After releasing three critically-acclaimed albums and the blip that was Lasers, Lupe Fiasco has had a strange career. Though his music is influential, thought-provoking and brilliant, he is constantly mentioned outside of his art, whether it's for his beef with other rappers, political opinions, or rants on the president. Despite it all, Lupe is still one of the most beloved rappers out there as he's unafraid to speak his mind. In honor of his 31st birthday, HNHH has decided to break down 25 of his best tracks. Enjoy.
Daydreamin'
It's Yo Birthday: 25 <a href=
Daydreamin' (feat. Jill Scott) (2006)
Food and Liquor
With Jill Scott's beautiful scatting and chorus, Lupe created a sleeper hit that's still great to listen to on a summer day.
Cool
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Cool (2006)
Food and Liquor
A miraculous tale of how a rapper died and came back to life, Lupe portrays his lyrical prowess on this track.
Pressure
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Pressure (feat. Jay-Z) (2006)
Food and Liquor
If you still weren't convoked by Lupe by this point, this is the song that did it. Hova and Lupe trade verses with ease but Lupe gets the better of the two over a dope beat by Prolyfic.
Kick, Push
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Kick, Push (2006)
Food and Liquor
With a laid-back beat, this was the first track that made listeners fall in love with Lupe.
Hurt Me Soul
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Hurt Me Soul (2006)
Food and Liquor
Lupe discusses his conflicting feelings on rap with aplomb. One of the deepest tracks you'll hear a rapper spit on.
American Terrorist
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
American Terrorist (feat. Matthew Santos) (2006)
Food and Liquor
The song that first showed Lupe's anti-establishments views and his outspoken agenda against the U.S government.
Emperor's Soundtracks
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Emperor's Soundtracks (2006)
Food and Liquor
Lupe's flow is unmatched on this song as he goes hard on a track whose meaning is still begin deciphered today.
Superstar
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Superstar (feat. Matthew Santos) (2007)
The Cool
This was the track that got the mainstream hooked on Lupe after his critically acclaimed debut album. Lupe's highest charting single showcased the drawbacks of fame coupled with a memorable, catchy hook.
Paris, Tokyo
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Paris, Tokyo (2007)
The Cool
Lupe has gone on record to state that this track was written for his girl as he went on tour, sometimes being separated from her for two or three months on end.
Hip-Hop saved my life
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Hip-Hop Saved My Life (2007)
The Cool
An inspiring tale of a young man who takes a different path to be a rapper instead of resorting to drugs and murder.
Little Weapon
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Little Weapon (2007)
The Cool
Lupe is known for his political songs and this was no different as he rapped about children all over the world from high schools in America to child soldiers in Africa and how minors are carrying guns with too much ease.
Put You On Game
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Put You On Game (2007)
The Cool
An eerie track off Lupe's second concept album, he speaks through his concept character by taking on the most evil personification: the devil.
Go Baby
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Go Baby (2007)
The Cool
A catchy jazzy track that Lupe dedicates to his lady.
Words I Never Said
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Words I Never Said (2011)
Lasers
The second official single of the album, it was one of the few songs that was a classic Lupe track on an album that was manufactured by the record company - according to Lupe, that is.
Show Goes On
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
The Show Goes On (2011)
Lasers
Looping a Modest Mouse track, "Float On", Lupe gave record execs the catchy hook they were looking for while maintaing his credibility by dropping lyrical gems in his mad flow.
Strange Fruition
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Strange Fruition (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
After the disappointment that was Lasers, this was the track that gave listeners hope for the rest of the album as it sounded exactly what old, classic Lupe, the one we all love and cherish sounded like.
Around My Way
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free) (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
The first single off the album, this was Lupe taking yet another political stance by being outspoken, political yet smart about his views on society.
Audobon Ballroom
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Audubon Ballroom (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
The track takes its name from the location where influential figure Malcolm X was assassinated, Lupe preaches in this song to his fellow brothers on the importance of being black.
Bitch Bad
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Bitch Bad (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
Arguably the best track on the album, Lupe tackles the notorious word 'bitch' and its effect on society and especially children. Lupe at his brilliant, thought-provoking best.
Lamborghini Angels
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Lamborghini Angels (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
Lupe flows on this with ease, showcasing his lyrical stamina while portraying yet another story about his concept character.
Form Follows Function
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Form Follows Function (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
Using his words to provide audible imagery, Lupe absolutely kills this track as he uses metaphor after metaphor to depict his brilliance.
How Dare You
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
How Dare You (feat. Bilal) (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
With a threatening title, the song turned out to be Lupe serenading a female protagonist.
Put Em Up
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Put Em Up (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
Lupe boasts about his skills on the mic and raps about his ambitions which are pretty lofty for a rapper who has supposedly already made it.
Unforgivable Youth
It's Yo Birthday: 25 Lupe Fiasco Tracks
Unforgivable Youth (2012)
Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album
Lupe tackles an interesting subject most rappers shy from: the plight of Native Americans.