Chicago's Brightest Star of Hip-Hop

Lupe Fiasco’s 2007 album “The Cool” started out looking like a complete waste of time. The introduction was okay, but the first few songs seemed like nothing more than the “I’m full of myself” crap that we have come to expect from Chicago hip-hop artists (Yes Kanye, that one is directed at you). Let’s give him a break though, with lyrics like “got my hood riding high on 28’s” he has to be one of the most innovative artists out there today. Honestly, who has ever heard a rap song about rims before? Lupe’s singing left a bit to be desired at the end of “Paris, Tokyo” as well. But just as this album seemed like it should be thrown to the trash heap along side Lil Jon’s “Kings of Crunk” and Kanye West’s “College Dropout” something strange happened. Inspirational and influential music started pouring out of the speakers as “Hip-Hop Saved My Life” started playing. It came as quite a relief to hear hip-hop vocal content that did not center around big butts, a Cadillac on 22 inch rims, or one’s helium inflated ego. “Intruder Alert” continues the quality section of the album with a very emotional story of a girl who had been raped and her attempt to trust again. The song also includes a stellar vocal performance by guest singer Sarah Green. “Streets On Fire” is also one of the best songs on the album with its driving beat and lyrics that actually require the listener to think about what the message may be that lies behind it all. The next few songs show the darker sides of the world and describe the problems plaguing inner-city neighborhoods. Overall, if you can get past the first eight songs, this album does go beyond the stereotypical crap that most hip-hop has become and is actually worth listening to.