Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco (http://acidicturtle.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/lupe-fiasco.jpg)

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, better known as Lupe Fiasco, his stage name, is an American hip-hop artist. He was born on February 16, 1982 (age 27). Lupe was raised a Muslim in an African American family living on the West side of Chicago and is the fifth child of nine brothers and sisters. When he was younger, he was given the nickname "Lu," and Lupe was just an extension of the name. "Fiasco" came from a song by The Firm called Firm Fiasco. He said he liked the way Lupe Fiasco looked on paper.

Lupe Fiasco has released two albums, and many other mix tapes. His debut album, "Lupe Fiasco's Food and Liquor," and his second album, "The Cool," were both nominated for the best rap album of the year.

Lupe Fiasco's lyrics are focused on issues surrounding society, and even other countries, such as child soldiers in Africa. Other issues he raps about, include rape, disease, drugs and drug dealers, and what it really means to be cool. In his songs, he also looks down upon gangsters and hustlers, because it is destroying many people's childhoods and livelihoods.

In 2009, as a result of his lyrics and viewpoints, he won the USA Character Approved Award for Musician. Lupe Fiasco is important to me, because he produces the kind of music that I enjoy listening to, without me having to listen to rappers rap about the cars, women and money they have. He is also important to most others, and me, because he gives hope to those living in extremely poor conditions, and sheds light onto what it really means to be "cool."

Although this doesn't have much to do with me, he is my hero because he uses his influence through the music industry to promote a better lifestyle that doesn't have to involve drugs or gangs. He has a much better opportunity to be successful with this, because the music industry is such an influence to young people now days, because of the radio, and the media. Lupe Fiasco is my hero.