There may be language, but I believe it needs to have language for Lupe to make his very intelligent points...
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The Cool
(2007, Hip-hop, by Lupe Fiasco, Label: Atlantic / WEA)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Intelligent social commentary, some iffy content.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–18
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Cool
Parents need to know that there's a lot of explicit language on this CD ("f--k" and the "N" word are used frequently; there are many references to violence, sexism, drinking, and drugs), right alongside astute social commentary, intelligent word play, literary references, and sophisticated humor. There's an edited version, but it just doesn't have the same visceral impact as the real thing.
Read our full review by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about mixing smart lyrics and messages with explicit language. Do you think rappers need to have graphic lyrics to get their point across? Why or why not? Families can also talk about the first line of the CD: "They thought it was cool to burn crosses in your front lawn as they hung you from trees in your backyard." This might be a provocative introduction to a serious discussion about institutionalized racism. The song "Dumb It Down" might also be a taking-off point for serious discussion about self-esteem and finding your way in a world that can be pretty tough at times.
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Age 15? I'd say a mature 12 and up...
The thing about this album is that the profanity and swearing is pretey much bunched into about six or seven of the songs on here. If you get the edited version it will definitely be better for your kids, but the unedited is nowhere near as bad as the review makes it out to be. Buy it if your kid is 12/13 or up; very intelligent & creative, none of that Soulja Boy STUFF.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
WHY DON'T MORE KIDS LISTEN TO THIS? An excellent, intelligent rap CD...
Lupe Fiasco is rap for smart people. An example of dumb rap would be, say 50 cent or Lil' Wayne, Chingy. But Lupe Fiasco is amazing. Intelligent, cool, goosebump-giving, awesome songs. This CD is too good. Parents, make an exception. Just get the edited version. It's a good one. The main word used is the N word and it isn't that frequent. Yes, there is violence, but it's all in an anti-violence message. Lupe never talks about girls in a demeaning way, more in a loving way actually. There are tiny references to drugs, but not in a bad way, and sexual references are not a problem. It's an excellent CD for those who wish to listen to good rap, instead "C" rap, or crap. Just buy it.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
good cd
it is a good cd but sometimes it can have a lot of language and/or violence. if you r smart enough to remember that that stuff isnt good it is a good cd
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say they notice product placement |
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