Off the bat, it’s clear that Lupe is committing to the new creative direction, soaking his voice in autotune and flowing over a synth-heavy instrumental. In typical fashion, his bars remain focused, though masked ever so slightly by the distracting overall package. “Top-down coupe that breeze, it feel like woo, shoutout to my n**gas that’s on lockdown just like Roots,” he spits, riding the beat with a melodic flourish. “Locked around some lifers, they got snipers on the roof / Standin’ with that pole out, try to roll out, they gon’ shoot.”

While it’s unlikely that many will prefer this over the Lupe they know and love, sometimes a rapper must take risks, especially when they’re looking to make a point. Check out this new collaboration between Lu and Soundtrakk now, and sound off — do you think they pulled this one off?

QUOTABLE LYRICS

Top-down coupe that breeze, it feel like woo
Shoutout to my ni**as that’s on lockdown just like Roots
Locked around some lifers, they got snipers on the roof
Standin’ with that pole out, try to roll out, they gon’ shoot