"The Show Goes On" (CD Single)

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Mostly positive rap tune with some profanity.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that "The Show Goes On" is an overall inspiring rap song that's clean compared to a lot of other tunes in this genre. It includes only a few swear words (some N-words and one "s--t") and one vague reference to violence, with the majority of the lyrics centered on a motivating message for kids from the ghetto -- encouraging them to work hard to achieve their dreams for something more in life. It's among the better rap choices for younger teens.

  • Tells low-income kids not to be discouraged by difficult circumstances and to keep reaching for their dreams.
  • Promotes hard work and determination to transcend adversity and achieve goals.
  • Gives a direct thumbs-down to owning guns but has one muted allusion to using them: "That glitterin' may not be gold, don't let nobody play me."
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

"THE SHOW GOES ON" is a single from the album Lasers, the third full-length CD from Chicago-born rapper Lupe Fiasco. The track features a mostly clean, positive message that encourages kids from the ghetto to rise above trying times and keep striving for something better in their lives. The explicit version of the song contains some profanity, and there's one veiled mention of violence, but it's a generally good choice for younger rap fans -- especially those who could benefit from a supportive shout-out. 


Is it any good?

 

Unfortunately, this song's sound is less inspired than its lyrics, especially compared to the slick hooks in many of the tracks on Fiasco's first album, Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor. The tune's big-synth beat is hard to distinguish from a lot of the other radio-friendly rap out there, making the track fine for club rotations but nothing too memorable. 


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the different challenges that may be faced by low-income families. How might their lives be different from other families with more money at their disposal? 

  • What can someone without a lot of money do to try to change his or her circumstances? How can you help someone less fortunate than you?

  • This song is tame by rap standards but still contains profanity. Why do you think most rap songs contain curse words?


This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Kid, 10 years old
September 23, 2011
 
AWESOME!!!!
it is my favoret song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but i listen to the clean versin so its appropriete

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
July 29, 2011
 
Good song!
This is one of the very few songs I like that are rap. It's just good. It does use the N-word a few times, and the S-word.

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Teen, 15 years old
July 5, 2011
 
Great song
A couple of s-words and one N word. No violence. Except it is saying that you shouldnt own a gun which i wouldnt classify as violence.

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Kid, 13 years old
June 27, 2011
 
Amazing
This song is one of the best songs out there right now! Lupe really did do something unique where he promoted good meanings in his rap songs, unlike many other popular rap artists. This song's a keeper.

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Kid, 12 years old
June 17, 2011
 
Best rap song ever!!!
I usually hate rap but I LOVE this song SO SO SO SO MUCH. IM LISTENING TO IT RIGHT NOW.

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Teen, 14 years old
June 9, 2011
 
One of the best rap songs in a while....
This song may have a few curse words in it but frankly, your child will hear worse at school. The message is very encouraging and Lupe is a better role model then other rappers, say, Gucci Mane or T.I. who are constantly in jail. The music is also good and the song has a good beat, sampling from the alternative song "Float On" by Modest Mouse. I would definitely recommend this song for any teen or tween but you still might need to know your child (if there a little younger) to let them listen.

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Teen, 18 years old
June 5, 2011
 
Great Song
I think that this is one of the best songs out right now even though it is an older song. Sure, Lupe swears a few times, but I think if you understand the context of the swears and the overall message then it is not a big issue. If explicit words are that much of an issue that it is not allowed for kids to listen one of the most positive, then something is wrong. People deserve to listen to these sorts of lyrics, and if lyrics do affect kids as heavily as believed to be, then it will be a blessing for kids to hear this song and the lyrics.

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Kid, 11 years old
August 24, 2011
 
get it now
lupe fiasco you are the new Albert einstien song is awesome who really cares about bad words he wispers them too.

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Kid, 13 years old
June 18, 2011
 
Lupe Nailed It
This is a great song that sends a good message to kids about determination and hard work.

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Kid, 13 years old
September 11, 2011
 
i <3 the show goes on!!!!!!
i love this song!! it sends a great message! there is some languge but not that much!

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This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
Artist:Lupe Fiasco
Type:Single
Release date:May 11, 2011
Label:Atlantic
Genre:Rap
Parental advisory:No
Edited version available:Yes

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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