The Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free) Songfacts reports that Fiasco’s first single off his fourth studio album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1 debuted on May 21, 2012. On "Around My Way (Freedom Ain't Free)," he spits rhymes about aspects of modern American life he doesn’t like such as "Suicide bombers and prosperity gospels, emaciated models, with cocaine and blood pouring out their nostrils” as well as socio-political problems in Ghana and the invasion of Iraq.
Lupe released his fifth studio album Tetsuo & Youth on January 20, 2015.
Lupe's 8th Studio Album DRILL MUSIC IN ZION was released on June 23rd 2022
Lupe has previously been on label Epic with his group Da Pak and then signed a solo deal with Arista. His years at Arista only led to the 2003 promo single "Pop Pop" as well as guest appearances on singles from Tha' Rayne (2002's "Kiss Me" and 2003's "Didn't You Know") and K Fox (2003's "This Life"), then Arista folded in 2004 and Lupe was signed to Atlantic Records.
Baba Kwesi
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
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Don't ruin us, God said, "Be lifted, be gifted, be spirited, be you"
The worst form of imprisonment is the imprisonment of the mind
For those confined within their mind, knowledge of self is the key
Love will set you free and let you be you, wise eye always open
Never blind to self, be you
The lyrics to Lupe Fiasco's song "Baba Kwesi" reflect a profound message about self-discovery and liberation. The introduction presents the singer, Baba Kwesi Ronald Harris, as an ambassador for M.U.R.A.L. Mission, which is likely a fictional organization representing a spiritual or cultural movement. The line "Don't ruin us, God said, 'Be lifted, be gifted, be spirited, be you'" suggests that the singer is spreading a divine message of empowerment and authenticity.
The following lines, "The worst form of imprisonment is the imprisonment of the mind / For those confined within their mind, knowledge of self is the key," emphasize the importance of mental liberation. The mind can serve as a prison where limiting beliefs and societal conditioning hold individuals back from realizing their true potential. To break free from this confinement, one must seek self-awareness and understanding.
The lyrics then indicate that love is the path to liberation, as they state, "Love will set you free and let you be you, wise eye always open / Never blind to self, be you." Love, in this context, represents acceptance, compassion, and embracing one's true essence. By allowing oneself to be loved and accepting oneself fully, individuals can transcend the barriers of self-doubt and societal expectations.
Overall, "Baba Kwesi" encourages listeners to uncover their authentic selves, break free from mental imprisonment, and embrace love as a liberating force.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello, My name is Baba Kwesi Ronald Harris, M.U.R.A.L. Mission Ambassador
Greetings, I am introducing myself as Baba Kwesi Ronald Harris, representing the M.U.R.A.L. Mission as an Ambassador
Don't ruin us, God said, 'Be lifted, be gifted, be spirited, be you'
We should strive to uplift and embrace our unique talents and spirits, as instructed by God, to avoid causing harm to ourselves and others
The worst form of imprisonment is the imprisonment of the mind
Being trapped within our own thoughts and limiting beliefs is the most detrimental form of confinement
For those confined within their mind, knowledge of self is the key
To break free from the mental imprisonment, it is essential to gain a deep understanding of oneself
Love will set you free and let you be you, wise eye always open
Love has the power to liberate and allow us to embrace our true selves, while remaining vigilant and wise in our choices
Never blind to self, be you
It is crucial to have a clear perception of oneself and to always stay true to one's authentic identity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Wasalu Muhammad Jaco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind