Samurai (Lupe Fiasco album)

Last updated

Samurai
Lupe Fiasco - Samurai.jpg
Studio album by
Lupe Fiasco
ReleasedJune 28, 2024 (2024-06-28)
Genre
Length30:53
Label
Producer
  • Charles "Chilly" Patton (exec.)
  • Lupe Fiasco (exec.)
  • Soundtrakk
Lupe Fiasco chronology
Drill Music in Zion
(2022)		Samurai
(2024)
Singles from Samurai
  1. "Samurai"
    Released: May 17, 2024
  2. "Cake"
    Released: June 7, 2024

Samurai is the ninth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Lupe Fiasco, released on June 28, 2024, through 1st & 15th and Thirty Tigers. The production was handled solely by longtime producer Soundtrakk, who previously produced Drill Music in Zion (2022). The album was supported by the singles "Samurai" and "Cake", with a music video issued for each. Inspired by Amy Winehouse, who is named as one of his favorite artists, Fiasco created the concept of her becoming a battle rapper. [1]

Contents

Background

At his Coachella performance in April 2024, Fiasco announced his latest album would be coming out that summer. [2] He shared in a press release that the album's title 'Samurai' means "to serve," where he identified it as "you need to be at the service of other people, either in the overall community, or in this instance, the rap community at large that I've been a part of for years." [3]

The same day as the release of his lead single and title track, "Samurai," he announced his album will drop on June 28th. He named it to be his "most personal album to date," and was inspired by a quote from the 2015 Amy documentary film, where Winehouse told her producer Salaam Remi, "I keep coming out with battle raps and they're just pouring out of me. Like Wu-Tang stuff, but really neat, very beautifully alliterated little battle raps. So next time you wanna come for me and have a battle rap-off, I'm gonna kill you. Because I'm a samurai." [4] [5] The album's second single, "Cake", was released on June 7, 2024. [6] This followed by a music video for the song, "No. 1 Headband", released the same day as the album. [7]

In an interview with Rolling Stone , Fiasco revealed of working on the project during the COVID-19 pandemic, which wasn't intended to be a Winehouse biography or to tell her story. He continued, "For me, it was literally just that one quote. I wouldn't dare try to rewrite or even postscript her legacy in any way other than just imagine everything like, 'Yo, what if she was a battle rapper?'" It began as a single portrait, unintentionally becoming an album. He noted the ambiguity and universally themes across each track, which "could have just been about anybody," focusing on the struggles artists face within the entertainment industry. The narrative on the album is actually disjointed, showing different parts of Winehouse's life as a battle rapper or an opera singer. [8] Fiasco told Flood Magazine, "The thing I started last may be the thing that comes out first. I wouldn't put too much weight into the chronology of the work." [9]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Clash 8/10 [10]
Pitchfork 7.4/10 [11]
Sputnikmusic 4.5/5 [12]

Jazmin Kylene, writing for Clash , stated: "Keeping us well-fed and in constant questioning, there is no doubt Lupe Fiasco is fulfilling his purpose and artistic servitude every time he obliges to step back into the dojo." [10] Sputnikmusic in similar praise called it "A well thought-out and carefully handled concept," adding it to be Fiasco's "best collection of work in nearly a decade, independent of its rhetorical aims." [12]

Pitchfork editor Paul Thompson wrote, "reunites with producer Soundtrakk for a jazzy, subdued album that weighs the challenges and indignities of sustaining a career in the arts." [11]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Wasalu Jaco. All tracks produced by Soundtrakk.

Samurai track listing
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Samurai"
  • Soundtrakk
  • Kush Baby [a]
3:14
2."Mumble Rap"Soundtrakk4:15
3."Cake"
  • Soundtrakk
  • Kush Baby [a]
3:22
4."Palaces"
  • Soundtrakk
  • Nicolas Isaiah [a]
  • Trumaine Jordan [a]
3:45
5."No. 1 Headband"
  • Soundtrakk
  • Brian L. Brown [a]
  • Kush Baby [b]
4:23
6."Bigfoot"
  • Soundtrakk
  • APB [a]
  • Nicolas Isaiah [a]
  • Trumaine Jordan [a]
3:45
7."Outside"
  • Soundtrakk
  • Kush Baby [a]
4:14
8."Til Eternity"Soundtrakk3:55
Total length:30:53
Notes
Sample credits

Personnel

Musicians

Technical

Charts

Chart performance for Samurai
Chart (2024)Peak
position
UK R&B Albums (OCC) [13] 23

Related Research Articles

<i>Lasers</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Lupe Fiasco

Lasers is the third studio album by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released on March 7, 2011 by Atlantic Records. Production for the album took place between 2008 and 2010. Lasers features production by The Audibles, The Neptunes, Needlz, Alex da Kid, Syience, and long-time collaborator Soundtrakk, among others. Trey Songz, John Legend, Skylar Grey, Sway, Matt Mahaffey, MDMA, Eric Turner and Sarah Green contribute vocals to the album.

<i>Frank</i> (Amy Winehouse album) 2003 studio album by Amy Winehouse

Frank is the debut studio album by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse. It was released on 20 October 2003 by Island Records. Production for the album took place during 2002 to 2003 and was handled by Winehouse, Salaam Remi, Commissioner Gordon, Jimmy Hogarth and Matt Rowe. Its title alludes to the nature and tone of Winehouse's lyrics on the album, as well as one of her influences, Frank Sinatra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lupe Fiasco</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1982)

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is an American rapper and record producer. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. He also performs as the frontman of rock band Japanese Cartoon under his real name. As an entrepreneur, Fiasco was the chief executive officer of 1st and 15th Entertainment.

<i>Lupe Fiascos Food & Liquor</i> 2006 studio album by Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor is the debut studio album by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released on September 19, 2006, on 1st & 15th Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The album features production from The Neptunes, Kanye West, Mike Shinoda, Craig Kallman, Prolyfic, Needlz, Soundtrakk, and Brandon Howard. Jay-Z, Chill, and Fiasco himself are credited as the executive producers for the album. Songs on the record discuss poverty, Islam, terrorism, racism, and individuality.

<i>Back to Black</i> 2006 studio album by Amy Winehouse

Back to Black is the second and final studio album by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, released on 27 October 2006 by Island Records. Winehouse predominantly based the album on her tumultuous relationship with then-ex-boyfriend and future husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who temporarily left her to pursue his previous ex-girlfriend. Their short-lived separation spurred her to create an album that explores themes of guilt, grief, infidelity, heartbreak and trauma in a relationship.

<i>Lupe Fiascos The Cool</i> 2007 studio album by Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco's The Cool is the second studio album by American rapper Lupe Fiasco. It was released on December 18, 2007, by 1st & 15th Entertainment and Atlantic Records. Recording sessions took place during 2006 to 2007, with Lupe Fiasco himself, alongside Charles Patton (Chilly) serving as the records executive producers. A concept album, The Cool was based upon the song and a title character from his debut album, Food & Liquor (2006). The album features guest appearances from Gemini, Snoop Dogg and Matthew Santos, while the production was provided by Patrick Stump, Soundtrakk and Unkle, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back to Black (song)</span> 2007 single by Amy Winehouse

"Back to Black" is a song by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, released on 26 April 2007 by Island Records as the third single from her second and final studio album of the same name (2006). The song was written by Winehouse and Mark Ronson, and produced by the latter. "Back to Black" was inspired by Winehouse's relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil, who had left her for an ex-girlfriend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In My Bed (Amy Winehouse song)</span> 2004 single by Amy Winehouse

"In My Bed" is a song by English singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse from her debut studio album Frank (2003). It was released on 5 April 2004 as the album's third single, reaching number 60 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lupe Fiasco discography</span>

American rapper Lupe Fiasco has released nine studio albums, seven mixtapes, seven soundtrack albums, 38 singles, and 37 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tears Dry on Their Own</span> 2007 single by Amy Winehouse

"Tears Dry on Their Own" is a song by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse from her second and final studio album, Back to Black (2006). It was released on 13 August 2007 as the album's fourth single. While the melody and lyrics are composed by Winehouse, the music behind her voice is an interpolation of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1967 song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", penned by Ashford & Simpson. The original ballad version of the track is featured on the posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures (2011). The song was featured in the documentary film based on the life and death of Winehouse, Amy (2015) and was also included on the film's soundtrack.

"Us Placers" is the debut song by American supergroup Child Rebel Soldier, a musical collaboration consisting of American hip-hop artists Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams. It was released as the third song on the track-listing of West's 2007 mixtape Can't Tell Me Nothing. The song was produced by Fiasco and samples the 2006 song "The Eraser" by Thom Yorke. In "Us Placers," the trio speaks on the entrapments of fame. Having been released on a free mixtape, the song did not enter the charts but became an online hit and received strong reviews from music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shining Down</span> 2009 promotional single by Lupe Fiasco featuring Matthew Santos

"Shining Down" is a song by Lupe Fiasco. It was intended to be the first single of Everywhere, the first of three CDs of Lupe Fiasco's triple album, Lupe Fiasco's LupE.N.D., but because of its release being withheld, there was speculation circulating that it may be the first single of his third album, Lasers. The song, however, was only included in the iTunes deluxe version of the album and was considered a promotional single. The song is produced by Soundtrakk and features Matthew Santos, in the same collaborative manner in which the lead single "Superstar" was composed for Lupe's critically acclaimed second album Lupe Fiasco's The Cool.

<i>Life Is Good</i> (Nas album) 2012 studio album by Nas

Life Is Good is the tenth studio album by American rapper Nas, released on July 13, 2012, by Def Jam Recordings. The album was recorded at various studios in New York and California, with guest appearances from rappers Large Professor and Rick Ross, and singers Mary J. Blige, Miguel, and, posthumously, Amy Winehouse, among others.

<i>Lioness: Hidden Treasures</i> 2011 compilation album by Amy Winehouse

Lioness: Hidden Treasures is a posthumous compilation album by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse. It was released on 2 December 2011 by Island Records. It features unreleased songs, covers and demos selected by Mark Ronson, Salaam Remi and Winehouse's family, including the first single, "Body and Soul", with Tony Bennett. The album was released in aid of the Amy Winehouse Foundation. "Our Day Will Come" was released as the album's second and final single on 4 December, and was Winehouse's first solo single to be released since 2007.

<i>Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1</i> 2012 studio album by Lupe Fiasco

Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 is the fourth studio album by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, released on September 25, 2012. Production for the album took place between 2009 and 2012. The album was intended to be released in June 2009, but was postponed due to the Lasers album. Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 features production by The Audibles, 1500 or Nothin', B-Sides, Simonsayz, The Runners, and long-time collaborator Soundtrakk among others. Bilal, Poo Bear, Guy Sebastian, Casey Benjamin, Jason Evigan, and Jane $$$ contribute vocals to the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle Scars</span> 2012 single by Guy Sebastian featuring Lupe Fiasco

"Battle Scars" is a song performed by Australian recording artist Guy Sebastian featuring American rapper Lupe Fiasco. It was released digitally in Australia and New Zealand on 10 August 2012 by Sony Music Entertainment. The song lyrics and music were written by Sebastian and David Ryan Harris, with the rap written by Fiasco. It was the third single lifted from Sebastian's seventh album Armageddon. Fiasco added "Battle Scars" to his fourth album, Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 in countries other than Australia. It was released as the fourth single on 28 August 2012, credited as a duet.

<i>Tetsuo & Youth</i> 2015 studio album by Lupe Fiasco

Tetsuo & Youth is the fifth studio album by American rapper Lupe Fiasco. The album was released on January 20, 2015, by 1st & 15th Entertainment and Atlantic Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cherry Wine</span> Song by American rapper Nas from his 2012 album Life Is Good

"Cherry Wine" is a song by American rapper Nas, released in 2012 by Def Jam Recordings as the fourth single from his tenth studio album Life Is Good (2012). The single features vocals by singer Amy Winehouse and was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 2013 Grammy Awards. It is the final single to feature vocals from Winehouse.

"Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his third studio album Nothing Was the Same released in 2013. The track consists of two songs, "Pound Cake" featuring a guest appearance by Jay-Z, and "Paris Morton Music 2", a sequel to "Paris Morton Music". The track serves as the outro to the standard edition of Nothing Was the Same.

<i>Drill Music in Zion</i> 2022 hip hop album by Lupe Fiasco

Drill Music in Zion is the eighth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Lupe Fiasco, released on June 24, 2022, through 1st & 15th and Thirty Tigers. The album was preceded by two singles, "Autoboto" and "Drill Music in Zion".

References

  1. ↑ Williams, Jaelani (June 28, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco Honors Amy Winehouse on Evocative New Album, 'Samurai'". BET. Archived from the original on July 1, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  2. ↑ Horvath, Zachary (April 17, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco Drops Coachella-Inspired Single "Indio" Ahead of Upcoming Album". HotNewHipHop . Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  3. ↑ Diaz, Angel (May 17, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco Announces New Album, Debuts New Video for 'Samurai'". Billboard . Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  4. ↑ Mier, Tomás (May 17, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco Announces Ninth Album 'Samurai,' His 'Most Personal Album to Date'" . Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  5. ↑ Cowen, Trace (June 28, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco on Imagining Amy Winehouse's 'Battle Raps' for 'Samurai' Album: 'What Would Those Raps Sound Like?'". Complex Networks . Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  6. ↑ Ekpo, Ime (June 7, 2024). "How Lupe Fiasco Flexed His Lyrical Prowess In "Cake"" . Forbes . Archived from the original on June 8, 2024. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
  7. ↑ Griffin, Marc (June 28, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco Delivers On Nostalgic Jazz-Rap Vibes In "No. 1 Headband"". Vibe . Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  8. ↑ Gee, Andre (July 5, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco Walks Us Through His Amy Winehouse-Inspired Battle-Rap Album 'Samurai'" . Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on July 5, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  9. ↑ Schube, Will (July 10, 2024). "The Ghost of Lupe Fiasco". Flood Magazine. Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Kylene, Jazmin (June 28, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco – Samurai". Clash . Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
  11. 1 2 Thompson, Paul (July 8, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco: Samurai Album Review". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on July 13, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  12. 1 2 YoYoMancuso (June 28, 2024). "Review: Lupe Fiasco - Samurai". Sputnikmusic . Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  13. ↑ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.