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Lupe Fiasco

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Lupe Fiasco
Fiasco performing in 2012
Fiasco performing in 2012
Background information
Birth nameWasalu Muhammad Jaco
Also known asDouble J[1]
Born (1982-02-16) February 16, 1982 (age 43)
Chicago, Illinois, United States
GenresHip hop
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • entrepreneur
Years active2000–present
Labels
Member ofJapanese Cartoon
Formerly of
Websitelupefiasco.com

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco (born February 16, 1982 in Chicago, Illinois),[2] better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is an American rapper, record producer, and music educator. He became well known in 2006 after releasing his first album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. His song "The Show Goes On" reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He is also the lead singer of a rock band called Japanese Cartoon, where he uses his real name.

Fiasco was the CEO of record label 1st and 15th Entertainment and co-founded the nonprofit charity organization M.U.R.A.L. Many people see him as an important part of the conscious hip-hop movement. He has sold 22 million RIAA-certified units in the United States.[3]

Life and career

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1982–99: Early life

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Wasalu Muhammad Jaco was born on February 16, 1982, in Chicago, Illinois. His mother, Shirley Jaco, was a cook. His father, Gregory Jaco, who has died, was a martial arts teacher. He has an older sister named Ayesha Jaco, who appears on some of his albums. Fiasco is Muslim and trained in martial arts. His parents divorced when he was three years old, and he lived with his mother.[4] His parents divorced when he was three, and he lived with his mother.

When he was in sixth grade, he went to live with his father in Harvey, Illinois. His father lived next to people who sold cocaine, and he taught Fiasco how to use guns to protect himself from drug dealers.[5][4]

2000–05: Career beginnings

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In 2000, Fiasco was part of a rap group called Da Pak. The group signed with Epic Records and released one promotional song called "Armpits" before breaking up. Fiasco did not agree with the group’s image and lyrics, which he felt were disrespectful to women and focused too much on drugs and money.[6]

In 2001, Fiasco and his manager Charles "Chilly" Patton started a record label called 1st & 15th Entertainment. The label included both rappers and music producers. This helped them make music without needing other companies' production teams. Fiasco was offered a deal with Jay-Z's company, Roc-A-Fella Records, though turned it down. He signed as a solo artist to Arista Records, where he worked on music but only appeared on songs by other artists, such as "Kiss Me" and "Didn't You Know" by Tha' Rayne.[4]

In 2004, he began working on his first album, Food & Liquor. Arista's A&R L.A. Reid was let go, causing many artists to move to different labels, and some albums were never released. Fiasco, with guidance from Chilly, Mark Pitts, and Jay-Z, signed with Atlantic Records. Jay-Z was going to become the president of the label, but he chose to work at Def Jam Recordings instead, where he was offered ownership of his music.[7]

2006–08: Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor and The Cool

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Fiasco performing at Bumbershoot in 2007.

Fiasco's first album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor, was released on September 19, 2006. The album received positive reviews from music critics and reached number eight on the Billboard 200 in the United States. It was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. Jay-Z was the executive producer and appeared on the song "Pressure". The album also had production from Kanye West, Mike Shinoda, The Neptunes, Prolyfic, and more.[4]

In 2007, Fiasco released his second album, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool. The album was more abstract and included a story about a zombie drug dealer who comes back to life, told across several songs. Fiasco said the album was inspired by a speech by Cornel West, who talked about making the "uncool, cool." While working on the album, Fiasco experienced personal loss. His father died from type 2 diabetes, his manager Chilly went to jail, and his friend Stack Bundles was killed.[8] The album was praised by critics, appeared on many "best albums of the year" lists, and was nominated for Best Rap Album at the Grammy Awards.

That same year, Fiasco formed a group called Child Rebel Soldier with Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.

2009–11: Lasers

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Fiasco performing in Melbourne, Australia on January 26, 2009.

Since 2009, Fiasco spoke openly about his problems with his record label, Atlantic Records. He felt his creativity was being stifled, and even had thoughts of suicide. His album Lasers was delayed many times, and he was told to make pop songs. In response, Fiasco's fans started an online petition asking Atlantic to release the album. They also held a protest called Fiasco Friday, where fans went to Atlantic's office in New York City.

Lasers was finally released on March 7, 2011, and it reached number one on the Billboard 200. This was Fiasco's first album to do so. Even though it sold well, many fans and music critics had mixed feelings about it. Some thought the album was not his best and that it tried too hard to follow pop music trends.[9]

Later in 2011, Fiasco supported the Occupy Wall Street movement. He gave tents to protesters, shared a poem called "Moneyman", and talked about the protest during his concerts. He also released a free mixtape called Friend of the People: I Fight Evil on Thanksgiving Day.

2012–13: Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album

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Fiasco's fourth album, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, was released on September 25, 2012. It was first planned as a two-disc album, but his record label did not agree with the idea. Because of this, Fiasco decided to release it in parts instead. The album was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 55th Grammy Awards. On January 17, 2013, Fiasco said that the second part of the album would not be released.[10]

2013–15: Tetsuo & Youth

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In October 2013, Fiasco announced the Tetsuo & Youth Preview Tour, which took place between November 2 to December 15, 2013. His fifth album, Tetsuo & Youth, was planned to come out in early 2014, but it was delayed until 2015. The album was finally released by Atlantic Records on January 20, 2015. Later that year, on August 29, 2015, Fiasco released the surprise mixtape Pharaoh Height.

2016–18: Drogas Light and Wave

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In April 2016, Fiasco said he planned to release three final albums called Drogas, Skulls, and Roy. Later, the titles were changed to Drogas, Drogas Light, and Skulls. The first of these, Drogas Light, was released on February 10, 2017. It was his first album not released under Atlantic Records. The album mostly had trap-style songs, but it received mixed to negative reviews from critics and fans. Many people found the change in style confusing.

He released Drogas Wave on September 21, 2018. It was his longest album, with 24 songs. The album talks about the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, water, and the African diaspora. Fiasco has said he wants to turn the story of the album into a screenplay called Wave.

2019–present: Drill Music in Zion and Samurai

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Fiasco's next album, Drill Music in Zion, was released on June 24, 2022, through 1st & 15th Too and Thirty Tigers. He recorded the whole album in just three days, using GarageBand and a USB microphone in his living room.[11]

Fiasco released his ninth album, Samurai, on June 28, 2024. It is a concept album inspired by Amy Winehouse. In the album, he tells a story about Amy becoming a battle rapper.[12]

Discography

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Filmography

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Films

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Year Title Role(s) Notes
2009 The People Speak Himself Documentary
2013 Little Ballers Executive producer
2017 Rock 'n' Roll Guns for Hire: The Story of the Sidemen Himself Interviewed for documentary

Television

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Year Title Role(s) Notes
2018 Beat N Path Himself 3 episodes; also executive producer
Empire Himself Cameo

Awards and nominations

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Lupe Fiasco at Northwestern University in May 2007.

This is a comprehensive list of awards and nominations won by Lupe Fiasco. His work as earned him 12 Grammy Award nominations, 13 Bet Hip Hop Awards, and four NAACP Image Awards. He has also won the USA's 2009 Character Approved Award. In total, he has been nominated for thirty-three awards.

AOL Music Award

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006 Himself Breaker Artist Won[13]

BET Hip-Hop Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006 Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor Hip-Hop CD of the Year Nominated[14]
"Kick, Push" Hip-Hop Video of the Year Nominated[14]
Rookie of the Year Nominated[14]
Himself Lyricist of the Year Nominated[14]
2007 Lupe Fiasco's The Cool CD of the Year Nominated[15]
"Superstar"(with Matthew Santos) Alltel Wireless People’s Champ Nominated
2008 Lupe Fiasco's The Cool CD of the Year Nominated[15]
"Superstar" (with Matthew Santos) Alltel Wireless People's Champ Nominated
2011 Lasers CD of the Year Nominated
"Out of My Head" featuring Trey Songz Reese’s Perfect Combo Award Nominated
2012 "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)" Impact Track Nominated
"Bitch Bad" Nominated

BET Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 Himself Best New Artist Nominated[16]

Grammy Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 "Kick, Push" Best Rap Solo Performance Nominated[17]
Best Rap Song Nominated[17]
Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor Best Rap Album Nominated[17]
2008 "Daydreamin'" (with Jill Scott) Best Urban/Alternative Performance Won[18]
2009 "Paris, Tokyo" Best Rap Solo Performance Nominated[19]
Lupe Fiasco's The Cool Best Rap Album Nominated[19]
"Superstar" (with Matthew Santos) Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Nominated[19]
Best Rap Song Nominated[19]
2012 "The Show Goes On" Nominated[20]
Best Rap Performance Nominated[20]
Lasers Best Rap Album Nominated[20]
2013 Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 Nominated[21]

MOBO Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2008 Himself Best Hip-Hop Act Nominated[22]

MTV Video Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2008 "Superstar" Best Hip-Hop Video Nominated[23]
2011 "The Show Goes On" Best Hip-Hop Video Nominated[23]

MTV2 Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006 Himself Freshest MC Award Won[13]

NAACP Image Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 Himself Outstanding New Artist Nominated[24]

Soul Train Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 "I Gotcha" Best New R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist Nominated[25]

Teen Choice Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2008 "Superstar"(with Matthew Santos) Best Hip-Hop song Nominated[26]
Himself Rap Artist Nominated[26]
2011 Himself R&B/Hip-Hop Artist Nominated[26]

Urban Music Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2009 Himself Urban Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Act Nominated[27]

USA's Character Approved Awards

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
2009 Himself Character Approved Award for Musician Won[28][29]

References

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  1. ↑ "Wasalu Muhammad Jaco | Discography". Discogs.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Lupe Fiasco: Biography". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 11, 2009. Retrieved December 23, 2008.
  3. ↑ Corrine, Amber (February 28, 2025). "Lupe Fiasco Lends His Artistry and Advocacy to RIAA's Annual Musicians on Call Benefit Event". Vibe. Archived from the original on February 28, 2025. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Smith, Bryan (August 2, 2007). "Lupe Fiasco, Word Star". Chicago. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  5. ↑ Watson, Margeaux (January 17, 2008). "Lupe Fiasco: The Art of Being Cool". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 4, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  6. ↑ Rabin, Nathan (October 31, 2006). "Lupe Fiasco". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on September 20, 2021. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  7. ↑ Barry, Peter (December 5, 2016). "Jay Z Is the Reason Lupe Fiasco Signed to Atlantic Records". XXL. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  8. ↑ Louie, Rebecca (January 8, 2008). "Cerebral rapper Lupe Fiasco thinks big with new Grammy bid". Archived from the original on May 18, 2025. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  9. ↑ Kellman, Andy. "Lasers – Lupe Fiasco". AllMusic. Retrieved May 18, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ↑ Horowitz, Steven J. (January 17, 2013). "Lupe Fiasco Cancels "Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 2" | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on February 15, 2015. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  11. ↑ Eustice, Kyle (June 30, 2022). "Lupe Fiasco Says His 'Drill Music In Zion' Album Was Recorded On GarageBand Using $100 USB Mic". Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  12. ↑ Gee, Andre (July 5, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco Walks Us Through His Amy Winehouse-Inspired Battle-Rap Album 'Samurai'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2025.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Biography Today", p.69
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Adaso, Henry (February 23, 2007). "2006 BET Hip-Hop Awards". About.com. Archived from the original on February 23, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Henry Adaso. 2008 BET Hip Hop Awards Nominees Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine About.com. Accessed October 20, 2008.
  16. ↑ "Beyoncé leads BET Awards with six nominations". USA Today. May 17, 2007. Archived from the original on May 18, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2008.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 (January 9, 2008) Lupe Fiasco Is "The Cool"-est Superstar in Hip-Hop Today; Grammy-Nominated Rapper's Sophomore Album Debuts at #1 on Reuters. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  18. ↑ Gil Kaufman (February 10, 2008). Grammy Awards Get Rolling As Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Kanye West Win Early Honors Archived 2008-12-19 at the Wayback Machine MTV. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 "The 51st Annual Grammy Awards Nominations List". Grammy. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 "Awards Nominations & Winners". April 30, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on February 1, 2012. Retrieved December 6, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. ↑ The MOBO Awards 2008 BBC. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Bill Lamb (August 2, 2008). MTV Video Music Awards Announce Best Pop and Hip Hop Video Nominees Archived 2013-05-12 at the Wayback Machine About.com. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  24. ↑ The 38th NAACP Image Awards Nominations Results Archived 2009-04-08 at the Wayback Machine
  25. ↑ Mark Edward Nero (March 11, 2007). The 2007 Soul Train Music Awards Archived 2015-09-17 at the Wayback Machine About.com. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 (June 17, 2008). 2008 Teen Choice Awards winners and nominees Archived 2008-09-12 at the Wayback Machine Los Angeles Times. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  27. ↑ "Urban Music Awards". Archived from the original on July 25, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
  28. ↑ "Character Approved | Lupe Fiasco USA Network Character Approved - Profile". Archived from the original on March 3, 2009. Retrieved April 20, 2009.
  29. ↑ "[News] Lupe Fiasco Wins First Ever Character Approved Award". www.defsounds.com. Archived from the original on January 30, 2009.

Other websites

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