ABSTRACT SILHOUETTE: May 2011

Last Thursday night Lupe Fiasco performed at Buff State with opening acts Miguel and Far East Movement. I was fortunate enough to attend.

Miguel was the first act of the night. His set seemed never ending. In the words of my friend Brandon "He made 'sure thing' into an 8 minute long song, epic." Miguel's dance moves and mannerism were very The Artist Formely Know as Prince-esque (read: feminine), but he can sing. His talent is undeniable even if his jeans looked like leggings.

MIGUEL. Yes, his mic stand lit up. fancy, huh?

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Far East Movement had a very high energy set. The group has this 80's, 90's hip-hop vibe mixed with contemporary pop, and dance that you can't help but rock to; and the groups DJ, DJ Virman is a beast on the 1's and 2's. I respect the Movement.

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Onto the main course, LUPE. Lupe's word play and rhymes are simply brilliant. With his much anticipated and much delayed recent album LASERS he does not disappoint. Although Lupe has been quoted saying he doesnt like LASERS and that its his attempt at a mainstream pop album to appease record label exects he still delievers heavy and insightful rhymes over pop beats. The first line from his latest single "Words I Never Said" takes a critical jab at America's political policy's when Lupe raps "I really think the War on Terror is a bunch of bullshit, just a poor excuse for you to use up all your bullets." Lupe can go from "Words I Never Said" to more uptempo songs such as "I Don't Wanna Care Right Now." LASERS is sure to get listeners moving as well as thinking.

LUPE FIASCO going H.A.M.

Watching Lupe live was amazing as he is a very passionate and intense performer. Singer Sarah Green who is featured on LASERS was also there to do vocals. The rest of the band memebers where incredible as well. Overall there was alot of head bopping, fist bumbing and sweat dripping. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say I lost my voice from yelling out lyrics and shouts of approval.