Lupe tells the story of segregated African American kids who live in the ruins of the ghettos. We can infer that he is talking about African descendent kids because he mentions Africa and Haiti along with New York and Detroit. Lupe brings up the concern of the African American identity and the existence of racism, which had been created through the selfishness and sinful nature of human beings.The first verse talks about how the black people felt that they were still being treated as slaves and that they aren't happy about it. He emphasizes the mistreatment with a phrase about whips on the back and threats.
The origin of evil
in the lives of these ghetto kids is their childhood in broken
families and no education. They are only exposed to and therefore,
automatically engage in the culture of substance abuse, violence and
sex out of marriage. But Lupe tries to bring redemption to them and
encourages his fellow “home boys” to go on with their hands held
high even though something knocks them down. He tells them not to
give up as he repeatedly sings the chorus “the show goes on!”
which symbolizes the continuously moving world. He is trying to
preach the message that we have to keep going because the world won't
stop for us. The kids should not give up but pursue their dreams just
as he himself did and succeeded with hip-hop, going against what
others predicted, rapping “say hip-hop only destroy, tell em' look
at me!”.
If the listeners
endure their hardships and continue to stay strong, they will be able
to brake free from their chains of evil. Lupe is a collectivist as he
influences and works for the common good and flourishing of others.
1. What are some
other reasons these segregated ghetto communities have become
increasingly destructive?
2. How can we get
involved in helping these ghetto communities experience the Kingdom?
You definitely have some good observations here, Abe; however, a better assessment of the context that Lupe is speaking about would likely be helpful. Lupe is definitely calling out some systemic issues that have plagued the African-American community while also encouraging members of the community toward flourishing. You connect with the latter, but don't really address the former.
ReplyDeleteHere's a place to start with systemic issues in this song: "They treat you like a slave / Put chains all on your soul and put whips up on your back / They be lyin' through they teeth, hope you slip up off your path" Who is the "they" here? Who is Lupe talking about?
In general, though, Lupe Fiasco is a great artist to spend some time with. In fact, we had Lupe perform at the 2009 Festival of Faith & Music at Calvin and he was fantastic.
Abe, I really appreciate your take on Lupe's song. I too share a love for Lupe's music, and the powerful lyrics Lupe uses to get his point across, not to mention his incredible musical talent. I could not agree more with the meaning of Lupe’s title, “The Show Goes On.” He is pushing the African American and every community toward a mindset that nothing can hold them from their dreams. Lupe says this to counter the story that African Americans that come out of the “ghetto” are going nowhere. This story shapes imaginations, and in turn, shapes stories. In response to Rob’s point, I believe Lupe is referring to people who accept the current social order--people that are content living in their own little bubble. People who live these narcissistic lives refuse to acknowledge that life extends beyond their living rooms. This idea is exemplified by the line, “Even if they turn the lights out, the show is goin’ on!” Even if the top of our social order turns its back on these kids and communities, they will “persevere.”
ReplyDeleteThis is a touchy subject for me to right on. I know little about the ghettos around the world, and come from typical suburbia--however, I feel Lupe’s songs give me a window into that world. Also, Lupe’s points can be extended to nearly every demographic, as he explains in the line, “Brown grass or green grass, picket fence of barbed wire.” As a Christian, I think it is my duty to step out of my little bubble. Too often it is easy to stay in my own little world and remain comfortable. The show is going on, and frankly, I don’t want to miss it.