Lupe Fiasco - Shining Down
Producer: Soundtrakk
Album: Lasers
Label: First&Fifteenth/Atlantic
If you’ve already heard the lead single off Lupe Fiasco‘s forthcoming third LP, chances are whatever site you visited has received an Email or two from the rapper’s people at 1st & 15th; though Shining Down popped up on the ‘net on Monday night, bloggers have since been asked to remove download links. As for the single itself—which we’re streaming with the express permission of Lupe’s label—it’s some impressive stuff. Soundtrakk‘s lushly sinister synth-guitar groove sets the stage for plenty of the cerebral lyricism that fans have come to expect, and, unsurprisingly, there’s way too much going on here to sum up in a neat couple lines. It’s clear that Lupe’s still got plenty to say about the music game, and certain incidental details that would hardly register in another rapper’s record (a few Autotune-enhanced bars, a melodic reference to Lollipop in fellow Midwesterner Matthew Santos’ hook) here come across as cryptically pointed. Shinin’ is equal parts pop appeal and forehead-wrinkling subtext (vintage Lupe, in other words), and the scrutiny it invites should keep fans occupied as they wait for Lasers to receive a solid release date.
Listen to More: Lupe Fiasco Midwest, Collaborations
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Member Reviews and Ratings
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DJ Booth Member |
not bad
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 909 |
I was dying for this to come out, man I was so desperate I was playing the low quality one!
Song is fantastic, with great contributions from everyone. Soundtrack does DOPE with the guitar. Especially loved Lupe's last verse. "I don't idolize America, I'm dancing with the stars." Here's to still holding out on that last 15% percent (see: his DJBooth interview), though I think that small chance has been scrapped. Screams the siren calling for the movement! L.A.S.E.R.S., huh? Liking it. That's something I'm willing to push. |
| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
love the production. nice hook. lupe shines
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
i love it! been waiting on this for some time.
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 1078 |
I'm biased because I LOVE Lupe, but this track was tight. It's nice to actually hear the polished and approved version... Wit Lupe its all about the lyrics, subject matter, and/or story; and this track displays all three. The production is great, I love the guitar. Santos sings yet another great hook, this one being pretty eerie. It doesn't have great hit potential, but his avid fans will love it.
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
I Love Hip Hop
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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dope. doesn't look like he'll retire after all
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
I heard the rough version a month or so back and am so happy that they finally mastered it.
Gotta love Lupe going at the autotune too. Certified Banger |
| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew Total Ratings: 8792 |
Lupe does not make anything but classic music. My feelings on this matter have nothing to do with the fact that he and I share a hometown.
He is what hip hop is in 2009. Shouts to Kay! |
| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew Total Ratings: 1625 |
I, too, have been listening to the distorted version for weeks. SO SO glad to finally have the o-ffi-ci-al!
Lupe remains a favorite of everybody because he doesn't over-expose himself. You RARELY see him popping up on featured spots or dropping an average track every couple of weeks. Another smash from one of my top 3 artists out there, this was pure greatness from production to lyrics to the overall feel you get from the song. Welcome back! |
| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 597 |
It's Lupe....nothing else to say!!
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 27 |
im feeling the production and this duo is always smooth
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew Total Ratings: 334 |
Always liked Lupe, I'll be waiting for the Album...
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 1644 |
ehh its alright.
i expect more from him, this just seems like an average lupe track VS the bangers he's had in the past. |
| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 431 |
The production fits the album title, and this is just a typical lupe song (Classic flow). I think like all lupe songs it will have to grow on me a little, but the singles he chooses usually are the weakest on the album, but still great none the less. I think if Lupe would have sped up his flow on here it would have been a little better. The auto-tune thing I didn't like and Matthew Santos got a little annoying in parts. Otherwise this is a great song and is getting me pumped for Lasers.
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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Resident DJ |
I like it.
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Its okay to me.
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew |
So Lupe allows streams but no DL links? SMH
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| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 1181 |
Greatest Rapper Alive!
The production is great, Santos is solid & I still havnt heard a bad verse from Lupe (ever). QUESTION: Is it Lupe's choice not to do collaborations, or is he just neglected by the other industry heavyweights because he dosnt rap about the normal themes in hip hop? |
| Posted on Jun 16, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 1237 |
I don't see what great about this track...
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 441 |
Brilliant. Just brilliant =D
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew Total Ratings: 267 |
haha, much better now that its cdq. love good stuff from Lupe, which is easy, because its all..good..stuff.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 77 |
boring. Not a banger for me, but i can see why you like it. Very lyrical.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 2283 |
I've been waitin for this forever. I love Matt on the Hook. When is his album droppin. Lupe is Sultan of this rap shit! Lasers is the album I am most lookin forward to, next to the obvious. Nothin less that classic
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ |
HOT TRACK
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 1309 |
Lupe is on my Top3 rappers ever! but this song... wouldn't make my Top20 Lupe songs ever! :s See my dilemma?
As much as I'd like to give it a higher rating, the background music is simply not that pleasant! I love the concept and lyrics, Lupe's vintage flow, the ironically good autotune part, but not the overall melody and those messy strings/synths. (It reminds me the plain awful effect on "Ayo Technology" in a slower version) The chorus was also a bit schizophrenic. Better examples of Lupe songs that are not radio-ready but classic sound in my ears are: Fighters, Intruder Alert, Put you on game... I really don't feel the pop appeal Richard. This might be a good song, but not a good single. |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Hot. All Lupe does is make good music. The production is hot and Santos does great on the hook, but I felt like Lupe was average (by his standards). If Lupe brought his 'A' game, I'd give this 5 Stars. I can't wait for the album, the guy is one of the best rappers around.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
this song is incredible case-closed and am i the only one who noticed the subtle shots he takes in it ?
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 425 |
I've always thought Lupe is right up there but I prefer when he has a faster flow (like 'Hip Hop Saved My Life') but this one is sort of creepin into classic status because you can't get enough of Lupe. Is he ever gonna do a djbooth freestyle.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 102 |
When Lupe and Matthew Santos pair up its usually somethin epic. Soundtrakk comes through with solid production on this one. 5 star classic
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
dope song, nice beat, tight lyrics.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 365 |
definition of proper autotune, this track highlights how hip hop is changing with the times, absolutely nothing wrong with the old school style, but this is 2009....here we are.
@Stunna...Lupe freestyle hell yea! |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 4224 |
Strong production, honest lyricism, incredible diction & the ernest desire to craft something more original that the blase blah most underground rappers kick. I feel this won't be as big of a Single as "Superstar" was cos the hook on this is not as melodically catchy if one compares it with Superstar's hook.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ |
Love the story-telling ability Lupe brings to his tracks. This isn't my favorite, but still a pretty solid album. Lupe loves working with Matthew Santos, huh?
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew Total Ratings: 860 |
EPIC Track - one of the hottest I've heard from Lupe. That beat is haunting and the hook is executed perfectly by Santos. Aussie, Lupe doesnt do Collabos because he would make most of the rappers out there look bad next to him. Personally I hate when an album has 100 other people on it (i.e. The Game).
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
This song is amazing. Ive also been waiting for this song for a little while.
I love it how Lupe is kind of indirectly going at Lil Wayne. The melody sounds like Lollipop... He uses the Auto-tune for a little then he just disowns it in the Hip-Hop scene Its Lupe, so you know that the lyrics are going to be on point. And also Lupe only collabs with HIP-HOP artists and artist that want to make Good music. You will most likely never see Lupe collab with the likes of Ross, Lil wayne , T-Pain..etc But Great Song!!!!! |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 39 |
Wow....Lupe is a musical genius. This is what hip hop is.. music
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
It'z about time I heard Some new music from Lupe Fiasco! I'm feelin this track a lot..
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 56 |
Admittedly, I'm pretty ignorant of Lupe Fiasco and his music. I've heard great things about--especially on the booth--but I never have listened past the "Kick Pushes" and the "Superstars." An embarrassment, I know, but for some reason I've always had trouble giving a deserving look at anyone outside commercial hip-hop.
That said, this track to me is golden. Love everything about it; 5 stars. Best Lupe track I've ever heard (knowing my sample size is limited). Anyone else got any suggestions of classic Lupe music? |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 735 |
this is greatness, classic joint from LUpe. lesss go LASERS!!!
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 180 |
really feelin it. def somthin i can bump to.
n plus lupe never dissapoints yall! |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 33 |
This is so fresh and a breath of fresh air. This is what Hip Hop about. CLASSIC. Lupe brings lyricism, a message, and a nice production.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 213 |
I love EVERYTHING about this track - the production, hook, lyrics are all on point. It's a great song, like just about every other song Lupe puts out. I can't wait for "Lasers"!
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ |
This is just classic Lupe right here. The hints of autotune is interesting but Lupe has so much skill he can get away with it and have the song still sounnding hot. The production is addicting and Lupe's rhymes make you listen more than once to them. The hook by Matthew Santos is dope as well..this combination always makes classic tracks. I cant wait til Lasers comes out! Amazing track from Lupe!!
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew Total Ratings: 4028 |
This is SICK right here! I was afraid that Lupe wouldn't come back out again, but after hearing this, I am ready for my third serving of LUPE!!! GREAT TRACK! CLASSIC $HIT!!!
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Perfect balance of pop appeal
and great lyrics can't wait for LASERS! 5/5 CLASSIC |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 359 |
great song, been on repeat since it leaked and some retarded blog (in my favor) didn't take down the DL yet. the flow threw me off at first but I've come to love it, and the beat is absolutely crazy. the chorus is epic, although it's not scitzo, it's referring to the dead watching above... perfect melody, perfect song. lupe can't go wrong
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
had to rate this a full 5. this is funny its not even the mastered version and its still fire.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 4224 |
Oops!!!
Strong production, honest lyricism, incredible diction & the ernest desire to craft something more original than the blase blah most *mainstream* rappers kick. I feel this won't be as big of a Single as "Superstar" was cos the hook on this is not as melodically catchy if one compares it with Superstar's hook. |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 3098 |
I love this dude, he's a genius! I find this song amazing, love the music, the beat and his flow. Yeah, the hook isn't as catchy as that of "Superstar" but it's good aswell! Good work Lupe!
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
I thought this was going to disappoint like both the Clipse songs, but Lupe comes through like always.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 909 |
@Jordan: Yea, he even let B.E.T. stream the entire "The Cool" album before it came out.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
WOW__________!
Positive Lyrics... Sutin to smile at =] |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
one of my favorite artists puts out yet another solid track. Just absolutely solid...damn.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
lupe is one of the best and so is this track ... its real chill
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 21 |
I've read this is what hip hop is. Lupe is in the top 3. Be ez with all that. Some one posted it's epic, that best describes this track. Sound tracks and big wave surfing is epic, not hip hop. This is ear bud music at best.
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
lupe is a dirty rapper his lyrics have deeper meanin
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 78 |
A classic Lupe and Matthew Santos collabo, We are not Losers We are Lasers
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| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 1309 |
@Paul Cartel: I can see why such claims could make you skeptical, but here's how I see it, best explained by our own Resident Dj, Young Son:
"If I hear an album or tape from a rapper TOMORROW and it’s the dopest thing I’ve ever heard, I’m calling them the GOAT. Now, I mean, that’s a little extreme…but I’m saying. IF SOMEONE IS GOOD, THEY ARE GOOD. Who cares how long been out or how many tapes they dropped. Biggie only drops 2 albums. People call him the GOAT." Do you really think it's normal to create an album like The Cool? The beauty behind it is that no one has done it the way Lupe does before and probably no one would have thought of The Game, The Streets and The cool the way Lupe does. |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 1309 |
@BigBlue fo32: The WHOLE "The cool"! It's that great of an album!
But since you asked for particular songs, here goes a few suggestions: Fighters, Intruder Alert, Put you on game, Streets on fire, Little Weapon. (the meaning behind those lyrics is amazing and the music is classy/fresh) I really hope you just listen to the entire album though! :p |
| Posted on Jun 17, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 21 |
@Ted Rico. Let's not get too deep. This is not a hit any way shape or form. And I use the word hit freely. By this winter you'll not have this qued in your bright colored ipod. Resident online dj. Come to Philly and holla at me my man! www.youtube.com/djpaulcartel
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| Posted on Jun 18, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jun 18, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 112 |
lupe is dope...almost every record this dude puts out is onm point
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| Posted on Jun 19, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 441 |
how is this not a hit?? If this isnt successful in any sort of commercial realm, there is definitely something very wrong with hip hop....
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| Posted on Jun 20, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 243 |
production and hook are wicked...lupe delivers as usual...very nice record...
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| Posted on Jun 20, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 44 |
I don't follow the hype on this one.
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| Posted on Jun 20, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 171 |
idk really no what to say about this track its very lyrical and the hook is ok i just find it kinda boring maybe i need to hear it some more
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| Posted on Jun 20, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
dis song goes pretty hard but so does every other lupe song out dere
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| Posted on Jun 20, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
i unno....i'll give it another listen...its not love at first sight like the Cool Album...so ya, i won't rate...yet...but its funny, of course he'll try out autotune...
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| Posted on Jun 21, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 452 |
Radio friendly or not, this is a banger. Digging the beat, strong lyrics and Matthew comes correct on the hook.
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| Posted on Jun 21, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 909 |
@o_black: If you listen to his verse there, he's basically saying using the autotune is digging your own grave.
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| Posted on Jun 21, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 1309 |
@Paul Cartel: we agree about this not bein a hit in any way, that's what I wrote in my review. I just thought you questioned Lupe's greatness but I see now you were talkin about the song mostly.
Peace |
| Posted on Jun 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 123 |
I LIKE EVERYTHING BUT THE HOOK. I DONT KNOW IF ITS HOW ITS BEING SANG OR WHO SINGIN IT I DONT KNOW BUT ITS GNR. CLASSIC LUPE/BANGIN SONG>>>>> 4.5
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| Posted on Jun 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Awesome production.. This cat Soundtrakk never fails.. immediately in my rotation!!
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| Posted on Jun 22, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 122 |
just a couple words i can say 0 Gooooddddddd daaaammnnn
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| Posted on Jun 22, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 122 |
well to be honest to the people who say that "this track isnt something for the radio" - pretty much anything can be on the radio considering what is currently being played. This would be too good for it.
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| Posted on Jun 22, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jun 23, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Dope production, Lupe killin it.. not really feelin that hook though..
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| Posted on Jun 24, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Amazing!Great Hook.
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| Posted on Jun 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
daaaaamnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! been away from the DJ Booth for a while but im backkkkk!!!!!! and this is hella dopee lupe is a beast he always kills it this is definitely a classic, nothing less
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| Posted on Jun 28, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 9 |
its not the biggest. But its not crap. its not good enough to be in my list. ROLL SWEET EVERY1.
RAP MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND. :-) |
| Posted on Jun 29, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 59 |
i honestly dont see this getting any radio play ...
but for hip hop LOVERS its good |
| Posted on Jun 29, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jul 02, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
im feelin it...cant wait fo more
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| Posted on Jul 03, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
pretty dope song
lookin forward to the next album! |
| Posted on Jul 05, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 76 |
Lupe and Matthew Santos together are incredible.
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| Posted on Jul 06, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
amazing song, can't wait for the album
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| Posted on Jul 07, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 2303 |
One of my favourite artists. He never disspaoints I must say :D The beat is trademark 'Lupe' easily once he spits his verses all over it, been playing it at work alot, cannot wait for the album Lupe, WE ARE LASERS!
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| Posted on Jul 08, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew Total Ratings: 64 |
too dope... Lasers December 09
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| Posted on Jul 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Honestly, the production is disappointing. I would think I was bias because I love Lupe. I've listened to him since Farenheit 1&15; if any of you even know about that. Content is very good except for a few lines here and there. I honestly think that this rap deserves a better beat. I saw Lupe perform at a rather small venue in May and he played this. This song is not going to be big, nor will people feel it like they do Kick Push, Daydreamin', or Hip Hop Saved My Life. I feel that it is pretty easy to tell. I feel confident that the other songs on the album will be much better than this particular song. Hopefully not much more Santos, one can only stand so much of him and this song passed my personal threshold.
Overall, it is decent due solely to the production and hook. I really would like to hear more warm vintage sounds that go so well with the "vintage Lupe" we hear on this track. |
| Posted on Jul 10, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
dopeee
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| Posted on Jul 12, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
Love this song. Beat's fresh which really makes this song. not to mention Lupe's sick lyrics.
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| Posted on Jul 15, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
From the jump "Shining Down" with it's synthesizer/electric guitar beat commands attention even before Lupe spits a single word. This this track is clean, consistent, and so Lupe... not to mention the undeniably fresh yet somewhat dark chorus by Mathew Santos, "Shining Down" will most definitely be one of my cuts for the summer.
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| Posted on Jul 20, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
oh yeah!
now this is a bad track (in a good way) like it |
| Posted on Jul 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
LUPE IS HIP HOP!
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| Posted on Sep 18, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 109 |
I love how he mixes his style wit rap n rock. Its such a fine line. But he disappointed me wit dat T-Pain moment.
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| Posted on Nov 12, 2009 |
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Resident DJ Total Ratings: 2303 |
CLASSIC CLASSIC CLASSIC!!! Streets on fire & Fighters arg amazin' live
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| Posted on Feb 25, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 35 |
cool lupe is off the shit haha and i like this song pretty sweet,,,,
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| Posted on May 03, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member Total Ratings: 35 |
hah im just listenin to this song and its awesome yo haha like wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| Posted on Dec 03, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
One of my favorite Lupe tracks period!!!
"I really love my people, I tired of pimpin' mine' |
| Posted on Apr 05, 2011 |
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