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.
SLR
Lupe Fiasco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said think about your future
You can't do that tomorrow
But you don't hear a word, you see that SLR
[Lupe Fiasco]
O' ye told 'en in the souls
And that's the top mane; goin' hammer like a glock can
All flowing grammar; no shots strayin'
I'm so sober when I speak
I call it catchin' bullets with my teeth
You can feel it in your chest
Like Bruce Lee jumpin' on your vest
But I can't feel yours through my Superman "S"
Yes, I'm Superman'd-out
Red Cartier look like Superman's house
Inshallah to my plan hope it super pans out
My life is like Italians doin' 100 miles
And the top open like the roofer ran outta towels
Walk right into Felipe's when I ran outta Chow's
Next up is crustaceans and fast food halals
The beef is all the same, it's just how they kill the cows
Somebody tell Malcom X that I'm tryna steal his style
And tell Cornell West that I'm tryna steal his fro
Go back in time, take the slaves plows, shovels, and they hoes
The masters get the "It Was Written" intro
SLR 10-4
SLR 10-4
Soundtrakk let the beat go
Soundtrakk let the beat roll
[Hook]
In this World I'm so alone
In a category all on my own
Cause I tell the World what I want to
Yeah I tell the World what I want to
Man I feel so alone
They treat me like an Outcast
Cause I tell the world what I want to
But you can't tell me what you gon' do
[Verse 2]
'Cause n-gga I don't believe that
Like 9/11 came from Iraq
Mayweather on the speed bag
Automatic weapons keep the same rhythm he has
That's how the hood sound
Grew up in the hood town
West side ghetto, Windy City could count
Black skies lookin' up, crack pipes lookin' down
Accused of not lookin' back, blind n-gga look around
City on my back, so the CHI go everywhere I'm at
Presence so shiny, Mercedes so mack
Cop that from Platinum, the color of my plaque
I memorize colors off of Yo! MTV Raps
A nightmare walkin' in a psychopath's map
Defeat your purpose like a weed stash in the rehab
Guess who's sneakin' in the weed bags
They be me with my mean ass
Not tryna be anything but free as
Flow is so nuts, the track is getting' teabagged
Just wanna rap nice, that ain't me tagged
If you wanna be mean, then you wanna be me bad
Call it bein' Pretty Lyrically Swag
Soulja call it Super Lupe Lyrical
You can't understand me nor mimic my miracles
All I see is me and Im a mother lovin' mirror full
Bein' dope is all in the muscle
It's more than just a pause and a chuckle
I bench press elephants, and bowlin' ball juggle
So dont be scared to take the Super Lu route
Top 5 alive and I only got 2 out!
School ya on your history, I tell ya what you 'bout
Fight for all the right things and let the Huey New out
Pharrell what these n-ggas talkin' bout?
Two man Big Pun, a one man Slaughterhouse
A two album Jay-Z, a one n-gga Wu-Tang
Young and hungry Mos Def, a conscious rappin' Lil Wayne
I don't care for similarities
Cause I'm a pioneer, not a parody
These aint bars, this is barbarity
SLR... Clarity
[Hook]
In this world I'm so alone
In a category all on my own
'Cause I tell the world what I want to
Yeah I tell the world what I want to
Man I feel so alone
They treat me like an Outcast
Cause I tell the world what I want to
But you can't tell me what you gon' do
[Verse 3]
Holy shock and awe, cattle prods
All up in the action where the fraction of the catalog
All my peers, I ain't doin' numbers like Amazon
But I'm here, and I'm revered
Lyric boy, Based King, Master Chef, All City Chess moves makin' Donnie Diggy CRS fool
Carrera Era, pan Amera, F-Tool, Emperor, Free Chilly n-gga, FNF Rules
'Ye, what these n-ggas talkin' bout?
A Jesus in the desert walkin', Dundee walkabout
A self imposed exile, learn to let the awesome out
Even if I was homeless I would still have an awesome house
Cause the World is mine, Lupe to the rescue, the World is fine
Words and lines of mine, I feel are better than every rapper in the World combined!
And that's how you do it
Everything flow, everything fluid
Stupid with the raps, but the raps never stupid
Trakk on the music, SLR ruthless
And the next whip is that Ferrari cart
Game over - body parts
[Hook]
In this world I'm so alone
In a category all on my own
Cause I tell the world what I want to
Yeah I tell the world what I want to
Man I feel so alone
They treat me like an Outcast
Cause I tell the world what I want to
But you can't tell me what you gon' do
[End]
The song "SLR" by Lupe Fiasco featuring Pharrell Williams is a rap song that speaks of feeling alone in one's greatness, facing criticism for saying what one wants to and being treated like an "Outcast." The lyrics showcase Lupe's unrestrained confidence in his ability as an artist and rapper. The lyrics are filled with metaphors, analogies, and wordplay. Lupe aims to stand out and be one of the greats in the rap industry. He discusses his goal of achieving success globally and to be recognized on the level of North Poles. He feels his superior rapping skills compared to his peers make him a trailblazer, and he doesn't care about being compared or imitated by others. Lupe also addresses political issues, citing the need to uncover and understand the truth about events like "9/11." He ends the song by announcing his next whip would be a Ferrari and declaring that he has arrived.
Line by Line Meaning
O' ye told 'en in the souls
People have spoken to me in a deep, spiritual way
My goal is to sit on the globe like North Poles
My ambition is to have such influence and reach that I can impact the entire world
And that's the top mane; goin' hammer like a glock can
I'm at the highest level, going all out and delivering my words with power
All flowing grammar; no shots strayin'
My lyrics are smooth and well-crafted, and I never miss my targets
I'm so sober when I speak
I'm clear-headed and focused when I express myself
I call it catchin' bullets with my teeth
I effortlessly handle and absorb the challenges and criticism that come my way
You can feel it in your chest
My words have a deep impact and resonate strongly with listeners
Like Bruce Lee jumpin' on your vest
It's like getting hit by a powerful force, just like Bruce Lee's moves
But I can't feel yours through my Superman "S"
I can't truly understand or empathize with others because I operate on a different level
Yes, I'm Superman'd-out
I'm fully embracing my superhero persona and all that comes with it
Red Cartier look like Superman's house
My extravagant and flashy lifestyle resembles a superhero's extravagant headquarters
Inshallah to my plan hope it super pans out
I hope my grand plan is successful, with the help of a higher power
My life is like Italians doin' 100 miles
My life is fast-paced and full of excitement, just like Italians driving at high speeds
And the top open like the roofer ran outta towels
I'm fully exposing myself and leaving no secrets, like a roofer who ran out of materials
Walk right into Felipe's when I ran outta Chow's
When I run out of options or resources, I move on to the next best thing without hesitation
Next up is crustaceans and fast food halals
I'm constantly progressing and experiencing new things, from fancy seafood to humble fast food
The beef is all the same, it's just how they kill the cows
Conflicts and rivalries are often rooted in the same underlying issues, only the approaches differ
Somebody tell Malcolm X that I'm tryna steal his style
I admire Malcolm X and aspire to incorporate his powerful and influential style of thinking into my own work
And tell Cornell West that I'm tryna steal his fro
I respect Cornell West and want to embrace his intellect and distinctive appearance
Go back in time, take the slaves plows, shovels, and they hoes
If I could travel back in time, I would change the history of oppression and provide the enslaved with tools and freedom
The masters get the "It Was Written" intro
Those in power and authority have control over the narrative and manipulate history to serve their own interests
SLR 10-4
This is a reference to Super Lupe Rap, signifying the start of a powerful and impactful verse
Soundtrakk let the beat go
The producer, Soundtrakk, is instructed to let the music play and set the tone
Soundtrakk let the beat roll
The beat should continue to flow and captivate the listeners
In this world I'm so alone
I often feel isolated and distant from others in this world
In a category all on my own
I have a unique and distinctive style that sets me apart from others
Cause I tell the world what I want to
I have the freedom to express myself and share my thoughts without holding back
Man I feel so alone
It can be emotionally challenging to be consistently misunderstood and treated differently
They treat me like an Outcast
I often face rejection and alienation from society because I don't fit into conventional norms
But you can't tell me what you gon' do
Others may try to control or dictate my actions, but ultimately, I make my own decisions
'Cause n-gga I don't believe that
I don't accept or believe in what others try to force upon me
Like 9/11 came from Iraq
I question the official narratives and challenge the mainstream beliefs about significant events
Mayweather on the speed bag
I'm quick and agile, able to dodge and counter any attacks
Automatic weapons keep the same rhythm he has
The violence and chaos in my environment reflect the relentless and repetitive nature of Mayweather's boxing rhythm
That's how the hood sound
The sound of the streets and the struggles within the community are characterized by violence and aggression
Grew up in the hood town
My upbringing and experiences shaped my perspective and lyrical content
West side ghetto, Windy City could count
I come from the West side of Chicago, a neighborhood known for its challenges and the city's nickname, the Windy City
Black skies lookin' up, crack pipes lookin' down
Despite the bleak and dangerous environment, I maintain a hopeful and upward mindset
Accused of not lookin' back, blind n-gga look around
Others accuse me of disregarding my roots and not acknowledging the struggles around me, but they fail to see my perspective
City on my back, so the CHI go everywhere I'm at
I represent and carry the weight of my city, Chicago, wherever I go and in everything I do
Presence so shiny, Mercedes so mack
I have a noticeable and commanding presence, like a shiny object, and I drive a luxurious Mercedes
Cop that from Platinum, the color of my plaque
I obtained wealth and success from my music, leading to platinum records and trophies
I memorize colors off of Yo! MTV Raps
I remember and recognize the influential artists and trends from the past, particularly from Yo! MTV Raps
A nightmare walkin' in a psychopath's map
I navigate through dark and twisted paths, like a nightmare in the mind of a psychopath
Defeat your purpose like a weed stash in the rehab
I invalidate your intentions and goals, just like a hidden stash of drugs being discovered in a rehabilitation facility
Guess who's sneakin' in the weed bags
I'm the one secretly bringing in and consuming marijuana
They be me with my mean ass
Others try to imitate and replicate my aggressive and powerful style
Not tryna be anything but free as
I prioritize my personal freedom and authenticity over conforming to expectations
Flow is so nuts, the track is getting' teabagged
My flow and delivery are so impressive and dominant that they overpower and overshadow the instrumental track
Just wanna rap nice, that ain't me tagged
I just want to be recognized and appreciated for my skillful and thoughtful rapping, without any additional labels or tags
If you wanna be mean, then you wanna be me bad
If others aim to be tough and aggressive, they simply want to emulate my style
Call it bein' Pretty Lyrically Swag
I describe this as having a certain level of attractiveness and confidence in my lyrical abilities
Soulja call it Super Lupe Lyrical
Soulja Boy acknowledges my exceptional lyrical prowess and depth
You can't understand me nor mimic my miracles
My achievements and talents are beyond comprehension and cannot be replicated
All I see is me and I'm a mother lovin' mirror full
My vision is solely focused on myself and my reflection, emphasizing my self-awareness and esteem
Being dope is all in the muscle
Being exceptional and respected in my craft requires constant effort and dedication
It's more than just a pause and a chuckle
Creating great music goes beyond simply evoking a momentary laugh or enjoyment
I bench press elephants, and bowling ball juggle
I symbolically overcome immense challenges and handle multiple tasks with ease, showcasing my strength and versatility
So don't be scared to take the Super Lu route
I encourage others to embrace their own unique paths, just as I have done
Top 5 alive and I only got 2 out!
I consider myself one of the top five rappers alive, despite having released only two albums
School ya on your history, I tell ya what you 'bout
I educate and enlighten others about their own history and identity, providing them with valuable knowledge
Fight for all the right things and let the Huey New out
I stand up and advocate for the just causes and principles, channeling the spirit of activist Huey P. Newton
Pharrell what these n-ggas talkin' 'bout?
I ask Pharrell Williams, a collaborator on this song, for his thoughts on the irrelevant and meaningless conversations happening around us
Two man Big Pun, a one man Slaughterhouse
I possess the lyrical skill and impact of both Big Pun and the entire Slaughterhouse rap collective on my own
A two album Jay-Z, a one n-gga Wu-Tang
I have the success and impact of Jay-Z in just two albums, and I possess the unique artistry and power of the Wu-Tang Clan as a single individual
Young and hungry Mos Def, a conscious rappin' Lil Wayne
I embody the hunger and passion of a young Mos Def while delivering conscious lyrics, similar to Lil Wayne's rap style
I don't care for similarities
I have no interest in being like anyone else or conforming to common trends
Cause I'm a pioneer, not a parody
I see myself as an innovator and trailblazer, rather than a mere imitation or joke
These ain't bars, this is barbarity
My lyrics go beyond simple rhyme schemes and wordplay, they are raw and brutally honest expressions of myself
SLR... Clarity
Super Lupe Rap represents a moment of clarity and truth in my music
Holy shock and awe, cattle prods
My words and presence have a profound and electrifying effect, similar to the shock and awe of a divine experience
All up in the action where the fraction of the catalog
I'm fully engaged and active, even with just a small fraction of my extensive body of work
All my peers, I ain't doin' numbers like Amazon
I may not have the same commercial success as other artists, but I still hold high regard among my peers and have a dedicated fan base
But I'm here, and I'm revered
Despite not achieving mainstream success, I am present and highly respected in the rap community
Lyric boy, Based King, Master Chef, All City
I'm skilled and accomplished in multiple areas, from lyricism to creativity, and I reign supreme in my city
Chess moves makin' Donnie Diggy CRS fool
I make calculated and strategic moves in my career, just like a skilled chess player, and I have connections with Donnie Diggy and the CRS collective
Carrera Era, pan Amera, F-Tool, Emperor
I possess luxury cars and status symbols, from a Porsche Carrera to a Panamera, and I am a powerful and influential figure in the industry
Free Chilly n-gga, FNF Rules
I support and advocate for the freedom of my friend Chilly, and we follow the rules of my collective, FNF (First and Fifteenth)
'Ye, what these n-ggas talkin' 'bout?
I ask Kanye West, another collaborator on this song, for his thoughts on the irrelevant and meaningless conversations happening around us
A Jesus in the desert walkin', Dundee walkabout
Just like a wandering figure in the desert like Jesus or Dundee taking a reflective walk, I navigate through unfamiliar territory and search for meaning
A self imposed exile, learn to let the awesome out
I purposefully separate myself from certain influences and embrace my unique abilities and greatness
Even if I was homeless I would still have an awesome house
My greatness and worth are not dependent on material possessions or societal status, even if I were to lose everything, I would still possess my inner greatness
Cause the World is mine, Lupe to the rescue, the World is fine
I believe the world belongs to me and I have the power to make a positive impact, stepping in as a savior figure, and I see the world as a beautiful place
Words and lines of mine, I feel are better than every rapper in the World combined!
I hold such confidence and belief in my own lyrics and rhymes, considering them superior to those of every other rapper in the world
And that's how you do it
This is the way to achieve greatness and make a lasting impact
Everything flow, everything fluid
My music and creative process are characterized by smoothness and flexibility
Stupid with the raps, but the raps never stupid
I may come across as foolish or nonsensical at times, but there is always depth and meaning behind my lyrics
Trakk on the music, SLR ruthless
Soundtrakk, the producer, creates powerful and impactful music that complements my rhymes perfectly, resulting in a ruthless sound
And the next whip is that Ferrari cart
I plan to acquire a luxurious Ferrari sports car as my next vehicle
Game over - body parts
I dominate and outshine my competition to such an extent that it's like the game is already finished - their defeat is certain
Contributed by Adrian E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@sergiocoxsr.6855
2023 on repeat for days.
@megami215
gotta revisit the original after he bodied royce
@t-god2439
Yeah I was tryna tell people I fuck with Royce but he can’t spit like lupe
@sikwitit773
@@t-god2439 i been telling people Lupe is the 1 man Slaughterhouse since food and Liquor been out.....bars
@VisuARISE
that was Cremation
@divineeternity7268
No shit 😂😂😂
@KJ-jh2gb
Its crazy how the dudes with actual talent get the less shine
@hyjinks1
+Kendall John Kendrick gets plenty of shine tho
@KJ-jh2gb
thats one out of many
@prodbyconscious
+HyJink$ Even he said that if real hip hop was marketable then killer mike would be no1