In keeping with the theme of ``firsts," we've chosen to highlight four CDs -- three debut albums from emerging artists and one mid-career swerve from an established star. Among them, you'll find an enlightened young rapper poised to shift the direction of hip-hop, a brash MC from across the pond who's breaking down gender barriers, a pop singer who scrolled back 400 years to find inspiration for his ninth solo album, and an Israeli rock band that -- with a little luck -- could take the world by storm.
Fresh starts, from rap to rock
Some of this fall's new releases could change the music landscape
Lupe Fiasco, ``Food & Liquor," Atlantic, in stores Sept. 19
The first single from the underground rap sensation's major-label debut is ``Kick Push," a skateboarding anthem. Did we mention that Fiasco is Muslim, bespectacled, a voracious reader, and doesn't drink, drug, or club? The 24-year-old Chicago MC -- did we mention he's a jazz buff? -- is being hailed as the leader of hip-hop's new school, and he's clearly up to the task. Fiasco's already got a Reebok sneaker deal and the love of Kanye, and if all of ``Food & Liquor" is as humble and artful as the second single (a piano-driven, Neptunes-produced gem called ``I Gotcha") the future looks bright.
Sting, ``Songs from the Labyrinth," Deutsche Grammophon, in stores Oct. 3
The math teacher-turned-Police-man-turned-solo-pop craftsman is once again branching out, and this one's a doozy. Sting has teamed up with Sarajevo lutenist Edin Karama zov on a collection of 16th-century songs by the Elizabethan composer John Dowland. Such titles as ``The Most High and Mighty Christianus the Fourth, King of Denmark, His Galliard" and ``. . . After my departure I caled to mynde our conference" are strangely suited to his midlife Stingness, who enunciates with mind-blowing precision on this Deutsche Grammophon release. Sting calls these ancient compositions 400-year-old pop songs. In that light, there are some sick vintage raps here, too, but Sting's flow is better suited to contemplation and courtship than booty shaking.
Lady Sovereign, ``Public Warning," Island, in stores Oct. 3
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