Who Did “Airplanes” Better — B.o.B Or Lupe Fiasco?

Becky Bain | April 7, 2011 11:28 am

We already know that Lupe originally recorded the song “Nothin’ On You”, and that it went on to be released by B.o.B and became a Grammy-nominated chart-topper for the rising artist. (Lupe, suffice to say, wasn’t too happy about it.) Well, that wasn’t the only Bobby Ray single that could have been Fiasco’s smash hit in an alternate universe – the MC also recorded other Grammy-nomm’d song “Airplanes”. Listen to both versions below and tell us who did it better!

First, here’s the Atlanta rapper’s version, featuring the Paramore frontwoman whom he never met until he finally did:

Now check out Fiasco’s version, in which he raps about two lovers, whereas B.o.B used the song as an expression of handling success:

[wpaudio url=”//static.idolator.com/uploads/2011/04/Airplanes.mp3″ text=”Lupe Fiasco feat. Hayley Williams – Airplanes” dl=”0″] The biggest thing missing from Lupe’s version? Energy. Maybe we’re simply used to B.o.B’s take since that’s the version we’re used to, but Bobby Ray’s spirited delivery makes Lupe just come off as disinterested. But honestly, either way we think this track would have been a hit, since it’s really Hayley’s hook that sells it. But that’s us. Which version do you prefer? And how bitter do you think Lupe is of B.o.B?