Lupe Fiasco f/ Nikki Jean on Hannibal Buress

Gotta love Hannibal Buress keepin’ it Chicago for his season finale for Why? with Hannibal Buress new show on Comedy Central. His musical guest is one of his favorite rappers: Lupe Fiasco, who brought on Nikki Jean to perform “Prisoner 1 & 2” off Tetsuo & Youth.

This is the first time I’ve seen it live and Lupe, per usual, spits each line precisely that I just imagine the casual viewer or studio audience member being engrossed by, word for word. That’s why it’s always cool what Lupe chooses to perform on the national stage, let alone in general.

Also, of course, it’s great to see Nikki Jean beside him, singing the quick lines on the hook to perfection too. In general, it’s just great to see the duo continuing to make music and perform live and I have a feeling that won’t stop into the future. Especially on the heels of Lupe’s sweet birthday wishes to Nikki this week:

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Oh, and I didn’t realize this until I saw the trailer in both Southpaw and Straight Outta Compton, but “Prisoner” is used in goosebump inducing fashion in the preview for Creed.

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Lupe Fiasco f/ Nikki Jean “Madonna (And Other Mothers In The Hood)”

Lupe’s in Ernie Banks mode today (R.I.P.)… Let’s play two!

He impacted this morning with another lyrical gem “Atomic Misphilosphy” and now follows that up with the video for one of Tetsuo & Youth‘s strongest cuts “Madonna (And Other Mothers in the Hood)”. The visual gives a new perspective on the song, depicting a slow developing story throughout that first follows an adolescent teen boy through work, school, and more that I won’t give away. Lupe and Nikki Jean minimally appear throughout in performance scenes too, but stay tuned to see an emotional ending to say the least. Directed by Alex Nazari.

*Tibs Fav.

Lupe Fiasco “Little Death” on Jimmy Fallon

Last night, Jimmy Fallon was graced with a lyrical gem from Tetsuo & Youth — “Little Death” by Lupe Fiasco with featured guests Nikki Jean & Crystal “Rovel” Torres + The Roots.

As I always imagine when Lupe hits a national TV stage, I imagine the casual music fan being reeled in my Lupe’s clear delivery and the next level lyricism he conveys. “Little Death” is one of the deeper cuts off the album so I suggest popping up the lyrics and following along. After I digested it myself, I developed a greater appreciation for the song. Lupe comes in as clear as the studio in the live performance above and I’m always happy to see Nikki Jean get the bright lights as well. She sings the 3 different hooks in rhythm as well. What more can I say… watch up above and cop the album if you’ve still been sleeping.

You're gonna be listening to @LupeFiasco's "Little Death" (w/ @nikkijean & @theroots) all day! http://t.co/GQD44GSoC7 pic.twitter.com/uyBJKWe9d9

— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) February 26, 2015

Lupe Fiasco f/ Nikki Jean “Madonna (And Other Mothers In The Hood)”

Lupe Fiasco’s Tetsuo & Youth will definitely find your way to your speakers on January 20th, 2015 as today, the iTunes pre-orders are available and accompanied by the newest preview of the album — “Madonna (And Other Mothers In The Hood)”.

The engaging song title should reel you in, if not the “featuring Nikki Jean” part too. Instant vibes as I digest the substance behind Lu’s verses, nod my head to a darker sounding chorus than usual for Nikki Jean (killed it), and appreciate the production from DJ Dahi (the drum kicks are subtle and key, listen at high volume with headphones.)

Tetsuo & Youth is off to an excellent start. Look for the “Deliver” video tomorrow and even these collabs in 2015…

*Tibs Fav.

So 2015 feature list is looking like: Schoolboy Q ✔️ Migos ✔️ Big Krit ✔️ B-Magic ✔️ Atmosphere The Weeknd Travis Scott Young Thug

— Lupe Fiasco (@LupeFiasco) December 13, 2014

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ICYMI: Tetsuo & Youth [Tracklist]

Nikki Jean ‘Champagne Water EP’

Nikki Jean’s Champagne Water EP arrives in full today — for free stream/download below!

Previews, like her collab with Ab-Soul, have surfaced in recent weeks and now we get the full 6-track opus that also contains contributions from Jake One, her consistent partner-in-crime Double-0, and Chance’s Social Experiment collective. It’s somethin’ fresh and different for longtime fans of Nikki with the same gripping vocals that made me a fan since her breakout days with Lupe. This only continues the strong week of new EP releases in the R&B realm, don’t overlook this one!