Hip Hop Saved My Life

"Hip-Hop Saved My Life"
Single by Lupe Fiasco featuring Nikki Jean
from the album The Cool
Released	March 18, 2008
Genre	Alternative hip hop
Length	4:03
Label	1st & 15th / Atlantic
Writer(s)	Wasalu Muhammad Jaco(Lupe Fiasco), N. Jean, Soundtrakk
Producer	Soundtrakk
Lupe Fiasco featuring Nikki Jean singles chronology
"Superstar" (2007) "'Hip Hop Saved My Life'" (2008) "Paris, Tokyo" (2008)

"Hip-Hop Saved My Life" is a viral video single from Lupe Fiasco's second album, The Cool. The track features the lead singer of the Indie/Hip hop group, Nouveau Riche, Nikki Jean. Although the song had a music video, it achieved most of its popularity on the internet and through word of mouth- being an underground or "street single" with little radio airplay or advertisement.

Content

The single is a heartfelt song that tells the story of an underground rap artist, his personal problems, and his struggle and desire to achieve success. It was revealed on MTV that the song was based on rapper Slim Thug's career but also dedicated to Bun B.

Music video

The music video, directed by Houston's own Dr. Teeth was released on March 18, 2008. The video recounts the story of a young up-and-coming rapper and the obstacles he struggles to overcome. The video includes appearances by Slim Thug, Willie D, Nikki Jean, K-Rino, Paul Wall, and Bun B with Lupe Fiasco. In one scene towards the beginning of the video, a clip from the video for "Superstar" (another one of Fiasco's songs) can briefly be seen playing on a television set.

Chart performance

It has first appeared on Billboard as of May 31, charting at #25 on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart, then peaking at #20 a week later.