Happy Kwanzaa to Lu... Fin

Day 7: Imani-Faith

Today, Keka lights a green candle to symbolize our efforts to believe with all our people, our parents, our teachers and our leaders in the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful

By the declining day,

Lo! Man is in a state of loss,

Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to endurance...

-Al-'Asr

Salaam... K

Happy Kwanzaa to Lu... Day 6...

Day 6: Kuumba-Creativity

Today, Samantha lights a red candle to symbolize our efforts to do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.



Creativity is described in the dictionary as "Originality, progressiveness, or imagination. The ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, and patterns. And to create meaningful new ideas, methods, and interpretations.

And it is this Lupe, that you are ALL about. You transcend the "traditional" idea of what a rapper whould be like with your originality and substance. Your ideas are new and full of deep thought. And your imagination has taken people deeper into their minds than anything before. You have inspired others with your new and creative ways to think differently and see things in another light. YOU are the physical embodyment of creativity. And you have given back so much to the people that listen to you. Thank you Lu for staying "a little to the left" and inspiring others to do the same. I love you and will continue to support you always.

Love The COOLEST Whitey

-Sammy Mac (FEMME FIASCO)

Happy Kwanzaa to Lu... Day 5...

Day 5: Nia-Purpose

Today, Natalie lights a green candle to symbolize our efforts to make our collective vocation building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.





Purpose is defined as the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.


Everyone has a purpose, and I believe yours, Lupe, is to serve music to the world. But how you choose to do so is different, and that makes yours extra special. Your music consists of stories, and different things that are going on in the world…issues that people really need to hear about. You serve your music in a way that nobody else does.


Your talent is undeniable.


Your creativity is beyond anything imaginable.


Your music is REAL.


And you’ve helped keep real hip hop alive and thriving.


I believe that our purpose as the Femmes is to support you so that you can fulfill your purpose as a true hip hop artist.


Thank you Lupe, for keeping it real.


Much love 4eva & alwayz,

♥Natalie

Happy Kwanzaa to Lu... Day 4...

Day 4: Ujamaa- Cooperative Economics

Today, Keena lights a red candle to symbolize our efforts to build and maintain our own stores and other businesses and to profit from them together.



To Lupe,

I'm gonna keep this message short, sweet and to the point Lol. Just wanted to say that I've been a fan since 2005 and as an artist you have NEVER let me down. I wish you much sucess in 2008 (That Grammy is yours!) and as always KNOW that your girl KayCee will ALWAYS hold you down in VA and beyond.

Keep getting your HIP HOP ON!

Keena~aka~KayCee

Happy Kwanzaa to Lu... Day 3...

Day 3: Ujima-Creative Work & Responsibility

Today, Megan lights a green candle to symbolize our efforts to build and maintain our community together and make our sisters' and brothers' problems our problems and solve them together.

Happy Kwanzaa to Lu... Day 2...

Day 2: Kujichagulia - Self-Determination

Today, Radhiya lights a red candle to symbolize our efforts to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves instead of being defined, named, created for and spoken for by others.

Habari Gani?Today's principle is Kujichagulia which means self-determination. This is one of my fav principles of Kwanzaa. I would dedicate Lupe's "Dumb it Down" to this principle because that song is all about Lu rebelling against the typical stigma that most hip hop lyricist tend to have i.e degrading women, glorifying ignorance etc. He clearly chooses to create music that will cultivate the minds of people rather than rot it. So when you light your red candle today remember to never allow anyone to define who YOU are.

"This ain't a pen, this a paintbrush and I tend to rearrange how they paint us"-Lupe

~Radhiya

Happy Kwanzaa to Lu...

For those of you who are unaware Kwanzaa is an African-American, non-religious holiday celebration that was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga...

In the interest of unity and holiday cheer, the Femme Fiascos will be celebrating Kwanzaa by posting the principles of Kwanzaa along with personalized notes just for Lupe...

Day 1: Umoja-Unity

Today, Gracie lights a black candle to symbolize our efforts to strive for unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Marc, I just want to say that I love you and I apologize for everything that I put you through.

Lupe, I hope you have a great 2008.

With Love,

-Gracie the Gemstress