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Food & Liquor

(2006, Rap, by Lupe Fiasco, Label: Atlantic)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Violent imagery, but lyrically provocative.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Fiasco's social consciousness is fierce and visceral.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Filled with images of death and violence. CD insert includes photos of school children holding weapons; several songs contain graphic descriptions of shooting, coffins, death.

  • Sex:

    Some mild innuendo, one condom, and a few half-naked girls.

  • Language:

    Some four-letter words that will be offensive to many parents; the "N" word is used a few times.

  • Consumerism:

    Several beverage (Hennessy, Lynnwood Liquors) and clothing brands (Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Timberland) are mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Several references to drugs ("tried to sell him rocks") and drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Food & Liquor

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
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