So, Lupe decided to bring a new mixtape, Enemy of the State: A Love Story, for Thanksgiving (as if turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, mac n cheese, and green beans weren’t enough). After hearing him do his thing on Turnt Up and Say Something, I was excited to hear what else he had been cooking up in the lab… unfortunately, it appears as though it wasn’t much.
This isn’t a bad mixtape, but its definitely not his best work, and falls short of his own usually high standards. First, this thing is short, even for a mixtape. It’s only 12 tracks, one of which is an intro, one is a 0:20 skit, and one is an HP commercial (hey, its a recession right?). But of the 9 actual songs, probably about 7 are hot. That’s a good percentage, but I expected more (in terms of quantity) from Lupe who hasn’t had a whole lot of new music since 2007. This definitely isn’t Fahrenheit 1/15 (I, II, or III).
It also sounds as tho he’s adopeted some weird accent, kinda like what Eminem did on Relapse. I think he’s trying to create a distinct sound like Lil Wayne does, but he’s regular voice is unique enough. I’m sure many people who listen to this will disagree, but I really think he’s dumbed down his lyrics a bit so that more people can keep up. I’m more used to the Lupe that I’ll listen to the same song 19 times and on the 20th I’m still figuring stuff out lol.
I like Lupe, and I’m looking forward to the next tape (scheduled to drop Christmas ‘09), but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed by this outing. At least its free.
WHAT’S HOT:
The National Anthem, Turnt Up, Yoga Flame, Say Somethin’, Thank You
WHAT’S NOT:
Angels Remix, So Ghetto
OVERALL: B
DOWNLOAD: Enemy of the State: A Love Story (shoutout to 2dopeboyz for the link)
There’s been a lot of buzz around new artist Drake. So Far Gone could be considered mixtape of the year, and as such, people have been waiting to hear more for the Young Money signee.