The Coolest

Album: Lupe Fiasco's The Cool (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a prelude to "The Cool" from Fiasco's debut album. In this song The Cool, who is a character from Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor album, and The Game, who is a female antagonist introduced on this album, discuss ideal candidates for a life of crime. Fiasco, who is critical of much of the Hip-Hop moral outlook, also introduces on the album a third character, The Streets, who is The Game's lover. He uses the 3 of them to critique the hustler aesthetic that is so often seemingly promoted by rap artists.
  • Lupe Fiasco's The Cool was described on Fiasco's MySpace site as "a multi-character concept album detailing the 'damaging influences and corrupt allure' of post-millennial Urban America."
  • Fiasco's first 2 albums both begin with a brief rumination by his sister, Iesha Jaco, on social and political topics. The Chicago rapper explained to the San Diego Union-Tribune January 10, 2008: "I want her to shine so she can never say she had nothing to do with my career! But, really, we share some of the same ideals because of our parents. Spoken-word is to the point and abrasive, so I wanted to open up the albums with her, and say: 'Hey, listen! Pay attention!'"

Comments: 3

  • Joe from Columbia, Scone of the smartest songs to ever be written by a hip-hop artist
  • Woodz from Huntly West, New ZealandThey way I always interpreted this song was that it was about a guy (the coolest nigga) who starts going out with a girl because it will increase his stardom. But when he gets sick of supporter their child he splits. "Ha-ha-ha-ha, right up in her face g"

    There's my two cents anyway. Great song, love Lupe to piece, bring on LupE.N.D
  • Allox from Qld, AustraliaSuch a good song, great lyrics, even though I hardly understand them.... The strings are so beautiful and I love his whole style, so smooth and sophisticated.

    Paris, Tokyo is another good one....
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"

Neal Smith - "I'm Eighteen"They're Playing My Song

With the band in danger of being dropped from their label, Alice Cooper drummer Neal Smith co-wrote the song that started their trek from horror show curiosity to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.