One of the most cerebral and enigmatic rappers active since the mid-2000s, Lupe Fiasco is also among the most prominent artists in his field, as proved by Grammy recognition and several gold and platinum certifications. The Chicago-based MC, born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, began rapping in junior high school and joined a group called da Pak several years later. The group signed to Epic, released one single, and split up, all before Fiasco reached the age of 20. Thanks in part to the vocal support of Jay-Z, L.A. Reid signed Fiasco as a solo artist to Arista, but before anything of s...