Lupe Fiasco - The Cool
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Free Music Notes for The Cool
Free Music Review: Cool
Hit: 5 Stars
This is one of those albums that you'll be able to play five, ten years from now and really enjoy. Not because of the nostalgia of hearing an old time favourite that reminds you of the experiences that you might be going through right now. Five, ten years from now you'll be surprised at how good this album is (was?) and wonder why you never took note before.
Its hard to digest in one sitting because of the length as well the `heavy' production. I can't think of any other way to describe Soundtrakk's production, its dark, melodramatic, almost operatic and always over the top. By the time you are halfway through the CD your head hurts and your ears ache. That is not to say that it is not good because it is. The first single "Superstar" is evidence of this and if you heard 'Food & Liquor you know what he is capable of. He sounds just as good here.
The tracks that leave an impression after the first few listens however, are the ones that dare to be different from the standard Soundtrakk fair. The best of these is "Gold Watch" which is best described as I Gotcha part II, at least as far as the subject matter is concerned. At the heart of this song is an old school loop I can't quite place, its pure genius. "Paris, Tokyo", a Native Tongue throwback complete with vinyl crackles is another gem that defies the musical theme of the album. Its so good it might even make up for his infamous ATCQ dedication fumble. Internet favourite "Dumb It Down" also deviates and acts as medicine for the backpacker crowd. The most extreme departure however is provided by the closer "Go Baby", a light hearted, pop excursion that would be at home at any 13yr old's birthday party. Most will hate but I'm loving this track, I think it would make the perfect crossover single for Lupe.
On the rest of the album gargantuan lyricism and parquet deliver either make the headaches bearable or worse depending on how you look at it. Its not witty one liner but the images he paints with his rhymes and the ease with which he does this. The best example of this is on "Hip-Hop Saved My Life"; nothing new in terms subject matter but his take on it sounds poignant without over glorifying just like the movie that inspired it (think Hustle & Flow with Terrence Howard). On "Little Weapon" Lupe tackles the use of child soldiers but rather than criticise, he tries to show this from the perspective of the child, albeit with a strong hint of cynicism.
The storytelling is continued on tracks like "The Coolest" and "The Die" the tracks that chronicle the rise and fall Michael Young History aka "The Cool" a character who first appeared on 'Food & Liquor'. The latter plays as the climax to the story and features Lupe & Gemstones (formerly known as Gemini) going back and forth double time over another stellar Soundtrakk beat. Lyrically Lupe leaves no stone unturned as there are concept tracks like "Put You On The Game" (I can't get enough of this track), extended metaphors as on "Gotta Eat" and more.
Overall quality of the album is unmatched. Standing at 20 tracks and over 70 minutes in length its amazing how there are no real fillers, just some tracks may take longer to really appreciate as there is so much quality
Free Music Review: Fantastic!
Hit: 5 Stars
I'll keep this quick and simple. I do not listen to very much rap or hip-hop, but ever since my room mate let me borrow this CD I've been listening to it nonstop. Lupe Fiasco makes music that anyone, no matter what background they come from, should be able to appreciate. That alone makes this album great.Free Music Review: Lupe does it again
Hit: 5 Stars
Great production, phenomenal lyricist - what more can you say. Fans of Lupe's have to check out Devin the Dude - Smoke Sessions Volume 1 - his first time on Billboard ever and his first release since leaving Rapalot.Free Music Review: No "fiasco" here, Lupe does it right!
Hit: 4 Stars
Not knowing too much about Lupe Fiasco, I decided to purchase this album. I had heard one of his other singles, "Kick Push" and had found that to be a catchy tune. When I heard "Superstar" on the radio I really liked the song and had to know who the artist was that sang it. To my surprise it was Lupe. When I purchased the album I was delighted to hear an array of songs that covered a variety of topics and melodies. This is a good album to play in your car, especially with spring and summer right around the corner.
If you like bands like Gym Class Hereos, The Roots, or A Tribe Called Quest then this is the album for you.
Free Music Review: "I Love H.E.R. and I hate to leave H.E.R. lonely"....DUMB IT DOWN
Hit: 5 Stars
Lupe Fiasco is the real deal. He reminds me of greats like Outkast, JayZ, Nas, Mos Def. DUMB IT DOWN.
Its funny how he lost some fans last year when he said he couldn't remember A Tribe Called Quest's lyrics at that award show because he grew up on the equally if not more great 8Ball & MJG and UGK! Imagine that! One of today's most intricate, complex, creative mc's influenced by 8Ball & MJG? You bet! DUMB IT DOWN. They not supposed to know that. DUMB IT DOWN!
Even in the video for Hip Hop Saved My Life are scenes with the likes of Willie D, Bun B, Slim Thug, Paul Wall. The remix to Superstar features T.I. & Young Jeezy...Snoop Dogg is on Hi-Definition. Is he really cool like these rappers? Without a doubt. Is it cool for me to like Paul Wall & Lupe Fiasco at the same time? Sure why not? Its okay to like different types of rap. But they said Paul Wall is one of the reasons Hip Hop is dying and that.... DUMB IT DOWN.
Lupe Fiasco is quite the character or should I say characters? DUMB IT DOWN.
Lupe Fiasco is a good rapper, one of the greatest of the decade. Only two albums deep he has shown a certain depth and creativity in his rhymes only rivaled by some of the best in the game. Masterfully weaving lyrics in and out the songs making use of many poetry devices almost effortlessly while at the same time remaining true to hip hop. He tells stories with precision and detail, he drops gems in every verse. He is a rapper's rapper. He chooses beats that perfectly compliment the lyrics and help convey the message and theme of the album and individual song. DUMB IT DOWN.
My favorite songs are Hip Hop Saved My Life, Superstar, The coolest, Paris Tokyo (yeah buddy!), Gotta Eat (Lupe is ON!!), Dumb It Down, Intruder Alert, Streets On Fire, The Die, Put You On Game, and Fighters. Well gee that's pretty much the entire album. DUMB IT DOWN.
I must say Lupe Fiasco has outdone himself with this album. This album is a classic for this year and years to come. Very Cool.