Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this CD is filled with violent images; guns and death are a recurring theme, and the CD insert includes photographs of school children holding serious-looking weapons. Parents who don't want their kids exposed to songs about gang violence will be uncomfortable, despite the intelligent writing and thoughtful commentary.
Families can talk about the concept of solving problems with violence. Are there other ways to work out differences? What is the allure of this kind of scary posturing? When is -- or isn't –- it necessary to be tough in order to survive? Is Lupe Fiasco engaging in valuable social commentary, or opportunistic posturing?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Using provocative poetry with violent imagery, Lupe Fiasco has a way with words, knows his way around rhyme, and carries a unique and understated style. His commentaries on the stark realities of street life are intelligent, sobering, and scary.
Throughout FOOD AND LIQUOR the lyrics sparkle with strong visual images and exquisite descriptions of moments in time. Although some of the tracks support Fiasco's poetry with lush arrangements, nearly all of them are repetitive and monotonous. These lyrics deserve more thoughtful and interesting instrumental support. "Pressure" is one exception, with sizzling rhythm tracks, terrific guitar work, and a jazz-infused, surprising arrangement.
As good as he is, Fiasco isn't for everyone, and Food & Liquor is not a family album. There's a lot of visceral discussion of violence, occasional mention of drugs and drinking, and frank discussions of the darker aspects of life, love, death, and relationships.
One of the most intriguing tracks is "He Say She Say," about a kid growing up without his father's presence in his life: "She said to him 'I want you to be a father/He's your little boy and you don't even bother…Starting to use red markers on his work/His teacher say they know he's much smarter but he's hurt/Used to hand his homework in first/Like he was the classroom starter…Now he's fighting in class /Got a note last week that say he might not pass/Ask me if his daddy was sick of us/Cause you ain't never pick him up.'" The haunting lyrics are enhanced with guest vocals by Gemini and Sarah Green.
Fans will also like Kanye West and Jay-Z.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome mild innuendo, one condom, and a few half-naked girls. |
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ViolenceFilled with images of death and violence. CD insert includes photos of school children holding weapons; several songs contain graphic descriptions of shooting, coffins, death. |
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LanguageSome four-letter words that will be offensive to many parents; the "N" word is used a few times. |
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Social BehaviorFiasco's social consciousness is fierce and visceral. |
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CommercialismSeveral beverage (Hennessy, Lynnwood Liquors) and clothing brands (Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Timberland) are mentioned. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSeveral references to drugs ("tried to sell him rocks") and drinking. |
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