Lupe Fiasco defends latest Obama diss
Lupe Fiasco Stands By His Comments Calling Obama a “Terrorist,” Despite Controversy
Lupe Fiasco has never been one to bite his tongue, but his latest comments are sending shockwaves through both the hip-hop community and political circles. During a recent televised interview, the Chicago rapper referred to President Barack Obama as the “biggest terrorist in the United States.” His statement has drawn fierce backlash and sparked a debate about political responsibility in hip-hop.
Backlash Grows Over Lupe’s Terrorist Accusation
Lupe’s claim came while explaining his broader fight against global terrorism. Rather than targeting insurgent groups, Lupe criticized U.S. foreign policy, placing blame on decisions made at the highest levels of government. His controversial quote—”the biggest terrorist is Obama in the United States of America”—instantly drew criticism online and in the press.
The comments have ignited public outrage, especially given Lupe’s Chicago roots. With Obama also hailing from the Windy City, some view Lupe’s remarks as a betrayal of their shared hometown pride. Others, however, see his boldness as a courageous stand against government overreach.
Fiasco Labels Obama the “Biggest Terrorist”
In a recent interview with CBS News, Lupe doubled down on his stance, declaring:
“In my fight against terrorism, to me, the biggest terrorist is Obama in the United States of America.”
The rapper explains his position by pointing to U.S. foreign policy and the military decisions that result in civilian casualties abroad. According to Lupe, these government-sanctioned actions are the real root of terrorism, and ignoring them only continues the cycle of violence.
“The root cause of the terrorism is the stuff that you as a government allow to happen,” he adds. “And it’s easy for us because it’s really just some oil, which we can really get on our own.”
Fans and Critics Clash Over Lupe Fiasco’s Politics
The backlash has been intense. Critics have flooded Twitter, Facebook, and hip-hop message boards with reactions—some accusing the rapper of turning his back on his community, and others praising him for speaking truth to power.
One particularly sharp critique that Lupe himself retweeted read:
“Well if President Barack Obama is the biggest terrorist to America, @LupeFiasco is the biggest terrorist to the hopes of Black people.”
As a result, Lupe responded with an unexpected level of humor and pride.
Lupe Fiasco Defends Himself on Twitter
Lupe is not backing down. As criticism poured in, the rapper turned to Twitter to defend himself. In a mix of sarcasm and sincerity, he re-tweeted one detractor who claimed, “Lupe Fiasco is the biggest terrorist to the hopes of Black people.” Lupe responded, “That is by far the best negative thing I’ve ever seen/heard someone say/write about me ever!!!”
To those who challenged his right to speak on political issues due to his refusal to vote, Lupe was unapologetic. “I still pay taxes homeboy, duh,” he tweeted, addressing claims that his non-participation in elections invalidates his opinions.
In a series of poetic posts, he added, “Defend the wicked. Celebrate the wrong. Decorate the ghastly. Learn from the fools. Prize the worthless. Woe the times in which we live.” Lupe’s tweets underline his firm stance that public policy should be held accountable—regardless of who occupies the White House.
“Words I Never Said” Amplifies Political Tension
This isn’t the first time Lupe has taken aim at Obama. Earlier this year, he released “Words I Never Said,” a single from his long-awaited Lasers album. In it, he spits:
“Limbaugh is a racist, Glenn Beck is a racist
Gaza Strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say sh*t
That’s why I ain’t vote for him, next one either…”
The lyrics stunned listeners, coming from a Muslim man who hails from the same Chicago as the president.
Lupe Explains Why He Doesn’t Vote
Fiasco maintains that his refusal to vote is a principled stance. In his CBS News interview, he makes it clear that he doesn’t want to endorse any politician whose decisions could ultimately lead to the loss of innocent lives.
“I don’t get involved in the political process because it’s meaningless,” he said. “If I’m gonna vouch for someone, then I’m gonna stand behind everything that they do.”
That level of accountability, Fiasco argues, is rare in politics—and thus not something he wants to tie his name to.
Context Behind the Obama Diss
“Words I Never Said” was released as the second single off Lupe’s long-awaited album, Lasers, which dropped back on March 8. The track, produced by Alex Da Kid, uses sharp political commentary to address issues like government overreach, public apathy, and foreign intervention.
While some listeners claim the Obama line is an attention grab, Lupe has consistently maintained that his lyrics are rooted in substance and social responsibility.
Lupe Fiasco’s History of Outspokenness
Long before Lasers, Lupe had built a reputation as a socially aware lyricist. His earlier albums—Food & Liquor and The Cool—tackled themes ranging from inner-city violence to the struggles of youth in marginalized communities.
Fiasco is also known for his activism outside of music. From participating in the Summit on the Summit expedition to supporting earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, he has shown a consistent willingness to act on his convictions.
Lasers Album Brings Political Commentary to the Forefront
Lasers is arguably Lupe’s most political project to date. After years of delay and public disputes with Atlantic Records, the album finally saw the light of day earlier this year. Fans rallied with an online petition demanding its release, which gathered over 28,000 signatures and drew coverage from CNN and MTV.
The album debuted at No. 1 on iTunes and includes contributions from John Legend, Trey Songz, and Skylar Grey. But more than just a musical milestone, Lasers has become a cultural moment—one that reflects the tensions of post-9/11 America and a growing divide between artists and the political establishment.
What This Means for Lupe Fiasco’s Legacy
Only time will tell how this moment shapes Lupe Fiasco’s legacy. What’s clear is that he is not interested in playing it safe or making music that simply entertains. He’s using his platform to ask difficult questions—even if it costs him support in the short term.
Lupe Fiasco’s Obama diss may be controversial, but it also represents a rare willingness in hip-hop to challenge power, regardless of political affiliation. And as Lasers continues to climb the charts and dominate public discourse, Lupe stands by his lyrics, unshaken.