Nobody's Rapping Like Lupe Fiasco | Drill Music In Zion Breakdown

This is my first TBD in a looooong time and I decided to break down Lupe Fiasco's latest release Drill Music In Zion. He made the album in three days and it's incredible.
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• DRILL MUSIC IN ZION
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ABOUT TCM:
Life Through The Lens of Hip Hop.
Justin Hunte is a music and culture critic and curator. During his career he served as Director of Content & Strategic Marketing for EMPIRE as well as Editor-in-Chief of HipHopDX. Hunte is the architect behind DX's video platform and creator of popular series, DXBreakdown. Along with championing Ambrosia For Head's video strategy, Hunte is also a weekly contributor to Shade45's All Out Show on SiriusXM and has been featured on Revolt TV’s “Revolt Live," Cheddar's "Cheddar Music," as well as in Billboard magazine.
In 2017 Justin Hunte moderated the Recording Academy's panel on The Health Of Hip Hop which featured Dr. Reef Karim, psychiatrist and human behavior expert; Shanti Das, urban music executive and founder of Silence the Shame; GRAMMY nominees Vic Mensa and Charlie Wilson, and five-time GRAMMY winner Lalah Hathaway. Later that year, he participated in a debate at the prestigious Oxford Union on whether Kanye West is more relevant than William Shakespeare.
Hunte has been the centerpiece of digital campaigns for Lexus, Honda, Brisk, and Simple Mobile and has hosted concerts and panels nationwide.
A graduate of Wofford College, 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. Follow @TheCompanyMan on all socials.
#JustinHunte #TheCompanyMan

[@hieloworld]

Man I missed these company man breakdowns

[@VincentFree]

Same here

[@TheCompanyMan]

Tha ka for checking it out Daniel.

[@elemaire86]

Same here

[@530mentes9]

Right easily top breakdown host on KZbin. I don't know a better one.

[@jonyu3]

Yea maaaan glad they’re back!

[@MalikEKC]

"Rappers die too much" is my verse of the year

[@RoLliNgPaP3rS]

Strongly agree

[@TheCompanyMan]

So crazy that he even did that. Sincerely, I'm pretty sure he was just adlibing and it just stuck. That song is so dope. Thanks for watching the video .

[@FrancisWilly96]

I think this is his most important dumbing it down moment tbh. Very on the nose with no extra room for interpretation. The dying of young rappers and innocent people in general is very out of hand.

[@TerraFirma47]

Man Lupe hasn’t missed since Tetsuo & Youth. Really speaks on Atlantic’s stranglehold on artists IMO.

[@AQGOAT24]

Tetsuo was on Atlantic, not that I disagree with you

[@TheCompanyMan]

You know what's wild, I went back and looked at the Drogas Wave video I did and the final question was whether Lupe would fly higher after leaving Atlantic. I think the answer is a major YES! He's in an incredible zone right now.

[@thenameisomari]

@@AQGOAT24 True but then again, wasn’t Anonymous the reason Atlantic released Tetsuo & Youth?

[@travisimac]

what else has atlantic put out?

[@TheAlphawolf6]

He kind of missed with Drogas Light though 😬

[@mukudzeimlambo]

Oh man I can't explain how much I missed these breakdowns. Keep them coming please

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks. I've been sitting on my Kendrick script for a few weeks. A few others as well.

[@mukudzeimlambo]

@@TheCompanyMan Great to have you back creating !

[@jonathonrosemond3744]

@@TheCompanyMan Wow, this is exactly what I've been waiting on. So excited to see these come back!

[@rbgduck17]

Lupe is my favorite rapper and you're my favorite hip hop analyst. Love your content bro.

[@NotHPotter]

Hey Justin, ghoti is pronounced "fish" (as noted on the last word of the song). It's kind of a rabbit hole, but it depends on the fact that, because English is such a bizarre and inconsistent language, you can take the "gh" from "rough" (for an f sound), the 'o' from "women" (where it often sounds like "wimmen"), and the "ti" from "-tion" in words like "association" (for the "sh" sound). Hence, ghoti pronounced "f-i-sh". It's also some extreme linguistics nerd cred.

[@zackfranklin6912]

That's dope! thanks for sharing that

[@TheCompanyMan]

🤯🤯🤯 Thank you for that, Bercllak. I had no clue. Completely missed that one. What is that, "welsh" or something?

[@NotHPotter]

@@TheCompanyMan Lol, you'd think, but it's just English and the fact that it's stolen so many different words from so many diverse languages that you can basically make whatever sound you want with whatever letters you want if you're willing to be obscure enough.

[@mider-spanman5577]

That's so crazy! I like the way you broke that down as I would have never caught that (heh, pun intended).

[@buckfastbjork6968]

Wtaf Lupe is an alien

[@naheemquattlebaum2267]

Lupe deserves his flowers. All day everyday.

[@GJones712]

Always here for a Company Man/Lupe breakdown. Love the album. Cant believe he was able to complete the Mural trilogy so perfectly. Genuinely appreciate this post-label era for him.

[@astashasta1]

hows it a trilogy theres only 2 right?

[@GJones712]

@@astashasta1 Mural on T&Y and Mural Jr on Drogas Wave before this one

[@astashasta1]

@@GJones712 Lmao mural jr was so bad I erased it from my memory damn 😂

[@GJones712]

@@astashasta1 😂 it’s prob my least favorite of the three but he’s still rapping

[@TheCompanyMan]

Ms Mural is a perfect story. I'd love for him to do a video. Or even for a fan to make a video. So cinematic.

[@thacool101]

i was a freshmen in very white highschool when enemy of the state a love story came out and i was losing my mind over it and nobody cared. so this is the first time im seeing anyone else give to that project and it makes me so happy going through all lupe all day great vid jus im glad everyone is enjoying drill music in zion

[@ScreamGeronimo]

I was in my Junior year in high school when that dropped. Everyone else was stuck on Wayne’s mixtape run, but me and my homie were losing our shit over Lu’s tapes 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheCompanyMan]

@@ScreamGeronimo So were me and my cousin Sha. Lupe's mixtape run deserves more attention.

[@TheCompanyMan]

"I'm the water, fire, and the earth, which means I'm doing dirt, spitting flames, and quenching thirst." Incredible project.

[@88infinity20]

@@TheCompanyMan gotta spit the whole bar, can't leave out the air! lu is GOAT Jay gave me a co-sign like I was RocaWear, but be clear I'm not the air/heir I'm the water, fire and the earth That means I'm doing dirt, spitting flames and quenching thirst

[@Mugabe12341]

SAME HERE!! IVe lost my mind for years as to why EOTS isn’t given the love it deserves and I’m so happy Justin mentioned it because that tape is some Heat!! Some of the best rapping I’ve ever and will ever hear!

[@arjungovindan1642]

So happy to see Justin Hunte back on my notifications

[@TheCompanyMan]

Me too, Arjun.

[@zellcarter]

When he said that and let it breathe... I got chills and immediately understood his sentiment. So much respect for Lu. Great breakdown.

[@strawhatglasses1786]

I love to see other people recognize the greatest of Lupe

[@AcidRant1]

Ms. Mural is one of the best songs I've ever heard and its something I'm currently tackling, and something I assume every artist ever is tackling so I was gonna argue with anything other than that having the best verse, but you're definitely right, that's the best verse

[@conanfletcher891]

Yes we need the like goat piece without a doubt.

[@13thCreatorTV]

I REALLY HOPE WE GET MORE TBD'S SOON, WE LIVE YOU JUSTIN 🥰

[@TheCompanyMan]

I've been stacking scripts these past months. I'm excited what's on the horizon. Going to slowly retool the show over the coming weeks.

[@4LilsC]

When you're part of the Lupe discord AND The Hoochie Verse >>>>>>>>>> I'm so happy everyone gets to see this now. Congratulations! 🎉❤

[@foreverkingmvp]

LFT Discord Squad 🙌

[@TheCompanyMan]

Shout out Lils. She got skills!!!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you for all your help.

[@4LilsC]

@@TheCompanyMan Always got you, J Boo 😘

[@middletonwilliams7608]

This is the Drill Music In Zion review I've been waiting for and I'm definitely looking forward to the Lupe G.O.A.T. break down Justin Hunt thank you for your service brotha 💪🏾💯

[@TheCompanyMan]

Love and respect, Middleton. Thank you. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@pandora1875]

Fuck yeah! It's been way too long for a breakdown.

[@Last_Hemperor]

The company man is back. Let's break this down

[@ryanart7241]

Enemy my of the state is the greatest Lu’s mixtape. Best best bars, best beats he’s ever destroyed, the most Lu in a bag mixtape.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Flawless, flawless, flawless, project.

[@buckfastbjork6968]

Easily one of the best Lupe albums Agreed that’s a verse of the year contender Lupe is an artist that I think can be overly complex lyrically to the detriment of the actual music but with this verse and music in Zion in general he has exercised that less can be more and I love it Great to have another breakdown !

[@TheCompanyMan]

I think a lot of people feel similarly. He's so far ahead he can chill and put out regular raps (for him) and still lead the league. This album has so much replay value for me.

[@screamingeagle11b]

@@TheCompanyMan I agree with everything you said sir, you are one of the few that give Lupe his flowers, if Lupe ever reaches out to you can you tell him I need a Nas verse on his upcoming Amy winehouse EP, even if Nas can't do that, I just would love a Collab from them in general, thanks for all you do brother🙏🏿

[@theghostofchillhop]

@@TheCompanyMan Absolutely. But for Lupe fans, this album is for us. Extremely complex, meaningfull music. Incredible once again

[@heavymetal3122]

Yo, the super duper lyricism is why I love Lupe and that type of rapping is literally the "best" type in my opinion, purely skill wise.

[@mamba4817]

@@screamingeagle11b Def need a Lupe and Nas collab

[@ministerservertavares4714]

Peace, Love and Respect Justin, it's DOPE having you return to this platform, Hip Hop NEEDS your insights!! Stay FOCUSED on your good and keep SHININ, Word!!💫🙏🏾👊🏾✊🏾❤🖤💚👑

[@TheMetalFacevillain]

HE RETURNS!! I miss the breakdowns. You have easily some of the most insightful and best presented think pieces about the industry.

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's love, Boss! Love that name, too. A Boss and His Box. It's like A Pimp Named Slickback. 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@LilTwittee]

boyyyyy I've missed this, TBDs never miss! Thank you for this

[@VintageSoDope]

Dawg, fucking missed you!! So glad you’re doing a Lupe vid 🔥

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Vintage!

[@t-god2439]

Good seeing your face on these KZbin streets again made my day

[@TheCompanyMan]

'Preciate it T-God.

[@t-god2439]

@@TheCompanyMan appreciate you bro kiss you on the break down hasn’t been the same since you left but all the same you got a good POV for KZbin

[@eros-up5jg]

Was waiting on this! Great breakdown Lupe is the 🐐.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank's eros. I was today years old when I learned "Ghoti" is pronounced "fish."

[@rasblackchild7679]

Thanks for this Justin... 🙏🇿🇦

[@navyvet2841]

Great video, iv been waiting for you to start getting back to this format of content 💪🏾💪🏾

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks NV. I really enjoyed doing this one.

[@alemayehusolomon941]

Superb breakdown. Wonderful to see that others that have so much passion and love about the intricacy and symbolism in Lupe's work. Thank you for the thoughtful analysis!!!!

[@smoothsavage2870]

Man it's been a LONG time since I seen you. I needed these reviews/conversations.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Smooth!

[@kadeemdaniel3038]

I watched these on repeat for years. I learned sooo much about the culture and about hip hop from these breakdowns! I'm so excited ✊🏿

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks, Kadeem.

[@michaelbarnes2126]

Come back with more breakdowns bro we miss them and you. And do that Lupe GOAT piece

[@d.michael372]

I promise Lupe is the embodiment of what an emcee sounds like using his brain to full capacity.

[@odefeoberabor7597]

I ain't even listened this album. Just happy Company Man is back. Best on KZbin. Salute

[@TheCompanyMan]

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@SrAkiddOice]

Ive been missing the Breakdown in my life.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Me too Kyle. Thanks for rocking with me.

[@NahMyself]

TOP 5 TBD!

[@SwaySilva]

That rappers die too much verse is the most compassionate verse of all time

[@TheCompanyMan]

Great way to describe it, Josue.

[@Buhrennen]

That intro music hits different 🔥

[@davidparker7216]

Ms mural is top storytelling man that was beautiful

[@TheCompanyMan]

SO beautiful

[@IamEnygma]

Welcome back TBD! Today is my first time to click like on a video before watching it.

[@taejules1482]

Lupe colder than Sub Zero 🥶

[@jiggaman1116]

Dope dope breakdown!!! It’s all happening!

[@DoctorName]

Yes. It is time for the Lupe GOAT piece

[@TheCompanyMan]

The next Lu video will be the goat piece.

[@MrKing8050]

Lupe has been a fire run since Tetsuo and Youth

[@TheCompanyMan]

BIGFAX. I'm loving every moment of it.

[@TheCompanyMan]

BIGFAX. I'm loving every moment of it.

[@Edd409]

Lupe easily in my Top 5. I’d go on to say that he’s most artist favorite rapper that they don’t want other artists to know they listen to. Because any of his albums even Lasers is a master class on lyricism.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I love the love he's been receiving in recent years. He's probably one of the last artists who truly got cancelled, or blackballed. But the Tylyer's and the Chance's and all the cats that came after him have been loudly praising him. He deserves it.

[@magleskov]

Man i have missed your breakdowns. I dig your interviews too, but the breakdowns are special

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank's magnus. I had a lot of fun workin on this one. The next Lupe video will be his GOAT piece.

[@magleskov]

@@TheCompanyMan damn, i can't wait

[@Roshuwah]

It's been so long since one of these came out. I lost it at, "if you haven't heard it, punch yourself in the face" 😂. I forgot about that. Welcome back, great vid!

[@joshuabryan3692]

I wish you posted more, but it's always quality when when you do.

[@TheCompanyMan]

One step at a time. Thanks for checking, Joshua.

[@calebsharkey475]

i love your spot on, concise analysis of lupe. it shows that you put in the work listening and studying the music. makes me wanna do some deep lupe breakdowns myself

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank's Caleb. If you ever wanna talk about breakdowns, hit me on discord. Thanks for watching the video too.

[@bennettm]

Dope dope dope dope dope! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this incredible album. You never fail to examine a piece differently than the way it’s normally talked about.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank's Bennett! I appreciate that. This is a really great Lupe album. Easily Top 3 from him for me.

[@MsDemob]

Ayyyyyy there he is!!! Needed this

[@the_wireheadz_podcast]

He’s a treasure. I’m thankful that he continues to share his gift with the world.

[@theplayaslounge]

Oh yeah do that Lupe GOAT piece

[@UnlimitedProduction1]

Great video. Lupe has been my favorite rapper since 2006 so I always enjoy his music and enjoyed this video and break down. Easy like

[@SwaySilva]

National Anthem on Enemy of the State is one of my favorite songs ever. Another level

[@omnegusmedia258]

I had to get onto this album after this vid, great work as always

[@draggabeats]

This album is in my mid-year Top 5 of 2022

[@TheCompanyMan]

Who else is on your list?

[@9GAIAGodsRising9]

It’s all happening! #DMIZ

[@Matas05]

Everytime Lupe drops, TCM drops. I’m about to break this down… It’s all happenin’ Welcome back, brother! Know you’re busy but please bring back the breakdowns! Hip Hop/Rap needs you!

[@TheCompanyMan]

HA!!! That sounds about right! I have a few scripts in the cut already. What'd you think of the album?

[@snowhawk04]

Kendrick drops an album. Lupe drops an album. TCM drops a breakdown. The stars have aligned! Time to hit the lotto!

[@jaisonsmith5323]

BRUH! I'm so glad YOU did a breakdow to this. This was my favorite Lupe album in a while. I was eager to jump in because I knew he made it in 3 days. A lot of his newer albums are to dense for me to enjoy. EOTS is my favorite mixtape from him. The only Lupe project I know word for word. Didn't know he did it in 2 days.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Jaison. Yeah man. Sometimes its easy to forget how incredible Lupe is even when he's in easy mode. Those are two super effortless projects and both resonated in ways separate from his more conceptual, premeditated works. So well rounded.

[@OscarValdovinos]

Def missed this type of breakdowns

[@TheCompanyMan]

'Preciate it, O.

[@joeymccashland4420]

I had to come back to this after listening to Ms Mural for the 100th or so time. And I totally agree with you that it’s one of his best stories. Definitely a top 5 for me as well. You wasn’t lying when you said that. It honestly gets better with each listen.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Such an incredible story. I was in Lupe’s discord and he was talking about how he imagines that the painter and the patron are the same person 🤯🤯🤯

[@joeymccashland4420]

@@TheCompanyMan that makes a bunch of sense. It sounds like the type of conversation I’d have with myself on everyday type of stuff. And I think that’s why I enjoy it so much.

[@CCullen95]

Since DMIZ dropped there has been two videos I've been desperately waiting for. Dead End Hip Hop's review, and a Justin Hunte breakdown.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Awesome company to be in. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@DizoDixon]

I haven't watched this yet but glad you're back bro nothing like hiphop conversations on a Saturday morning

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank's Dizo. Let me know what you think.

[@DizoDixon]

@@TheCompanyMan oh this was great don't be a stranger if possible your Expertise is needed from Time to time

[@commaJim]

AYY HE'S BACK!! WEVE NEEDED THIS

[@solfleur]

I'm really happy to see you still going strong. I haven't watched your videos in a while and I saw this one pop up. You got me into Lupe Fiasco when you were on a pod and listened to Mural on it. I really dug it and here we are. Keep up the good work man! My personal favorite is the title track Drill Music In Zion. The production, the chorus and my god those keys. They all just work so well for me.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Flor Del Sol! The hook on Drill Music In Zion is one of my favorites on the project too. "...Can you make a Hoe... Fold..." Love that part!

[@MuseR.]

Oh my god a breakdown, keep it up! These were my favorite vids to watch back in the day!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks MuseR!

[@maryannappiagyei4277]

Back welcome man love you and miss you

[@zackfranklin6912]

I'M ALWAYS DOWN FOR A NEW GOAT PIECE!

[@TheCompanyMan]

The next Lu video will be a goat piece.

[@foxx77]

A new Lupe drop and a new TCM breakdown. We living in the best of times.

[@TheCompanyMan]

It's all happening!

[@dlbryantart]

Happy to see your review come to light!! I saw you talking about it on this Discord! Awesome review!!!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you! What'd you think of the album?

[@fabianbandaiii3304]

" the ink of a scholar, is worth 1000 times more than the blood of a martyr."

[@adamquenano8563]

And now as a Lupe fan I know what I must do, wait 5 years for another great album.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Good thing Lupe makes it easy to find new things in his old works.

[@946biz6]

TBD w/ Justin is back! Best hip-hop journalist FUCKIT! music journalist, let's go weekly again Brotha ✊🏿

[@TheCompanyMan]

LOVE! Thank you!

[@MR.FREEDMAN]

Love you bro, keep up the amazing work.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks brother. You're the illest. So proud to know you.

[@kingzingo]

Your are our Lupe Voice, was waiting for your review :) thank you

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank YOU Kingzingo 🙏🏿

[@dequanallenofficial]

What an intelligent dissertation and analysis of Lupe! I respeck it bruh! A+ insight!🔥💯🔥💯

[@TheCompanyMan]

'Preciate you Dequan!

[@BugOnAChip]

I’m in heaven!! A company man breakdown!! Bro this takes me back 5+ years finding this channel and learning so much about the rap game 💪🏼💪🏼🔥

[@concept8407]

We missed ya bro 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@antneyox9479]

Literally been watching old breakdowns every Saturday we need more content !

[@TheCompanyMan]

I agree. The work is the prayer. Can't get distracted from that. That's for all the support.

[@antneyox9479]

@@TheCompanyMan also may have to give the new Lupe album a couple listens I still love house the ep that came out two yrs ago if that counts as a mixtape that’s his best one in my opinion

[@mider-spanman5577]

Not a weak verse on this album and it really makes me wish that all rap could be like this nowadays without all of the gutter trash. The self-reflection portion after the rappers die too much verse hit me deep on my third listening as I reflected on many of the rappers who have died over meaningless causes and how preventable each and every one of them were. Most rappers would not even take the risk of having a verse with an instrumental breakdown taking up most of the space but this was quite poignant, illuminating, and necessary.

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's what I thought was brilliant too!!! It's the type of freedom artists rarely get when they're on a label. Lu's been in the zone since he left Atlantic. Tetsuo & Youth through DMIZ is an incredible run.

[@mider-spanman5577]

@@TheCompanyMan Indeed. I recently listened to Tetsuo & Youth and Drogas Wave. They easily put him in my top three dead or alive. Never a weak verse from all I have heard. Always has great concepts, themes, and very sonically pleasing.

[@PrinceMalachi7]

That album is 🔥

[@the.uglyface808]

How have I gone so long in life without this channel? Subscribed. You're truly a workman of your craft. Awesome breakdown.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you!

[@haroonzia1821]

Amazing breakdown, always look forward to your videos after a new Lupe drop!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you, Haroon! What do you think of the album?

[@haroonzia1821]

@@TheCompanyMan Awesome Album and another classic from Lupe. I absolutely love the jazzy songs off this record like DMIZ and NAOMI. I feel like we got an awesome mix of conscious lyrics and a clear important message/theme without the "preachniness" that still sounds sonically on point with replayability. It's so hard to compare any of Lu's top records against each other because they all bring their own uniqueness, but it's definitely at least in the same tier as F&L, T&Y, The Cool, and Drogas. Love that you brought up his old mixtapes into the conversation and was dope learning the context surrounding his Enemy of the State release and its similarities to this project.

[@berdoe0329]

Fun fact: Song #2 “Ghoti” is actually pronounced “fish”. It’s an artificial word to showcase the irregularities in English. You pronounce the “gh” like you would in “enough”. You pronounce the “o” like you would in “women” And you pronounce “ti” like you would in “motion”.

[@ANineOne]

'I defend myself in court.' Jeez, I just clocked it.

[@darkreaverhasham]

Its been years. remember looking forward to TBD every weekend.

[@ManniLive]

Another great Lupe breakdown! When it comes to showing love to Lupe youre the best on this platform

[@victorortiz6272]

The greatest emcee to ever do it.

[@tfe5956]

Before even watching the episode. Thank you, just thank you. Since Drogas Wave Lupe climbed my list and is now a top 5 contender and is criminally slept on. And ever since this new album dropped, I’ve been on the lookout for great voices to speak on it. Always love your take on the culture so thank you, sir.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks TFE! What'd you think of Drill Music In Zion.

[@tfe5956]

@@TheCompanyMan Hm, it being a Lupe project I have been giving myself some time to digest it. The other day I was listening to a podcast on the 20th anniversary of the Wire (hosted by Method Man) and David Simon is quoted saying that there are two kinds of audiences, those laying back and those sitting up. Lupe in general appeals to the latter, and with this project in particular. During my first listen I think that I expected tracks with more “bounce” to them, since Autoboto had been the first single out generating certain expectations and so the concentration the other tracks demanded caught me a bit off-guard honestly. But starting with the name and cover art, the imagery sets the tone incredibly well and with additional listens the project is incredible. The cover almost looking like a giant drill and the project name creates this atmosphere of the impending end of all things, like the sound of the drill over Zion in the matrix being this sound of the end of human existence booming from above but being contorted into a musicality. Something which I at times wonder make out the kernel of hiphop for me, generations of trauma only being able to be addressed musically because the “direct approach” is just strictly too much. Anyway, I’ll try and avoid writing way too much for a youtube comment and say that my favorite track is Ms Mural because it has that overarching conceptual structure for which I love Lupe’s art. But Faux Nem’s first verse hit differently. When he first says the line I thought to myself, as I snickered “classic Lupe, playing around”.. but as the beat carried on it started feeling overwhelming and painful, and as you aptly put it, like a moment of silence. By the time he starts singing that snickering was long gone and there was just that feeling of exhaustion. No moralizing, not even condemnation.. just a frustrated, somber hopelessness with a musicality to it. Drill music in Zion.

[@TheCompanyMan]

@@tfe5956 what do you think now

[@tfe5956]

@@TheCompanyMan Right now it’s a top contender for album of the year for me. It’s this, K-dot’s masterpiece and Black Star’s No Fear Of Time. I’d love to hear a comment from you on the other two. Then let’s see what Thought and Dead Mouse come with because the Aquamarine single that dropped so far is incredible.

[@jaleelthompson927]

Lupe ceases to amaze me. I still need more time before I can properly rate it in his 5 amazing albums. There’s Lupe lines that get stuck in my head for months it feels like and this album is full of them. Love the work as always Justin 👍🏾👍🏾. You already know we need the Lupe Goat piece

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks Marty! How would you rank Lupe's albums?

[@jaleelthompson927]

@@TheCompanyMan personally I go Drogas Wave, The Cool, Tuesto and Youth then Food and Liquor with DMIZ sure to be somewhere in there.

[@ArcChristelle]

I just wanna add ain't nobody making Hip-Hop think pieces like Justin Hunte. Been waiting for this since I heard the album.

[@ChonseeTV]

You went in and I respect your thorough analysis. Look forward to connecting in the future it's been a long time that's all I can say but most importantly I like the lane you choose and the success that has resulted, continue to level up to your apex.

[@ScreamGeronimo]

Loved the format of this one. I agree, Enemy is unbeatable 🔥🔥 And thanks for LFT Discord shout out!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thanks SG! I appreciate that. So many fire verses but that "Rappers die too much. That's it. That's the verse just hits different.

[@youngrootv]

Nobody’s been rapping like Lupe Fiasco for a very long time. Been in my top 5 all time for a while

[@safs_dk]

Once again, a phenomenal piece! I appreciate your contribution to the culture and especially the way you champion Lupe! 🙏🏾

[@POUNDAGEOLDinspired]

The goat is back! 864

[@TheCompanyMan]

Represent.

[@OddOneOut99]

I love these vids… 💯

[@mz8061]

It’s so dope to listen and see someone who actually loves it as much if not more than I do break it down. Really appreciate you and the work you do. Really missed these too, so thanks a lot!