The Cool couldn't be cooler if it tried...
August 27th 2008 01:19
Lupe Fiasco – The Cool (2007)
Relatively unknown by the mainstream populous within Australia, Lupe Fiasco has been the breakout hit within the hip hop/rap scene in the U.S. over the past few years. With the release of his second album, The Cool, Fiasco reconfirms his status of rap genius with clever lyricism which finds a delicate balance between social commentary and rap hysteria.
Produced with a clear flow of rhythm and a continuity within the subject matter, there is a strong paradox which is very endearing about this album. Not only does Fiasco touch upon matters relating to the “gentrification” of his neighbourhood in Chi-city, he layers his concerns with a general sense of rap cool. The desires which seem to plague most pop-rappers are indeed a part of this album, however it is in the intelligence of delivery and music composition that helps Fiasco set himself above his contemporaries.
Of course the immediate comparison seems to be with the ubiquitous Kanye West, whose chart topping singles and albums seem to be on a loop of their own on all radio stations. It is fair to say that the two are similar in their production qualities, with only their sensibilities setting them apart. Where West’s confidence is generally misappropriated as conceited behaviour, Fiasco’s confidence comes through as pure charm. In simpler terms, what West was to “College Dropout”, Fiasco is to “The Cool”.
If there is one rap album to familiarise yourself with this year make sure it’s this one. Not only will it provide as great listening, it will breathe fresh politics into what has become a very stale genre.
Relatively unknown by the mainstream populous within Australia, Lupe Fiasco has been the breakout hit within the hip hop/rap scene in the U.S. over the past few years. With the release of his second album, The Cool, Fiasco reconfirms his status of rap genius with clever lyricism which finds a delicate balance between social commentary and rap hysteria.
Produced with a clear flow of rhythm and a continuity within the subject matter, there is a strong paradox which is very endearing about this album. Not only does Fiasco touch upon matters relating to the “gentrification” of his neighbourhood in Chi-city, he layers his concerns with a general sense of rap cool. The desires which seem to plague most pop-rappers are indeed a part of this album, however it is in the intelligence of delivery and music composition that helps Fiasco set himself above his contemporaries.
Of course the immediate comparison seems to be with the ubiquitous Kanye West, whose chart topping singles and albums seem to be on a loop of their own on all radio stations. It is fair to say that the two are similar in their production qualities, with only their sensibilities setting them apart. Where West’s confidence is generally misappropriated as conceited behaviour, Fiasco’s confidence comes through as pure charm. In simpler terms, what West was to “College Dropout”, Fiasco is to “The Cool”.
If there is one rap album to familiarise yourself with this year make sure it’s this one. Not only will it provide as great listening, it will breathe fresh politics into what has become a very stale genre.
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