Food & Liquor
by Lupe Fiasco
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: Sep 19, 2006
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    His orchestral Kanye-meets-Nas muse lacks originality.

Awards & Rankings

26
#26 Best Album of 2006
29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2006
26
#26 Most Shared Album of 2006

User Reviews

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User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 248 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 225 out of 248
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 248
  3. Negative: 18 out of 248
  1. dijavantewow
    Oct 17, 2010
    10
    Fantastic album. One of the best of the decade for hip hop. I'm not sure Lupe is appreciated enough for what he brings to the table, but thisFantastic album. One of the best of the decade for hip hop. I'm not sure Lupe is appreciated enough for what he brings to the table, but this album is great song to song. "Kick Push", "I Gotcha", and especially "Hurt Me Soul" are my favorites, and show is lyrical abilities.… Full Review »
  2. rollingstone82
    Aug 25, 2010
    8
    Don't let his name mislead you.

    Hip Hop was not at a good place in that year (and its status has progressively gotten worse with a few sparks    Don't let his name mislead you.

    Hip Hop was not at a good place in that year (and its status has progressively gotten worse with a few sparks here and there). Nas' Hip Hop Is Dead was an alright effort but ultimately lacking. Jay-Z's so-called comeback didn't make impact. Kanye didn't release a single album that year. Eminem was in relapse. There wasn't anything of interest from the South, the dominant side of hip hop in terms of mainstream. Luda's album was bizarre, T.I.'s was a drag, even OutKast's long-awaited soundtrack was mediocre at best.

    So is there even a "best rap album" of 2006? Thankfully, we have a winner.

    Food and Liquor is one of the most pleasurable listens in a while dominated by one of the most refreshing voices in a VERY long time. No thug talk. No cocaine stories. No half-baked, misogynistic, and clumsy songs about **** and butts. Finally, we have someone who has a clear mind and vision on what he is to accomplish. This album is actually an implied threat to hardcore and gangsta rap. Instead, Lupe is somewhat of a geeky type of rapper. If others talk about coke, Lupe talks about robots. Others ride fancy cars, Lupe talks about skateboards. But yet it is far beyond material possessions.

    Kick, Push is a song about a young skateboarder who "kicks and pushes" on despite rejection. This isn't really a song about boards but rather a song about the lack of acceptance because of one's identity. The message is not struggle or happiness but rather hope in times of hostility.

    Another notable track, Hurt Me Soul, is Lupe's tirade on the sad side of life. Essentially it is a compilation of different views, from a prostitute to a slave. Lupe instead of ranting on the whores like a rapper would usually do, he sympathizes with their position even showing dislike towards hip hop for its degradation of women.

    Other tracks to note are The Cool and The Instrumental, two inventive storytelling raps. The background, though, gets a bit weird and corny. American Terrorist features a strange mix between orchestra and Arabian, which really don't fit for these songs. Pressure is also a pointless track that features a Lay-Z Jay-Z verse.

    Nonetheless, the album is so much better than the albums that did come out. But it isn't the best of the year. That would be Hell Hath No Fury by Clipse.    … Full Review »
  3. I_like_rap
    Nov 8, 2022
    10
    Lupe fiasco’s food and liquor is a lyrical masterpiece, with songs like hurt me soul, he say she say, the cool, and American terrorist, you’reLupe fiasco’s food and liquor is a lyrical masterpiece, with songs like hurt me soul, he say she say, the cool, and American terrorist, you’re bound to enjoy this album if you like lyrical rap. Lupe fiasco influenced a lot of the conscience rap we see today. This album is a classic.… Full Review »
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