Urban Music Reviews

GRADE: A–

The phrase “concept album” has always left an uneasy feeling in the stomachs of Hip Hoppers. Since the late 80’s, rappers have tried (and almost always failed) to create truly interesting albums that follow closely on one theme. Then, in late 2007, Lupe Fiasco’s mentor Jay-Z did the unthinkable. Jigga released one of his best albums ever, the concept project “American Gangster.”

The comparison between Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool and Jay-Z’s Gangster is not as much of a stretch as it may seem. Sonically, both albums find a similar place in your eardrums. The grand orchestration, heavy use of pianos and dense drums that stir up feelings of a lost era in east coast hip hop are equally present in both. As well are the intricate rhyme patterns and complex verbiage that the two emcees have become known for. With so much in common, it’s ironic that Lupe’s concept is almost an exact opposition to Jay-Z’s.

There is nothing Gangster about The Cool. If anything, the album’s confusing and almost nonsensical concept was developed to persuade listeners away from the trappings of the “trap house.” The concept itself has something to do with the character Lupe developed in his debut album on the song titled “The Cool.” Then there is also something about a rotting hand and Alexander the Great and some other stuff that will probably never make sense to anyone but Lupe Fiasco. That being said, Lupe is an exceptionally clever artist. On “Gotta Eat” he manages to develop a thought provoking metaphor from a cheeseburger and somehow not sound totally ridiculous.

The concept for this album may be all over the place, but unlike many albums of this nature, his execution is flawless. The album will not resonate with all listeners, but it doesn’t need to. It doesn’t strive to fit in or appeal to the masses. Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool is art in it’s purest form… and isn’t that what music needs right now?