So yesterday I reluctantly posted some bochinche (look it up) about Lupe Fiasco dumping hip-hop for rock and swirling speculation that he’s the frontman for a new (very) indie British rock band called Japanese Cartoon.

While the vocals on the tracks leaked on the band myspace do bear a resemblance to Lupe singing in a cheesy British accent, Japanese Cartoon released a statement today denying the claim.

“Percival Fats (born Percival Hindenburg-Fats) Is NOT Lupe Fiasco (born Wasalu Muhammad Jaco),” the blog read. “Although he is a dear friend. 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.”

Meanwhile over at OkayPlayer, Lupe issues his own response further clarifying his involvement.

“I like those kids a lot. Met the bass player overseas last year and their publicist/manager is a good friend from like childhood. May sign them. Not me singing though.”

Yeah, yeah, yeah but what does that mean about your own career?  Are you retiring like you said?

“I feel like hip-hop is coming to sort of a… i dare say… an end??? … (no pun intended).  It’s not the same energy… hasn’t been for a long time… just a bunch of nothing out there… take it how u may… I hope the new vanguard proves me wrong and brings back the day of substance minus the web cam video to announce its return.”

I feel lupe’s music the problem is there just isn’t enough of it.  Its not like with B.I.G. where his music was powerful yes, but his social impact was what made him so iconic over the period of two albums.  Lupe can say what he wants about the industry but unfortunately if he walks away he’ll be lost among the leaves cause he hasn’t made enough of a dent.