- Label
- Atlantic
- Release date
- 14th January 2008
- Genre
- Rap
- Buy this album
- Order CD
Promisingly diverse sophomore outing from much-touted talent
Lupe Fiasco first came to the general public’s attention following his fiery verse on Kanye West’s smash hit single Touch The Sky – the 2006 release of his debut album, Food & Liquor, and the excellent lead single Kick/Push cemented his reputation as a bright new talent in the rap scene. Second album The Cool, hailed as a bold concept album, may languish from time to time in its own self-importance, but musically, it’s a gem.
Funky, excellent production from knob-twiddler Soundtrakk complements socially-conscious lyrics on tracks like the excellent Gold Watch, Hip Hop Saved My Life and Streets On Fire (although the commendable old-school ethic displayed on, particularly, the last of these could be a little too dated-sounding for some). Other highlights include the UNKLE-produced Hello/Goodbye (Uncool) and Snoop Dogg’s languid guest appearance on Hi-Definition. Plenty of guest appearances temper the occasional moment of “this is how it really is” heavy-handedness and the balance, overall, is good. Recommended.
More to try: Kanye West: The Graduation Mr J Medeiros: Of Gods And Girls Nas: Illmatic
