Let me put you on (part 3)

You might have heard them, but you're not listening... (this one is long overdue)

Two albums in and he still isn't getting the recognition he deserves. Even Vibe's 2009 "Best Rapper Ever" bracket, which any true fan of hip-hop should realize was a big joke, did not mention Lupe Fiasco as one of the elite MCs. They rather give Bow Wow and Plies a position on a 32 by 32 by 32 by 32 bracket. Anyway, that's another story. I'll leave that for another blog. This is about Lupe Fiasco, a Chicago-bred hip-hop artist exemplifying what real rap is. I honestly cannot express how significant he is to the game nor can I explain how underrated he is without becoming frustrated with those who say he's not nice. YOU have to determine it. So in this burp of a blog, I have to let the music speak. Fiasco's credit is due. Listen and give it...

(no mention of singles)

Lupe Fiasco's The Cool [album]: "The Coolest" , "Streets On Fire" , "The Die"

Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor [album]: "Just Might Be OK" , "He Say She Say" , "American Terrorist"

Touch The Sky Mixtape [mixtape]: "Twilight Zone" , "Switch (Science Project)" ***

It Was Written [mixtape]: "Failure" , "Tilted" , "Ignorant Shit"

Overlooked Vol. 1 [mixtape]: "My Sneakers" , "We On (featuring Lupe Fiasco)"

Overlooked Vol. 2 [mixtape]: "Swang On 'Em (featuring Lupe Fiasco)" , "U, Me, Him, Her Freestyle"

Loosies [miscellaneous tracks]: "And He Gets The Girl" , "Pens & Needles" , "Kids With Guns"

... Drake vs. J.Cole Coming Soon...

VIBE Magazine collapses and folds

As of June 30th, 2009 it has been reported that VIBE is shutting down. The recession has finally hit the magazine and the lack of ads by automotive clients as well as fashion advertisers played a big part in it (we all know why GM isn't in the advertising spirit). However, my beef isn't with them. Although it should not be expected, you would think with all the support that a magazine like VIBE displays for the hip-hop culture, maybe some well-off entertainers would do their part to help fund the empire. For 16 years, VIBE has been promoting MCs, producers, actors/actresses, and even presidents (Barack Obama for starters). There is no doubt that VIBE has been a irreplaceable influence on hip-hop music and the culture. In a way we have been recently paying tribute to Michael Jackson by playing non-stop videos and performing his many hits, maybe we can pay homage to... let's say a magazine that has boosted careers. Unfortunately, people, even legends do not live on this earth forever, but publications can. We just have to nurture it.

Now, I have been told that maybe I am the only one who feels this way and maybe that's true, but I should not be alone. Without any intention on singling these superstars out, I think the likes of people such as Jay-Z, Diddy, Nas, etc., should lend a helping hand because they have the financial means to do so. They should give back to such an establishment that has furthered hip-hop and mentioned their names plenty of times over more than a decade. Give back. VIBE is a vital chunk of hip-hop history/culture and without that hip-hop may not die, it may not even be dying, but it will certainly be injured.