It looks like the creative struggle between Lupe Fiasco and Atlantic Records has finally come to an end. In a press release issued by the label, it appears that Lasers finally has a firm release date.

1st & 15th/Atlantic Records are proud to announce the upcoming release of “LASERS,” the hugely anticipated new album from Lupe Fiasco.  The Grammy Award–winning superstar’s third full-length collection will arrive in stores and at all online retailers on March 8th, 2011.

Lupe will release the first single from “LASERS” on Tuesday, October 26th via www.lupefiasco.com.

“LASERS,” which stands for, “Love Always Shines Every time Remember 2 Smile,” is the eagerly awaited follow-up to Lupe’s blockbuster second album, “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL,” which debuted on Billboard’s “Top Rap Albums” chart at #1 upon its December 2007 release. It remained in the peak position for nine weeks.

What isn’t mentioned is all of the pressure the fans have been putting on the label to release the album. An online petition signed by over 28,000 fans made its rounds on the Internet and a planned protest in front of Atlantic was scheduled to take place on October 15th. So now, magically, Atlantic has finally gotten wise and decided to release the album? Nope—this one you can chalk up to the fans for championing their favorite artist and forcing Atlantic’s hand to put a street date on the album. Sure, it’s March of next year (which means they can change that date several times before 2011 is officially underway) but at least something has been done.

Now if we can only get that kind of power behind ideas that can really change the world.

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