Following the release of his 2011 album Lasers, Lupe Fiasco makes a comeback with his fourth studio album Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1. In this album, Fiasco seems to go back to his origins, focusing entirely on lyrics in his tracks, unlike his previous release where lyrics and music had an equal weight throughout his work.

Work on the album began when Fiasco revealed the title of the album in early 2009, while fans waited for the release of Lasers. The album faced numerous delays before it was finally released last week. The album will be divided into two parts and it’s predicted that the second part will be released sometime in early 2013.

Fiasco went against the odds with Lasers, as the album wasn’t expressly of the rap genre, instead taking on a hip-hop style. This was a shock for fans, as Fiasco is famous for his daring and unusual lyrics, typically without mixing them with heavy instrumental music and beats.

Now, in his latest album, Fiasco has responded to what the audience wanted and returned to his original rapping style where lyrics are everything. His ideas remain the same throughout this work, which places him in danger of appearing repetitive to his critics. Fiasco even goes as far as to assure listeners that his style has not changed, clearly exemplified on the track “ITAL (roses).” “I know you’re sayin’/Lupe rappin’ ‘bout the same s—/Well, that’s ‘cause ain’t s— changed, b—-,” Fiasco raps.

The album opens with the intro “Ayesha Says,” which is more akin to a poem than a song, speaking out on issues that arise on the streets. Lyrics like “Emmit Till and Malice Green, Rekia Boyd and Trayvon Martin/Better not wear that hoodie while shopping for a carton” help illustrate the problems people face.

The single “Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free),” released before the album itself, proves, through the song’s simple, repetitive beat and signature rapping style, that Fiasco has returned to his old style.

The sixth track “B—- Bad” explores the negative connotations of the title expletive and its prevalence within the rap industry. The track “Battle Scars” (featuring Australian singer Guy Sebastian, winner of “Australian Idol” and renowned soul singer) was highly praised among fans for the successful marriage of Fiasco’s rap style and Sebastian’s unique vocals.

Food and Liquor II seems to indicate Fiasco is giving up on his political side and focusing more heavily on social issues such as alcohol addiction, poverty, discrimination and disrespect, as noticed in his single “Around My Way” and “Audubon Ballroom.” The album further differentiates itself through slower tempo and its focus on lyrics and meaning, which may limit Food and Liquor II’s appeal to only Fiasco’s loyal fans or those searching for an important message in what they listen to.

Fiasco was smart enough to go back to what his fans were expecting from him and deliver a successful album with his trademark lyrics, but one has to wonder if he has limited his own musical progression. Regardless, fans that did not favor Lasers are sure to love the rapper’s welcome return to his roots in Food and Liquor II.