Note: The interview with Lupe Fiasco regarding his feelings about Tribe and Midnight Marauders was conducted prior to his Hip Hop Honors performance. The article should have made clearer that Lupe Fiasco was responding to statements he'd previously made, not his Hip Hop Honors performance.
After screwing up his rhymes during a tribute to A Tribe Called Quest on VH1's Hip Hop Honors awards show on Sunday, rap star Lupe Fiasco has quickly become a blogger's whipping boy in a drama now referred to as "Fiascogate," with new allegations from Q-Tip that Lupe was never asked by him to perform at the VH1 ceremony at all.
The 25-year-old rapper claimed Q-Tip personally asked him to perform "Electric Relaxation," off 1993's Midnight Marauders, an album critics and rap heads alike have called Tribe's best effort. But Lupe, an artist with a predilection for positivity, shot himself in the foot when he flubbed the lyrics to Phife's verse.
The screw-up fell in line in the great tradition of award show lyrical bloopers, from Kid Rock's flub during a cameo performance of Jay-Z's "99 Problems" at the 2004 BET Awards, to Nas butchering a Tupac song during his tribute performance to the slain rapper at 2005's Hip Hop Honors. But unlike these fumbles, Lupe's mistake resulted in blog crucifixion - Fiascogate.
But Lupe never hid the fact he missed out on the early-90's Marauders mania, something he revealed on the nouveau soul hip-hop site, Okayplayer, as early as 2006. And though he was asked to pay tribute, he ironically never expressed open interest in Tribe, who were a part of the late '80s / early '90s collective Native Tongues Posse, which brought whimsical and so-called righteous hip-hop to the mainstream.
Lupe wasted no time addressing the VH1 mishap on Okayplayer. Under the screen name FNF Up Up And Away, he causticly wrote in all caps concerning the performance, "When it was initially offered to me, I turned it down because I felt it was out of place for me to be honoring them because while I was fully aware of their impact in hip-hop, I wasn't really aware of their music like that . . . but guess who wanted me to be apart of it . . . hmmmm . . . how about . . . Q-Tip!!! . . ."
But according to Q-Tip, that wasn't the case. On the gossip blog of Miss Info, Q-Tip was reported as saying, "I'm not trying to make this any bigger than it is. But I just want to clear up one thing. . . We never hunted him down and begged him to be a part of the show or anything like that. His name was pitched to us by VH1, and we said, ok cool. The only time I spoke to Lupe about the Hip Hop Honors performance was on a conference call, which we did with the other artists too, like Busta and Common, to plan the performance."
In the past, Roots drummer Questlove has criticized Lupe for never having heard Marauders. Most recently, Phonte of the group Little Brother gleefully added fuel to the fire. "You fuckin up, my nig. Straight up and down," Phonte posted on an Okayplayer message board. "What's even more amazing is the same cats on this site defending your arrogance and ignorance on this topic . . .you forgetting the lyrics to a classic song from a classic group on national television while paying tribute to them, the 2nd plane has officially hit the tower."
Last month, before the VH-1 Tribe flub, Lupe aired out his grievances to VIBE concerning the backlash to the revelation that he missed out on Marauders. "[Tribe] didn't sell 10 million records, so why would people think they had a blanket on the world like that? MC Hammer was way more popular to me than Tribe Called Quest."
It's all about hip hop vanity, Lupe explains. "Because there's kids in Harlem who right now would never ever listen to Midnight Marauders, I don't give a fuck what you do, they'll never listen to Q-Tip and they want to be rappers and they want to talk about positive things. So why would you shoot them down?"
"It's like, 'Oh, you ain't never listened to Midnight Marauders? You ain't expanding your horizons? Oh, you ain't real' cause they did that shit to me! 'Oh Lupe, that's fucked up man, I don't fuck with you now, I'm not buying your next album' and be dead serious! It made me feel like, 'You dirty bastards. Like how dare you.'"
At the time, he claimed he'd still "never" listen to Midnight Marauders, though he's been criticized for denying the fact that groups like Tribe opened doors for the lyrically-PG, happy-go-lucky form of rap he's known for. But no matter how you look at it, Lupe's refusal to throw on some headphones and pop in the album isn't about Midnight Marauders, or lack of interest at all: it's about defiance.
"Those hip hop elitists who think [Tribe] hold the crown and the copyright to hip hop," he says. "I listen to 8Ball & MJG and I think they're better than you [Tribe]."
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Comments
1.
Ferrari F50 says:
I grew up on Tribe. Basically, I don't think that Lupe has to listen to the album or Tribe... but considering his style is totally influenced by Tribe, Lupe has to acknowledge Tribe as one of his genre's forefathers. And, his arrogance isn't allowing him to do so.
It's like Anna Nicole Smith saying she never seen a picture of Marilyn Monroe.
And for the record, "Midnight" is one of the best albums ever, next to: "ATLiens", "Fear of a Black Planet", "Graduation", and "Raising Hell". There are others... I'm just tired.
Get it right, Lupe.
November 1, 2007 at 3:07 pm
2.
SK8Board T says:
You guys have to understand that Lupe is human, as humans we make mistakes, and we make choices, just because he never listened to Midnight Marauders doesn't make him bad or unhumble. He just chose not to listen to them. All theppl who think he is terrible and disgraceful need to just shut up and use their heads for once. All this hate and beef doesn't need to go ot a person who made one screw up at the Hip-Hop honor awards. You need to take that hate to G-Unit and 50 for messing up the Hip-Hop business and how people see regular hip-hop today. If you ask one person what is hip-hop, they are either gonna say, a video or song dealing with money, cars, or women, because thats what they see on tv, but that isn't hip-hop. That jus a bunch of ignorant mothafuckers, showing how stupid they are and how bad they spend their money.
So yea Lupe messed up, but i bet if you were in his shoes you wouldn't like any of the comments ppl have been saying about him.
October 30, 2007 at 5:52 pm
3.
rikomiiiiiilo says:
far out gimps. i love tribe and lupe. get over it who gives a crap. this is disgraceful if you ask me. all this beef crap is supposed to go down with 50 cent and other g-unit homas.
October 29, 2007 at 6:53 pm
4.
VirginiaBoi says:
I cant stand the fact that everyone is like "Midnight Marauders" is the blueprint to every rap album ever. I see where Lupe is coming from. There are a bunch of Hip-Hop elitist out there who feel that only a certain musicians fall under "real hip-hop" and you must follow the same road to loving hip-hop as they did. For me, I wasnt the biggest Tribe fan, and I too have never heard Marauders from beginning to end. I however, am a big fan of Ghetto Boys and love all of their albums, as well as Ball and G and U.G.K. Now Im sure many of these critics of Lupe's have never heard all of these respective artists' albums, but does that make them less of a hip-hop fan? Why should Lupe listen to an album? Just to satisfy the elitist? Please. We all love hip-hop for a reason. We all got here, not by the same roads and avenues, but we are here nonetheless. And that is what I think Lupe is coming from. And I'm with him 100%.
October 20, 2007 at 7:59 pm
5.
mika says:
i really dont understand this...he participated in the honor of tribe, who never fucked with that hard, not because he volunteered, he was asked (by vh1)...shit like that was never big in chicago, ppl i know didnt fuck wit them that hard either, it aint like we grew up on that...so he fucks a line, whatever i never heard that song either, so he's now a disgrace to that whole genre...thats the dumbest thing i've ever heard, he doesnt have to study pioneers to be able to do him, it's not like he doing they whole style, it's just him...ummm jay z, can u rap every lyric off of any rakim album...nooooo!
October 18, 2007 at 12:43 am
6.
DENROCK says:
First off anyone who hasnt listen to an album by ATCQ or by the Native Tounge Posse for that matter just jumped into the the so called hip hop bandwagon. Lupe is nice, but for him to butcher the song during a tribute is a slap in the face to Tribe. Lupe do us all a favor and stick to your fake ass lines and your phony ass skating. I remember when cats up here in NY walked out on your performance cuz they werent feeling you at all. PEACE
October 16, 2007 at 10:57 pm
7.
Jennifer says:
He messed up but I still like his music.
October 14, 2007 at 11:21 pm
8.
I.N.C. says:
Even if Q did ask Lupe to perform the song, Lupe should have listened to the track. You cannot agree to perform a certain track at a honors show and fuck up the lyrics. That's just unacceptable. I'm not badgering the fact that he hadn't listened to the album before I mean I don't own every HipHop album ever made and of the ones I do know I don't know all the lyrics to every song so I'm not even gonna try to put that on him. However I do know that if you're gonna perform a song and def in this occasion you gotta know the lyrics.
There's no shame in fucking up during a performance it happens to the best of em. But at least be a man about the issue and just go yeah alright I fucked up I'm sorry I didn't prepare for it. He def lost a lot of respect through his arrogance and stubbornness. Regardless if I think Lupe's album is good I'm still gonna buy it.
And I'm sorry if this sounds bias or anything but come on people Midnight Marauders is a classic HipHop album even if you didn't grow up on Tribe it should be a part of your collection.
But hey that's just my opinion.
1 love & God Bless,
I.N.C.
October 14, 2007 at 7:35 pm
9.
The Phenom says:
What Should Have Happened...
1. Lupe should have atleast given the album a listen in the past when ppl where giving him all that trouble.
2. He should have definitely gotten on it SERIOUS when he AGREED to do the show.
3. He should have accepted the fact he slipped up (it really wasnt THAT bad) and not gave an excuse because once you agree to do something, no turning back. MAN UP and there wouldnt have been ALOT of this BS.
4. Ppl need to stop acting like Lupe isnt human all he should do is just lower the ego and atleast listen to the album.....
Whats Going to happen....
1. Midnight Marauders album sale gonna go up....
2. Lupe's The Cool gonna sell a lil bit more than it would have.... and everybody gonna see his talent again and before you know it, yall gonna be like, "Dang yall remember when Lupe f'd up at the award show?"
"Yeah but did you here his new album?"
3. Yall gonna go check out my page.. myspace.com/thamvmt ...up and coming producer/rapper etc who has a team that going to be saying something....
Look out for 420 Crew... Look out for The Coalition
Collectively the 420 Coalition
Coming Soon.. I Promise
Pz and Respect from The Phenom
October 13, 2007 at 11:12 pm
10.
Faro to the Z says:
The worst part about this whole thing is that he said he will never listen to midnight marauders. Thats disrespectful and so unhumble. He might be just mad about the whole thing right now. But I hope he cools down and comes back down to earth. Because arrogance has away of coming back on folks.
And while I'm at it, I think he is a good lyricist. But the one thing that he lacks as an artist, to me, is that bounce in his music, that he would have gotten if he listened to more album like MM.
Go figure.
LUPE STEP YOUR GAME UP.
ITS NOT ABOUT THE SONG ITS ABOUT BEING AN EMCEE. AND WHAT THAT TRULY MEANS.
1LUV
October 13, 2007 at 2:28 pm
11.
Nadia says:
No one is saying Lupe has to listen to every rap album ever made in order to be a legit artist but listening to Midnight Marauders is a good suggestion.
FNF up!
October 12, 2007 at 7:53 pm
12.
hdot says:
Erica, we don't edit or remove any comments. so you're completely incorrect.
October 12, 2007 at 6:12 pm
13.
shelove says:
Paalease!!!!!ATCQ truly unique and paved the way for arrogant idiots like this. He acceepted an assignment and showed up unprepared and made himself look unprofessional. ATCQ should have rocked they own shit up on that stage. The can still "kick it" yes they can!!!
October 12, 2007 at 4:06 pm
14.
Erica says:
Eron- is Erica
This below was a test. Vibe is wrong for not posting my comment yesterday. This is how I know you all edit and post whatever you feel...cause what I said was real. Lupe can like and hate whomever. I didn't grow up on ATCQ, I grew up on the Ghetto Boyz. So am I wrong for that? People should respect and realize that they are different regions of the country. So what the east created hip-hop. Ya'll not runnin it anymore. So now folks are tight because Lupe wasn't into ATCQ. Who cares? He doesn't have to and he shouldn't aplogize. What was hype to the east coast was not hype in the south and midwest. Stop busting his balls!
Stop hatin' and just don't buy the album.
October 12, 2007 at 3:44 pm
15.
Eron says:
YEah! I'm not feeling Lupe at all for this one. I will not buy his next album. I grew up on these cats and I would think that he would have more respect for his fans and his roots
October 12, 2007 at 3:37 pm
16.
Brynie says:
I agree with eyaMiya. I love music of all kind, especially Hip-Hop. Yes, I grew up in the hood, but I've never listened to Tribe's cd. Is that a crime? I think people are moreso attacking him because of who he is rather than the facts that he is saying. If someone else would have said the same thing, someone who sells millions of records a year or someone with true street cred', they would not be getting all of this negative attention. It would be like, "so and so said what? for real? man, I feel where he coming from though..." lmbo, yeah something like that.
October 12, 2007 at 3:32 pm
17.
eyaMiya says:
ummm.....UncleQuillis....I dont think that is what the article is saying. It seems like Lupe is saying that b/c of the sales, the more impact an artist has on the general public. meaning that MC Hammer was more visible to youth, therefore most young people didnt know about ATCQ!! It is amazing how people worship artists so much! Elitism is what Lupe is trying to discuss in this article. People....please read without bias....not just think about the situation.....I know the people on this board have minds that are better than a tabloid! I the article is obviously not saying that their sales devalued their contribution, it just means their sales reflected their impact on young people in the hood.
October 12, 2007 at 2:33 pm
18.
UncleQuillis says:
Complete ignorance on Lupe Fiasco's part! ATCQ's sales in no way devalues their contribution to Hip Hop Music. Quite a few artists got 2nd class marketing exposure by JiveRCA, which directly attributes to their solid but not blockbuster sales. The next time you will see Lupe Fiasco on VH1 is on their 1 Hit Wonders Special!
October 12, 2007 at 11:48 am
19.
Regular Ty says:
Lupe fuked up and should just admit he was wrong. He sounds real lame tryna talk greasy about suing Vibe and shiit like Vibe aint give him features in their magazine. For real though he's sounding like a real HERB tryna back him self up about his performance. FNF DOWN
October 12, 2007 at 1:59 am
20.
kricks84 says:
f&*# a tribe called quest who cares about them just because youre a rapper doesnt mean you have to know the lyrics to every song .you people are pathetic its impossible to satisfy anyone these days
October 12, 2007 at 12:59 am
21.
HIP HOPs biggest FAN!! FNF UP says:
Humm.... interesting.... First off I'm not Lupe... I might be a very big fan of Lupe and hip hop in general but I'm not him. Like my name states HIP HOPs biggest fan... but if you think about it in order to be a hip hop fan it means that you have to like the genre, not even love it but like it. It doesn't mean that you have to study the genre intensely, it doesn't mean that you have to research the first artists and memorize every single line of their song...Doesn't that sound absurd lol think about it are you telling me that you know everything about hip hop and the greats then that would mean that you know about alllllll of the artists. And from looking at the comments it looks like you only let conscious hip hop runn through your eardrums lol. The problem with a lot of you all is that you don’t follow your own advise to Lupe Okay so this is what you need to doTo listen to Hip Hop in it’s entirety listen to ALLL hip hop so go out and buy a Jezzy album or a Lil john, T.I., or Fabs album thanks!!! And then you can have the right to say what you said to Lupe.
“How can u make the claim to have that title and not have anything in you to want to know how it all became? Thats like saying I'm a proud black sista and not knowing my heritage and background...not to turn this into a color thing at all..cause hip hop is a movement period.
It's disappointing to know that Lupes isn't even curious. I bet after the web gut his (i already know) he'll think about putting that album in his playlist...”
Oh and to you… Your not making enough since for me to answer your question but I’ll try… First off as my title… did I ever say that I didn’t listen to them, did I ever say that I don’t know where hip hop started and that I never listened to any of the “Greats”… No I didn’t so you need to retract that statement…And let me use your example to explain my point to you…In order to be a proud black sista you have to know allllll about your past WRONG!!! I am a proud black sista…ever since I’ve been a child because of the way I was raised…I never even took an African studies class until my junior year in High school… and that only increased by knowledge and made me even more confident. But that did make me all of a sudden say “ I am now proud, now that I know every single civilization, that’s in Africa, that I know that Africans came over to Asia, America, and Europe before everybody in Europe did” Hummmm… NO!!! Being proud comes from your experiences in life and how you have come to understand them… soooo… retract that statement also… And what makes you think he hasn’t listened to at least one of the “GREATS” you can’t really say what you don’t really know because to you., your saying that the only great is a tribe called quest, but to many other people that love hip hop, or even hip hop artists their “Greats would be totally different, and that also has to do with how you were raised… sooo yeah I think I answered all of you questions.. Have a great day!!!
PEACE
Khadijah ( a true hip hop fan) FNF UP!!!!
October 11, 2007 at 12:12 pm
22.
blah says:
"I know lupe is arrogant..but i know lupe wouldnt say Mc hammer is better than Tribe."
so you are so far up lupe fiasco's arsecrack you'd rather believe journalists would straight up lie rather then believe he said some dumb shit?
eff outta here, "somebody". journalists tape record their interviews. it's not worth it to make up quotes or even embellish . lupe said some dumb sh*t. accept it. sue? HAHA. you're an idiot.
October 11, 2007 at 11:35 am
23.
h.e.r. says:
i'm a subscriber with VIBE mag but this whole 'fiasco' makes me upset with yall.. caused alot of artist and fans to reconsider lupe as an artist
October 11, 2007 at 11:15 am
24.
neffy says:
we all have mishaps..
needless to say he wont be performing that song again...i still love lupe
October 11, 2007 at 10:40 am
25.
MV says:
please don't say you couldn't listen to tribe but you could some how listen to 8ball and mjg, one of your fav's. I know 8ball & mjg were probably listening to the tribe.
October 11, 2007 at 12:38 am
26.
DJZO says:
Lupe is a "RAPPER" for a living & when you honor someone maybe you should listen to the track 5x on the way to the venue. Lupe lost alot of cool points if you ask me. It's not like he was shooting threes & missed one. I bet any joe-schmoe in the crowd could of got it right.
October 10, 2007 at 11:25 pm
27.
somebody says:
Well, too bad he's about to sue you guys for all of this confusion..
You guys really got yourselves in a pickle now.
Look how many fans you've gotten to believe in this crap you just wrote..lol
I know lupe is arrogant..but i know lupe wouldnt say Mc hammer is better than Tribe..He said Mc hammer was more popular during that period of time...he really did have his own cartoon even too.
October 10, 2007 at 10:52 pm
28.
Nubian_Queen says:
@hip hops biggest fan...
How can u make the claim to have that title and not have anything in you to want to know how it all became? Thats like saying I'm a proud black sista and not knowing my heritage and background...not to turn this into a color thing at all..cause hip hop is a movement period.
It's disappointing to know that Lupes isn't even curious. I bet after the web gut his (i already know) he'll think about putting that album in his playlist...
i'll holla
October 10, 2007 at 7:38 pm
29.
T.R.E.Y. says:
LOL if that dude's really Lupista. give it up dawg.
i gotta say that F&L is pretty dang boring outside of "I Gotcha" and it's kinda annoying that Lupe's become the conscious rap posterchild when Kanye West's about 1000X better. i mean dude actually projects real personality into his songs. Lupe's shit is conscious rap-by-numbers. in a way i can't help but think at least some of the reason Common's the only conscious rapper 'Ye does full albums with is cuz he's the only one outta the Common/Lupe/Kweli bunch that mixes the conscious sheez with a (kinda) engaging personality.
ah well, i guess 'Ye's "arrogance" is too much for some humble mumble nerds. far as i'm concerned though he can say whatever he wants off his last two albms
October 10, 2007 at 7:14 pm
30.
RL says:
How can Lupe' be intelligent and stupid at the same time. Tribe's album is better than lupe's.AND THAT ALBUM IS ABOUT. 15 YEARS OLD. KICK PUSH THAT......
October 10, 2007 at 6:08 pm
31.
Brian says:
Y'all DO realise that the commenter below, "HIP HOPs biggest FAN!! FNF UP" aka "Khadijah" = Lupe, right?
Anyway, this certainly didn't deserve its own article but more power to VIBE, I guess.
October 10, 2007 at 5:01 pm
32.
J says:
Lupe can bounce back ... but he'll need to apologize. But I feel him. Can't listen to everything all the time. Especially when you're like 11 when that joint came out.
October 10, 2007 at 4:24 pm
33.
SpewfteK says:
Lupe, u suck dude.I had high moral ground for you, now i will go back to downloading your music for free.thats even if i choose to fucts with you mang,Tribe,All people Tribe!!I cant say i really understand your elitist view on why you didn't listen to early 90's hip hop. But thats your foundation of your OWN style! dem Negroes will be long around and remembered after these truth sayers blogs dead your career.You faked Jaks like I.N.I.But then again you probably aint even heard of the dudes. one Disappointed fan homey.
October 10, 2007 at 4:01 pm
34.
THE UNDERWRITER says:
This is one of those issues that seems small, but is really huge. A tip of the iceberg, 400-lb. gorilla in the room. The little pink elephant, even.
Lupe, I mean, Damn! I come from the same supportive point of view as your fans. I had three of your mixtapes, and shared them with as many people I knew.
But you are in no position to diss Tribe. And before you go saying you weren't dissing them, let's be clear: you absolutely were.
By saying that you're not interested, and being so defiant that you make it seem like it's not worth your time or that somehow this whole experience has turned you against them, you're denying their impact and some of the dopest Hip-Hop music ever made. You are a child of ATCQ, so you should do your own history, whether you think it's worthwhile or not.
If I were a young Lupe fan, no - stan, I would follow your lead and say Eff Tribe. Why should I listen to that old-school ish anyway? Lupe doesn't, and look how dope he is!
It's dissapointing as (editing my own curse words) that you aren't getting this. Hopefully Jay steps in sometime in the next 3 days and wakes you up.
www.theunderwriters.blogspot.com
October 10, 2007 at 3:54 pm
35.
HIP HOPs biggest FAN!! FNF UP says:
I don't get any of you all... is there a manual for being a positive rapper...I don't think so... Yes, you can discuss heroin sell and still be a positive rapper, as long as you have grown from that point and don't do it again...but even if he is still doing it, it doesn't mean that he all of a sudden has to switch his conscious rap gears and turn into a gangsta, bang bang shoot'um up rapper does it.... I don't understand how all of commentators say that you are educated in hip hop or life it's self but you can't open you mind up big enough to realize that people make mistakes... and if your not stupid you can obviously see that Q-tip did ask...because if you are being propositioned by VH1 to do Q-tips record and Q-tip does a conference call with you to discuss the performance then YES you have been asked...because who do you think has to Give the OKAY to the artist that is performing HIS OWN SONG!!!!!(Q-TIP) damn it people how about you use those thinking caps that you just used to crucify lupe Q-Tip is just saying “it wasn’t like I was begging the man to do my song” but why would he let someone be in his tribute if he didn’t want him to be in it??????? ohh and just because he hasn't listen to that record means nothing..
THINK ABOUT IT!!!! Your rethinking a man's character, and buying his album all because he hasn't listen to one of many hip hop albums... and think about what Lupe said He wasn't raised on them WHY??? Because his parents didn't allow him and that's mainly because he is Muslim… I know someone is thinking I well, I’m Muslim and I listened to them… but a lot of Muslim households didn’t really allow rap… I know this because that was my household and many of my friends and families in the masjid…So before you judge him put yourself in his corrective lenses. Just because he hasn’t listened to that album and those artists doesn’t mean that he is any less of an artist… it should mean more… because with out them he has made his own individual style with out the influence of the greats, so he’s 100 percents real talent…that makes him an even better hip hop artist because with out listening to them as a youth, he has grown to be a conscious rapper, not from the influence of others but from the influence of his surrounding, parents, religion and from the experiences of others…I know this is really long BUT I’m FINALLY FINISHES
PEACE
Khadijah ( a true hip hop fan) FNF UP!!!!
October 10, 2007 at 3:05 pm
36.
jonblze21 says:
Well I'm a huge Lupe fan! Being that he's from Chicago and all and he seems very positive. However I'm an even bigger Tribe fan, matter of fact they are my favorite group of all time and for Lupe to say that he never listened to Tribe and never will, but to actually agree to perform one of their songs and actually "f" it up it just plain disrespectful!. The Internet is killing him right now and they should. I think he is getting real defensive right now and he shouldn't. He should've just said "my bad for screwing up" it won't happen again. End of story!!
Dont' go off and say that 8Ball and MJG is better, MC Hammer was more popular etc when you AGREED to do one of their songs. So its your responsibility to know the DAMN words to the song. There is a reason why they are being honored LUPE. Don't be a hater because people are calling you out. You are not in a position to be alienating fans. You haven't sold 500,000 records. You're not 50 or Kanye yet. If anything, you have screwed up your record sales for your next album. Do you know how many "die-hard" Tribe fans are out there. They are the ones that are listening to your music because of your positivity. Those 8Ball and MJG fans don't even know who you are! Play your position kid!
I'm sorry for going off like that, but I've been in that mode all day today. All my friends agree that he screwed himself not because of him messing up the song on national TV (everyone makes mistakes) but because of his ignorance and basically "dissing" the group that laid the foundation for the music he makes.
October 10, 2007 at 2:49 pm
37.
Korean Slap Boxer says:
Lupe has a right to say or feel how he wants. Maybe his choice of words and when he released the statements were poor decisions but its just an opinion. I mean Lil' Wayne calls himself the Greatest Rapper Alive and not many even blink an eye...
October 10, 2007 at 2:28 pm
38.
mr.speak says:
ok... first of tribe is a big peace of hip hop's legacy...saying that you never listened to them being a "rapper" or just somebody who loves hip hop to me sounds like a moslim not reading the koran... so he dropped one album with a few songs that are nice. i doubt there ever will be a hip hop honour for someone (to me ) almost nobody like lupe. i think he needs to get his act straight i hope jigga man gives him a real hip hop lessen...
October 10, 2007 at 2:06 pm
39.
original gordon gartrell says:
i find lupe's comments and attitude to this kinda-major gaffe to be very disappointing in the least....to call those who find your performance to be shotty "elitists," is another example of your ignorance to your fan base and the music of hip-hop...many of those "elitists" were the people who ended up buying your album- those who are bigger fans of commercial/payola-radio hip-hop were not running to the stores because they could not get enough of "kick-push"...to me the real point that lupe is forgetting is that it is not important if HE is a fan of "ATCQ, " the REST OF US are- tribe was instrumental during my impressionable years growing up with positive music, and their sampling of old jazz music actually exposed me to more music and made me a more well-rounded music listener. if you are going to go on a tribute show, at least learn the song you are doing...no one is saying you have to be tribe's biggest fan...i STILL can't stand listening to 8ball and mjg (they suck!) and i find it really wack that is going to be the statement you plan on riding with...i wish i had a contract, so maybe i could have done the tribute- trust me i could do ANY song and not mess up one lyric...you'd think i was jarobi or something- (oh, sorry only a true fan would know what i was talking about). and the fact that you will be straight up hard-headed and say on record that you refuse to listen to one of hip-hop's top ten albums ever is just plain stupid- it only takes a little over 45 minutes to listen to- give me a break. seriously lupe, i bought your first album, loved it, and got about five of my friends to buy your album too...but you can now add me to that list of "dirty bastards" as i download your album illegally and guilt free- then pass it on to everyone i know...you apparently are just another punk who has a gift of tying words together, but no knowledge or love for the genre you are clearly just making money off of...well that is about to change.
October 10, 2007 at 2:03 pm
40.
original gordon gartrell says:
cccc
October 10, 2007 at 2:02 pm
41.
James says:
Swift Chancellor (BKHHF) has some interesting insights - Lupe chimes in:
http://swiftchancellor.blogspot.com/2006/10/make-sure-youre-game-is-tight.html
Related: An old interview with Kanye admitting he liked No Limit and not backpackers back in the day:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=rhBQRETtc5Y
Chicago heads aint backpackers until they move to NY and find the reals.
October 10, 2007 at 1:22 pm
42.
Think says:
Lupe raps for a living, he gets paid to rap why does not do his research and study not listen one the best hip hop or rap albums that was ever put out. Does not make sense anyway you look at it. USE that thing between your ears LUPE !!! His career will not last long if he doesn't reinvent himself again. The success of his last album had alot to do with timing and that one loop single. If soundtrack doesn't make another single like that and he keeps talking about the samethings then people are going to be like... I liked his old album then bammm downward spiral from there. Get the album study it , you are better off as a rappper, shit maybe then you will understand why people love that album so much and hopefully you put an album of that same caliber.
October 10, 2007 at 11:49 am
43.
James says:
I think Lupe is dope. Listening to Tribe won't make him a better artist, but it would be a sign of respect. If it weren't for Tribe Atlantic wouldn't be slightly interested in his brand of music. Lupe, swallow your pride and buy the Tribe anthology. Oh yeah, ladies love Tribe, so you really can't lose.
Thesis! I see you cuz!
October 10, 2007 at 11:38 am
44.
Alex says:
"R.I.P Lupe Fiasco's Career -2003-2007"
^^^^
Cosign
October 10, 2007 at 10:49 am
45.
blah says:
thesis, stop spamming. damn. you continuing commenting with useless comments ("Indeed!") just to keep dropping your url on the page.
dude's career is far from over, but his credibility amongst the heads who first propelled him into fame is shot.
October 10, 2007 at 10:34 am
46.
dblock says:
nice work vibe, you can quote someone saying "nig" and "fucks," but then it gets bleeped in the comments.
October 10, 2007 at 10:30 am
47.
Timmhotep says:
" . . . lyrically-PG, happy-go-lucky form of rap he's known for."
Um, sounds like an insult. I wouldn't really describe Lupe's shit as happy-go-lucky. If you check his last album the happiest shit (and least topical song) was the single Pharrell produced "Gotcha(?)". If you listen to Lupe you'll realize that his music is usually some sort of social commentary or narrative wrapped up in a stylized rhyme. He has no "Left My Wallet In El Segundo" and I'd also contend that Tribe hasn't been "happy-go-lucky" since the first album. It's sad that rap's gotten to the point that music that isn't stereotypically violent or misogynistic is considered "happy-go-lucky".
October 10, 2007 at 10:18 am
48.
Thesis says:
Check the below link out. Your thoughts and comments are definitely welcome.
http://hmblog.wordpress.com/2007/10/10/authentically-hip-hop/
October 10, 2007 at 9:19 am
49.
Thesis says:
"not only would this had shown respect for ATCQ but because it would have shown respect for your craft/trade."
Indeed!
http://hmblog.wordpress.com
October 10, 2007 at 9:07 am
50.
D says:
The biggest problem I have with Lupe or whoever he is, is that if you KNOW you are set to perform for someones tribute, at the very least study up on what you have to perform (even if he chose not to listen to the whole album) not only would this had shown respect for TCQ but because it would have shown respect for your craft/trade.
October 10, 2007 at 9:05 am
51.
Danny! says:
Umm...I like Tribe!
October 10, 2007 at 8:36 am
52.
Thesis says:
Vincent-
I want to preface my statement by saying that my subsequent comments are simply for the sake of discussion and not because i'm any kind of Lupe stan. I think the term "conscious" is something that the media bestowed on him. From Lupe's comments, he never said he was a backpacker. Although Phonte made an interesting point that he benefits off that label.
Vis a vis, who Lupe is and what he stands for is, for the most part, is a representation of his music but also represents the titles and labels that the media,blogs, mainstream crowned him.
http://hmblog.wordpress.com
October 10, 2007 at 8:16 am
53.
Thesis says:
Vincent-
I want to preface my statement by saying that my subsequent comments are simply for the sake of discussion and not because i'm any kind of Lupe stan. I think the term "conscious" is something that the media bestowed on him. From Lupe's comments, he never said he was a backpacker. Although Phonte made an interesting point that he benefits off that label.
Vis a vis, who Lupe is and what he stands for is, for the most part, is a representation of his music but also represents the titles and labels that the media,blogs, mainstream crowned him.
October 10, 2007 at 8:16 am
54.
Thesis says:
lol @ Small Eyez
"R.I.P Lupe Fiasco's Career -2003-2007"
i dont think it's gonna be like that.
October 10, 2007 at 8:11 am
55.
vincent says:
The reason Lupe hasn't listened to Midnight Marauders is because deep down he isn't this conscious rapper he leads us to believe he is. Do not forget this guy was pretty much caught on tape discussing heroin sales with his (now jailed) heroin dealing business partner.
October 10, 2007 at 8:10 am
56.
Thesis says:
"Hip Hop is the only music art form where newer artists do not truly respect, pay homage, or in some cases even know the pioneers of the art. This is not only about "Midnight Maruaders"...do you think a rock -n-roll guitarist never heard Jimi Hendrick's classic material..I doubt it"
Yo Doug Fresh,
That's a real point you bring. I actually want to take your point to my blog. I wonder if the lack of knowledge of Hip-Hop history by many of these newer artists (not necessarily Lupe) has anything to do with the increased focus on the look of the artist rather than the content. The push on disposable music and snap and superman'in dat hoe rather than real Hip-Hop. Are newer artists less hungry than cats in the old days that actually had a message?
Interesting point Doug. I'll post the topic in a few...check out the blog though
http://hmblog.wordpress.com
October 10, 2007 at 8:07 am
57.
bob loblaw says:
happy-go-lucky rap? just cuz he's not gangsta on the mic doesn't mean he's rapping about candy and ice cream.
October 10, 2007 at 7:23 am
58.
Small Eyez says:
R.I.P Lupe Fiasco's Career -2003-2007
October 10, 2007 at 6:36 am
59.
Doug Fresh says:
Hip Hop is the only music art form where newer artists do not truly respect, pay homage, or in some cases even know the pioneers of the art. This is not only about "Midnight Maruaders"...do you think a rock -n-roll guitarist never heard Jimi Hendrick's classic material..I doubt it
October 10, 2007 at 5:42 am
60.
kidawa says:
he's so ridiculous, where's the humility and recognising elders who paved the way for you - not to mention that Mystic Marauders was a work of GENIUS.
Lupe - it'd be much easier to just say 'i was wrong, i'm sorry' and just move on. everyone would respect you so much more for it. we all [no swearing please] up at some point or other
October 10, 2007 at 4:52 am
61.
THE UNDERWRITER says:
Lupe's power is not in defiance. His power is in lyricism. He translates his thoughts to rhythm and noise better than 98% of rappers in the game.
But his weakness is going to be his arrogance. This is extreme as hell, and I can seriously say I'm one of the very few fans of Lupe I know. I don't know how he can afford to lose this one.
If I were Tip, I'd feel a slight bit disrespected. Not by the stage flop, but by the response. I hadn't read any direct quotes about Lupe saying he didn't even want to hear Midnight Marauders until reading this.
Damn, dude. Think this one through before you keep it up and lose any more support.
October 10, 2007 at 3:45 am
62.
mark says:
Lupe is right. Tribe stans are crazy. Okayplayer is a terrible site.
October 10, 2007 at 12:36 am
63.
Jay Smooth says:
Oh boy. I'm a big fan of Lupe's, but right now somebody really needs to make him stop talking.
Oh, the humanity.
October 9, 2007 at 7:58 pm
64.
T.R.E.Y. says:
lol@no swearing please
October 9, 2007 at 7:21 pm
65.
T.R.E.Y. says:
i ain't even heard any Tribe albums and i'll say that Lupe's really actin' like a little bitch with this.
he's got a point about head elitism but it really doesn't apply to this situation. if he's THAT committed to not giving a shit 'bout Tribe's work he really just shoulda declined the performance. all these excuses just sound like a little kid not willin' to admit he fucked up.
October 9, 2007 at 7:20 pm
66.
FWMJ says:
Getback 10/23!
October 9, 2007 at 5:59 pm