This is his memorial, Lupe Fiasco (Ft. Matthew Santos) – Shining Down
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Rebel with a cause, outlaw with the lawyer Lupe Fiasco (Ft. Matthew Santos) – Shining Down
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Lupe references Chess Records since that was the label robbing Little Richard. Lupe compares himself to Jerry “The King” Lawler, a professional wrestler known for his arrogant, cocky persona and his outlandish ring attire
Out of the ring, Lawler’s dealt with some legal trouble, divorcing three wives, running over a policeman’s foot and being falsely accused of statutory rape
Lupe, I get that you feel like a black sheep, but try to stay out of the legal system, bro!
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A reference to Little Walter, a blues singer who was associated with Chess Records, but left when it was discovered that the owners were allegedly stealing funds from their recording artists
The line reminds us of Lupe’s problems with his record label, Atlantic Records, in releasing Lupe’s third album LASERS
While RapGenius™ loves vacations, come on, Atlantic! We need stuff to explain!
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This is an allusion to the Tin Man of Wizard of Oz fame, who always wanted a heart… Lupe is saying he has always had heart.
(personally, I’d prefer some brain..)
But I'm warming up, oceans is on the rise Lupe Fiasco – Go to Sleep
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What is this?
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Armaggedon is a day of doom where as crows (who are oftentimes used as symbols of death) will be falling from the sky, etc. Lupe’s flow is like Armaggedon as no one survives.
Also notice he pronounces “crows” like “Cruise”.
In the Tom Cruise film Vanilla Sky, Tom undergoes major changes after a car accident. Lu’s verses are similarly life-altering.
He is also talking about Top Gun. He might smite Cruise with a lightning bolt for the sky, much like his flow does to the crows.
Dope. His use of the word ‘Cruise’ also ties into the next few lines.
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