UIC's 2nd annual Spark in The Park concert was free and on campus. There was no need to travel or find parking. The Cool Kids opened up for Lupe and they rocked it. Although there weren't too many people there yet, they definitely put on a great rap show. Then came Lupe. Let me start of by saying this - I am a big Lupe Fiasco fan. I have all of his music and know almost every song he has released. At the show, people were jumping, throwing water, body surfing, and even doing that thing where you move your hand up and down, pretending to be a rapper. (You all know what I'm talking about it. We all do it). People got hit in the face by people who didn't care where their feet were flying as they were body surfing. I was one of them - the hit in the face part, not the body surfer.
This concert was free and Lupe could've easily played a small set and left people happy. Instead, Lupe rapped for an hour and a half, playing all of his hits, and left students wanting more. This was honestly one of the best concerts I've ever been too. The ending was great as he finished with "Daydreamin". He played his classics like "Superstar" and "Hip Hop Saved My Life" while also throwing in a hometown song in "Go Go Gadget Flow". "Show Goes On" was epic and everyone was singing along and the controversial but incredible "Words I Never Said" was even better live than on CD. Throwing shots at Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne, Lupe went all out and wasn't afraid to face a little controversy.
Speaking of controversy, all week I have been hearing that Lupe is an Anti-American, Anti-Semite and does not support Israel. Some of my friends hate him and refused to go the concert. Being Jewish, I have my own opinions on Israel and Anti-Semitism - obviously they are not the same opinions that Lupe has. PS: the first religion that Lupe gave a shout out to was the Jews at the concert. Just because he may not support Israel doesn't make him Anti-Semitic. Just because he doesn't support the American Government doesn't make him a horrible person. Nevertheless, whether this is true or not, it shouldn't matter. Music artists, actors, and other celebrities face tons of controversy. Michael Jackson has been linked to enjoying the company of little boys, Chris Brown almost destroyed Rihanna's beautiful face, Mel Gibson is a lunatic, and Lil Wayne has definitely killed some people (What do you think those teardrops on his face represent). There are plenty of controversial celebrities. Their talent in what they do and their opinions outside of their profession are independent. We cannot judge celebrities by their opinions and their actions, they are entitled to their freedom of speech just as we are. If we did, we probably wouldn't like anyone. Enjoy music for what it is. Don't get caught up in who thinks what and who did what or else you will let talented people pass you by. Would it be nice if Lupe wasn't an Anti-Semitic (which no one knows for sure regardless)? Yes. Would it be nice if Chris Brown didn't beat on women? Yes. Does it have anything to do with their talent as musicians? No. Go enjoy some music and hit up a free concert when you get the chance.
Here is a great song for you by Lupe.
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