Lupe Fiasco’s third album, Lasers, cements his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most cerebral and distinctive performers. “Before I did any of the recording, I wrote a very socially conscious, socially active manifesto, and I used it as the template for the album,” says the 29-year-old, who lives in East Garfield Park. Chicago talked to him about what spurs his creativity.

FIRST, WHO INSPIRES HIM »

Photography: Andrew Zaeh

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
Cornel West, Princeton University African American studies professor. “He’s taken on the role as mentor for me, invited me to speak at Princeton.”

CURRENT MANTRA
“Knowledge isn’t exclusive to the college-professor class. The average man living his life can have profound insights.”

NEXT: WHAT HE’S WEARING »

Photography: Even Agostin/AP Photo

IN HIS CLOSET
Mastermind Japan (“More punk-rock-inspired stuff, but they make some great luxury items”), Somet jeans (“They’re really fine and detailed”), Dior, Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, and Junya Watanabe. “I’m also a big fan of the Gap. I’ll throw on a Gap cardigan and a T-shirt and some cutoff Dickies pants and be good. I’m walking both ends of the spectrum.”

ON HIS FEET
Vans sneakers

NEXT: WHAT HE’S LISTENING TO »

Photography: (cardigan, jeans, sneakers) courtesy of vendors; (Fiasco) Roger Kisby/Getty Images

 

Related:

LUPE FIASCO, WORD STAR »
Our August 2007 profile of the breakout rapper