Last night Lupe saved my life.

Last night, I decided I'd take a break from
the pressure cooker that is the Brandcenter.
And by break, I mean going to VCU's Homecoming.

Now after four hours of
ho-hum opening acts and dudes flipping on trick bicycles,
the show started.

What lasted a little more than an hour seemed like much more.
It was an escape. One that I was in dire need of.
Connecting to real music. To real stories.
To anything other than advertising.
And it was beautiful.

If you've never listened to Lupe Fiasco's music,
I highly recommend it. Examine every word,
not just his cadence and the beat. If it helps,
read them while he spits them.
Delve into what hip-hop means and what music should be.
Hell, you might even be surprised what you find out.
I guarantee it has nothing to do with Rims, Tims and video hoochies.

The Brandcenter has its good and its bad.
It makes the outside world disappear when life gets rough.
But, it also makes it disappear.
And its nights like last night that is a welcomed break.
And it reminded me why I love his music. It reminded me
why he's one of the greatest,
if not greatest musicians of our generation.

In a different life, I'd be a warrior for Lupe

This is for me
And this is for everyone else
Please listen to this song closely
Very closely
'Cause music needs real folks for a change
Sure, the video is raw an unattractive
That’s the point
Let the words speak for themselves
Maybe you’ll find out something about music
where it needs to go, what it needs to do
Maybe you’ll find out something about yourself
But, who knows. I’m just a snot-nosed kid
Trying to find the real.
Maybe one day, right?