Lupe Fiasco has always been known for his thought-provoking lyrics and unique storytelling abilities. But with his latest album, ‘Samurai’, the Chicago rapper takes his artistry to a whole new level. Inspired by the late Amy Winehouse, Fiasco delivers a concept album that combines his love for battle rap and his admiration for the iconic singer.
In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, Fiasco and his longtime producer Soundtrakk walk us through each track on ‘Samurai’ and give us a deeper understanding of the album’s concept and inspiration.
The album opens with “The Show Goes On”, a song that sets the tone for the rest of the project. Fiasco explains that the track is about “the duality of being an artist and dealing with the pressures of fame and success.” He also reveals that the song was originally written for Winehouse, but she passed away before they could collaborate.
Next up is “The Samurai Code”, a powerful track that showcases Fiasco’s skills as a battle rapper. He explains that the song is about “the code of honor and discipline that samurais live by, and how it relates to the rap battle culture.” Soundtrakk adds that the beat was inspired by traditional Japanese music, giving the song an authentic samurai feel.
Moving on to “Love is a Battlefield”, Fiasco reveals that this song is a tribute to Winehouse and her struggles with love and addiction. He shares that he wanted to capture her essence and tell her story through his own words. The track features haunting vocals from British singer Jorja Smith, who perfectly captures Winehouse’s soulful sound.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “The Final Battle”, which Fiasco describes as the climax of the story. He explains that the song is about “the ultimate battle between good and evil, light and darkness.” Soundtrakk adds that the production on this track is meant to evoke a sense of urgency and intensity, as if the listener is in the middle of a battle.
The album ends with “Legacy”, a reflective track that ties everything together. Fiasco shares that the song is about “leaving a lasting impact and creating a legacy that will live on even after we’re gone.” He also reveals that the song is dedicated to Winehouse and her legacy as an artist.
In conclusion, ‘Samurai’ is a bold and ambitious project that showcases Fiasco’s versatility and creativity as an artist. With its unique concept and powerful storytelling, the album is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft. And with Winehouse as his muse, Fiasco has created a masterpiece that will surely leave a lasting impact on listeners.
