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 Says Cool for Thought
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
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As they hung you from tree's in your backyard
They thought it was cool to leave you thirsty and stranded, Katrina!
He thought it was cool to carry a gun in his classroom and open fire
Virgina Tech, Columbine, stop the violence!
And put up million dollar condo's, gentrification
They think its cool to stand on the block hidin' product in their socks
Making quick dime bag dollars
They think its cool to ride down on you in blue and white unmarked cars
Bustin' you upside your head
Freeze
'Cause the problem is we think its cool to
Check your ingredients before you overdose on the cool
The lyrics of Lupe Fiasco's "Baba Says Cool for Thought" in essence is a commentary on the ridiculous things that human beings tend to believe are cool. He begins by highlighting the horrendous acts of racism, lynching, and hate crimes that have been done over the decades, like cross burning and lynching. In the subsequent verses, he references events that are more contemporary, such as school shootings, gentrification, and police brutality.
The lyrics reflect a larger issue that people tend to follow trends or ideas that are inherently harmful, whether consciously or unconsciously. Lupe is asking for introspection, critical thinking, and accountability, pointing out from the get-go that an issue that might seem cool is not intrinsically right. He concludes the verse by calling for reflection before mindlessly taking drugs or engaging in other self-deception practices - to "check your ingredients before you overdose on the cool." Ultimately, his message is one of awareness, self-reflection, and motivation to utilize one's power to be a force for good on the planet.
Line by Line Meaning
They thought it was cool to burn crosses in your front lawn
Racism is still prevalent and some still think it's cool to discriminate against others.
As they hung you from tree's in your backyard
Lynching was a common practice in the past and it's still a hurtful memory for some people.
They thought it was cool to leave you thirsty and stranded, Katrina!
The government's response to Hurricane Katrina left many people feeling abandoned and helpless.
He thought it was cool to carry a gun in his classroom and open fire
School shootings are a tragedy that should never occur but some think it's cool to have power over others through violence.
Virgina Tech, Columbine, stop the violence!
These shootings are a reminder of the serious consequences of not addressing the root causes of violence.
They thought it was cool to tear down the projects
Low-income housing was often neglected and replaced with more expensive developments, leading to displacement and hardship for many.
And put up million dollar condo's, gentrification
Gentrification is a process that often pushes lower-income residents out of their neighborhoods as wealthier residents move in.
They think its cool to stand on the block hidin' product in their socks
Drug dealing continues to be glamorized as a way to earn quick money despite the destructive impact it has on communities.
Making quick dime bag dollars
Drug dealing is not a legitimate way to earn money and often puts dealers and their customers at risk.
They think its cool to ride down on you in blue and white unmarked cars
Police brutality and the use of excessive force against marginalized communities is a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
Bustin' you upside your head
Police violence can cause physical harm, trauma, and further reinforce power imbalances in society.
Freeze
Stop and think about the decisions we make and the actions we take and how they affect others.
'Cause the problem is we think its cool to
Many of society's problems stem from the normalization of harmful behaviors and beliefs.
Check your ingredients before you overdose on the cool
It's important to critically examine our own beliefs and values to ensure we are not perpetuating harmful ideas or behaviors.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IESHA, WASALU JACO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind