Few artists understand the merits of a concept album apart from aspects of good marketing. The unfortunate truth is that many popular musicians have forgotten what it means to have a personal vision.
Enter Lupe Fiasco. Wasalu Muhammed Jaco has not fallen prey to the sophomore jinx.
The Cool progresses as the multidimensional narrative of the now seasoned artist with all the grace and style of Food and Liquor. But the astonishing difference in The Cool is its heavy aural resonance. It is obvious that Lupe has undergone a transformation. Lupe introduces three characters representative of the albums trifold tone—The Cool (first introduced on Food and Liquor), The Streets, and The Game.
The album begins with an affected spoken word piece by Iesha Jaco. Her intensity works as a preface to Lupe’s homage to a fallen friend on Free Chilly. From there things take off while Lupe preens his feathers with his staccato flow on Go Go Gadget Flow. The hit single Superstar, has the makings of a classic with Matthew Santos’ crooning over a triumphant Soundtrakk beat.
The following few tracks can be thought of as filler. Regardless they work as standalone tracks with laidback production that will have you invariably transfixed. As the album progresses there is a remarkable escalation in the urgency of the production. The drum kit is roiled by undertones of grizzly guitar riffs and mesmerizing string instruments.
An odd and satisfying balance is struck with soulful guest appearances by Sarah Green, Nikki Jean and Matthew Santos. As a lyricist he delivers his words with force and a cadence unrivaled by most other MCs in the game. Lupe has certainly cemented his place as one of Hip Hop’s great innovators.
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Track Names
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Baba Says Cool For Thought
Free Chilly
Go Go Gadget Flow
The Coolest
Superstar
Paris, Tokyo
Hi-Definition
Gold Watch
Hip-Hop Saved My Life
Intruder Alert
Streets On Fire
Little Weapon
Gotta Eat
Dumb It Down
Hello Goodbye (Uncool)
The Die
Put You On Game
Fighters
Go Baby
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Artist: Album
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Lupe Fiasco Feat. GemStones: Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool
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Genre
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Hip Hop/Rap
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More Information
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http://www.lupefiasco.com
http://www.myspace.com/lupefiasco
http://www.atlanticrecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/atlanticrecords
