Lupe Fiasco Calls Out Sean O’Malley: “Don’t Know Anything About It” Sets Record Straight Over Music Claim
Sean O’Malley’s use of Lupe Fiasco’s “Superstar” has become one of the UFC’s familiar walkout pairings, but the rapper says a reported dispute over documentary rights was a misunderstanding. Lupe added that he is open to walking O’Malley out himself.
O’Malley discussed the song during an interview with Complex, explaining why the 2007 hit has remained part of his UFC presentation. The former bantamweight champion said he had heard that Lupe Fiasco had declined a request connected to a UFC documentary, even though the rapper’s song continued to play for his arena entrances.
“I remember the UFC was doing this cool documentary and they asked to pay for the rights to a song and he said no,” ‘Sugar‘ O’Malley said. “So I don’t know if there’s some kind of beef there or what but I mean I love the song. He has other good songs too.”
The MMA star made clear that he did not take it personally. O’Malley described “Superstar” as an important part of the feeling he wants before a fight, especially once the instrumental changes and he begins the walk to the Octagon.
“I think he’s just got to be there and experience the walkout,” O’Malley said. “That song’s iconic. It’s always been iconic. I feel like we brought it back to life. The walkout, when the beat hits, is a feeling like no other. And I’d like for him to experience that.”
Lupe Fiasco Denies Turning Down UFC Request After Sean O’Malley Comments
Lupe saw the comments and moved quickly to correct the premise. Rather than a refusal from him or his team, the rapper said he had no knowledge of a UFC documentary request and that his management had not rejected anything.
“Hmmmm… I like Sean and thrilled he’s been using the record for the walk-ins!” Lupe Fiasco wrote. “I actually been waiting for the invite to walk him in. Don’t know anything about a documentary and my mgmt said they didn’t turn down anything. Must’ve been a miscommunication somewhere in the chain.”
The Chicago rapper then made his position plain: “Looking into it now. Standby! Anytime Sean! I’m down.”
That leaves the door open for a live walkout at a future O’Malley fight. “Superstar,” from Lupe’s 2007 album Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool, has long been linked with sports settings, and O’Malley’s repeated use has given it a place in recent UFC broadcasts and event highlights.
For now, there appears to be no beef between the two. O’Malley wants Lupe in the building, and Lupe says he has been waiting for the call.
