The Beat: Lupe Fiasco's "Show Goes On"

Way before I listened to Drake and Kid Cudi, I was totally obsessed with the music of Lupe Fiasco. He was one of the first MCs I knew who actually had something relevant to say. Going against the trend then of rambling about pimp hands and spending Gs, Lupe represented a new breed of rappers, one that spoke of something as deep as religion ("Muhammad Walks") or something as lighthearted as skateboarding ("Kick/Push"). After four long years of waiting, he's back, bringing with him a catchy beat, a sick melody, and the same socially conscious and inspirational lyrics we've come to expect. Back and better than ever, but four years far too long!