Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

Having stepped into the spotlight on Kanye West’s “Touch the Sky,” Lupe Fiasco fully crystallizes his fresh, soulful brand of sociopolitical hip-hop. *Food & Liquor* showcases the rising Chi-Town star’s masterful blend of cutting lyrics and unconventional muses. Take the brash, brassy bluster of “Kick, Push,” which follows a young man’s relationship with his skateboard, while “The Instrumental” examines the specter of TV addiction. Elsewhere, the unapologetic ”American Terrorist\" sees Fiasco discussing the misconceptions of Islam in America.

Debut album from the Chicago MC and Kanye West protégé is proudly out of step with contemporary hip-hop-- despite contributions from his mentor, Jay-Z, and the Neptunes.

Considering how long hip-hop has dominated the pop charts and popular culture, it's remarkable how little thematic ground most of it has covered. But on his eagerly anticipated debut, Lupe Fiasco boldly goes where few, if any, rappers have gone before. On the album's best tracks, Fiasco masterfully melds his peerless…

Check out our album review of Artist's Food & Liquor on Rolling Stone.com.

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Jay- Z once tried to sign Lupe Fiasco, and it would have made a fine marriage, but Lupe went to Warner Bros' Atlantic record instead.

<p>Kanye West collaborator delivers with a little help from his friends</p>

Lupe Fiasco’s relentless positivism never overwhelms his casual rhymes.

Reviewing Lupe Fiasco's debut record, Food and Liquor, without mentioning Kanye West is nearly impossible.

Lupe Fiasco - Food & Liquor review: Fiasco's impressive offering stands as a strong contendor for 2006's best debut album.

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