Ashanti Interviews Lupe Fiasco About 'Food & Liquor II' Album Cover

Ashanti warmed up for her new gig as anchor of Fuse’s new daily music show “Fuse News.” One of her first guests was Lupe Fiasco. She asked the Chi-town MC about the simple, yet striking all-black cover for his new album Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album Pt. 1.

Lupe revealed that the cover was inspired by Johnny Cash’s 1971 protest song “Man in Black.” “The reason he wore black, he wore it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime. He’s there ’cause he’s a victim of the time,” he explained.

The blank artwork is intended to stand out and make a statement. “It’s the easiest album to find,” said Lupe. “I wanted to have something to cherish, like this is kinda history right here.”