Lupe Fiasco can't help but "hate" his new album LASERS - because the music reminds him of his battle with label executives to secure the record's release.
The hip-hop star's third album was mired in delays following a dispute with bosses at Atlantic Records, who shelved the project after it was completed in 2009.
It was only after furious fans launched an online petition for Lasers' release that Atlantic bosses finally decided to put out the disc, which hits stores next week (08Mar11).
But the Superstar hitmaker admits the victory is bittersweet because of the long-running struggle he was forced to endure.
He tells Britain's Guardian, "I hate this album. I don't hate the music, but I hate the process. When I look at it, I don't see song titles and artwork, I see the fight - I see the emotions, the blood, sweat and tears.
"There are a couple of songs on there that I love; but Lasers is a little bit of what you love, a little bit of what you like, and a lot of what you had to do."