Lupe Fiasco "The Show Goes On"

Lupe Fiasco "The Show Goes On"

Music Video Review

By our guest, Nick Hanover

There are two thinks that very much concern me about "The Show Goes On," Lupe Fiasco's new single for his seemingly infinitely delayed album Lasers- the first is the bland, brainless beat that leans far too heavily on a sample of Modest Mouse's "Float On." The second probably isn't Lupe's fault, but I'm going to take him to task for it anyway.

NO ONE CARES ABOUT YOUR WALK TO THE STAGE.

Seriously, raise your hand if watching a music video that's all about the performer slowly making his way from backstage to stage center entertains you. Did it work for Elton John? Hell no, and he had freaking Justin Timberlake playing him. Lately Lupe's videos have all been about stupid ideas that aren't worth the cost of upload. Take "I'm Beamin'" and its kiddie protesters, which looked more than a little like that Human Giant sketch about the child star talent agency that combines its resources to make a movie called Lil' 9/11. Except not half as funny.

The bar is always significantly lower in hip-hop videos when it comes to aesthetics (unless, of course, we're talking about that golden age when Spike Jonze was teamed up with Biggie) but Lupe is an artist who we should be able to expect more from. He's a smart, talented guy who has pretty eclectic tastes and in the past he's been able to find commercial success without selling his soul in the process, visually or sonically.

But nearly everything from Lasers has sounded (and looked) like Kid Cudi castoffs. Big dumb synths, inelegant digital hi-hats and snares- this is not the Lupe we used to love. Making matters worse is that the best of his recent output has been a free mixtape ("Enemy of the State," go download it now) and the strangely addicting "Solar Midnite," which was a contribution to a Twilight soundtrack.

Call me a pessimist, but I'm starting to think we've lost one of rap's leading lights.


View the video below. What are your thoughts?