The Peculiar Case Of Percival Fats

The internet is abound with rumors that Lupe Fiasco is the front man of a British post-punk Indie rock band—Japanese Cartoon. Two songs released through the group’s Myspace, "Heirplanes" and "Army" is the source of the controversy. Many listeners believe the man singing on the tracks is Lupe—with a [horrid] British accent.

The band published a Myspace blog in early January, claiming that "Percival Fats (Born Percival Hindenburg-Fats) Is NOT Lupe Fiasco (Born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco). Although he is a dear friend," and stating, "Lupe does finance the band but is NOT I REPEAT NOT THE SINGER IN JAPANESE CARTOON. He is however the producer and we value his participation very much.” Fats penned the entry himself. Yeah.

I wouldn’t make any definite accusations quite yet, but um, let’s all exercise some logical skepticism here.

The singer really sounds like Lupe singing in a very stereotypically British-ish—but not quite, accent. Aside from the suspicious vocals, Japanese Cartoon bleeds that same Lupe “I’m disappointed in you, world” vibe. "Heirplanes" and "Army" are both politically charged songs that address social turbulence and injustice. The band's Myspace headline is “FUCK THE ISRAELI ARMY! WHERE IS THE HUMANITY?” Another Myspace blog entry from the band, titled—"Gaza and Poland, a love story" discusses the Nazi’s World War 2 occupation and devastation of Poland. The entry ends with this:

"Never Again To 'U.S.' Anyway But To Them...?”
BOMBS AWAY!
Look In The Mirror And Stand Up Against Injustice.
War is for bitches.
Oil was $40 a barrel. After the invasion though, yeah you guessed it, it’s on the RISE!
- The Manifesto Of Percival Fats, SHALOM & SALAAM MEAN THE SAME DAMN THING! ACT LIKE IT! "

Of course, Lupe has refuted the media's and the public's accusations that he is the lead singer—

"Ha! I like those kids a lot. Met the bass player overseas last year and their publicist/manager is a good friend from like childhood," Lupe said on the Okayplayer.com discussion boards, under his user name, FNF UP UP AND AWAY. "May sign them. Not me singing though." he insisted.

For the full discussion (which is a hilarious back-and-forth between the Chi native and fans that veers off-topic and into a discussion about hip-hop's END) see the thread yourself.

*(“Never Again To 'U.S.' Anyway But To Them…?” reminds me of a line from Food and Liquor: ‘Make a fuss if it’s them, but we hush if it’s us.’ Just had to say)