After the controversial creation and release of his last album, Lasers, Lupe Fiasco promised to deliver to his fans a 'true rap album'. Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 is Lupe's attempt in trying to realize his goal.
And indeed, Food & Liquor II is an album not to be taken lightly. Highly controversial, the album takes aim at everything Lupe finds wrong with America, the music industry, politicians, and public perceptions. From hit singles like "Bitch Bad" to more intimate tracks like "ITAL(Roses)" Lupe hits his mark. Not only is this album easily one of the best rap albums released this year - slaying G.O.O.D Music's Cruel Summer (not an easy feat) and absolutely obliterating offerings from MMG - it is Lupe Fiasco at his finest, and one of the best albums (of any genre) released in recent memory.
With honesty, raw-emotion, and intelligence Lupe hammers new ideas and reveals a side of America that many wished to keep covered. On "Strange Fruition" Lupe takes us back to the signing of the Constitution and reminds us how America wasn't really created equally and thus we have the racial barriers and problems we have today. The album is largely in support of the young African-American, but you don't have to be black to appreciate what Lupe is fighting for; freedom and equality.
"ITAL (Roses)" may be the album's 'realest' track. With it, Lupe turns the game on its head. Telling other rappers to take the focus of their music away from drugs and violence and instead promote pride, equality, and cooperation. On this track, and many others, the production is top-notch. You'll be hard-pressed to find an album with better production quality out now.
FL2 is with-out-a-doubt "The Great American Rap Album." Lupe aims for a higher bar than many dare, and he delivers. This is classic hip-hop skill infused with modern ideas and thought-provoking lyrics.
