ORR's A LOOK BACK: DROGAS WAVE X LUPE FIASCO

 

In a time where it is more important than ever to give people their roses while they are here, it is important that we take a look back at a release that did not get much coverage. Deviating from our normal review on the latest drops, today we look at what I consider to be an instant classic: Lupe Fiasco’s DROGAS WAVE.

 

“You can accomplish anything if you survive blackness.” – Lupe Fiasco, Manilla

 

The reason I feel it is needed to revisit this tape is that we are now in an era where woke music is considered to be lame by some. People are more interested in the current trends and what they consider “vibes.” Make no mistake- hardcore Lupe fans were loving this album, but it did fly under the average person’s radar.

Before we get into what makes the album worthy of a look back, you can check the stats below.

 

DROGAS WAVE X LUPE FIASCO

Release Date: 9.21.2018

Number of Tracks: 24

Duration: 1HR 38MIN

Favorite Track: Sun God Sam & The California Drug Deals

Rotation Tracks

-        Sun God Sam & The California Drug Deals

-        King Nas

-        Quotations From Chairman Fred

-        Manilla

-        Down

-        WAV Files

-        Halie Selassie

-        Stronger

-        Cripple

-        XO

 

Let us be very clear: Lupe, especially his last few projects, is not for everyone. If you are someone who feeds off privilege, hate, and cultural suppression, his music will be incredibly uncomfortable for you. On the other hand however, if you are someone who suffers from any of those things, then his music can offer a feeling of comfort.

One of the best rappers of our generation period, Lupe tends to fly under the radar all too often because of his conscious content. This album was a masterpiece that saw Lupe adjust his cadence many times to match the rhythm and flow of the production. With no big name features it was up to him to carry the load and he did not disappoint. DROGAS WAVE also has the most rotational tracks of any reviewed ORR project to date.

Music has a way of effecting life in a number of different ways, but the experiences I have had with this album have been solely positive. When I was nervous about being around a lot of water, songs like Down and WAV Files were there to take me through it. When I want to think about the impact generational suppression has had on my life and the lives of those around me, Manilla is there to provide context. DROGAS WAVE is not limited or isolated to just a few songs- the tape rides throughout, and is important not to be overlooked we talk about the best albums of the decade.

It is important to make sure we appreciate artists like Lupe Fiasco while they are here, and this is just ORR’s attempt at doing so.

For a listen on Lupe’s catalog based on what we could find on Spotify, including the rotational tracks mentioned above, click here. And for the review of his latest project House, click here.

 

3.24.21

- The Oracle