Lupe Fiasco- "Tetsuo & Youth"

Written by: Nick Schneider

Chicago’s own Lupe Fiasco has finally returned with his fifth studio album, Tetsuo & Youth.

This marks his first full-length release since 2012’s Food and Liquor II, and arrives after multiple delays. Despite not releasing much over the past few years, Lupe has remained prevalent as ever through social media, whether he’s rap battling fellow Chicago artist Vic Spencer on Twitter or sharing his views on if Iggy Azalea has a place in Hip-Hop. Lupe has also been outspoken about the status of Chicago Hip-Hop, expressing concern over Chief Keef’s content and the culture he represents, which led to a feud between the two. Tetsuo & Youth is certainly not your typical hip-hop album, even including three songs running over 8 minutes, but the unconventional nature of the album does not take away from it; rather it adds to the relative mystique of its release. It also has four composed arrangements named after the seasons to break up the moods. Like any Lupe Fiasco release, T&Y is quickly being praised for its lyrical complexity, exemplified by the hook on “Adoration of the Magi”, where Lupe subtly references several album covers with babies on the cover while also posing questions to the youth on why they choose a fast and reckless life. Listening to Tetsuo & Youth demands your full attention, and it’s a complex album that will take more than one listen to fully digest. Check out Tetsuo & Youth, available now.