After receiving backlash for lyrics on his new song “N.E.R.D.” that found him rapping about “dirty Jewish execs,” and then threatening to quit music altogether over the pushback, Lupe Fiasco addressed the controversy again and further elaborated on his reasons for retirement in a rant at Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium Thursday night.
In the video, Fiasco cuts his DJ off and speaks to the audience. He admits that he’d rather be at home reading literature and meditating than be onstage performing for his fans. He explains how he never got along with rappers throughout his career, adding “[I] always hated music executives. Always. They were always big pieces of shit to me. I hated them.”
He shares that the only person who has motivated him to keep going in music is Charles “Chilly” Patton, who is now serving a 44 year sentence on drug charges. Not only was Patton a fan of Lupe’s who believed in the rapper early on, but he also co-founded 1st and 15th Entertainment in 2001.
"Chilly was one of the only people in the world that believed in me. And no matter what I did, he said, 'Listen man. You've got something special. You have God's gift. You've got God's voice in your mouth. Speak it to the people."
He continued, speaking directly to the audience: “I want you to be clear about our relationship. I don’t do music for you. I do music for me.”
Lupe has teased retirement a few times in his career. In 2008 and in 2012, he stated reasons of fatigue and possibly changing a career path after releasing Food & Liquor II. He thought about going into literature at the time.
After the "N.E.R.D." controversy, Lupe canceled the release of his three albums (Drogas, Drogas Light, and Skulls), although they were previously delayed until an unknown date. He also called out several Atlantic Records executives by name on Twitter, possibly airing out any dirty laundry now before he disappears for good.
Do you think Lupe is serious about retiring this time? Check out his latest speech above.
