10 Lupe Fiasco Songs That Can Make You Feel the Sunshine

Lupe Fiasco has built his reputation on a commitment to high artistry and lyrical excellence. The Chicago emcee is one of the game’s most acclaimed artists and he’s been held in lofty esteem for the better part of his more than 20 years in music. Lupe recently made headlines (again) after he shared his take on Kendrick Lamar and offered that he’s a stronger lyricist than the Compton star. 

Whether you agree or disagree, what shouldn't be debated is that Lupe has a stellar catalog that rewards repeat listens. And he has some bona fide classic songs that are guaranteed to uplift, enlighten and entertain. 

Here are 10 Lupe Fiasco songs that can make you feel the sunshine. 

10. “SEATTLE”

Over dreamy guitar lines, and chilly backing vocals by Nayirah, the hook declares “I kept my promise to the streets,” as Fiasco delivers rapid-fire bars about his journey and being committed to uplifting through his music. 

9. “S.O.S”

This Soundtrakk-produced tune sounds like a lost late '90s A Tribe Called Quest track, but it never feels derivative or like Lupe is mining nostalgia. No, instead it feels like an inspired revisiting of that classic Ummah sound that Q-Tip and J Dilla made famous. 

8. “Body of Work” feat. Terrace Martin

Over jittery percussion and an exquisite bassline, Lupe examines his own relationship with hip-hop. The song benefits from ghostly vocals from Troi Irons, and ends with a sax solo from none other than Terrace Martin. 

7. “Unforgiveable Youth” feat. Jason Evigan

Lupe’s socio-political commentary is a part of who he is, and he has more famous tracks than this King David-produced banger from Food & Liquor II, but Fiasco gets some of his most topical bars off without sacrificing an ounce of the track’s energy and anthemic production. 

6. “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” feat. Nikki Jean

The reflective single examines Lupe’s career and features a gorgeous hook from Nikki Jean. Over the atmospheric production, he spits some of his most direct lyrics. It’s a great example of how Lupe can deliver an infectious single that still challenges the listener. 

5.   “Sunshine”

A clever ode to a first date that also doubles as a tribute to his love of hip-hop, and it’s all delivered over an ingenious flip of the Diana Ross track “Friend To Friend.” It's another standout from his longtime collaborator Soundtrakk.

4.  “Shining Down”

Originally intended to be the first single of the first of three CDs of Lupe's triple album, but instead it wound up a bonus track on deluxe editions of Lasers. It echoes Lupe’s hit “Superstar” without ever retracing or rehashing and proves that his chemistry with Matthew Santos was something special. 

3.  “The Show Goes On”

The lead single from Lupe’s controversial Lasers album, released as the rapper was battling Atlantic Records, highlighted that he was at a career crossroads. But, independent of the drama surrounding the album, the song itself is one of Lupe’s most acclaimed. It’s produced by Kane Beatz and features an uncredited guest appearance from JR Get Money on the hook. 

2.  “Daydreamin’” feat. Jill Scott

Lupe’s debut album was like a revelation back in 2006. The brainy emcee with the nerdy affectations scored an early standout with this Jill Scott-assisted track, which samples the I Monster version of “Daydream in Blue.” The song also earned Lupe his first Grammy. 

1. “Paris, Tokyo”

It’s one of the best love songs in hip-hop history. The Chicago emcee delivers an ode to long-distance relationships and the longing tug of missing the one you love. Produced by Soundtrakk, the track famously samples Eumir Deodato's 1978 jazz fusion song "San Juan Sunset.”