I just got it today. They were sold out on Tuesday. They only had 7 damn copies.
Anyway, this is definitely a different album for Lupe. When I first heard that his label was pushing for a "commercial" song, I figured we might get a song or two with a more mainstream vibe. However, I feel like the label had their hands all over this one. It's just such a huge departure from his last two albums. Food & Liquor and The Cool are albums with a consistent theme. They feel organic and the songs all feel like they belong together. Lasers does not feel like this.
Which is not to say it is a bad album. It is a very good album. In fact, I think I will probably play it out in the coming weeks. Lupe may have been pushed to make an album with more mainstream appeal, but if you look at the album as a Lupe fan, listen to the lyrics, you will find a deep album. However, it doesn't seem quite as layered as his previous albums. But that is because, again, it does not feel organic. Instead of a natural flow, the songs appear just like any other album.
I'm sort of conflicted when it comes to the production. On one hand, it's really good. Some of the best I've heard in hip hop in a while. But again, it's not the consistent feeling that gave his last two albums a "feel."
I really dig some songs in particular of this album. I'm most interested in hearing the complicated history and battles of how this album came to be though. I'm still hoping we get The Great American Rap Album and LupE.N.D. Preferably on a new label.