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Continuing the simile from the previous line, removing the shrink wrap, means getting closer to waving the wand.
Metaphorically illegal narcotics are trafficked into countries in “waves” with different points of entry.
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Lupe references both Sigmund Freud, the Austrian founder of psychoanalysis (a treatment for mental health disorders) and the fictional characters of Leroy Green and Vanity from the cult movie The Last Dragon. In the film Leroy realises at the end that everything he needs to achieve the “Final Level” was already within him.
Out the back of the Magnum, then out the trap of enchantment Lupe Fiasco – Mural Jr.
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Continuing the possible Westworld reference (a TV series that heavily features an image of a labyrinth), from the previous line – the imagery takes in a Western theme including a wagon and a bordello “out the back of the madam, out the back of the Magnum” (Magnum is a brand of condoms, as well as a number of models of Smith & Wesson handgun).
The artificial reality of Westworld, could be considered a “trap of enchantment” full of seemingly unlimited visceral sensual pleasures, sex and violence. Addictive but ultimately unfulfilling.
Like Westworld, Lupe is urging us to question the nature of our reality.
And handing out amazing handmade maps of the labyrinth Lupe Fiasco – Mural Jr.
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Lupe’s lyrics may go straight over some people’s heads with tracks such as the original Mural and Mural Jr. sounding to some, like well delivered but lengthy ramblings with no clear message or meaning.
This mirrors some lines from the original Mural
Lupe is perhaps urging us to look deeper, as he is dropping knowledge and helping us make sense of the complexity of life.
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Lupe starkly contrasts death and life, and its creation (fetal development).
Every creature that is born must die.
Babies eyes can “see” light starting around week 16, although they are not formed until about week 20. Their eyes first open between weeks 26 and 28.
In order to live you must die, in order to die you must live.
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While high heeled shoes may be considered impractical for walking, they are scientifically proven to be highly effective in influencing male behaviour.
Women bosses, like Lupe’s business partner, Bonnie Chan Woo wear high heels while making big business deals.
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With a concept similar to Boogie Down Production’s 1990 song and album Edutainment, Lupe is explaining that whilst entertaining us with his lyricism, he is also preparing the future generation to run things by dropping knowledge.
Rapping every word off the magazine covers down at Walgreens Lupe Fiasco (Ft. Crystal Torres & SIMON SAYZ (Producer)) – Imagine
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As a youth, Lupe used to develop his skills by rhyming the words on the magazine covers at the drugstore.
It's like fantasies combating your mortality Lupe Fiasco – Mural Jr.
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The quote “Life is a game. Money is how we keep score” (attributed to Ted Turner), encapsulates the attitude that in life, money is everything.
Lupe rejects this; no matter how rich you are, you can’t escape death.
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Refers to Samurai warriors in feudal Japan and specifically to the practice of seppuku or hara kiri, a form of ritual suicide, where the samurai dies with honor killing themselves with their own sword.
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