Benz and a Backpack

Did anyone see the movie “Drive”, starring super hunk, Ryan Gosling? Well if you did, you’ll immediately recognize the sample Lupe Fiasco has used for his most recent release, “American Terrorist III”. And if you didn’t see “Drive”…well…go see it. “Drive” is a great movie with an amazing soundtrack. But I digress. The sample track used by Mr. Fiasco  is called “Night Call”, by Kavinsky. As a song, “Night Call” evokes imagery of dark tans, white blazers and slow motion street lights streaking overhead while driving in a 1980′s yellow Ferrari on a bridge over a salty body of water. It’s very “Miami Vice”-ish. The song also has a great bounce to it, and “Night Call” was primed and waiting for someone to spit over it. Get familiar with the song below and click the skip link under the video to listen/download Lupe’s version.

By far one of my favourite songs off of Lupe’s outstanding freshman offering, “Food and Liquor”, was “American Terrorist” feat. Matthew Santos. And even though this record sounds nothing like it’s older sibling, “American Terrorist III” is yet another song that showcases Lupe’s unrivaled lyrical dexterity and unflappable conscious mentality.
Lupe Fiasco – American Terrorist III by Pretty Much Amazing

http://hulkshare.com/w14srcgnc46a <———– LINK TO DOWNLOAD

With excerpts used from the original track, “Night Call”, to form choruses, Lupe takes 3 verses to rap about Americas obsession with suppressing real voices, real struggles and real life stories that could potentially be detrimental to Americas teetering global image. The original “American Terrorist” was first heard during the height of Americas paranoia of terrorism/terrorists and religious radicals. The title of the song, I believe, was suggesting that America, as a country, were the terrorists towards other nations. This time around I think the title, and contents of “American Terrorist III”, is suggesting that America, and the powers that be, have collectively turned on themselves and have now become more of a threat and are acting as terrorists to their own country and its inhabitants. From another war abroad looming in Americas not-so-distant future, to the “#OCCUPY” movements and irrevocably fractured financial system, to a laughable political climate, I think it’s safe to say America has seen better days. And it is clear, Lupe Fiasco is not afraid to talk about it or rap about it. Whether you like it or not.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading! If you’d like to find out how to follow me on twitter, just peep the “WHO WE BE” page and take some time to read about me and all the other tallent Benz and a Backpack has on its roster. If you wanna comment…don’t be shy, I’d love to hear what you’ve got to say (good or bad). See y’all in a bit. Much love.

Tweet This Post