Lupe Fiasco has been outspoken about the emotional journey he endured while completing his third album, L.A.S.E.R.S. His record label, Atlantic, forced Fiasco to re-create the album several times and eventually gave him songs to rap over.
Critics, including this publication, panned the album because of the radio-friendly songs and pop-rock hooks that strayed from Fiasco’s original Chi-Town style of hip-hop.
However, the executives at Atlantic Records are pleased with the outcome.
L.A.S.E.R.S landed at No. 1 on the charts after selling 204,000 copies in the first week. Although the L.A.S.E.R.S has experienced success, Fiasco has vowed to make songs with edgier production and hooks on his next album.
Other hip-hop and R&B acts who did well on the charts this week include, Marsha Ambrosius’ Late Nights & Early Mornings (41,000), Raekwon’s Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang (29,000), and Bruno Mars’ Doo Wops & Hooligans (25,000). –a.r.
