The Return Of Mechasmack

Lupe Fiasco - Food And Liquor

I told you I wasn't giving up on hip hop. Album's like Food And Liquor are exactly why. I won't get started about the state of commercial hip hop. I've said it all before. So it's refreshing to finally get the proper debut from an MC who's been making noise for a minute.

Kick, Push, the single from Lupe that turned a lot of heads in 2005, is finally followed up by his full-length debut album. And it does not disappoint. I have to say, when I first popped in the CD I wasn't really feeling the first few tracks. But I got excited when it got to I Gotcha. This Neptunes produced track is the bomb, reminiscent of some mid-nineties jazz inflected sound that is sorely missed. I've opened my ears to more of the album and am happy that Lupe has a chance to show his skills. The roster of guest artist here is a definite sign of respect he has from his peers. Collaborations and production by artists like Jill Scott, Jay-Z and Mike Shinoda broadens the range of sound while allowing Lupe to show his diverse lyrical skill and wit. Not that there's much competition, but this may be the best hip hop album of 2006. Maybe if he wins the Best New Artist Grammy he can share it with Kanye so he'll calm down for a bit.