5. Lupe Fiasco

If you see a Black kid on a skateboard wearing colorful clothing holding a samurai sword with an extensive vocabulary it’s probably because of Lupe Fiasco. Wasalu Muhammad Jaco rose to fame in 2006 following the success of his debut album, Food and Liquor. When Lupe made his appearance on Kanye West’s “Touch the Sky” it was clear his skill level was leaps and bounds above most. His ability to move culture with his intelligent relatable rhymes helped to change the landscape. His hit single “Kick Push” focused on a young black man skateboarding through the city. This is something that destroyed a stereotype and opened up a different type of expression for young black men. His first album is oftentimes described as Lupe’s classic project because of its honesty. Lupe’s intellectual approach has fed his audience and has caused controversy after being tossed off stage at an inaugural event for President Obama’s second term. In 2011, Lupe called Obama “the biggest terrorist” pointing to drone strikes in Afghanistan.