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.
Joaquin Phoenix ft. Lil Ronnie
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I be throwin' up my set, yes! 'Urlin' up the world and
Goin' out, we goin' in, say "Hello" to my girlfriend
Vomiting and conquering - That C-class is a "girl benz"
My class is overseas, I be on all around the world rims
Women's international, my will is like my girl: thin
Goin' in is goin' wild, goin' in is goin' strong
[Record scratch, music stops]
Okay, what up to my whirlwind, turn like tilt-a-whirls
I be throwin' up my set, yes! 'Urlin' up the world and
Goin' out, we goin' in, say "Hello" to my girlfriend
Vomiting and conquering - That C-class is a "girl benz"
My class is overseas, I be on all around the world rims
Women's international, my will is like my girl: thin
Goin' in is goin' wild, goin' in is goin' strong
Goin' for the gold somewhere that goin' in is goin' on
I can do this all day, I ain't got an arcade
They all say I'm wall short of a whole hallway
One Hall's short to keep from coughin' all in y'all face
Man, I'm so appalled, I can keep them all safe
I can really ball and put them titties all in y'all face
That was Robert Paulson, and that deserves a pausin'
So, that's block piercin', all that's missin' is the bearer
For the coffin that is needed for this beat when I'm done talkin'
Ballin' in the mornin', this feel like my callin'
It's the new witches brew, fall off in my cauldron
Lupe's goin' crazy, flow is goin' almonds
We goin' back to goin' in, you gonna need a Garmin
Then go and get a car and put your Garmin and my broad in
Destination: everywhere, reputation: everywhere
Music drop, music stop, one man take up every chair
I know that that ain't very fair how one man take up everywhere
But it ain't for long though, it'll be some closure
Or maybe I'll be everywhere after I'm all over
Say goodbye then start the show, fall on off then start to blow
Actin' like I'm rappin', it's that Joaquin Phoenix Facebook flow
Flow is in the microwave, call it Michael Tyson flow
Killin' is a dirty job - Michael Myers, Michael Rowe
Bring it back like Michael Fox, see how far them Michaels go
I feel like I'm Michael Crichton writin' with a microphone
I ain't sayin' that you should die, but you should leave your life alone
Maybe borrow one of mine, fast life, life at home
Life is like a box of chocolates, pockets full of Toblerones
Rocket full of wallets for what continent we shoppin' on
In the song "Joaquin Phoenix" by Lupe Fiasco, the rapper begins by referencing his whirlwind lifestyle and his ability to conquer and vomit up the world. He compares his class to being overseas and driving around in rims all over the world, while the women he attracts are international and thin like his will. The chorus emphasizes his desire to go in and go wild, potentially in pursuit of gold.
The second verse continues with Lupe Fiasco asserting his ability to keep everyone safe and also put his titties all in y'all face, referencing a character from the movie Fight Club. He continues on to tout his flow and compare it to Michael Tyson's power, Michael Myers' menacing nature, and Michael J. Fox's acting career. Lupe Fiasco then gives advice to the listener, encouraging them to leave their life alone or borrow his, which is full of exciting experiences and shopping sprees all over the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Okay, what up to my whirlwind, turn like tilt-a-whirls
Hello to my chaotic lifestyle that is constantly spinning like a carnival ride
I be throwin' up my set, yes! 'Urlin' up the world and
I am representing my group and taking over the world
Goin' out, we goin' in, say "Hello" to my girlfriend
Leaving and entering new situations, introducing my girlfriend
Vomiting and conquering - That C-class is a "girl benz"
Achieving success despite facing setbacks, a humble car choice can still symbolize success
My class is overseas, I be on all around the world rims
My social status transcends borders, flashy car rims everywhere
Women's international, my will is like my girl: thin
Attracting women from all over the world, having a strong, focused willpower
Goin' in is goin' wild, goin' in is goin' strong
Fully committing to something, gives a sense of energy and strength
Goin' for the gold somewhere that goin' in is goin' on
Striving for success in an environment where others are pushing themselves
I can do this all day, I ain't got an arcade
I can rap for hours, I don't need distractions to keep going
They all say I'm wall short of a whole hallway
People think I'm crazy or lack common sense
One Hall's short to keep from coughin' all in y'all face
One small space is all I need to avoid coughing on others
Man, I'm so appalled, I can keep them all safe
I am disgusted by the world's problems, but I have the power to protect others
I can really ball and put them titties all in y'all face
I can show off my wealth and attract attention from women
That was Robert Paulson, and that deserves a pausin'
A reference to the movie Fight Club, indicating a need to pause
So, that's block piercin', all that's missin' is the bearer
The music is intense and powerful, only missing a strong vocalist to deliver it
For the coffin that is needed for this beat when I'm done talkin'
This beat is so dead, it needs a coffin after I finish rapping
Ballin' in the mornin', this feel like my callin'
Success feels like my destiny and my purpose
It's the new witches brew, fall off in my cauldron
My music is a unique blend of sounds and styles that come together like magic
Lupe's goin' crazy, flow is goin' almonds
I am going crazy, but my flow is still exceptional
We goin' back to goin' in, you gonna need a Garmin
Going back to fully committing to my craft, you'll need a GPS to keep up
Then go and get a car and put your Garmin and my broad in
Get a car and take my girl and I on an adventure
Destination: everywhere, reputation: everywhere
I am known and respected globally, and seek to conquer even more areas
Music drop, music stop, one man take up every chair
As soon as my music plays, it captures everyone's attention
I know that that ain't very fair how one man take up everywhere
It may not seem fair that I have such a large impact, but it just comes with the territory
But it ain't for long though, it'll be some closure
My success may be temporary, eventually it will come to an end
Or maybe I'll be everywhere after I'm all over
Perhaps my legacy will continue even after my career ends
Say goodbye then start the show, fall on off then start to blow
I will end my career at some point, but can always start something new that will blow up
Actin' like I'm rappin', it's that Joaquin Phoenix Facebook flow
Comparing my style to Joaquin Phoenix and his unique approach to acting
Flow is in the microwave, call it Michael Tyson flow
My flow is hot and powerful, like a microwave, or like Mike Tyson's strength
Killin' is a dirty job - Michael Myers, Michael Rowe
Killing is a dark and nasty job, like in horror movies
Bring it back like Michael Fox, see how far them Michaels go
Referencing Michael J. Fox and the Michael Jacksons, suggesting they paved the way for success
I feel like I'm Michael Crichton writin' with a microphone
I am like the author Michael Crichton, using my microphone to create stories and art
I ain't sayin' that you should die, but you should leave your life alone
I'm not promoting anyone's death, but people would be better off not getting involved in my life
Maybe borrow one of mine, fast life, life at home
Instead, they should try to borrow some of my success, which is fast-paced but still allows for a home life
Life is like a box of chocolates, pockets full of Toblerones
Life is full of surprises, and I am lucky enough to have a lot of money
Rocket full of wallets for what continent we shoppin' on
I have so much money, I can shop anywhere in the world with ease
Contributed by Alexander K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@labdiel59
Lupe has the best entrances , "excuse me lupe ...huh .. this here is your conscience -supplier of your fire and provider of your content"
@Thecallmemisterajp
I'd put that second verse up there with pretty much any in hip hop history. I died at "Fitted cap is Reynolds's Wrap Cuz I don't trust the government,."
@cosinguspalpatine4449
That Michael Crichton bar is fucking phenomenal
@veemon
"I used to be a pushover, now I'm into shovin' shit, you been on yo' gloryhole, you don't know who you fuckin' wit'"
Damn!
@omgc89
Still picking up new stuff in this song in 2021
@ballout7725
Like the none(nun)+convent bar🤯💀
@noelchanthunya6842
2023 time stamp brethren
@jw5349
Man I had to pause it… Lupe is just the best… “you b on your glory hole you don’t know who you fuckin wit”
@GBullockNC
That Fight Club reference still amazes me.
@emmanueld.1816
"I can really ball and put titties all in ya face."