard to be a Lupe stan?

[@blackmamba4494]

The sad truth is that Lupe won’t get his roses till he’s gone, thanks for recognizing a legend 😭🙏🏿

[@umang6771]

Lupe is one of the GOATs, truly one of the nicest behind a mic, & with the pen. So glad he has the Atlantic b.s. behind him & he can release his art uncompromised.

[@reecemcdermott]

Honestly, I believe this my AOTY easily. No way it has any competition for my RN. But I think it's my second favorite album ever behind A Piece Of Strange. It's insane how much I'm in love with this artistic masterpiece. Haven't stopped digging into this album and I'm still finding shit. Truly beautiful

[@Qocaine]

You know what... Lupe has a great argument to be The Greatest Rapper of All Time...

[@estlaz4813]

The greatest rapper alive cant have a stinker like Lasers in his catalogue ,no what ifs or but's.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I don't know, man. No one's above a dud. Even Outkast has Idlewild.

[@omarhelmy8394]

@@estlaz4813 I don't think there's even a single perfect discography

[@Qocaine]

@@TheCompanyMan yeah, Idlewild could be considered a dud.. even though it's a soundtrack, but imo Andre dropped one of his top 5 verses on Hollywood Divorce. That alone has me not putting that effort as a complete miss.

[@kooleyBear]

@@w.4465 and to me Pharaoh Height 2/30 was a project that should not have gone unnoticed. Especially right after T&Y that was an amazing project.

[@quezdaman4453]

Been rocking with Lupe since the first time I heard Kick, Push back in '06. I was in the 6th grade then. From then on I paid attention to whenever he dropped music just so I can listen to it and study it because I could always learn something. Over time he has released dope music and its songs that are timeless and you can always go back to and catch something new. Its one of the reasons he's been my favorite rapper since I was a kid. With Drogas Wave Im getting similar feels how I enjoyed an album since I first heard F&L. Lupe only gets better with age and hopefully he stays in the game and drops more gems like this. Its for sure needed and appreciated.

[@TheCompanyMan]

"The poor say the rich have the cure. The rich say the poor are the source. Revolutionary say its psychological warfare, just to have something to report..." #Timeless

[@greg20423]

@@TheCompanyManbeautiful

[@Gadaamx]

Greatest album of the decade🔥🔥

[@JustYohannes]

Lupe one of the greatest ever, midwest whats good!

[@UnlimitedProduction1]

I am a content guy. The rappers that I like and my favorite songs are almost always the ones with the "heaviest" content to it. I just find it so creative to create concepts, themes or to rap about things that I personally can relate to more than what I feel most do. So Lupe's music is right down my alley. I was that smart kid who grew up in the hood, but had both parents, played video games, watched cartoons, played football and didn't go the gangster route in life. That's why I understand why people say Lupe content can be too much...I really do. But for my taste? His style fits me personally. I was 16 when Food & Liquor came out and Hurt Me Soul in particular those first 2 verse felt like what I was going through just a decade later than Lupe experienced and from listening to F&L I was hooked. He's been my favorite rapper since. So there's a lot of bias in how I probably feel about the album...with that said, I think its incredible and Lupe has grown a lot as an overall artist. So that's why I can kick back and listen to an album like Drogas Waves the way most people can kick back and listen to a Migos album or something.

[@Ainttrippin]

UnlimitedProduction1 Hurt Me Soul might be my fave hip hop song of all time. 3rd verse hands down my favourite verse of all time.

[@oujamarek1402]

F&L, The Cool, T&Y, Drogas Wave. Lu is the Billy (goat) since 06. Thank you for covering the album. His work needs to be recognized.

[@saeedw.bilbissi69]

Justin you are the #1 hip hop journalist on the planet ! the greatest content ,the greatest rational ! thank you!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Salute, Saeed! Thank you sincerely. What do you think of King Nas?

[@saeedw.bilbissi69]

great lyrics , great flow,and of course great content, and i loved that he recalled a verse from the Quran in the outro , surat alnas ,I am an Arabian and a Muslim so its good to hear something familiar ! hahaha

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's ill. I didn't know that.

[@saeedw.bilbissi69]

me too , i had to read the lyrics to get that ! it really sound gebbirish spanish with the melody hahaha

[@CliftonCoffeeChannel]

So... I guess I’m the only one whole loves “Down”. That’s cool. I’ll just stand over here, by myself, as always.

[@TheCompanyMan]

There's a lot of people who feel like you in the comments. Looks like I'm the outlier.

[@danieldelbene6771]

Down is my fav on the album

[@CliftonCoffeeChannel]

The Company Man oh. Cool then. Lol 😂

[@linkoln_sosias]

I thought the hook was dope. didnt know wtf was being said in the verses tho. it was hella unsynced. but i loved it sonically

[@Juwellz18]

Nah, I love down

[@riptide312]

Ik you have a special appreciation for Lupe, but more album breakdowns like this are so welcome.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Never thought about doing reviews.

[@DopestDope24]

The Company Man not necessarily a review with a score but a breakdown like this song by song

[@riptide312]

@The Company Man tbh that could really turn a lot of people onto your content. Obviously its a quality over numbers thing but I think you have a valuable perspective that people would find refreshing and this kinda breakdown format lends itself to album reviews. That way you could also be more involved/recognized in the larger, current hip hop conversation maybe offering broader cultural insights as you so often do haha. I love when you and Jude are together talking about current events but the fact that its aired on satellite radio restricts the amount of people who ultimately get to enjoy your commentary. Do what's makes the most sense to you, but I definitely feel like the music review space is a field in which you'd excel. This video convinced me to check out Drogas Wave tomorrow so if I end up really liking it, THANKS.

[@METALFACEDOOM441]

Lupe's brain is pure greatness.

[@WhatWeDigtoday]

Bold move for Lupe to go concept in the streaming era of 30s hooks, but I'm glad he is bringing that back to the culture with societal commentary.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I think that's part of why it's 24 tracks. Everyone gets a chance to like something.

[@AFO_AnalyRics]

"This is all a narrative. None of this is real; but still, it's all happening." 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Now we just have to figure out a way to fit all of it on a T-shirt.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Maybe in Kanji or something.

[@EagleZtoTheGrave]

That was legendary lol

[@thereallegend4lyfe]

Just realized that Jonylah is the girl that Alan is talking to and marries in "Alan Forever".

[@mrmrsplummer3526]

Yes.. Incredible merging

[@ThinkRunLive]

I may be one of the few people that actually likes Lasers, and I like the song "All Black Everything". Lupe does an alternate reality narrative there too, really dope. There's something very comic book-ish about that (writing what if scenarios) yet it doesn't lose it's personal touch because you hear the story (Alan Kurdi becomes Olympic star swimming) and it makes you wish it were true; that it was this reality. So yea, very Star Wars or Game of Thrones feeling.

[@1800fedup]

Ninja lasers is my issssssh

[@Haquize]

All Black Everything is dope, regardless of how I feel about most of Lasers. Lu's said it was his favorite track off that album too.

[@derekant1612]

Drogas Wave is the best rap album since Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly. It is simply a flawless masterpiece and the fact that it is 24 tracks of no filler with masterful flow and production, and top tier lyricism and storytelling. Everyday I find a new song that I can't stop listening to. And as usual with Lupe rap, the more you listen the more layers are pulled back.

[@undergroundvagos8481]

What about all amerikkkan badass?

[@sourcr3357]

I prefer it to tpab. Genuinely think it’s better

[@UserUser-fm3cr]

Lupe is back 🌋🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🌋🌋 !! Already my AOTY.

[@saqlenhasankhan1594]

I'm just here thinking how's Kendrick Lamar gonna steal this great Project?????? JK

[@hugoboss3689]

I fucking HOPE he does. Next Kendrick project would be CRAZY again. (damn was cool too tho)

[@saqlenhasankhan1594]

@@hugoboss3689 damn was awesome But I wanna see what's Kendrick gonna with this complex concepts

[@hugoboss3689]

Exactly. We got a fun Kendrick album. I hope the next one is gonna be complex and layered again.

[@jordanb3120]

@@hugoboss3689 Kendrick and Cole droppin albums 2019

[@brawler5785]

@@jordanb3120 Where did you get that? All I know is that Kendrick has an upcoming collab track with Anderson Paak.

[@MansoorMansoor-xn7jf]

I feel like this whole album is about him. In nutshell, How the industry wanted him to be their slave but instead he jump of the boat and lived forever through his ART. I don't know WAV Files gave me chills, I almost breakout in tears. I agree about DOWN but whenever that song comes on while listening to the album, I just think of it as an interlude. I don't know. It's long but an interlude to me. And you are right, now we have 4 masterpiece albums of Lu now, I really don't know how many we can count on fingers who has that. I wonder if he's the last amongst the generations of MCs to dive in this deep in storytelling/narration/creating worlds I don't have answers to these questions Another great video!

[@cartermm7615]

“Hmmm Fried Chicken, fly vixen, gimme heart disease, but need you in my kitchen!” That track was tough on Nas Untitled album. 🤦🏾‍♂️😂

[@Asherrager]

Down is dope.

[@michaelbarnes2617]

Down is awesome

[@KSG__]

The company man you a goat, love you man

[@Demsky83]

Drogas Wave is good. Like really good.

[@spaceepandaa]

like really, really, REALLY good

[@casualworker45]

Lately with Lupe, it has been a hit or miss. The miss started back with Lasers, and F&L II, then he drops Tetsuo & Youth which was mind blowing! Same thing with Drogas Light, it was a miss, now he dropped Drogas Wave and I'm at a loss for words! It's like he will disappoint you and then make it up to you at a later time lol. Great breakdown as usual Justin. By the way, you need to start having episodes/podcasts of album/song breakdowns. I NEED SOMETHING TO LISTEN TO AT WORK lol!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Check my other videos on Lu. Every wack album was part of a new atlantic commitment.

[@casualworker45]

The Company Man absolutely

[@ManniLive]

Food and liquor 2 was a very underrated album

[@peterguidry6084]

I thought Food and Liquor 2:The Great American Hip Hop Album was actually a really good album. I enjoyed that whole album. Not as deep as Drogas wave, Tetsuo, or Food and Liquor but really good none the less.

[@MrKing8050]

WAV Files is my favorite song from the album, to think I gave up on Lupe after Drogas Light

[@TheCompanyMan]

Now's the time to resurrect that feeling. He's indie now. And this joint's dope.

[@mikecraig2062]

Light wasn't even that bad and we all knew all the Drogas album's would be different.

[@CCullen95]

Drogas Light was a satirical album. We all knew he was playing with that album.

[@tatemenegon]

MrKing8050 clearly not a true Lupe fan if you’re just going to give you up on him after 1/7 albums that you didn’t like lmao…

[@MrKing8050]

@@tatemenegon nope I haven't been a fan of his since the Cool but still listened, he's starting to win me back with this one

[@PaintedHoundie]

Happy Timbuck2Day everyone!

[@thepoeticgenius1986]

I can't wait to check this out! Lupe is one of the best to ever do it, he needs to be recognized as such.

[@jacobmumme]

I love how easy it is to listen to most of these songs over and over again and still learn new things about them. I've been listening to Tetsuo and Youth for three years and am still finding new points throughout it. Some of those songs are still on playlists of mine today. As of right now, Wave is becoming a lot like that. The fact that Lupe could do it twice is insane to me. Alan Forever and Stack That Cheese are my favorites at the moment. Those hooks by Crystal Torres and Nikki Jean fit so well with Lupe's style.

[@undercovermc]

Brilliant album. Everyone should check it out.

[@quezdaman4453]

Drogas Wave is a great album from front to back. Manilla was my favorite track on here. Dope concept as well. Also agree that this might be his best produced album. I didn't know how he could follow up being versatile on an album since Tetsuo and Youth but he did. Can't say right now where I rank this outta his best albums because I need more time and listens and cause he has classic albums under his belt. I can say this is my new album of the year for sure. Its still Lupe the killa.

[@TheCompanyMan]

"My bones is why the beach is white. Where the beach is white. Cause they bleached us light. So I'm goin back home. I took a leap last night. So I'm walking on water til my feet just like Jesus Christ."

[@quezdaman4453]

The Company Man WAV files is phenomenal as well. Might be in my top 5 best Lupe songs. The Cool, Body of Work, WAV files, Mural, Put You on Game.

[@Rushshane]

It took me the entire weekend to process the album but I really think this is Lupe's best body of work.

[@tbtrey1]

12 years since he was free. Lupe released his independent record 12 years after Atlantic. 12 years a slave. What's not really talked about is how Lupe himself is a long chain. He was a slave to Atlantic, killed his own career to become free, got a great, diverse fanbase from being "down", and now he's trying to be an example for the younger generation. The whole album is a mural and that's why it ends with mural jr. "This is junior's mural" because it serves as a picture of wide ranging subjects from warnings to triumphs for the people under him. Tetsuo and youth was about resurrection. It started where he won on murals. Drogas light was Lupe stretching his legs after his resurrection and drogas wave was a fully realized one punch ultra instinct Lupe being a long chain. Brilliant album, Lupe. See you at the house of blues on the 9th

[@CodingDruid]

WAVE is a lyrical masterpiece , i don`t care what you say edit : forgot to mention , great video !

[@parmar__12]

It's not about lyrics anymore Everybody wants good music

[@jamesw.9256]

@@parmar__12 luckily it's that too

[@CodingDruid]

Everyone has a different opinion . I prefer the deep lyrical stuff and Lupe , Lyrically is on another level

[@davembapel8070]

The whole album is fuego folks 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@EpicShadow26]

Definitely one of Lupe's best work, and it gets better with every listen. I think i still prefer Tetsuo & Youth and The Cool, but i'm glad Lupe is still making awesome thought provoking music that is different from everyone else. I love seeing all of these Chicago artist keep making waves. (Pun always intended.)

[@victorsales4215]

Not a single minute goes to waste in this album. Surely one of the best to ever do it.

[@garrettgreene336]

Hands down lupe is the best MC dead or alive. I like the fact you have to take time to learn what he's saying. He could have easily sold out for the money but instead he speaks for the people.

[@AsterisqBeats]

Woah "abstract braggadoccio" is the perfect term to describe "Manilla". Lupe out here creating new subgenres!

[@MrAdonisDNA]

You know I feel this album is gonna be over looked just like Tetsuo and Youth these two albums are great but are overlooked

[@nirvonic1876]

Somehow it always makes me happy when i see the notification saying Justin has uploaded a new video!

[@Thee_Ansar]

thank you so much for this, I really wish more people spoke about it

[@goattalk2697]

I was waiting for this video to drop. King Lupe!🙌🏼

[@jetboi08]

Thank you!! I've been waiting for someone to cover this masterpiece. AOTY! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kharyrobertson3579]

Great perspective on and great return. Thanks

[@jessezimmermann3570]

Wow. Amazing video man. Thank you so much for this.

[@ignorantenlightenment]

Great video to wake up and head to work to! ✊🏾

[@arappernamedamewilson1747]

Its hard to, be a Lupe stan, Go to Harvard, to be a Lupe fan-

[@tyroneaustin9341]

Bruh I've probably listened to Mural Jr 100 times I'm googling all types of stuff lol.

[@MrEherndon5]

Thank you for this breakdown

[@zacharyeric8264]

Been waiting for this! love how this dude's work; his analysis and breakdown of artists and music in general. Been a big fan of Lupe's music and his thought-provoking content for a long time. So glad it's been picked up and recognized, even more so by Justin!

[@steezygraytripplesgamer7641]

Great album review The Company Man!!! Always coming thru with the quality breakdowns!!!

[@justmyopinion1098]

This channel is amazing

[@BlazenMikay]

Thanks for helping me find more understanding. Because i was stuck on the first 8 songs and couldn’t understand what was the end of there story. But now i know. I loved this album. Glad lupe released this.

[@hugoboss3689]

Soo good to have u back. No other Hiphop related content on youtube comes close to this.

[@sunofabob]

I fully appreciate you breaking this down!!!