I loved this project in pretty much all aspects. Loved the production, lyricism, concept and layering. He is really leaning into the artistry aspect and not letting 'common sense' questions ruin possible song concepts and artistic progress. Breaking out of those boxes is what allows art to go new directions. As an example, on Samurai the song the hook is just what Amy said in that clip to Salaam Remi. Just a normally said sentence without any intention to flow or rhyme, but Lupe is dragging out and spacing the words to make it incredibly smooth and catchy. Lupe doesn't limit himself with what art may or may not mean, his job is to add his emotions and craft to it.
While I've been adoring this project as a massive fan, I find your critiques very fair and well-articulated. The only thing that I can really argue against is that I love Soundtrak's beats across the board and I found most of the hooks charming. They take an almost vocal jazz approach to things by being more free form than what he usually does in places, especially Till Eternity. While you could definitely argue there's a very fanfiction angle he's coming at this from, I think the passion and mentioned kinship ring loud enough to work. It's not his absolute best, but it is his most concise, one of his most easily replayable, and I think some of the highlights here are easy song of the year material (Samurai and Palaces in particular).
The idea of someone making an album where conceptually they battle rap a deceased artist based on one quote and some fucking fanfiction you would find on a parallel universe on Tumblr...I can't say that this doesn't sound interesting, I mean you nor I wouldn't have thought of that lol. I think I might get into Amy Winehouse to get this album
