“Kick, Push” redefined a segment of hip-hop. Don’t think it didn’t, because before Lupe Fiasco laid down his rhymes about skateboarding just about nobody linked the usually aggro lifestyle sport with a laid back flow. For a minute, he was the poster boy of a previously untapped scene, but Lupe is way above exploiting himself into a corner as a one-trick gimmick. He proved to be way too smart for that.

After “Kick, Push” earned him notice on his own terms — the success followed a few years chasing the dream as a member of da Pak, an aborted solo attempt and notable guest appearances — Lupe dropped his first full album, Food & Liquor in 2006, and it was hailed as not only one of the best albums of the year, but as one of the best debut hip-hop albums … ever. How do you follow-up noise like that?

Just before the close of 2007, Mr. Fiasco delivered The Cool. There’s a concept to the album, about a boy who falls prey to the lure of the street. But it’s not littered with stereotypical egotistical boasting that has sunk so much hip-hop to laughable, unlistenable nonsense. There are no skits packed with inside jokes. Instead, it’s laced with narrative substance. But Lupe’s not here to beat you over the head with message. Instead, he’s a gifted storyteller who has an ease in taking listeners on a ride. Just try to deny the tale in the powerful “Hip-Hop Saved My Life.”

This is the week you’re going to really get to know Lupe Fiasco. As MTV’s Artist of the Week, he’ll be featured on the channel all week long. Plus, you can watch his music videos, a bunch of live performances, check out his lyrics, photos and much more on his MTV.com artist page.

But while you’re here, check out Lupe’s “Superstar” video and his updated, old-school Artist of the Week version too. And watch all of the Grammy winner’s MTV Artist of the Week videos right here.