Image via Complex Original
For nearly a decade, Lupe Fiasco has been one of hip-hop’s most revered lyricists. And in the social media age, the same verbosity and intellectual curiosity that fuels his lyrics has spilled over into his Twitter account. He can be combative with other rappers and critics (I know from experience—he once addressed me personally on Twitter when I wrote something snarky). But he can also be generous with his time, and with his mind. Lupe frequently engages his fans in dialog, answering questions and posing philosophical quandaries to them with the #PS hashtag on “Philosophical Sundays.” From his cerebral moments to his battles with the music industry to his love for soccer, here are Life Lessons We Learned From Lupe Fiasco’s Twitter Feed.
On Ambiguity
There are two sides to every story. We're all just trying to figure out the meaning of life.
On Home
A guy who spends as much time on tour as Lupe knows the importance of having a place to go home to. After all, there's no place like home.
On Polka
Polka is more than a dance; it's a lifestyle. “Weird Al” Yankovic has yet to feature a Lupe Fiasco song in one of his polka medleys, but there’s always hope.
On Empathy
Lessons happen in unlikely places.
On Omarion
Never be above giving credit.
On Hate
It’s a pithy remark, although one follower makes a good point: “I hate eggs, but I’m not jealous of them.”
On Leadership
This is why none of the members of One Direction are identified as the frontman of the group. Think about that for a second.
On Popularity
Lupe expounds on the difficulty of straddling the line between mass appeal and serious social commentary.
On Ghostwriting
Lupe reveals that he once wrote an unreleased track for the hip-hop star most famous for writing checks instead of rhymes.
On Skepticism
Lupe advocates trusting one’s own experiences on a topic over how the media reports it.
On Materialism
We are living in a material world, but Lupe is a man of truth.
On Politics
Perhaps tired of being the one who many expect to speak out on serious issues, Lupe advises his followers to pick up the phone and dial their congressional representatives.
On the Industry
Perhaps an expected message from a rapper with a clear passion for his art, but one who has a difficult past with record labels.
On “Kick, Push”
Nothing beats the original. Lupe reveals some pieces of trivia about his breakthrough single, including the fact that the shot in the video of police asking skaters to move along was not staged.
On Self-Esteem
Every now and then it's important to put others before thyself. Here, Lupe takes a moment to help his followers feel better about themselves.
On His Father
Last year on Father’s Day, Lupe related a story about words from his late father that have seemingly helped shape his career. Telling the truth is never overrated.
On Soccer
Soccer is more than just a game. It's a way to connect people together, regardless of creed and color. Can you tell Lupe was pumped about the World Cup?
On Kanye
Upon the release of Kayne West's Yeezus, which he contributed lyrics to, Lupe praises his fellow Chicagoan for giving him one of his first big breaks. The lesson here is that 'Ye is the greatest.
On Morrissey
Speaking on behalf of the entire country, Lupe stands up for what he believes in.
On Empty Promises
What you say or do can get you in trouble. Sometimes you have to know when to back off—even if it's momentarily. Lupe vows to stop commenting on hot-button issues, however, he continues his commentary many months later.
