Lupe Fiasco "Samurai"... A Hip Hop Hero's Journey | It's All Happening

[@TheCompanyMan]

Aight Analysts, thanks for your patience. Here are my thoughts on @LupeFiasco 's Samurai. Hope you enjoy it. 00:00 Intro 01:06 Rave Reviews 02:52 Amy Winehouse 06:41 Mumble Rap 08:37 Cake 09:45 Palaces & Chilly 13:20 No. 1 Headband 14:30 Bigfoot & Outside 15:14 Lupe cyphers with Jay-Z & UnKasa & Mateo 17:08 Til Eternity 17:34 A Hip Hop Hero's Journey LinkTree: linktr.ee/thecompanyman

[@adam.axford]

worth the wait 🙏

[@avarylouis2961]

Lupe is out of this world with this. An album recorded in a week followed by an album based off a less than 2 minute voice mail? This dude is a true master

[@professorskye]

Excellent! Truly excellent analysis (and synthesis). The stuff on Chill was eye opening and the way your love of the music shone through brought so much heart to the brains. Playing a verse with no explanation just because it rules is so relatable. And the voice memo? Perfect! Thanks for the shout out as well.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you brother. I appreciate you. AVAA.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks man! I appreciate you checking it out.

[@ImInYourBrains]

16:25 Its sooooooo damn rewarding to find other fans of Lupe who deep dive into his art and come up with SIMILAR IDEAS AND CONCLUSIONS First let me highlight somethings you said. - "Samurai....A Hip Hop Hero's Journey" - "In comparison to other Lupe concept records like Drogas Waves or The Cool which feel AVENGER SIZED, Samurai feels like the defenders, much more relatible, much closer to real world experiences Lupe's had on his artistic journey" Now, let me point out some things I noticed (and looks like you did in a way) - The Amy Winehouse journey is more at the forefront in the first 3 tracks of the album while Lupe's journey parallels but sits more in the backseat. Amy Winehouse is driving. The last 2-3 tracks Lupe is driving and Amy takes a back seat. - Amy Winehouse becoming a battle rapping samurai is a head in the cloud, fantastical, mythical, dream-like journey while Lupe's journey through what he went through irl is down to earth and real (cause, I mean, he literally lived it). - The album goes from emphasizing the high in the clouds story to emphasizing a down to earth story. Now, keep all the above in your mind as I throw this idea out there. *Amy Winehouse is Don Quixote and Lupe Fiasco is Sancho Panza and this album is a modern twist on the classic Don Quixote!* I literally shared this idea a day ago and you make this video saying that this is A HEROS JOURNEY!!! Remember what the story of Don Quixote was about?!?! The hero's journey in contrast to reality. Don Quixote was the head in the clouds romantic and his assistant/squire was the down to earth contradiction. But more than this is each of their evolutions in parallel and how they converge in a sense which is exactly what happens in Samurai. Lupe somehow manages to converge the head in the cloud Amy Winehouse concept to his real life, down on earth journey and the album sits aesthetically in the middle. It has some of that greater than life aspect but not nearly as you would think if you heard about the Amy concept but didnt listen to the album. You can feel, with Lupe singing and scatting, the Amy-fication of Lupe and you can also sense how Amy as she goes through her journey becomes a little bit like Lupe. If Lupe ever reveals that he modeled this album after Don Quixote, I will put him in every single slot in my top 10.

[@TheCompanyMan]

🤯 I love this! I hadn't thought about it in that context. GREAT BREAKDOWN!

[@botkiIIer]

The post-anesthesia clip had me dying. That hook is sooo catchy! Glad you're well!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Wasn't sure about including that. Didn't wanna scare people. HAHAHA. Glad you appreciated it.

[@maxsmart9116]

You're absolutely right about Pitchfork's unwarranted nitpicking.

[@connorbrugeaud2893]

Til eternity has been my most played so far too, the piano in it catches me everytime

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeah, it's so so dope. I listened to it for 90 minutes straight on accident one day.

[@chillyiswilly]

Lupe being Lupe, i still think Droga waves is so underrated!

[@sammoe1292]

Best rap album ever. The Midpoint jump into the present is not a switch of theme at all like unintelligent reviewing journalists think it is. It stays perfectly on theme.

[@JR-em3mo]

@@chillyiswilly drogas wave was pure art

[@michaelbarnes2126]

The GOAT of lyrics and probably the most conceptually creative rapper ever. I had no idea the ultra talented Amy Winehouse was into battle rap

[@serpenttongue9425]

It’s insane, how every video you make from your Hip Hop Dx Breakdown days to the company man just gets better and better. I tell everyone I know that you are the undisputed 🐐 of Hip Hop journalism! Another amazing video 👑

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you sincerely!

[@serpenttongue9425]

I was wondering, if you’d be down to do an interview/cast to review and talk the latest Blu X Evidence album ‘Los Angles’ it would be a dope conversation!

[@soniqonline]

There's so many nuances that you highlighted that mainstream media simply overlooked or misunderstood in their reviews. Thank you for this! I will now listen with fresh ears.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you Soniq!

[@OfficialChrissums]

Lupe's style is best described as effortlessly jam packed with effort.

[@TheCompanyMan]

He used to call it "simple complexity"

[@nyrisj]

​@TheCompanyMan The best word for that is "depth".

[@theglowfishpark]

The context you added to this album made it even more impactful. Thank you so much, and so excited to see what Lupe and Chilly do going forward

[@karaminalee]

Glad you're all good, love the post-anesthesia video 😂😂😂 "I'm a samuraiiiii"

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you Karamina! It's all happening.

[@karaminalee]

@@TheCompanyMan and I'm here for it! Thanks for the laughs. (Oh, yeah, and the dope-ass video ) 😄 🙏🩵

[@TheCompanyMan]

I appreciate it! Have you heard the album?

[@karaminalee]

@@TheCompanyMan not the entire thing yet...but I'm in the middle of it right now! I have to admit that I'm pretty late to the Lupe party. 🤫 I've only recently started listening to him. Don't want my hip-hop-lover card revoked, but I'd understand if you yanked it. 😅

[@TheCompanyMan]

@@karaminalee No worries at all. As long as you find his catalog, that's all that matters. Let me kno what you think of it when you finish?

[@mikemr..3602]

Appreciate ur work myGuy..I buy every Lupe album ...only understanding about 1/2 of it 🤯 breakdowns are always needed 🎧👍🏽

[@OGNICKMARSH]

Wowww. This might be the best video I’ve ever seen from you man. Amazing work here. Dare I say, just as amazing as the album itself.

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's love brother! Thank you! Honestly wasn't sure how people would like it. it's a bit different.

[@Colefromtheinternet]

@@TheCompanyManI been watching for a couple years and the last few Kendrick videos you been putting out might be the best yet. It keeps getting better.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Preciate it. I love the one I'm working on now. It's evolved clearly because it was about Euphoria but it's even better now in my opinion.

[@D_Moore-k1h]

@@TheCompanyMan Evolved as in new entendres found?

[@sobeso]

Palaces is my favorite on there

[@nashdashflash]

Great video as always!

[@shortbus1127]

The goat is reviewing the goat

[@TheCompanyMan]

🙏🏿

[@D_Moore-k1h]

Thank God now we need Kdot diss tracks! Justin you are a legend

[@TheCompanyMan]

Working through the to do list.

[@adamquenano8563]

This is quite a concept, I remember Lupe wanted to make this album like a decade ago and it was assumed it was shelved.

[@JimenezPerez]

Bro I have been waiting for this video for weeks. Thanks much and please do more Lu videos

[@TheCompanyMan]

What'd you think of it?

[@iabtm]

Yessir! Can't wait to hear this!!

[@russellrobinson6404]

It's 🔥

[@codyladson]

Let’s go!!! I’ve been waiting on this one

[@TheCompanyMan]

What'd you think?

[@CurtisAllenLight]

Dope video Justin!

[@codyladson]

@@TheCompanyManI loved the information on Chilly. I didn’t know any of that and now palaces hits harder for me. Awesome video as always lol, but with Lupe, I feel like there’s gotta be a reason it’s not linear the whole way through. Maybe Bigfoot is him giving back to younger artists by talking about what it takes to get that big break. This album will keep growing on me because of things like that

[@cammelsphotographytv152]

Thank you for this 🙏🏾

[@TheCompanyMan]

Hope you enjoyed it.

[@negomo-l4h]

FINALLLLLY!!!!!! Y'all got no idea how many times I refreshed your channel waiting on this review. LoL

[@RZIRUE]

You are the goat i was waiting patiently, i been checked other reviews, but i love your breakdowns and you and me have the same favorite part on Mumble Rap, i literally wigged out on the part, I have played this so many times it's crazy, my favorite rapper of all time.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you! I love that verse. Til Eternity is currently wearing the number 1 headband for me, but this album has so much replay value. I'm in awe of it honestly. I appreciate you checking the piece.

[@DorianMenard]

This album is simply amazing 🤩 I love the closing song. The vibe is good.

[@haroonzia1821]

Always looking forward to your new Lupe album reviews. The little tidbit you mentioned about Chill sending Lupe to NY cyphers really does add another layer of authenticity and meaning to this album I've already listened so many times through!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks for checking it out. As soon as I heard the album, I thought about that convo where Chill is breaking that down. Brought me closer to the album too.

[@RealLaone]

Just caught that I haven't watched Afro Samurai. All I did was Champloo. And damn you went in on this one, and finally you have the answers!

[@demetriusbryson1706]

Thank You 🙏 Very Much Brother J’Hunte…!!! I always ENJOY every upload & HIPHOP Breakdown of These Great G.L.O.A.T. Emcees, We Appreciate Your Expertise & Insight About Our Brothers LUPE FIASCO, CHILL(Welcome Home…!!!) SoundtraK & The Inspiration From AMY WINEHOUSE(ALL CAPS)…in my ODB voice….”SAMURAI…!!!” I’ve got a lot HIPHOP TO ENJOY FROM THESE PAST COUPLE MONTHS…LUPE, RAPSODY, K DOT, LLCOOLJ, COMMON & PETE ROCK….THANK YOU HIPHOP…!!! Keep The Breakdowns & Uploads In Rotation Bro, I Learn More & More From You J’Hunte…!!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you brother!

[@middletonwilliams7608]

I've been waiting for this one Justin's Lupe breakdowns are next to none

[@TheCompanyMan]

Let me know what you think of the video.

[@middletonwilliams7608]

@@TheCompanyMan It was great I had no idea this album was a tribute to Amy Winehouse I would've never made that connection lol this video connected so many dots for me I've already been listening to it for like 2 weeks and now I gotta go back and listen to it for another 2 weeks with fresh ears Lupe's creativity and ingenuity is unpredictable he is a one of one artist

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you! Yeah, that's my favorite thing about his music: every time I hear it I find something new.

[@IDoubleJ]

Lupe really is a samurai in Hip-Hop like GZA. Calculated and well written verses. Always delivers powerfully

[@roaringsun4743]

I like it when artists like Lupe Fiasco get attention for their craft. It’s very necessary. The album’s sound and content kind of remind me of Nujabes meets Native Tongues meets Wu-Tang. I like the record, i need to do more listens. I must say though, Common and Pete Rock sound like a strong candidate for AOTY.

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's next on the listen list.

[@YoutubianLVP]

Justin is the MVP, the man with the best Lupe videos and some how letting me background play videos without having KZbin premium, this album along with Vince Staples and Rapsody’s albums are the three best rap albums of the year

[@kerryboone6344]

This album is amazingly beautiful, seriously

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeah, it's incredible. Its still in heavy rotation for me.

[@Dream_Chaser-b1h]

@TheCompanyMan making album reviews! THIS IS AWEEEESOOOOOOMMMM! (I'm PRESSING PLAY)

[@TheCompanyMan]

What'd you think?

[@Dream_Chaser-b1h]

@@TheCompanyMan Absolutley loving the project... Palace is one of my favorite tracks, and the Afro Samurai ref for Number 1 headband.... nuts!

[@Megamush94]

Thank you

[@Red5ive]

Album of the year so far for me

[@Nkanyiso_K]

I really loved Samurai, Cake, Til Eternity & Til Eternity - the storytelling is so good.

[@danpatrickth2759]

Awesome analysis. Thanks for putting this in its proper perspective. 😊

[@LimitNZ]

Love your work, Justin.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you!

[@forceinfusion5561]

Please do more shoutouts for songs. You mentioned samurai a few videos ago among a few of your other favorite songs from this year and I haven’t been able to stop listening since I found it. Much appreciated for opening minds to quality music!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Dope! I'll do that! Glad you like it.

[@Nkanyiso_K]

I really loved Samurai, Cake, Til Eternity & Til Eternity - the storytelling is so good, but when I think of Number 1 headband: I feel *Charles Mingus, Miles Davis, B.B King* - heavy is the crown

[@1LETHALMC]

Samurai is an absolute masterpiece

[@benmwaba2735]

Of all his concept albums, this is his most relatable

[@TheCompanyMan]

It's like the Defenders.

[@liamokeeffe5215]

🔥🔥🔥 analysis as always. Hope you are recovering from surgery ok. Keep up the amazing videos

[@ViceJupiter]

Finally understanding the new format with the channel. I’ve been missing a few vids cuz I didn’t know what was what & I’m so used to the breakdowns. I just didn’t know what to watch but I’m glad I watched this one. Love Lupe & yea, this one is one of his best albums for sure. Also, it’s dope seeing my name at the end 😅

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks VJ. I'm diversifying a bit. Anytime you said red It's All Happening, you're getting a breakdown. Anything yellow is a reaction. Anything green is news. Interviews have 2 panels. I was getting confused too to be honest. The speed of Kendrick v Drake got me all discombobulated.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Preciate you donating too brother! Thank you sincerely.

[@ViceJupiter]

@@TheCompanyMan That beef left as quickly as it began haha. Insane. And thanks for clarifying. I needed to understand to continue my support for you man. And the donation is well earned. I’m hoping to do more in the future.

[@jpadaetz9501]

Great review, Big J. Speedy recovery, my G!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks brother. I'm actaully great now. It's all happening!

[@GtheGreat1]

Lupe the lyrical 🐐 . He just showing off at this point

[@OGNICKMARSH]

Also the post-operation video was great 😂

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Nick!

[@ChonseeTV]

Excellent Review

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you!

[@dannyavila910]

It’s November now. Just listened to Tyler’s new album, which I was most excited for, and it was great…maybe even my second favorite album this year…but Lupe delivered the AOTY imo

[@adamgraham7432]

This album was insane been a long time since I e joyed a project this much LUPE 👌

[@officialtmpwavesmedia8753]

Rest in Peace Amy Winehouse

[@FrancisWilly96]

Lu’s bars on Samurai are top notch per usual. The improvements on this album is the production! It’s on a better trajectory than his other work in the past, imo.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Weren't a fan of the production on DMIZ?

[@FrancisWilly96]

@@TheCompanyMan unless it’s Seattle, not really. Soundtrakk to Lupe Fiasco is like Lars Ulrich to Metallica in my eyes. Both have their moments, I won’t take that from either of them. Also, a nitpick of mine with Samurai was the missed opportunity to for Trakk and Salaam Remi to collaborate on the production. Only fitting since the project uses Amy Winehouse as a muse. Otherwise, Samurai is a spiritual successor to Food and Liquor and The Cool if we put Lu’s bars aside and focus on the beats and replay value.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Food & Liquor and The Cool had more producers, but I assume you're referring to soundtrakk's contributions. As far as Salaam, that would've been cool. Lotta moving pieces in the music industry though. Who knows if Remi was available.

[@FrancisWilly96]

@@TheCompanyMan you do have a point with the moving pieces. A major label artist and indie artist has different logistic capabilities. That part is where I’ll show Lu some grace. I’m excited to see how he develops with Chilly Chill free and where his direction goes past Samurai!

[@TheCompanyMan]

@@FrancisWilly96 Me too. That's what I'm most excited about, tbh. Chill's energized. Sky's the limit.

[@illgoat]

Great breakdown. Would love to hear your analysis on Common and Pete Rock's Auditorium Vol. 1

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's next on the listen list. How do you like it?

[@illgoat]

@@TheCompanyMan I've always been a fan of Pete Rock productions so maybe I'm biased, but they really did wonderful work on this project. Definitely my favourite Common album in a while.

[@hijodelpapa]

Samurai and Blue Lips are easily the best albums so far this year. Lupe is still the 🐐

[@Maka5velli]

Justin. Salute sir you are a surgeon!!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

I appreciate you, Maka🙏🏿

[@romeokilo4535]

like just for being team boxden. love the content

[@TheCompanyMan]

BX. REPRESENT🫡

[@gmanmonsterz]

105th viewed go company man

[@HisRoyalJaznness]

My favorite rapper for a reason!

[@tdsnuggs]

I really like when the beat switches on 'Palaces'!

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's my favorite part of the song.

[@rotaris]

Great insight as always! And glad you are okay after the procedure. How do we subscribe/become a member? I can’t seem to find it on the Linktree.

[@philterskilter9165]

This and Common & Pete Rock's album are my top two of the year. Mach Hommy and Vince Staples next..

[@lifeisgood2596]

Neat insight

[@drakec6781]

Lupe is special 👊🏼🔥

[@screamingeagle11b]

@The Company Man, i kmow you talk to lupe here and there, pleae tell him we need a collab between him and Nas, im suprised Nas wasn't on here due to his affiliation with Amy Winehouse.....lastly, glad to see you're back in good health💪🏿💙

[@blaqarts3722]

Cool! When we getting the rest of that Chill interview, though? 👀

[@AngelBarraganOSO]

So dope

[@seanjjpaul]

Lupe and common have album of the year for me

[@ockhamsblazer]

haven’t enjoyed a common album in a while. will check this one out fo sho.

[@seanjjpaul]

@@ockhamsblazer his best work since finding forever

[@Matthew-xl5bc]

W choices. I would also have Mach’s album as the AOTY but those two albums are also amazing.

[@seanjjpaul]

@@Matthew-xl5bc yes I’d add Mach hommy, schoolboy, and Vince in the mix as well

[@Matthew-xl5bc]

@@seanjjpaulYea, this has been a very good year for hip hop.

[@tonygutierrez4354]

On Til Eternity, I think he purposely uses the word "behoove" to have some sort of connection to the "wild stallions" part in the previous bar, as horses have hooves..something small and a stretch maybe, but with Lupe.. lol

[@TheCompanyMan]

Oh 100%. that verse has a ton of horse, foot metaphors in it. Wild Stallions is also the name of the band from Bill and Teds excellent adventure. So Til Eternity, back to the future, time travel, forever: That's why I scrape the ground like an OX FOOT Before the charges I was Bill of Rights and Ted Talks meet the TARDIS before it all started But you can't harvest before the hardship Might scrape the ground like MIKE SHOES Back it up You might have to Harvard before the high school just like I do Yes, we will go far smelling like sage smoke Even with those WILD STALLIONS way behind our stagecoach It will BEHOOVE you To ask your doctor "Who's Wasalu?" to the game that you're used to

[@mikehamilton5730]

Why does it sound like there are 2 different rappers on til eternity? Anyone else notice this?

[@Jaedon1981]

🎶If we could break down those walls to set you free, we would. Cuz we out here.... and we miss you.... If we could build a ladder that tall to set you free, we would... Cuz we out here and we miss you...... 🎶

[@Koolin222]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the new Rapsody album. Just found out Soundtrakk's on that one too

[@IDoubleJ]

Lupe needs his own anime. We need to see Lupe as an actual samurai in the anime

[@subtokeatonwalsh6562]

I’m willing to bet amy winehouse would’ve loved this album. It sucks we were deprived of a lupe and amy song, they wouldn’t even have to put in effort to make that a 10/10

[@TheCompanyMan]

She would've aboslutely loved it in my opinion too.

[@greasy13]

Similar to Daytona by Pusha T, I liked how Samurai was under 10 tracks. In a world where artists are dropping albums with over 15 songs, with five of them being fillers, it's great to get an album that leaves you wanting more.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeah, the replay value is off the charts with this one.

[@adamquenano8563]

In the dictionary for the definitions of the words creativity and concepts if should be pictures of Lupe

[@TheCompanyMan]

BIGFAX

[@ronaldomalcom8902]

This reminds me of that episode of Community when Dean is dressed as a payday bar and he raps about a delayed pay day but then gets possessed by a rapper

[@TheCompanyMan]

🤯

[@MrTr3sL3wis]

We here to see whats happening right now

[@TheCompanyMan]

Let me know what you think.

[@early252]

I might be crazy, but I'm pretty sure Lupe took some shots at Kendrick on No. 1 Headband. "Come and look inside of these walls like metal detectors/If they could talk, they would probably say it's soft" "Gentrify different sides like Geminis" "To try to run in my shoes, gotta throw yo Pumas to Pluto" Given that he called him out on stage very recently and much of this song is about, well, being the best, I think there's something there.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I'd love for that to be true. That would be an incredible battle.

[@w.4465]

Hmmm....

[@D_Moore-k1h]

@@early252 I caught that too. I think him releasing this after the battle was intentional and subtle reminder to Kendrick.

[@xandertrejo]

Before that Gemini line he mentions Ye so it might be another reference to Kanye. Or it might be a jab at both him and Kendrick as Lupe can feel both are gentrifying a certain aspect of people but in different sides.

[@chakaoliver7835]

Prof Skye is what you Lupe Stans sound like; trying to explain this album to people under 25

[@madman9040]

Yep I was right Lupe Fiasco Envy and Jealous of Kendrick Lamar

[@cmoney-kd6xx]

Man I got to do a all this research before listening to the album.

[@derekhakeem8]

It’s a 10 for me

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeah, it's an amazing project.

[@negomo-l4h]

I legit felt like he was talking about Kendrick on that 3rd verse on Outside.

[@BluEx22329]

Indeed

[@drdread9896]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@EricTheSwede]

Yooo! We NEED a Professor Skye x TCM talk!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2jGeHuee556iaMsi=nzD_FNqQ0-Fz85X8

[@romeokilo4535]

samuari is a classic

[@DivinoDeNegro]

🔥🔥🔥

[@DivinoDeNegro]

Congrats on your recovery bro! ❤❤❤

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you brother! How you been? I just saw Dstroy the other day at the Eminem listening.

[@DivinoDeNegro]

@@TheCompanyMan I've been good. Just putting in a lot of work and whatnot. We gotta catch-up sometime

[@WarriorsforInfoTV]

Amy Winehouse RIP. Its cute she wanted to battle rap.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeah, I think so too. Such a dope idea to craft a project off of.

[@D_Moore-k1h]

I see what you mean when you say Lupe has more imagination. Voice and Imagination is too important but Kendrick uses his “voice” in ways Lu cannot do. Kendrick is more versatile stylistically and over different sub genres of music. I think that’s what keeps Kdot in the convo with Lu. Kendrick with the accents, flows, octaves, different personalities, and I Kendrick uses Lu concepts and elevates. Lu is better with the punchlines and entendres but Kendrick on Mr. Morale did a better job at veiling emotions out of the audience and in my opinion that counts towards lyricism. It added to the complexity. Love your work Justin!

[@ImInYourBrains]

When it comes to concepts Lupe is the innovator. He is the one who is way more creative and original conceptually. Kendrick doesnt elevate what Lupe does. He just makes it more digestible, relatable and entertaining. That takes a different set of skill so credit where credit is due but dont reduce Lupe's strengths to punchlines and entendres. If you got anything from this video, it should be that Lupe is much much more. Kendrick is more mainstream, accessible, relatable, entertaining, easier to unpack. Lupe is deeper, more creative, more abstract, more technical, and more complex. We need both in the culture. And we need to give credit where credit is due if we love hiphop instead of serving the one who we personally favor.

[@D_Moore-k1h]

@@ImInYourBrains Kendrick is equally complex lyrically

[@Stungun48]

@@D_Moore-k1h I think I would still give it to Lupe lyrically but they are in two different lanes with how they approach lyricism. Someone said it years ago that Lupe is like a Professor who appeals to your mind while Kendrick is a Prophet that appeals to the heart. Kendrick is emotionally intelligent and challenges himself and fans to look at themselves, surroundings and reflect but in order to do that you dont want to be as lyrically dense as Lupe cause the point is to get the emotion conveyed to the listener which is why he plays more with his voice and delivery. Not to say Kendrick cant be as lyrical as Lupe. He just chooses not to cause he doesnt need to. Lupe on the other hand is a proud Nerd. He's someone who wants to compete with people who he admits are even more lyrical than him like Aesop Rock. Lupe challenges himself by constantly pushing his lyrical ability to its fullest and has promised to never dumb himself down. He challenges his listeners to listen and think about not just the story thats being told but how its being told and breaking down lyrics and metaphors to get what hes saying. Its like hes playing a word game and telling you to keep up but the thing is the more you breakdown his lyrics the better you get at doing that overall. He's teaching people and would be rappers about how to rap and push your lyrical ability/understanding. Lupe can write more straight forward and emotional songs like Kendrick but chooses not to cause thats not how he wants to express himself Both Kendrick and Lupe have different ways on how they want to teach people and express themselves. I think people who still compare the two only do that cause Lupe's first few albums are very similar to Kendrick, but once Lupe came out with Tetsuo and Youth he's in a completely different bag where they arent that comparable anymore

[@MartyMcFly__25]

Lupe is better than a Nolan he’s more of David Fincher or Lynch.

[@ahmadgreen309]

Firrah!!!

[@D_Moore-k1h]

Where do you rank it in Lu catalog? I have behind 3. behind F&L and T&Y.

[@TheCompanyMan]

It's top 4 or 5. But his catalog is overachieving with every release.

[@yawkarambakaramo8956]

🛸⚔️🔥🔥

[@enriquemaldonado9139]

🗣️HARD TO BE A LUPE FAN

[@TheCompanyMan]

GO TO HARVARD TO BE A LUPE STAN

[@avthegreat7014]

B1

[@mistersippiburning]

🤲🏿