I got a chance to get up close and personal with Lupe Fiasco last night as Atlantic Records held a private dinner reception/listening session for his upcoming “Lasers” project.

The event, hosted by Tree Sound Studios, was an intimate affair that allowed Lupe to discuss his vision amongst his A-town “family and friends”.

Lupe’s 3rd solo project,”Lasers,” is set to be released March 8, 2011 and Lupe is hot on the promo trail.

Lu admits that his music isn’t meant to be played in the club and that he actually seeks to inspire people and create thought provoking music… but sometimes smart doesn’t sell.

It’s like a revolutionary album. I was really inspired by inspiring social activism. So a lot of the music has a social kind of awareness edge to it… a social justice edge to it.

It’s less about making songs to make songs but making songs with a purpose. I actually tried to challenge myself on this album — compared to my last album — to make music that was a little more popular… not pop! but a little more “popular,” so that I can engage a wider audience with my music…

I agree. Sometimes you’ve gotta “dumb it down” to get people to pay attention… such is life.

Check out more of what Lupe has to say below PLUS listen to his first single “The Show Goes On”:

VIDEO: One on One with Lupe Fiasco

“The Show Goes On” ~ Lupe Fiasco

Download