Lupe Fiasco Gets Acquainted Live At New Orleans Jazz Fest 2011

Lupe played the prestigious New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival yesterday Friday May 6th. Video up above features Lupe and his band mates performing "Hip Hop Saved My Life." Read the concert recap below.

As reported by Doug MacCash at The Times-Picayune

New Orleans Jazz Fest 2011 Congo Square fans were swept up Friday afternoon by Lupe Fiasco's brand of hand-made hip hop.
But before going on, I want to thank the friendly Fiasco fans who helped me out with the song titles and other facts during the fast-paced show. At this stage of life, I prefer covering acts that I've never seen before over the old standbys. Trouble is, I don't always know the details.

Not that you had to know much to be charmed by Fiasco's generally upbeat musings, carefully wrought tunes and frenetic stage antics. For the first 15 minutes of the show, the lithe singer was in constant motion, seemingly being propelled around the stage by the sonic waves of his highly skilled band.



My Congo Square colleagues agreed that the stylish keyboards, slashing guitar, theatrical drumming and melodic vocals of Fiasco's backing band was more musical than many rap acts. There was no DJ, no thundering bass line. In songs such as "Superstar" (view video performance above) and "The Show Goes On," the refrains were almost as slinky as something from The Commodores.



One of my favorite segments of the performance was when Fiasco issued the string of tongue-twisting staccato syllables in tribute to his hometown Chicago: "I'm-from-a-city-in-the Midwest-the-best-city-in-the-whole-wide-world." In another song, I loved his pantomime of skateboarding to the refrain: "kick, push, coast." (view video performance above) And near the end of the show, he comically pretended to play a little bee bop trumpet (using his voice to imitate the horn), just to prove that rappers really can play instruments.



Read the full story HERE

Photo links:
Film Magic
Getty Images
Wire Image
Flickr (courtesy of Chris Schwegler)

(video courtesy of makaksaleOpa and 12barbershop)

Lupe Fiasco, Atlantic Records Mend Relationship And Gets A LASERS Release Date

Lupe Fiasco LASERS on Atlantic Records/1st & 15th arrives March 8th, 2011.

Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West And Common Perform At Stay In School Chicago Event

Story / Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune

After taking a self-imposed break from the spotlight the past eight months, Kanye West returned to the stage on Tuesday – his 33rd birthday – to reward three Chicago Public Schools for improving its grades, behavior and attendance.

The Kanye West Foundation's third annual Stay in School event brought West to Farragut Career Academy and John Marshall Metropolitan and Percy L. Julian high schools, unlike in past years when West brought students to the House of Blues and Chicago Theatre to watch him rhyme.

The three schools each earned a mini-concert by posting the highest gains among seven participating Chicago schools, according to the foundation.

As if a concert featuring one of music's biggest stars wasn't enough, West had fellow Chicago rappers Lupe Fiasco and Common join him at each show. The six-song set at Farragut began with Fiasco performing "Superstar," followed by Common performing "Universal Mind Control."

“We want to congratulate you on the incredible job you’ve done in school,” said Common, later adding “Whatever you do, be the best at it.”

Shortly after that, the man of the hour made his way onto the makeshift stage decked out in sunglasses. West opened with “Run This Town,” which he performed on "The Jay Leno Show" in Sept. 2009 during one of his last public appearances, then “Good Life,” his new song “Power” and “Touch the Sky.”

(Television cameras weren't allowed to tape the recently leaked "Power.")

The Grammy-winning rapper didn’t say much in between tracks besides asking the crowd if they wanted to hear another song and left most of the talking to Fiasco and Common. West wasn’t made available to media at the event.

The mini-concert at Farragut ended with over 1,600 students, all wearing white Kanye West Foundation t-shirts, serenading West with "Happy Birthday."

"This is a fantastic (event) that proves that when all students get together...they can achieve great things," Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Ron Huberman said.

See more photos for the event here:
Kanye West rewards Chicago Public School students with mini-concert
Getty Images
Wire Image

Bun B Brings Out Lupe, Wale, Big Daddy Kane And More At NYC Show

With everyone in town for the VH1 Hip Hop honors (which tapes tonight at Hammerstein Ballroom NYC and airs June 7 on VH1), Bun B pulled a smart and strategic move, by promoting his album Trill O.G. by getting everyone together for an "all time greatest concert" at S.O.B.'s NYC. Lupe Fiasco, Slim Thug, Chamillionaire, Big Daddy Kane, Paul Wall and Wale, Pimp C is smiling!

(video courtesy of Dirty Glove Bastard , Miss Info TV and itsmistermillers)

1500 Or Nothin' Productions Reveal A Laundry List Of Songwriters, Artists & Producers Under Their Helm

I first became aware of LA Based 1500 or Nothin' Productions from the Game cut 'Dope Boys' ft. Travis Barker off of the L.A.X. Album.

The main proprietors of 1500 J Black, Larrance Dopson and Walt are interviewed here and provide insight to how the creative musical minds work in Los Angeles, California.

Here are some of the people - songwriters, artists, producers - mentioned who 1500 works with:
Lupe Fiasco
Y.G.
T.I.
B.o.B.
Bobby Valentino
Busta Rhymes
Uncle Chucc
Jordin Sparks
James Fauntleroy II
and any of your favortite rappers.

For more info, go to their website
1500 Or Nothin

video courtesy of iStandard

Lupe Fiasco And B.o.B. Live At Denver's Ogden Theatre Concert Reviews, Video & Photos

As reported by Greg Stieber at the Denver Post

As the house and stage lights went dim at the Ogden Theatre last night (Thursday, April 29), the crowd was in a frenzied state of anticipation. Opener B.o.B. had concluded his blazing set a few moments earlier, performing like a headliner as he engaged the crowd, joked around and even invited one woman on stage for a serenade.

The bar was set high — and Chicago-bred emcee Lupe Fiasco did not disappoint. As the crowd chanted “Lupe!” — which was a mainstay of the evening — Fiasco bounded onto stage and opened with the song “Shining Down” from upcoming album “Lasers.” The crowd erupted with cheers as a set of strobe lights silhouetted Fiasco’s movements.

With the release date of “Lasers” continually being pushed back, the crowd was anxious to get a sneak peak at his new material. Fiasco was in good spirits as his set continued to roll like a freight train, though he had to catch his breath momentarily between songs as the altitude was making him sleepy. His confessions of sleepiness came as a surprise as he bounced all over the stage the entire night. Fiasco’s showmanship and general appreciation for the Denver crowd were also evident when he thanked them for getting the venue sold out three weeks in advance.

Fiasco appeared cool and confident on stage as this tour represents what could be a turning point in his career. The upcoming release of “Lasers” has the potential to vault Fiasco into legitimate hip-hop stardom. Judging from the three to four songs he played from that album, it sounds like a winner.



Fiasco drew heavily from his album “The Cool” for the remainder of the set, including the songs “Go Go Gadget Flow,” “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” and “Paris, Tokyo.” He also squeezed in the skateboarder’s anthem “Kick Push,” and, after a brief break for his band, closed out the evening with the song “Super Star.” After seeing Fiasco perform, there is not a better word to describe him.



Concert review #2 reported by Quibian Salazar-Moreno / Boulder Weekly

The Laser Tour Denver show sold out about three weeks ago. With a tour that features B.o.B. who has the No. 1 hit in the country with “Nothin’ On You,” and headliner Lupe Fiasco who has two superb albums under his belt, the question comes to mind, who really sold out this show? Regardless if you came to see either B.o.B. (aka Bobby Ray) or Lupe, you were in for a surprisingly magnificent and energetic live show from both.

Bobby Ray was backed by a band and was effortlessly singing, rapping, and plucking away on his acoustic guitar. He’s a natural performer weaving in and out of songs from his debut album, The Adventures of Bobby Ray, like “Don’t Let Me Fall,” and “Lovelier Than You” to his mixtape classics like “I’ll Be in the Sky,” and “Generation Lost.” How was Lupe going to be able to follow this? Like any up and coming rap superstar, Bobby Ray ended his set with his hit “Nothin’ On You” and a hype jam session with his band. Those that thought B.o.B. was just his hit song had their eyes opened wide.

Lupe Fiasco took the stage after a short intermission with his own band along with a band member behind a couple of laptops running what looked the electronic portion of the show. He commanded the stage from the outset running through fans favorites like “Hip-Hop Saved My Life,” “Kick, Push,” and “Superstar.” Although Lupe’s new album, Lasers, isn’t due out until later this year, he was happy to share a plethora of new tracks including his new single, “I’m Beamin’,” for which the video just hit the interwebs this week. He kept it light throughout the entire set, performing more of the crowd-friendly tracks as opposed to deep-thinking songs like “Dumb It Down” or “American Terrorist.” But for those who wondered if a lyricist like Lupe could truly rock a show, he definitely proved he could.

Photo link:
Boulder Weekly - Picasa

Lupe Fiasco Steppin Laser Tour dates:
Sat 05/01 - Las Vegas, NV - House Of Blues
Sun 05/02 - West Hollywood, CA - House Of Blues
Tue 05/04 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre
Wed 05/05 - San Francisco, CA - Regency Center
Thu 05/06 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater
Fri 05/07 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
Sat 05/08 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theater

More fan shot video below.







(video courtesy of KrayDoesTheTube, Emoney & a2mNT)

Lupe Fiasco Performs New Song At Senator Campaign Fundraiser In Chicago, IL

Lupe performing his new single “I’m Beaming” for his hometown crowd.

The Go Cheryle for Senate Campaign Concert featuring Lupe Fiasco happened Thursday January 28 at The Shrine Chicago. Lupe helped raise money for Illinois representative Cheryle Jackson's U.S. Senate campaign and to remind people to vote on Tuesday February 2.

spotted on Fake Shore Drive video courtesy of go where hiphop

Lupe Fiasco Turning In Finished 'Lasers' Album Into Atlantic Records Today!

via The LupE.N.D. blog

Last night on Green Lantern’s Invasion Radio, Lupe revealed that he’s handing over his third album, Lasers to Atlantic Records today.

Besides that he also said that Pharrell hit him up about finishing the CRS project, 4 songs are done so far!

Listen to some of the interview here:
Lupe Fiasco Invasion Radio interview

Lupe Fiasco Backstage Interview At The Congress Theater

Lupe Fiasco 'Solar Midnite' (video)

Lupe Fiasco Performs 'Superstar' With Chris Brown In Chicago

Chris Brown at the House of Blues in Chicago, IL on Thursday November 26 performing with Lupe Fiasco 'Superstar.'

Chris Brown Fan Appreciation Tour Dates:
11/29 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Revolution
12/01 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage
12/04 - Washington, D.C. - Warner Theater
12/05 - Providence, RI - Lupo’s
12/06 - Boston, MA - House of Blues
12/09 - Sayreville, NJ - Starland
12/11 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
12/12 - Wallingford, CON - Chevrolet Theater
12/13 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory
12/15 - New York, NY - Nokia Theater

(video courtesy of PrincessLisaFasho)

Lupe Fiasco Aligns With Hollywood Stars For Social Change Documentary

via the Chicago Tribune

Rapper Lupe Fiasco feels like he was rebelling by taking part in the documentary "The People Speak," which shines a light on people who spoke for social change throughout U.S. history.

In the film, Fiasco and other celebrities -- including Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle and Marisa Tomei -- read speeches and documents from voices of protest movements, including Muhammad Ali and Susan B. Anthony, among others.

"You feel like you're doing something that you're not supposed to be doing," Fiasco said Wednesday while promoting the film -- which airs Dec. 13 on the History Channel -- at Northwestern University's Donald P. Jacobs Center. "Because it didn't come from a traditional textbook, you feel like you're doing something secretive.

"That adds to the cool factor. To get that history, and get it delivered like 'Oh my God, that was Viggo Mortensen' -- it inspires you."

Actor Michael Ealy ("Barbershop"), who also attended the event at Northwestern, feels the film will connect with younger viewers.

"There's a kid out there that likes Lupe's music but doesn't know anything about the '60s," said Ealy, who reads a document by Malcolm X in the film. "He'll watch Lupe in this project and perhaps educate himself on what Lupe is talking about. That's one of the greatest things about this project."
(source)

Lupe Fiasco Speaks On The Death Of Chicago Student Derrion Albert

“Hip-Hop has to take some fault for that. Just in the fact that the amount of violence and the amount of negativity that’s in Hip-Hop and the music, it attributes to so much that goes on, negatively, in the hood.”

Lupe Fiasco Governor's Island, New York Performance With Videos And Photos

Satuday September 19 on Governor's Island.







Photos and other video posted:
Wire Image
The LupE.N.D. Blog
Sixty 4 Harmony

(video courtesy of TheSkilled1 and OGhiphopdotCom)

Artists pay tribute to Michael Jackson at recent live shows

Lupe Fiasco at the Chicago Theatre Friday June 26



Beyonce at the Wachovia Center Philadelphia Friday June 26



Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings at the Toronto Jazz Festival Friday June 26



Robin Thicke, O'Neal McKnight and DJ Cassidy at 1OAK in
New York City Thursday June 25

Check out the photos of the 1OAK Michael Jackson tribute event HERE



German/Nigerian singer AYO at Couleur Café Brussels Belguim
Saturday June 27



Akon at the Journal Pavilion in Albuquerque New Mexico on Friday June 26



Bone Thugs N Harmony at Club Nokia in Los Angeles
Friday June 26



Raekwon at Rock The Bells 2009 at Tinley Park in Chicago Saturday June 27



Tech N9ne at Rock The Bells 2009 at Tinley Park in Chicago Saturday June 27



Kid Cudi at the Paper Magazine Sound's Like Paper show at
South Street Seaport in New York City Friday June 26

Michael Jackson from nicole b on Vimeo.

Raphael Saadiq at the Blue Note in Tokyo Japan Thursday June 25 click HERE