Sewanhaka High School and Lupe Fiasco: Difference between pages

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Difference between pages)
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
 
No edit summary
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
{{Infobox high school
|Name = Lupe Fiasco
| name = Sewanhaka High School
|Img = Lupefiasco.jpg
| established = 1929
|Img_capt = Lupe Fiasco performing at [[Northwestern University]] in May 2007
| type = [[Public high school]]
|Background = solo_singer
| grades = 7-12
|Birth_name = Wasalu Muhammad Jaco
| attendance = 96%
|Born = {{Birth date and age|1982|2|16}}
| principal = Debra Lidowsky
|Died =
| enrollment = 1,595 (as of 2006-07)
|Origin = [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], United States
| faculty = 114(on [[full-time equivalent|FTE]] basis)
|Occupation = [[rapping|Rapper]], [[songwriter]], [[record producer|producer]], [[chief executive officer|CEO]]
| ratio = 15:1
|Years_active = 2001–present
| address = 500 Tulip Avenue
|Label = [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]], [[1st & 15th Entertainment|1st & 15th]]
| city = [[Floral Park, New York|Floral Park]]
|Associated_acts = [[Child Rebel Soldier]Gemstones, Jay-Z.
| state = [[New York|NY]]
|URL = [http://www.lupefiasco.com/ www.lupefiasco.com]
| country = [[United States]]
| zipcode = 11001
| information = 516-488-9600
| website = [http://www.sewanhaka.k12.ny.us/~sewweb// School website]
}}
}}
'''Sewanhaka High School''' is a six-year [[public high school]] located in [[Floral Park, New York|Floral Park]], [[New York]], [[United States]], as part of the [[Sewanhaka Central High School District]]. The school's sports teams are known as "The Indians" and the team colors are purple, gold, and white. The school's name translates to "Island of Shells" in English. It is located at 500 Tulip Avenue, Floral Park, 11001. Sewanhaka High School dates back to 1929.


'''Wasalu Muhammad Jaco''' (born February 16, 1982),<ref>[http://www.discogs.com/artist/Lupe+Fiasco Lupe Fiasco]</ref> better known by his [[stage name]] '''Lupe Fiasco''', is a [[Grammy]]-winning American [[rapping|rapper]]. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, ''[[Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor]]''. Prominent hip hop mogul [[Jay-Z]] describes him as a "breath of fresh air" in a new hip hop world characterized by mainstream pop and glamour, a sharp contrast with the widespread lyricism-focused rap of the 1990s, and critics have called him the "Hip-Hop Generation's Next [[Vanguard]]."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://rap.about.com/od/reviews/gr/LupeKickPush.htm | title=Lupe Fiasco - "Kick, Push" | accessdate=2006-07-13 | last=Adaso | first=Henry | date= | publisher=About.com | language=English }}</ref>
==Awards and recognition==


==Life and career==
During the 1992-93 school year, Sewanhaka High School was recognized with the [[Blue Ribbon Schools Program|Blue Ribbon School]] Award of Excellence by the [[United States Department of Education]]<ref>[http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/list-1982.pdf Blue Ribbon Schools Program: Schools Recognized 1982-1983 through 1999-2002 (PDF)], [[United States Department of Education]]. Accessed [[May 11]], [[2006]].</ref>, the highest award an American school can receive.<ref>[http://www.journalinquirer.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17475750&BRD=985&PAG=461&dept_id=161556&rfi=6 CIBA cited as one of the best by Education Department], ''[[Journal Inquirer]]'', [[November 16]], [[2006]]. "The Blue Ribbon award is given only to schools that reach the top 10 percent of their state's testing scores over several years or show significant gains in student achievement. '''It is considered the highest honor a school can achieve'''."</ref><ref>Viers Mill School Wins Blue Ribbon; School Scored High on Statewide Test; ''[[The Washington Post]]''. [[September 29]], [[2005]] '''"For their accomplishments, all three schools this month earned the status of Blue Ribbon School, the highest honor the U.S. Education Department can bestow upon a school."'''</ref> They were awarded being the best school in the Sewanhaka district. Elmont and Floral Park are the worst schools in the district.
===Early life===
Wasalu was born and raised on the Westside of [[Chicago]],<ref name="allhiphopinterview">{{cite web |url = http://allhiphop.com/blogs/features/archive/2006/02/10/18133452.aspx |title = Lupe Fiasco: Revenge of the Hip-Hop Nerd |accessdate = 2007-09-02 |author = Creekmur, Chuck |date = 2006-02-10 |publisher = Allhiphop.com }}</ref> and is the fifth child of nine brothers and sisters. His father was an engineer, a prolific African drummer, karate teacher and owner of karate schools and army surplus stores.<ref name="theage">{{cite web |url = http://www.stuff.co.nz/3921934a13975.html |title = Lupe Fiasco - a sheep in wolf's clothing |accessdate = 2007-09-02 |author = Blackman, Guy |date = 2007-01-08 |publisher = [[The Age]] }}</ref> His mother was a gourmet chef. Wasalu is of [[African American]] descent.<ref name="about.com">{{cite web |url = http://rap.about.com/od/artists/p/LupeFiascobio.htm |title = Lupe Fiasco |accessdate = 2007-04-08 |author = Adaso, Henry |publisher = [[About.com]] }}</ref> Jaco went to high school at [[Thornton Township High School]] in [[Harvey, Illinois]].<ref name="soundslam">{{cite web |url = http://www.soundslam.com/articles/interviews/interviews.php?interviews=in060511lupefi |title = Hip To Be Square |accessdate = 2007-09-02 |author = Fruchter, Alexander |date = 2006-05-11 |publisher = Soundslam.com }}</ref> He started [[rapping]] when he was in the eighth grade, but was initially put off by the vulgarity and violent imagery of his father's [[N.W.A]] records.<ref name="allhiphopinterview"/> It wasn't until he heard Nas' 1996 album, ''[[It Was Written]]'', at the age of 14 that he began to pursue [[hip hop music]].<ref name="about.com" /><ref name="theage"/>


Growing up, Jaco was given the nickname "Lu", the last part of his first name, by his mother. "Lupe" is an extension of this nickname, which he borrowed from a friend from high school. "Fiasco," he says, "came from [[The Firm: The Album|the Firm album]]. They had the song, 'Firm Fiasco'. I just liked the way it looked on paper."<ref name="soundslam"/>
==Notable alumni==

*[[Zendon Hamilton]] (1975-), professional basketball player.<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CEFDA1339F931A25751C1A965958260 " HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL; New York Area Is Teeming With Talent"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[December 12]], [[1993]]. Accessed [[December 27]], [[2007]]. "ZENDON HAMILTON of Sewanhaka, is rated the best senior big man in the nation by various prep school magazines, including Street & Smith."</ref>
===Early career===
*[[Alfred G. Hansen]] (1933-)), United States Air Force four star general{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
By 19, Lupe Fiasco was in a group called Da Pak. They signed to [[Epic Records]] and released one single before splitting up.<ref name="amg">{{cite web |url = http://wc01.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:dxfuxqlsldte~T1 |title = Lupe Fiasco: Biography |accessdate = 2007-09-02 |author = Kellman, Andy |publisher = [[Allmusic]]}}</ref> Fiasco later signed a solo deal with [[Arista Records]], but was dropped when president and CEO [[L.A. Reid]] was fired.<ref name="amg"/> During this time, he had guest appearances on singles on [[Tha' Rayne]]'s "Kiss Me" and "[[Didn't You Know]]" and also K Fox's 2004 "This Life". He also released the song "Coulda Been" on a compilation of MTV's Advance Warning.<ref>MP3.com, 2006-09-26. [http://www.mp3.com/features/speakeasy/show_site_blog_entry.html?topic_id=124602 Lupe Fiasco]. ''MP3.com''</ref> He began releasing many mixtapes, developing a fan base via the internet. Just after Arista went out of business, rapper Jay-Z offered Fiasco a contract with Roc-A-Fella records.{{Fact|date=September 2008}} Fiasco declined having already started his own record label.
*[[Jake C. Tezcan}} (1974-)), HSBC Bank Senior Vice President

*[[Lloyd Harrison]] (1977-), professional football player{{Fact|date=May 2008}}
In 2004, Arista went out of business and Lupe was signed with [[Atlantic Records]]. In early 2006, Lupe and his friend and hypeman Dusean "Bishop G" Dunbar started FNF Radio,{{Fact|date=September 2008}} a show on the college radio station [[WIIT]] located at the [[Illinois Institute of Technology]].
*[[Al Oerter]] (1936-2007), [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] [[discus throw]] 4-time gold medalist.<ref>Litsky, Frank. [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/02/sports/othersports/02oerter.html "Al Oerter, Olympic Discus Champion, Is Dead at 71"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[October 2]], [[2007]]. Accessed [[November 19]], [[2007]]. "Alfred Oerter Jr. was born Sept. 19, 1936, in Astoria, Queens, and grew up on Long Island, in New Hyde Park. At Sewanhaka High School, he was a sprinter and then a miler."</ref>

*[[Telly Savalas]] (1922-1994), actor.<ref>Halbfinger, David M. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B01E2D71730F93BA25752C0A96F958260 "N.F.L. CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS; Elmont Comes to Life for Its Hometown Hero"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[January 18]], [[1999]]. Accessed [[December 15]], [[2007]]. "''Telly Savalas went to Sewanhaka,'' he said. ''And Al Oerter. He won four gold medals in the discus. But that's nothing next to the Super Bowl.''"</ref>
[[Image:Lupe Fiasco 2006.jpg|thumb|right|Fiasco at the 2006 [[Intonation Music Festival]] in [[Illinois]].]]
*[[Vinny Testaverde]] (1963-), professional football player.<ref>Eskenazi, Gerald. [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03E5DD123AF931A25753C1A9649C8B63&scp=6&sq=%22Vinny+Testaverde%22+sewanhaka "PRO FOOTBALL; Testaverde Isn't Ready To Pack It In for Good"], ''[[The New York Times]]'', [[October 12]], [[2002]]. Accessed [[January 17]], [[2008]]. "Testaverde's story includes many highlights, from his days as a legendary quarterback at Sewanhaka High School in Elmont, N.Y., to winning the Heisman Trophy at the University of Miami, to his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the N.F.L. draft, to leading the Jets to the American Football Conference championship game in his first season with the team in 1998."</ref>

===2005–2006===
{{main|Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor}}
Lupe had gained a large underground following with the release of a series of critically acclaimed mixtapes, prominently Lupe's own Fahrenheit 1/15 Part I: The Truth Is Among Us, Fahrenheit 1/15 Part II: Revenge of the Nerds, and Fahrenheit 1/15 Part III: A Rhyming Ape. In 2005, Lupe was featured on two tracks on [[Mike Shinoda]]'s solo mixtape titled ''[[Fort Minor]]: We Major'' and was even an active member on the official Fort Minor [[Internet forum|message boards]]. During this time, rapper and mogul [[Jay-Z]] heard Lupe and assisted him in the production of what would become his debut album ''[[Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor]]''.<ref>[http://www.nobodysmiling.com/hiphop/interview/84943.php Lupe Fiasco - Almost Famous]. ''Nobody Smiling''</ref>

In 2005, Lupe appeared on the [[Kanye West]] track "[[Touch the Sky]]" from West's ''[[Late Registration]]''. Soon after, he released his first single "[[Kick, Push]]", a song heavily influenced by [[skateboarding]]. As his popularity slowly increased, so did anticipation for his upcoming album ''Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor''. The album was officially released on September 19, 2006. The album featured production from Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mike Shinoda, [[The Neptunes]], and more. Singles from the album were "Kick, Push," "[[I Gotcha]]" and "[[Daydreamin']]" featuring [[Jill Scott]]. On the album "Fiasco masterfully melds his peerless storytelling gifts with his idiosyncratic passion for skateboarding, fantasy, and incisive sociopolitical commentary."<ref name="onion">{{cite web | url=http://www.avclub.com/content/node/53066 | title=Lupe Fiasco - ''Food and Liquor'' | accessdate=2007-11-13 | last=Rabin | first=Nathan | date=2006-07-20 | publisher=The Onion AV Club | language=English}}</ref> The critically lauded album was later nominated for three [[Grammy Award]]s including [[Grammy Award for Best Rap Album|Best Rap Album]]. In the same year, he was voted by ''[[GQ (magazine)|GQ]]'' as the "Breakout Man of the Year."<ref>[http://www.atlanticrecords.com/lupefiasco/news/article/?id=atlnewsarticle35700002 Lupe Fiasco Declared GQ's Breakout Man Of The Year]</ref>

===2007–present===
{{main|Lupe Fiasco's The Cool}}
[[Image:Lupe fiasco in new york.jpg|thumbnail|Fiasco in November 2007.|left]]
In 2007, Lupe announced his second album, ''[[Lupe Fiasco's The Cool]]'', a concept album that expands on the story of the track of the same name on his first album. It was released on December 18, 2007 in United States. The first single and video from the album, "[[Superstar (Lupe Fiasco song)|Superstar]]", featuring [[Matthew Santos]], was released the first week of November 2007. Baseball [[all-star]] [[Ryan Braun]] has used "Superstar" as an at-bat song.<ref>OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers (July 31, 2008). [http://onmilwaukee.com/buzz/articles/omcrecs073108.html OnMilwaukee.com Recommends: July 31] ''On Milwaukee''. Accessed September 29, 2008.</ref> The song has also been featured in [[HBO]]'s ''[[Hard Knocks (TV series)|Hard Knocks]]'' TV show.

Also in 2007, it was revealed that Fiasco, Kanye West, and [[Pharrell]], had formed a group known as [[Child Rebel Soldier]].<ref name="mtv_crs">{{cite news | first = | last = | title = Lupe and Kanye teamed with Radiohead | url = http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/mtvuk/30052007/lupe_and_kanye_teamed_with_radiohead | publisher = [[MTV UK and Ireland|MTV UK]] | date = 2007-05-30 | accessdate = 2007-06-01 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | first = Darryl | last = Gudmundson | title = Kanye, Lupe & Pharrell Form Supergroup??? | url = http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5291/title.kanye-lupe-pharrell-form-supergroup | publisher = HipHopDX.com | date = 2007-05-29 | accessdate = 2007-06-01 }}</ref> As of November 2007, no projects have been announced, with Lupe noting that the members of the group were busy with solo projects and things needed to "settle down some."<ref>[http://sohh.com/articles/article.php/11959 SOHH Exclusive: Lupe Fiasco Talks Pharrell-Kanye Supergroup, "We Working On Some Surprises" | Daily Hip-Hop News | SOHH.com /<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> However, a song made by CRS titled "[[US Placers]]", featuring [[Thom Yorke]], has been released.

Songs from ''Lupe Fiasco's The Cool'' are featured in the movie ''[[Street Kings]]''. The songs "Put You on Game" and "Little Weapon" both appear in the latest trailer.

In 2008, Lupe and his band 1500 or Nothin joined Kanye's [[Glow in the Dark Tour]], which also features [[Rihanna]] and [[N.E.R.D]]. The tour will stop in several cities, including his hometown of [[Chicago]]. He's been made #7 as the Hottest MCs in the Game of 2008 by MTV.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587662/20080516/fiasco__lupe.jhtml Lupe Fiasco Rises To This Year's #7 Hottest MC - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Lupe recently announced that he was remixing ''The Cool'' with French [[house music|house]] act [[Justice (French band)|Justice]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channel/17042008/415479/justice_remix_lupe_fiasco|title= Justice Remix Lupe Fiasco|publisher =[[MTV]]|accessdate=2008-05-23}}</ref>.

==Ventures==
Fiasco is the co-founder and vice-president of [[1st & 15th Entertainment]], a record label under [[Atlantic Records|Atlantic]].<ref name="theage"/> However, due to the recent arrest and imprisonment of co-founder, CEO, and partner Charles "Chilly" Patton, Fiasco now serves as the current CEO. In January 2006, Lupe signed with major footwear and apparel corporation [[Reebok]] becoming part of the "O.G" marketing campaign, where rap artists such as [[Lil Wayne]] and [[Mike Jones (rapper)|Mike Jones]] designed their own personal colorway of the Reebok "O.G" model.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://excal.on.ca/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2726&Itemid=2 | title = Would you like music with your [[Reebok]]?: DJ Mick Boogie mixes tunes for kicks, and for fun | accessdate = 2007-04-08 | author = Simona Siad | date = 2007-01-03 | publisher = ''Excalibur'' }}</ref> He designed a white/grey model of the shoe.

==Discography==
{{main|Lupe Fiasco discography}}
* ''[[Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Lupe Fiasco's The Cool]]'' (2007)
<!-- Please refrain from adding LUPEnd until confirmed by multiple reliable sources. Thank you. -->

==Awards and nominations==
{|class="wikitable"
!Year
!Award
!Result
|-
|rowspan="4"|2006
|[[BET Hip Hop Awards]] for Hip-Hop CD of the Year: ''[[Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor]]''<ref name="about">Henry Adaso. [http://rap.about.com/od/awards/a/BETHipHopAwards.htm 2006 BET Hip-Hop Awards] ''About.com''. Accessed October 6, 2008.</ref>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
||BET Hip Hop Awards for Hip-Hop Video of the Year: "Kick Push"<ref name="about"/>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|BET Hip Hop Awards for Rookie of the Year: "Kick Push"<ref name="about"/>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|BET Hip Hop Awards for Element Award: Lyricist of the Year<ref name="about"/>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|rowspan="6"|2007
|[[BET Awards]] for Best New Artist<ref>(May 17, 2007). [http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-05-16-BET-nominations_N.htm Beyoncé leads BET Awards with six nominations] ''USA Today''. Accessed October 6, 2008.</ref>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|[[Grammy Award]] for Best Rap Solo Performance: "Kick Push"<ref name="reuters">(January 9, 2008) [http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS199569+09-Jan-2008+MW20080109 Lupe Fiasco Is "The Cool"-est Superstar in Hip-Hop Today; Grammy-Nominated Rapper's Sophomore Album Debuts at #1 on] ''Reuters''. Accessed October 6, 2008.</ref>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|Grammy Award for Best Rap Song: "Kick Push"<ref name="reuters"/>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|Grammy Award for Best Rap Album: ''Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor''<ref name="reuters"/>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|[[NAACP Image Awards]] for Outstanding New Artist<ref>[http://www.naacpimageawards.net/38thImageAwards/nominees.html The 38th NAACP Image Awards Nominations Results]</ref>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|[[Soul Train Music Award]] for Best New R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: "[[I Gotcha]]"<ref>Mark Edward Nero (March 11, 2007). [http://randb.about.com/od/awardsshows/a/2007SoulAwards.htm The 2007 Soul Train Music Awards] ''About.com''. Accessed October 6, 2008.</ref>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|rowspan="5"|2008
|Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance: "[[Daydreamin']]" (shared with [[Jill Scott]])<ref>Gil Kaufman (February 10, 2008). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1581288/20080210/winehouse_amy.jhtml Grammy Awards Get Rolling As Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Kanye West Win Early Honors] ''MTV''. Accessed October 6, 2008.</ref>
|style="background: #ddffdd"|Won
|-
|[[MOBO Awards]] for Best Hip-Hop Act<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/events/mobos08.shtml The MOBO Awards 2008] ''BBC''. Accessed October 6, 2008.</ref>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|[[MTV Video Music Awards]] for Best Hip-Hop Video: "Superstar" (shared with [[Matthew Santos]])<ref>Bill Lamb (August 2, 2008). [http://top40.about.com/b/2008/08/02/mtv-video-music-awards-announce-best-pop-and-hip-hop-video-nominees.htm MTV Video Music Awards Announce Best Pop and Hip Hop Video Nominees] ''About.com''. Accessed October 6, 2008.</ref>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|[[Teen Choice Awards]] for Best Hip-Hop Song: "Superstar" (shared with Matthew Santos)<ref name="latimes">(June 17, 2008). [http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17,0,2603341.htmlstory 2008 Teen Choice Awards winners and nominees] ''Los Angeles Times''. Accessed October 6, 2008.</ref>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|-
|Teen Choice Awards for Choice Music: Rap Artist<ref name="latimes"/>
|style="background: #ffdddd"|Nomination
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
<!--PER POLICY AT [[WIKIPEDIA:EXTERNAL LINKS]], DO NOT ADD LINKS TO FAN SITES OR INTERVIEWS. OFFICIAL LINKS ONLY-->
{{Commons|Lupe Fiasco}}
* [http://www.lupefiasco.com Official website]
* {{MySpace|lupefiasco}}

{{Lupe Fiasco}}
{{Fort Minor}}

{{Persondata
|NAME=Lupe Fiasco
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Wasalu Muhammad Jaco
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Rapper
|DATE OF BIRTH=February 17, 1982
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], United States
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:African American musicians]]
[[Category:American Muslims]]
[[Category:American rappers]]
[[Category:Chicago musicians]]
[[Category:Living people]]


[[ar:لوب فياسكو]]
[[Category:Blue Ribbon schools in New York]]
[[de:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[Category:High schools in New York]]
[[es:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[Category:Floral Park, New York]]
[[fr:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[it:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[lt:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[nl:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[no:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[pl:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[fi:Lupe Fiasco]]
[[sv:Lupe Fiasco]]

Revision as of 22:11, 12 October 2008

{{Infobox musical artist |Name = Lupe Fiasco |Img = Lupefiasco.jpg |Img_capt = Lupe Fiasco performing at Northwestern University in May 2007 |Background = solo_singer |Birth_name = Wasalu Muhammad Jaco |Born = (1982-02-16) February 16, 1982 (age 42) |Died = |Origin = Chicago, Illinois, United States |Occupation = Rapper, songwriter, producer, CEO |Years_active = 2001–present |Label = Atlantic, 1st & 15th |Associated_acts = [[Child Rebel Soldier]Gemstones, Jay-Z. |URL = www.lupefiasco.com }}

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco (born February 16, 1982),[1] better known by his stage name Lupe Fiasco, is a Grammy-winning American rapper. He rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his critically acclaimed debut album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. Prominent hip hop mogul Jay-Z describes him as a "breath of fresh air" in a new hip hop world characterized by mainstream pop and glamour, a sharp contrast with the widespread lyricism-focused rap of the 1990s, and critics have called him the "Hip-Hop Generation's Next Vanguard."[2]

Life and career

Early life

Wasalu was born and raised on the Westside of Chicago,[3] and is the fifth child of nine brothers and sisters. His father was an engineer, a prolific African drummer, karate teacher and owner of karate schools and army surplus stores.[4] His mother was a gourmet chef. Wasalu is of African American descent.[5] Jaco went to high school at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois.[6] He started rapping when he was in the eighth grade, but was initially put off by the vulgarity and violent imagery of his father's N.W.A records.[3] It wasn't until he heard Nas' 1996 album, It Was Written, at the age of 14 that he began to pursue hip hop music.[5][4]

Growing up, Jaco was given the nickname "Lu", the last part of his first name, by his mother. "Lupe" is an extension of this nickname, which he borrowed from a friend from high school. "Fiasco," he says, "came from the Firm album. They had the song, 'Firm Fiasco'. I just liked the way it looked on paper."[6]

Early career

By 19, Lupe Fiasco was in a group called Da Pak. They signed to Epic Records and released one single before splitting up.[7] Fiasco later signed a solo deal with Arista Records, but was dropped when president and CEO L.A. Reid was fired.[7] During this time, he had guest appearances on singles on Tha' Rayne's "Kiss Me" and "Didn't You Know" and also K Fox's 2004 "This Life". He also released the song "Coulda Been" on a compilation of MTV's Advance Warning.[8] He began releasing many mixtapes, developing a fan base via the internet. Just after Arista went out of business, rapper Jay-Z offered Fiasco a contract with Roc-A-Fella records.[citation needed] Fiasco declined having already started his own record label.

In 2004, Arista went out of business and Lupe was signed with Atlantic Records. In early 2006, Lupe and his friend and hypeman Dusean "Bishop G" Dunbar started FNF Radio,[citation needed] a show on the college radio station WIIT located at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Fiasco at the 2006 Intonation Music Festival in Illinois.

2005–2006

Main article: Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

Lupe had gained a large underground following with the release of a series of critically acclaimed mixtapes, prominently Lupe's own Fahrenheit 1/15 Part I: The Truth Is Among Us, Fahrenheit 1/15 Part II: Revenge of the Nerds, and Fahrenheit 1/15 Part III: A Rhyming Ape. In 2005, Lupe was featured on two tracks on Mike Shinoda's solo mixtape titled Fort Minor: We Major and was even an active member on the official Fort Minor message boards. During this time, rapper and mogul Jay-Z heard Lupe and assisted him in the production of what would become his debut album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor.[9]

In 2005, Lupe appeared on the Kanye West track "Touch the Sky" from West's Late Registration. Soon after, he released his first single "Kick, Push", a song heavily influenced by skateboarding. As his popularity slowly increased, so did anticipation for his upcoming album Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. The album was officially released on September 19, 2006. The album featured production from Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mike Shinoda, The Neptunes, and more. Singles from the album were "Kick, Push," "I Gotcha" and "Daydreamin'" featuring Jill Scott. On the album "Fiasco masterfully melds his peerless storytelling gifts with his idiosyncratic passion for skateboarding, fantasy, and incisive sociopolitical commentary."[10] The critically lauded album was later nominated for three Grammy Awards including Best Rap Album. In the same year, he was voted by GQ as the "Breakout Man of the Year."[11]

2007–present

Main article: Lupe Fiasco's The Cool
Fiasco in November 2007.

In 2007, Lupe announced his second album, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool, a concept album that expands on the story of the track of the same name on his first album. It was released on December 18, 2007 in United States. The first single and video from the album, "Superstar", featuring Matthew Santos, was released the first week of November 2007. Baseball all-star Ryan Braun has used "Superstar" as an at-bat song.[12] The song has also been featured in HBO's Hard Knocks TV show.

Also in 2007, it was revealed that Fiasco, Kanye West, and Pharrell, had formed a group known as Child Rebel Soldier.[13][14] As of November 2007, no projects have been announced, with Lupe noting that the members of the group were busy with solo projects and things needed to "settle down some."[15] However, a song made by CRS titled "US Placers", featuring Thom Yorke, has been released.

Songs from Lupe Fiasco's The Cool are featured in the movie Street Kings. The songs "Put You on Game" and "Little Weapon" both appear in the latest trailer.

In 2008, Lupe and his band 1500 or Nothin joined Kanye's Glow in the Dark Tour, which also features Rihanna and N.E.R.D. The tour will stop in several cities, including his hometown of Chicago. He's been made #7 as the Hottest MCs in the Game of 2008 by MTV.[16]

Lupe recently announced that he was remixing The Cool with French house act Justice[17].

Ventures

Fiasco is the co-founder and vice-president of 1st & 15th Entertainment, a record label under Atlantic.[4] However, due to the recent arrest and imprisonment of co-founder, CEO, and partner Charles "Chilly" Patton, Fiasco now serves as the current CEO. In January 2006, Lupe signed with major footwear and apparel corporation Reebok becoming part of the "O.G" marketing campaign, where rap artists such as Lil Wayne and Mike Jones designed their own personal colorway of the Reebok "O.G" model.[18] He designed a white/grey model of the shoe.

Discography

Main article: Lupe Fiasco discography

Awards and nominations

Year Award Result
2006 BET Hip Hop Awards for Hip-Hop CD of the Year: Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor[19] Nomination
BET Hip Hop Awards for Hip-Hop Video of the Year: "Kick Push"[19] Nomination
BET Hip Hop Awards for Rookie of the Year: "Kick Push"[19] Nomination
BET Hip Hop Awards for Element Award: Lyricist of the Year[19] Nomination
2007 BET Awards for Best New Artist[20] Nomination
Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance: "Kick Push"[21] Nomination
Grammy Award for Best Rap Song: "Kick Push"[21] Nomination
Grammy Award for Best Rap Album: Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor[21] Nomination
NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding New Artist[22] Nomination
Soul Train Music Award for Best New R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist: "I Gotcha"[23] Nomination
2008 Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance: "Daydreamin'" (shared with Jill Scott)[24] Won
MOBO Awards for Best Hip-Hop Act[25] Nomination
MTV Video Music Awards for Best Hip-Hop Video: "Superstar" (shared with Matthew Santos)[26] Nomination
Teen Choice Awards for Best Hip-Hop Song: "Superstar" (shared with Matthew Santos)[27] Nomination
Teen Choice Awards for Choice Music: Rap Artist[27] Nomination

References

  1. ^ Lupe Fiasco
  2. ^ Adaso, Henry. "Lupe Fiasco - "Kick, Push"". About.com. Retrieved 2006-07-13.
  3. ^ a b Creekmur, Chuck (2006-02-10). "Lupe Fiasco: Revenge of the Hip-Hop Nerd". Allhiphop.com. Retrieved 2007-09-02.
  4. ^ a b c Blackman, Guy (2007-01-08). "Lupe Fiasco - a sheep in wolf's clothing". The Age. Retrieved 2007-09-02.
  5. ^ a b Adaso, Henry. "Lupe Fiasco". About.com. Retrieved 2007-04-08.
  6. ^ a b Fruchter, Alexander (2006-05-11). "Hip To Be Square". Soundslam.com. Retrieved 2007-09-02.
  7. ^ a b Kellman, Andy. "Lupe Fiasco: Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved 2007-09-02.
  8. ^ MP3.com, 2006-09-26. Lupe Fiasco. MP3.com
  9. ^ Lupe Fiasco - Almost Famous. Nobody Smiling
  10. ^ Rabin, Nathan (2006-07-20). "Lupe Fiasco - Food and Liquor". The Onion AV Club. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  11. ^ Lupe Fiasco Declared GQ's Breakout Man Of The Year
  12. ^ OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers (July 31, 2008). OnMilwaukee.com Recommends: July 31 On Milwaukee. Accessed September 29, 2008.
  13. ^ "Lupe and Kanye teamed with Radiohead". MTV UK. 2007-05-30. Retrieved 2007-06-01.
  14. ^ Gudmundson, Darryl (2007-05-29). "Kanye, Lupe & Pharrell Form Supergroup???". HipHopDX.com. Retrieved 2007-06-01.
  15. ^ SOHH Exclusive: Lupe Fiasco Talks Pharrell-Kanye Supergroup, "We Working On Some Surprises" | Daily Hip-Hop News | SOHH.com /
  16. ^ Lupe Fiasco Rises To This Year's #7 Hottest MC - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News
  17. ^ "Justice Remix Lupe Fiasco". MTV. Retrieved 2008-05-23.
  18. ^ Simona Siad (2007-01-03). "Would you like music with your [[Reebok]]?: DJ Mick Boogie mixes tunes for kicks, and for fun". Excalibur. Retrieved 2007-04-08. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  19. ^ a b c d Henry Adaso. 2006 BET Hip-Hop Awards About.com. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  20. ^ (May 17, 2007). Beyoncé leads BET Awards with six nominations USA Today. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  21. ^ a b c (January 9, 2008) Lupe Fiasco Is "The Cool"-est Superstar in Hip-Hop Today; Grammy-Nominated Rapper's Sophomore Album Debuts at #1 on Reuters. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  22. ^ The 38th NAACP Image Awards Nominations Results
  23. ^ Mark Edward Nero (March 11, 2007). The 2007 Soul Train Music Awards About.com. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  24. ^ Gil Kaufman (February 10, 2008). Grammy Awards Get Rolling As Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Kanye West Win Early Honors MTV. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  25. ^ The MOBO Awards 2008 BBC. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  26. ^ Bill Lamb (August 2, 2008). MTV Video Music Awards Announce Best Pop and Hip Hop Video Nominees About.com. Accessed October 6, 2008.
  27. ^ a b (June 17, 2008). 2008 Teen Choice Awards winners and nominees Los Angeles Times. Accessed October 6, 2008.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Lupe Fiasco.

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sewanhaka_High_School&oldid=244858199"