Lupe Fiasco ‘Drogas Light’ album review.
Lupe Fiasco has been the center of attention of a while now, but it’s often for all the wrong reasons. His recent comments regarding “dirty Jewish execs” overshadow his musical ability, but whilst his antics can be frustrating for his fans no one can doubt his sheer talent.
Tetsuo & Youth was an incredibly well thought through album, splitting into four seasons with lyrics that have not yet been matched by any MC, and DROGAS Light follows a similar suit but with fewer cryptic bars.
The album explodes into play with the thumping drums of Dopamine Lit (intro). The trap infused intro sets the tone for the production levels on the tape which are hard-hitting but not overwhelming throughout.
From here DROGAS Light continues along the same path with heavy, bass-infused beats and crashing drums, whilst Lupe does what he does best and gifts us with methodical bars, but nothing to make you rewind it back and decipher what was just said.
The tracks range from Lupe observing his surroundings to elaborate stories (Jump) which makes it difficult to see just what direction he wanted this album to go in.
High (Interlude) becomes a turning point in the album with a variation of unique beats and melodies. Sadly all that’s missing are those lyrics Lupe is known for that would push this album to be one of his best to date.
One standout track is It’s Not Design where Lupe releases his inner funk and provides us with a refreshing change of pace, although it is a little out of place when put in context with the other tracks that precede it.
“DROGAS Light” is one of Lupe’s standout albums with beats ranging from hard-hitting trap to synth-infused Hip-Hop, but what is needed to take it up to that next level are those mind-melting lyrics that we know he can give us 9 times out of 10. What we really need however is for Lupe to get his shit together to be blunt about it.
The promise of three albums, then the drama surrounding his retirement from music is either a cry out for help or a publicity stunt that is going down as well as anything Azealia Banks does…
