Original Lupe Fiasco Version of “Nothin’ On You” Leaks! (Listen & Download)

Posted by Nathan S. on 06/21/10 | Filed under Top Stories, Downloads, Lupe Fiasco

Loyal RefinedHype readers already knew what the rest of the world learned today: that B.o.B.'s smash single "Nothin' on You" was originally recorded for his Atlantic Records labelmate Lupe, but Fiasco ultimately decided to pass on the track, so Bobby Ray snatched it up and turned it into the number single that launched his career. (Never underestimate what people who work at record labels will tell you when they've had a couple drinks.)

Anyway, now we have audio proof that the rumors were true. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present Lupe's demo version of "Nothin' On You". Now it is only the demo version, so I'd have to assume Lupe would have made the final product significantly better, but I have to say it sounds like B.o.B. was a much better fit for the track. Lupe just doesn't have the same fun, summer anthem vibe to his voice. Either way, it's a fascinating look behind the normally closed curtains of the music industry.

Download "Nothin On You (Lupe Fiasco)" via MediaFire

Download "Nothin On You (Lupe Fiasco)" via UserShare

I've included both tracks below for compare and contrast purposes.

Play Lupe Fiasco - Nothin' On You

You do not have flash installed

Play B.o.B. - Nothin On You

You do not have flash installed

Lupe Fiasco Completes Transition to Radio Star on “Angels & Stars” (Listen & Download)

Speak of Freedom: Lupe Fiasco Failed Us All on “Lasers”

Lupe Fiasco is Back to Being Dope on “American Terrorist III” (Listen & Download)

From Lupe to Luda, All the Dopeness You Missed Over the Holidays (Video & Download)

JMusic	I think Lupe did a great job on the track And I'm not just sayin that cuz he is my favorite rapper but..B.o.B was just made it perfect for the radio people nowadays won't even bother tryin to understand his lyrics..
	Posted on Jun 21, 2010

JMusic	Lupe's lyrics ^^^
	Posted on Jun 21, 2010

TheBayToLA	B.o.b.'s lyrics are way more fitting, energetic and enjoyable.
	Posted on Jun 21, 2010

Joef2185	Yeah i love Lupes version way better but of curse the radio wouldnt want it because of course the lyrics are way to complex for average listerners
	Posted on Jun 21, 2010

bitcloud7	Like JMusic said who are the people that listen to the radio and care about lyrics? Lupe of course is on another level with the wordplay, but ultimately his flow and vibe lack the same uptempo demeanor of B.O.B.'s #1 hit version. I would like to hear them do a remix though. Would be crazy dope.
	Posted on Jun 21, 2010

jaydeemorgan	I like both versions, and I love lupe's music, but i would agree that B.o.B's version was way better for the radio. B.o.B's vibe was perfect for a good radio single, but lupe always delivers lyrically.
	Posted on Jun 21, 2010

DJ Brookllen	Gotta hand it to B.o.B., snatchingthing this up might have been the smartest move of his career (outside of joining Grand Hustle that is)
	Posted on Jun 21, 2010

tdotraza	Lupe's lack of energy is what would've stopped this song from being the huge hit that B.o.B.'s version was. So, not a bad move of Lupe's to pass on the record.
	Posted on Jun 22, 2010

Nathan S.	I agree completely with @tdotraza. Lupe did well on this, but ultimately it didn't match his style or personality, and he was right to pass it along to someone who was a much better fit like B.o.B.
	Posted on Jun 22, 2010

Shamir	WOW! I prefer bobby ray's version simply because of the energy but WOWWW i finally see how mixing can change someone's vocals. Bruno Mars almost sounds like he can't sing on this. (exaggeration)The mixes really make a difference,
	Posted on Jun 23, 2010