Lupe Fiasco’s upcoming album, Samurai, set to release this Friday, was heavily influenced by the late Amy Winehouse’s words. In a recent interview with BET, Lupe delved into the inspiration behind the eight-song album, drawing from a voicemail featured in the documentary Amy. The scene in question shows Winehouse discussing her “battle raps” with producer Salaam Remi, even likening them to Wu-Tang Clan’s style. This particular moment not only inspired the title track of Samurai but also influenced other moments on the album.
“I keep coming out with all battle raps,” Winehouse expressed in the documentary. “They’re just pouring out of me, like Wu-Tang stuff. But really neat, very beautifully alliterated little battle raps. So next time you wanna come for me and have a battle rap-off, I’m gonna kill you. Because I’m a samurai.”
In the lead single, also titled “Samurai,” Lupe incorporates a segment of Winehouse’s words into the chorus, paying homage to her unique style and spirit. The track features lines like, “I got these, Really neat, Very beautifully alliterated, Little battle raps for you, So come on through.” This fusion of Winehouse’s raw energy and Lupe’s lyrical prowess creates a captivating listening experience that fans of both artists are sure to appreciate.