Leaked: Lupe Fiasco’s ‘The Cool’ Leaves Us Cold

Lupe Fiasco, Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool

Official release date: December 18

We think: Though Lupe Fiasco’s been saying he’s going to quit recording soon because he doesn’t have enough to say, the problem with The Cool is that he won’t shut up! It’s well over an hour long and framed by a concept story that’s as complex as it is lackluster. Main characters The Game, The Cool, and The Streets wear their metaphors on their sleeves, playing out a hood tale of schemes, violence, and betrayal (or something). “Hi-Definition” features Snoop and Pooh Bear, and one of the most adventurous tracks, “Little Weapon,” is produced by Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump. But Lupe’s vocal gymnastic and platitudes get old fast, and for once we’ve got a rap album that could actually benefit from more guests (where’s Kanye?). Still, the Chi-Town tribute “Go Go Gadget Flow” is fun, and despite everything we hope Lupe doesn’t quit anytime soon. —Ben Westhoff