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.
GHOTI
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
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I said, yeah yeah yeah, yeah yeah yeah, yeah, yeah (uh)
Assassin's Creed, rapping it back indeed
Like a mansion that's lacking fees, tapping the blackest keys
Capture catastrophes like a camera feed
Ball like a can of peas, fall like Michael Jackson on anaesthes'
Mistaking maidens for manatees
Mistaking the sanitation for sanity
My mistake, I'm mistaking staying for cannot leave
I see your color (Yeah, yeah)
Assassin's Creed, lasso to the hammer squeeze (I see your color)
Throwing Wonder Woman, battle at the apple trees
Or like Adam-Eve happened at a Applebees
Y'all can go half on a sample platter you can have with cheese
Battered covered data with the added tees
Giant leaps, beware where that landing ladder leads
'Cause you can walk up there
But don't take off your mask, I'm tryna talk up there, yeah
'Cause ain't no screams in space
Egyptian museum, they keep the kings in crates
Thrones out on loan and they keep their rings in safes
You decide, apple pie or the fries come with the snake
Prosperous gospel, got choirs all on the case
Poverty pimpin' angel wings, flies all on her face
Wave a K until they die and then ride all on their wake
Shooting track on the track, I ride all on their freights
Like I'm shoestring, they say you can't escape when rich
It's just a bigger plate, they catching bait with fish
In Lupe Fiasco's song GHOTI, the artist delves into various themes and ideas through his intricate and metaphorical lyrics. The opening lines, "Assassin's Creed, rapping it back indeed, Like a mansion that's lacking fees, tapping the blackest keys," can be interpreted in several ways. The reference to Assassin's Creed, a popular video game franchise known for its stealth and action, suggests a skillful and strategic approach to the art of rapping. The comparison to a mansion lacking fees could imply a sense of emptiness or lack of fulfillment despite outward appearances. "Tapping the blackest keys" may allude to delving into darker or deeper subjects in his music.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of capturing catastrophes and experiences through the lens of a camera feed, indicating a keen awareness of the world's turmoil and chaos. Lines like "Mistaking maidens for manatees, Neuralink is now pirating all your fantasies, Mistaking the sanitation for sanity" showcase a play on words and images that challenge societal norms and perceptions. The juxtaposition of seemingly unrelated concepts prompts listeners to question their own assumptions and perspectives.
The imagery in the song continues with references to popular culture and mythology, such as Wonder Woman battling at apple trees and Adam and Eve's story unfolding at an Applebee's restaurant. These references blend modern-day icons with timeless tales, creating a unique tapestry of narrative and symbolism. The mention of "battered covered data with the added tees" suggests a blending of information and storytelling, perhaps hinting at the manipulation of facts or narratives in the digital age.
As the lyrics progress, Lupe Fiasco explores themes of wealth, power, and deception. The lines "Prosperous gospel, got choirs all on the case, Poverty pimpin' angel wings, flies all on her face" illustrate a contrast between ostentatious displays of wealth and the harsh reality of poverty and exploitation. The artist's wordplay and vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of a world where symbols of success and spirituality are intertwined with darker motives and consequences. The song's conclusion, with its reference to "shooting track on the track" and evocation of escape and entrapment, leaves listeners pondering the complexities of navigating a society driven by materialism and ambition.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Wasalu Jaco
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind