The Cool [Edited] * by Lupe Fiasco

Personnel: Chris Goss, Josh Homme (guitar); Philip Shepherd (cello, electric cello); Richard File (piano, organ, synthesizer, programming); Cosmic (keyboards); James Book (bass guitar, programming); Dave Henderson (drums); Pablo Clements (programming, background vocals); Chris Allen (programming); Aidan Lavelle, James Lavelle, Soul Children of Chicago (background vocals). Additional personnel: Graham Burris (vocals); Sarah Green, Matthew Santos, Gemstones, Bishop G, Nikki Jean, Pooh Bear, Snoop Dogg, UNKLE. Building on the success of his acclaimed debut, FOOD & LIQUOR, Chi-town representative Lupe Fiasco returns with a concept-themed record, THE COOL. Evenly balancing intelligent lyricism, poetic symbolism, and catchy pop-themed production, Lupe's sophomore effort partially follows the story of the ghetto Everyman, the Cool, in his ever-changing relationship with the Streets and the Game. Still, it's not all high-concept here. Lupe also celebrates the spoils of superstar glamour on the catchy single, "Su...