Lupe Fiasco is one of the best rappers in the mainstream today, no doubt about it. With a scene filled with 50 Cents and Chamillionaire's, it's really refreshing to hear someone who is not only rapping about real ambitions and skill, but someone who is self-concious as well.

Lupe's first real album just got released and if you're at all atuned to the buzz, he's made a pretty big impact on the blog circut. Food and Liquor, while suffering the same small imperfections that plague any debut, comes out extremely strong. If that wasn't enough, the album features vocals by Jill Scott, Gemeni and the always amazing Jay-Z as well as fantastic production by both The Neptunes and Kanye West.

I've gotten a lot of heat from all around because of my opinions on rap and all that, but I really don't see the pleasure in listening to someone rap about how much tacky looking "bling" they have in their teeth when they don't even deserve whatever little respect they are getting. Bring me more Talib Kweli, RJD2, MF Doom, Aceyalone, Jedi Mind Tricks, Cunninlynguists and of course, Lupe Fiasco.

MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Daydreamin' (Feat. Jill Scott)"

Buy Food & Liquor: Amazon | iTunes
Stream the ENTIRE ALBUM on MySpace.

Here are some tracks (both new and RARE) from Mr. Fiasco.
Bonus MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Kick, Push" The single
Bonus MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "The Instrumental (Feat. Jonah Matranga)"
Bonus MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Pop, Pop" From the rare 12" Single
Bonus MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Lu Myself" From Lupe the Jedi Mixtape (SICK FREESTYLE)

But Lupe's new album isn't all that great, though... the last track is a 12 minute shout-out to pretty much everyone this guy has ever met... it's terrible (every rapper has to do it... I think it's natural to them). Don't believe me? Check this out:
MP3: Lupe Fiasco - "Outro"