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Lupe Fiasco
See all Hip-Hop / R&B
Check out the socially-conscious rapper in an exclusive performance.
You've arrived at Soundcheck...
Walmart’s original performance series where you get up close and personal with your favorite artists. Check out live performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from original in-studio sets – all filmed exclusively in HD. Soundcheck is broadcast in Walmart stores nationwide – or catch us online 24/7.
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We have a top-notch music label relations team that helps us book acts. They are constantly on the phone with music labels around the country trying to get the best bands on Soundcheck.
Soundcheck is an original performance series created by the Wal-Mart Music team, giving you the opportunity to go behind the scenes and get an in-studio look at some of your favorite artists. Soundcheck plays right here on Walmart.com, or, for the full high definition experience, visit any Walmart store and head to the Electronics department to watch it on the Walmart TV Network.
We'll be adding new performances on a regular basis throughout the year, so please check back regularly at Walmart.com/soundcheck for more information.
We'll have artists from all genres; some old, some new, some huge, some more emerging - but all will be presented in the same intimate studio environment. So be on the lookout!
Check in regularly at Walmart.com/soundcheck, or visit your local Walmart store and watch the Walmart TV Network.
No. Just visit Walmart.com/soundcheck and watch for free!
Once the performances launch, you can play it anytime you want, 24 hours a day. We'll keep all artists up on the site under "The Performances" tab.
We recommend broadband DSL or Cable to anyone who wants to truly enjoy video and audio on the Internet. However, we have made available a smaller dial-up version so you don't miss out.
If you are reading this page right now, you likely have everything you need. However, watching the Soundcheck performances requires at least the following in order to properly stream media content:
PC
• Windows 2000, XP Home or Professional, Vista or Windows 7 in 32bit and 64bit
• Intel Pentium 4 2.33GHz, AMD Athlon™ 64 2800+ processor (or equivalent)
• At least 256 MB RAM
• 64MB of VRAM (video card memory)
• Internet Explorer 6.0 to 8.0 (IE 8.0 recommended)
• Mozilla Firefox 2.0 to 3.5
• Flash Version 9.0.115 and up.
MAC
• Mac OS X v10.4 or later
• PowerPC G5 1.8GHz, Intel Core Duo 1.33GHz or faster processor
• At least 256 MB RAM
• 64MB of VRAM (video card memory)
• Mozilla Firefox 2.0 to 3.5
• Safari 3.0
If you have the minimum system requirements, reinstall your Flash Player by clicking here
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Performance Photos
About The Artist
The Set List
It’s been a rollercoaster trying to get this very important album out. From fan petitions to protests to depression to excitement to corporate this and corporate that. It’s probably one of the most important albums of my career…
That's superstar Lupe Fiasco describing his brand new record, ‘LASERS.’ The Chicago-born rapper returns from a four-year absence and treats Soundcheck to a powerful set - live from the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, N.Y. Check out our exclusive set with Lupe - and go pick up a copy of ‘LASERS’ online and in Walmart stores nationwide.
-The Crew at Walmart Soundcheck
On His Beginnings:
“I grew up on the West Side of Chicago. My father was a martial arts instructor. In high school I picked up emceeing and started to rap and do the high school talent shows and all that good stuff. High school was where I really figured out that this is something I want to do.”
On Self-Fulfilling Prophecy:
“I got my first record deal while I was in high school; it was fulfilled for me immediately. Once I set my sights on being a rapper it became that in a major way.”
On His Rollercoaster New Record:
“It’s been a rollercoaster trying to get this very important album out. From fan petitions to protests to depression to excitement to corporate this and corporate that. It’s probably one of the most important albums of my career simply because a lot of the action that it’s caused and the point and purpose of it. It’s a good piece in the collection of life.”
On His Four-Year Absence:
“I’ve been working on music! We did a lot of heavy touring. There’ll be more Lupe Fiasco records in the near future, actually. We’re trying to put out another record at the end of the year simply because the hiatus between albums has been so long. We want to try and take the initiative and the momentum and put out another record.”
On Making The People’s Record:
“This is the people’s album. It’s the album that the fans fought for, protested for, screamed, hooped and hollered for. This is something that the people wanted and I hope that the people will enjoy.”
• Lupe Fiasco is Wasalu Muhammad Jaco. To most of the world, he’s known as Lupe Fiasco.
• He’s a rapper, an entrepreneur, a designer, and a philanthropist. Lupe also fronts a separate punk band named ‘Japanese Cartoon.’
• He’s back after a four-year absence. Lupe’s new album ‘LASERS’ features production by the likes of Jerry Wonder and The Neptures, and collaborations with John Legend, Trey Songz, and more.
• ‘LASERS’ is an acronym for ‘Love Always Shines Everytime: Remember to Smile.’
• ‘LASERS’ is in stores now! Pick up a copy of the record online and in Walmart stores nationwide.
Lupe Fiasco opens his set with the exuberant ‘Shining Down,’ one of the first singles to be released from ‘LASERS.’ The rapper says that the new record deals with personal struggles and his eventual triumph. Sings Lupe: “Thought I was down / Thought I was gone / Just look up in the sky / See that I’m everywhere.”
State Run Radio
“This is a new song!” Lupe announces the powerful ‘State Run Radio’ to the Soundcheck audience – a crowded room of Brooklyn’s biggest Lupe Fiasco fans. Opening lines: “We interrupt this broadcast / To bring you this special message about the forecast / The future’s cloudy and it’s raining on the poor class…”
I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now
It’s time for Lupe to launch into ‘I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now,’ one of the tracks on ‘LASERS’ that’s destined for the dance floor. Fittingly, the original album version of ‘I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now’ features electronica mavens, MDMA. Sings Lupe: "I ain't on your glow / I'm in a whole 'nother circle."
Go Go Gadget Flow
“I’m from a city in the Midwest / Best city in the whole wide world!” The fans join in as Lupe launches into one of his biggest hits, ‘Go Go Gadget Flow,’ from his 2007 album, ‘The Cool.’ Sings the Chicago superstar: “Love, got the Windy City on my back / So I’m back on my grizzle like a bearskin rug.”
Hip Hop Saved My Life
‘Hip Hop Saved My Life’ describes a man finding salvation in music. Lupe has said in interviews that the song (from 2007's 'The Cool') is also an homage to Texan rappers. Sings Lupe: “I feel like murder / but hip hop you saved my life.”
Beautiful Lasers
Critics have embraced Lupe Fiasco’s music for its sharp social and political commentary; ‘Beautiful Lasers’ is another fine example of his lyrical prowess: “There’s only two ways out of here / One’s through the door / The other’s through me…”
Superstar
Closing his set with the top ten hit ‘Superstar’ (and his collaboration with folk singer/songwriter Matthew Santos), Lupe leaves the Brooklyn fans begging for more. ‘Superstar’ explores the dynamics of celebrity and the bittersweet side of fame. Warns Lupe: “You better wear your shades / The spotlights here can burn holes through the stage.”
