This delayed debut from 23-year-old Chicago native – some tracks were leaked earlier this year – comes with highly anticipated stamped all over it. Already an award-winning figure in the hip-hop industry, Lupe is one of a select few MCs who don t stuff

This delayed debut from 23-year-old Chicago native - some tracks were leaked earlier this year - comes with 'highly anticipated' stamped all over it.

Already an award-winning figure in the hip-hop industry, Lupe is one of a select few MCs who don't stuff their lyrics with references to guns and 'bling' culture.

Instead we're treated to a paean to skateboard life and love in breakthrough single Kick, Push while the rest sees high-flying collaborations with Jill Scott to Pharrell Williams, and Jay-Z is on production duties.

It's all slick enough to please the hip-hop connoisseurs, but still accessible and lyrically fluid enough to leave Lupe looking set for stardom.

4/5