Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

The 23 year-old Chicago native, who has been highly regarded and coveted by many top-level executives and industry insiders for the past three years, has remained relatively unknown in the public eye. Until now. With the release of his Atlantic Records debut, 'Food & Liquor', Lupe Fiasco is sure to take the entire music industry by storm. Raised on Chicago's Westside as the youngest boy of nine brothers, Lupe (born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco) is an eclectic soul with varied interests; something that was developed from the upbringing of both of his parents.

There are also no limitations to Lupe's skill and ability as an MC. He has the drive to explore artistic region beyond your comfort zone and the desire to break boundaries, all the while having the edge and street credibility to resonate with the purist and the thug, suburbia and the streets, all in one. "The title reflects on me being Muslim and being from the streets," says Lupe about 'Food & Liquor'. "The 'Food' is the good part and the 'Liquor' is the bad part. I try to balance out both parts of me."

Laced with tracks of complex, thought-provoking and playful lyricism coupled with sure-fire beats, 'Food & Liquor' features production by the likes of Nottz, Needles, the Buchanans, Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park, not to mention 1st & 15th producers Soundtrakk and Pro. The song that is sure to help thrust Lupe from an underground phenomenon to mainstream success is the album's lead single that is dedicated to the art of skateboarding, 'Kick, Push' produced by Soundtrakk. Many artists have albums that aim to reach a diverse audience, but Lupe is a living embodiment of the word.