The Cool

Lupe Fiasco- The Cool on MTV's The Leak

I don't really care whether or not you read it, but I was compelled to write a review:

"Check your ingredients before you overdose on the cool," a female voice urges as she finishes the album's spoken word introduction (Baba Says Cool For Thought). Her calm tone is almost a relief to the listener after she first greeted them with a bombardment of social issues, noting the likes of "Katrina!!!" and Virginia Tech to wake us all up.

Free Chilly, a short ballad dedicated to Lupe's incarcerated friend and ex co-manager, helps to quickly transition you into Lupe's anthemic gift to Chicago residents: Go Go Gadget Flow. The quick, stoccato hook coincides nicely with Fiasco's rapid flow, and just as you get amped, Lupe downshifts the vibe with the next track, The Coolest. Along with his intense ability to paint pictures with words, we also re-discover Lupe's cast of characters that were first introduced on Food & Liquor.

Next up, Matthew Santos' vocal crowns Superstar, the single that discusses the concept of celebrity and everything that comes along with it. Lupe opens up on topics like touring, exclusive nightlife and the pressure to succeed. As somewhat of a newcomer, he explains that life's simpler things are often more realistic and fulfilling. Smooth track Paris, Tokyo follows... it's chill sound will make any listener vibe out as Lupe describes the downside to his jet-setting lifestyle. While expressing how much he misses a special lady back home, he also manages to illustrate extremely rich examples from his travels.

Hi-Definition (f. Snoop) is probably my least favorite track, but I guess the album needed some "Good Life," high energy mojo - "loopy hit the lotto, snoopy hit the lotto!" Gold Watch on the other hand, is solid gold: Claiming to deliver the "essentials of The Cool," Lupe plays with a consumeristic theme (and hook) by listing all of his favorite items, ostensibly for us to fall in line and cop (because he said so). At the end of the track, however, he unveils that his self esteem is actually far more important to him than anything else.

Hip Hop Saved My Life made me look at the "ringtone" state of hip hop much less cynically than I had previously. Lupe tells the story of a struggling rapper making a living off his success in the game, supporting his family and so on. I guess some of these corny, one-hit-wonder guys actually have souls (and bills to pay!) Intruder Alert comes next with three powerful verses that discuss rape, drug abuse and immigration, respectively. Lupe does a good job of playing with the definition of "intruder" on this track, and although I think the verses could have been better suited in a different order, hopefully most people will listen past the chorus to really discover the lyrics.

Streets On Fire brings out the conspiracy theorist in all of us by mentioning some of society's falsehoods that have recently come into question. With a hook that is undeniably fierce, Lupe continues his trend of hitting us with unpleasant imagery (otherwise known as reality's current events). Little Weapon is intense from start to finish; the involvement of children in warfare is woven throughout the theme, and Lupe doesn't hesitate to tell us how sad it is that kids in hostile communities have been unknowingly robbed of their childhoods. From it's dark intro to the battle-like drum pattern, this track is going to beat you up!

Spoken from a hamburger's point of view, Gotta Eat is Lupe's critique of poor nutrition in urban areas. The beat is just as sick as what most people choose to put in their bodies, and as always, his flow is right there alongside it. Dumb It Down then goes in on Lupe's critics, boasting complex wordplay to illustrate the point that his content-driven style isn't going anywhere. Next, his attempt at rocking out arrives via revolution-beckoning track Hello/Goodbye. Within a Limp Bizkit-esque description of potential apocalyptic destruction, Lupe bursts our lack-of-awareness bubble, letting us all know that one day, the sky could inevitably fall.

While Lupe warns his main character (Michael [The Cool] Young History) of his looming demise on The Die, Gemstones simultaneously tells the story from the killer's point of view. The track closes with a gunshot skit that serves as the perfect transition into scruffy sounding track Put You On Game. Delivered from the authoritative voice of The Game, this song does exactly what it's title offers. Dark in content again, Lupe utilizes his captivating flow to reveal the analogies behind this notorious character as well.

And just when the intensity has come to a head, Matthew Santos' soothing voice enters with the chorus from Fighters. Lupe showcases personal aspects of his life on this track, and even if every listener can't directly relate to his words, his humanity is likely to transcend boundaries and allow him to connect with them. Go Baby comes last, and maybe I'm missing something, but I don't necessarily agree with where it was placed on the album. I don't mean to take away from the song's positive message (that advocates couples supporting one another in relationships), but I do feel the track may have been more suited in another spot.

Content, flow, wordplay and production are all solid on this album. It met and surpassed my expectations, so I really have nothing else to say except that you should spend some time with it yourself. XO

Brooklyn's Finest

Alright, alriiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

The new Hov album is pretty solid... I'm with the soulful beats, his lyricism, and most importantly, the flow that he has (thankfully) rediscovered.
American Gangster is the follow-up to Kingdom Come that was equally as necessary as The Black Album was to The Blueprint 2.
AND! Now Kanye finally has his pass to participate in Jay's next retirement concert... yelling in the background of Roc Boys! I can see him running around on stage already: "WE IN THE HOOOOOOOOUUUSE"

*UPDATE: Look, it's just like I said!

Favorite tracks are American Dreamin', Sweet, Fallin' and Say Hello. These are all, of course, subject to change. Also, I wasn't the biggest fan of the video for Blue Magic, but the Roc Boys video is fire. And Eskay's right... they went IN.

I read this article in the LA Times and found some of what Jay said to be pretty interesting:

None of the emotions are current emotions. I mean, success is, because that's the thing that I've dealt with, but none of the songs are currently how I feel now. . . . It's like writing a book, going back to all these things, these emotions that I thought were buried. Because as a person you grow and you add layers on who you become. So I never thought that I would get back to that place.

I guarentee that most of his critics will argue that this album is another display of arrogance. True... but considering the quote above, it's really just him revisiting his past, and back then, he was the asshole we all loved. Can he live?

Graduation

After seeing Kanye on 106 tonight and hearing the kids in the audience chant HIS name and not 50's, I decided to post the album review that I wrote last weekend.



Good Morning - By Any Jeans Necessary
A smooth drum line and soothing vocals play behind Ye as he delivers the introduction to his "dissertation." We soon learn the definition of Graduation as Mr. West advocates and explains a concept that embraces one's determination to rise above obstacles, think for themselves, strive for success and look ahead to the future. By far, this joint is a solid way to set the vibe...

Champion - Tell Me What it Takes To Be #1
Kanye's celebratory sermon coincides perfectly with track #2's uplifting Steeley Dan sample. But before he can share back-to-school shopping memories from his not-so-wealthy childhood, Kanye boasts about his subsequent enhanced ability to shop. Triumph in overcoming past shortcomings is then further emphasized as West again rejects the the idea of "giving up," conveniently referencing Lauryn Hill's relationship with hip hop. Using this fervor as an analogy, Kanye asserts that "kids" can now feel invincible instead of invisible.

Stronger - Since OJ Had Isotoners
With it's futuristic sound, this smart single was a good look for "Mr. Don't Act Like I Never Told Ya." Lyrically fending off haters with the anthemic hook, Kanye insists that we should be honored by his lateness since he took the time to "show up to this fake shit." Sporting one of the best beats on the album, the song will keep anyone moving, whether it's with a two-step or the robot. Me Likey.

I Wonder - What you about?
A slow and intoxicating staccato flow helps Kanye tell stories as he asks: "you ever wonder if you'll find you dreams?" By discussing topics like intuition and being real over synthy magic, Ye encourages us to question life's idiosyncrasies, as he does. And since any deep song can use a little comic relief, Ye goes in to lighten the mood with a delightfully hilarious rhyme scheme using house, spouse, blouse, and finally, arous'd (my favorite). All in all, I Wonder If You Know What It Means...

Good Life – I'm Good!
You're Kanye West, why do you have T-Pain on a track? Plies, Fab and DJ Khaled need him, not YOU! Apparently Kanye thinks T-Pain is a genius, and that may be true... I just wish he would have used a less tired vocal. Imagine instead a soulful Cee-lo or something equivalent that would accurately match the feel-good, overly positive sound of the beat. To me, the song is cliche, unKnaye and my least favorite, reminding me of yet another "bottle poppin'" track. However, just as my disappointment reached it's peak, the amazing video swooped in and saved the day, making the song seem a little more bearable.

Can't Tell Me Nothing – It's So Hard Not To Act Reckless
This overwhelmingly optimistic theme from previous tracks isn't going away any time soon, so get used to it! On his "I Already Graduated" shit, Ye delivers a street anthem that forces listeners to chant "Wait Til I get My Money Right" right along with him. Putting some of his nameless peers on blast, he's now an all grown-up, worldly Ye, leading listeners into life like an army of striving achievers, urging them not to try, but to just BE.

Barry Bonds - They Want Something New, So Let's Get Reacquainted
What sounds like "Drive Slow" Part 2 was disappointing for such a big Wayne fan like myself. One would assume greatness from Kanye and Wayne would mix well, but instead our ears are hit with an oil and water mess. I'm not a huge fan of either verse, but the song is decent enough. And besides sounding far too similar to a song I've already heard from Kanye, the beat and hook are pretty hot, allowing me to bop my head the whole way through.

Drunk and Hot Girls - You Only Live Once, Do Whatever You Like
This song is hilarious. My ears think the beat is reminiscent of music you'd hear at a scary circus or "freak show" of the past, but others have told me they hear "Arabian Nights" so much they "want to jump on a camel" (shout out to Bozworth!) Regardless, Kanye and Mos Def highlight the trials and tribulations that go along with dealing with, well, Drunk and Hot Girls. Kanye's flow rides the beat well, contributing to the already sublime sound presented by a seemingly Asian(?) accent, singing both in English and another language throughout the song. Mos' vocal is also both pleasant and funny at the same time. I love this track.

Flashing Lights - You More, Like, Love To Start Shit
As if the production on this album wasn't already incredible, Kanye brings his serious A-game to this track. Cinematic strings are coupled with up-beat synthy tones, creating a hybrid sound that is cool, calming and exciting all at once. Dwele, the industry's best vocal secret, adds even more swag to the track with a soft, fierce hook. One of my top 3 songs on the album.

Everything I Am - I Know People Wouldn't Usually Rap This...
Once Ye starts addressing his distaste for fakeness in the industry, the beat that first sounded kind of dumpy begins to sound like Truth. Haters are everywhere, warns Kanye, but he insists that his ability to be himself has led to him to rise above them and achieve his own personal success. Since he has our attention, Ye's simplistic contentment turns contemplative by the third verse when he draws on Chi-Town death statistics, refers to killing as "wack shit," and points out that muder and violence are, unfortunately, still glamorized in hop hop.

The Glory - I Know, I Know, I Look Better In Real Life
More bragging about what he has and how much he's grown over the last two years, this track is the most joyful yet. The Glory is why he's done it all so far, and he claims that the haters are all on his coat-tails, in search of it too. The beat is a little too cheery for my taste, but put some cocktails in me and I'm sure it would make me cheese largely.

Homecoming - Do You Think About Me Now And Then?
Chicago's new anthem, Homecoming is Kanye's attempt at personifying his city into female form, much like Cormega's "American Beauty" and Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." did to Hip Hop. Although he simultaneously describes her and declares his love, he also makes it clear that this relationship is 100% mutual. After all, she's helped him to grow, and he's putting her on the map.

Big Brother - People Never Get The Flowers While They Can Still Smell 'Em
How sweet, a dedication to Jigga! Nah, seriously though... I love this track. It's as if Kanye shares excerpts from his diary throughout the years, illustrating the struggles he endured while proving himself to his idol, Hova. We begin to understand his journey, walking with him through the verses: some going at Jay, others putting him on a pedestal. For all those who think this track is quote-un-quote homo, please spare me your opinion; men can love and respect each other without being gay. Get over it.

Overall, the album is a breath of fresh air for hip hop fans. I would have liked to see some more tracks, and maybe some versatility in concepts (don't you ever get sad, Kanye?!), but it's still a great body of work. The kids needs this too... positive energy and self-esteem never hurt anyone. I wish I still had my car too, because Lord knows I would be bumping this album!