Lupe Fiasco Keeps His Promise to Revive CRS, Drops Unreleased Solo Song “Shrink”

Written By Edward Morton

Lupe Fiasco seems to be following through on his promise to revive Child Rebel Soldier with the release of a new track titled "SHRINK" under the group's name. You can listen to it below.

The track was dropped on Wednesday afternoon, featuring Lupe delivering verses over a sample from Radiohead's 2000 track "Optimistic" from their *Kid A* album. Alongside the song, Fiasco also shared a promotional video for his upcoming SAMURAI! nationwide tour, with "SHRINK" playing in the background.

In a recent interview, the Chicago artist opened up about how the CRS supergroup—comprising himself, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams—came to be. According to Lupe, the idea for CRS emerged from his desire to rap about the downsides of fame over Radiohead beats, which eventually caught the attention of Kanye and Pharrell.

The group was formed and went on to release just three tracks: "Us (Placers)," "Don't Stop!," and "Everybody Nose (Remix)." Despite the group's disbandment in 2013, fans have longed for a reunion, and Lupe hinted last month during a chat with Stereogum that he might bring CRS back, though not in the way people might expect.

"I'm planning to reboot CRS within the next six months, maybe by next year," Lupe said. "Tyler, [The Creator] has one of the CRS records. But I'm going to return to the original vibe, which was me rapping over Radiohead beats."

He continued, "I'll revisit that original energy, dig up those cool loops and samples from Radiohead or their solo projects, loop them, create some beats, and drop some killer lyrics. Whether it's a freestyle or a proper tape, I might even get sued for it, but I'll keep it moving."

Edward Morton

Edward Morton is a passionate music blogger known for his insightful reviews and eclectic taste. With a background in both classical music and modern production, Edward brings a unique perspective to his writing, blending technical knowledge with a deep appreciation for all genres. He started his blog, "Norton's Notes," in 2015, quickly gaining a dedicated following for his honest, detailed critiques and his ability to uncover hidden gems in the music world.

Edward grew up in a musical family in Seattle, where he learned to play the piano and guitar at a young age. His love for music led him to study music theory and composition at the University of Washington. After graduating, he worked as a freelance music producer, which gave him an insider's view of the industry and fueled his desire to share his insights through writing.

Edward's writing is known for its eloquence and depth, often exploring the emotional and cultural contexts of the music he reviews. He is a regular contributor to several well-known music magazines and websites, and his work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NPR Music.

In addition to his writing, Edward is an avid vinyl collector and hosts a weekly podcast where he interviews musicians and industry insiders. His ability to connect with artists and convey their stories has made his podcast a favorite among music enthusiasts.

Outside of his professional life, Edward enjoys hiking in the Pacific Northwest, attending live concerts, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. His passion for music and his commitment to sharing it with the world continue to inspire his readers and listeners alike.

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