The verse that still gives Lupe Fiasco “chills”
Lupe Fiasco could easily be construed as a master of all trades. With his ingenious lyricism and mesmerising production, Fiasco delivered one of the most intriguing albums of his career when he put out Drill Music in Zion.
The album was reportedly recorded in just three days, something critics have pointed out is noticeable in the way it feels like an unfiltered, unrefined collection of songs that attempts to showcase the artist’s drawing board rather than a meticulously crafted masterpiece. As someone who is expected to be fairly experimental, fans are always on their toes about what could be coming from Fiasco.
Fiasco has been very open about his creative process, and in an interview, he mentioned that much of this album was influenced heavily by his personal relationships. He speaks about the co-producer of the album Soundtrackk, who almost lost his life to Covid, and it made him realise the importance of his time with his friend. He also specifically highlights that the introductory song ‘The Lion’s Deen’ is one of his favourites and how the verse from his sister Ayesha Jaco is something that gives him “chills” every time he listens to it, labelling it the best part of the album. This is far from the first time she has appeared on his albums, with Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool and Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor both featuring her in the first song.
The first part of the verse in ‘The Lion’s Deen’ stands out because of the harsh picture it paints and how it tries to de-glamourize the drill lifestyle. Jaco’s words lay the foundation for the album by breaking down the meaning of drill and delving into how the genre glorifies violence and anger. For anyone new to Fiasco’s work, this album may seem like a tirade about the world, but it is not that superficial.
Through the introductory song, listeners can tell that this album was not meant to impress critics or climb the charts. It’s clear through Jaco’s words that the underlying message she and Fiasco try to deliver is how history plays a role in who you are and who you become. It also highlights the constant pressure they experience to build themselves up when all forces around work act against their progress.
Fiasco has been revered as the master of wordplay, and the title of the song can attest to this. ‘The Lion’s Deen’ is a play on the common phrase “into the lion’s den,” which describes getting into or entering life-threatening or dangerous situations. The word “deen” refers to the rule of law that Muslims live by. The title is apt as the song leads us into a story of the unwelcoming world of drill.
Drill Music in Zion may not have been exactly what people wanted, but it definitely was something needed in the music industry at the time of its release. The year 2022 had everyone experiencing a Covid hangover, and people were relying on all sorts of art media to help acclimate to the return to their normal lifestyle. Fiasco used this album to tell stories related to friendship, the music industry, and the world’s dynamic conditions. ‘The Lion’s Deen’ was raw and real, a song that felt like an honest representation of personal experiences, something many felt connected to in one way or another.