Mixtapes have taken the music industry by storm. They are the new thing and there are a number of good artists that are dabbling in mixtapes. In today’s music scene, the only singer who stands out in the mixed tape business is Lupe Fiasco. Her latest mixtape, Enemy-of-the-State, is a fine mix of songs that may not be as good as their full versions, but the album comes with interesting twists and some very clever, quality lyrics and beats. This album is undoubtedly one of the best rap releases of our time. The album has twelve incredible tracks, which are actually copies of one song or another. Lupe mixes the knock-offs so well that they’ve become very good hip-hop songs in their own right.
Lupe’s signature style and quality make this blend unique. The mixed tape world has seen some sad disappointments from the most promising stars in the mixed tape music segment. Kanye West didn’t follow up his groundbreaking debut with anything substantial, Lil Wayne is nothing but mediocre, Jay-Z has improved his flow, and 50 Cent makes you laugh.
Lupe Fiasco has made the best use of the mixed tape category and is about to top it. Although Enemy-of-the-State is brilliant as a mix tape, it has its share of woeful mistakes. The introductory piece is a simultaneous electro-thump and synchronized cable torture device. The second song is an excellent interpretation of Radioheads The National Anthem. The rap number kicks into high gear and the lyrics remind us of the current state of hip-hop culture and politics. The only deadly mistake Lupe makes is filling his mixtape with beats from other rappers, which compromises Lupe’s original melodies. There are direct imports of beats from Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Timbaland. These beats have a poppy, club-like groove and feel that is at odds with Lupe’s witty, clever timing and affects the impact of his personal musicality. Lupe works hard to maintain his own originality in his mixes by keeping the songs short and raising the lyric quotient. The album is enriched with clever and witty phrases that stay with you. Although the beats of the mixtapes are recipes for disaster in more than one case, the album itself reveals the way Lupe sees the world of hip-hop.