Lupe, DMC and Chris Moore were present at the event for an in-depth discussion with the audience and more...read below!
The show kicked off with Lupe entering a dark stage with some swagger in his walk. He went to the podium and recited Muhammad Ali's writing on why he refused to fight in the Vietnam war. He did so with great energy.
After Lupe's part concluded, DMC took the stage and recited Public Enemy's "Fight The Power". After DMC, film excerpts were played, one included Lupe reciting the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party Petition Against the War in Vietnam...
After the film excerpts had concluded a Q & A section commenced. Right before it started some fans were yelling "Lupe" and he responded with a "What's up Philly!!"
Attendees could get up and ask questions to DMC, Lupe and Chris Moore. Most of the questions were about politics and things like that and Lupe really shined with his answers, showing how much of an intellectual person he is.
He talked about how he's not trusting the American government and the system and said he doesn't watch CNN, and doesn't worry about what Obama and the likes are doing, because he listens to the streets.
He also said that he got involved in the project because it was a way for him to upset the system. One girl who went up to ask a question started with her saying that any time that Lupe was in Philly he could call her and she went to hand him her number and Lupe accepted.
Unfortunately I didn't get to ask my question, but as I was heading back to my seat Lupe noticed my "We Are Lasers" tee and said "Hey! That's a We Are Lasers tee!!" "Thank you brother" while throwing up a fist in the air.
It goes without saying that this was pretty exciting for me. Overall it was an awesome and unique experience to see Lupe being so candid and interacting with the fans while discussing his view on politics and society.
Also American Terrorist is going to be featured on The People Speak soundtrack which drops on December 8th.
P.S. Lupe if you're reading this here's my question, I'd appreciate it if you could answer..
With the Lasers Manifesto you discussed some political and social issues and they seem to cover some of what The People Speak is about, so I was wondering if the manifesto stemmed from your involvement with the movie.
I really respect Lupe for doing this project...
ReplyDeleteOnly caveat is this:
I think people have been taught to fear politicians entirely too much. Are they fallible? Yes. Are WE?
Yes.
Are their crooks among them? Certainly...
But there's also good politicians...ones who are working to better the world in some capacity. I feel like it's cool to "listen to the streets" as you say Lupe does...but it's also important to listen to what's happening in the halls of power, regardless of one's preconceptions about how corrupt they may be.
Just my .02
Lupe's still my favorite rapper out, and I know I won't get anywhere fast by defending politicians...I just think a nuanced view of them is necessary.