The Cool (by Lupe Fiasco, Hip-hop)
common sense media says
Intelligent social commentary, some iffy content.
parents & educators say
- 67% say there are positive role models
- 67% say there are positive messages
What parents need to know
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.
Violence:
Very violent images that ultimately have an anti-violence message. "Little Weapon" describes acts of violence committed by very young men, then makes a connection to video-games.
Sex:
Sexual references are intelligent and complex ("...foreplay-less sex is/which makes me stainless/with no neck to hang the chain with/which makes me necklace-less..." "smell it on my unicorn") and will go over the heads of less sophisticated teens.
Language:
All the usual racist and four-letter words, over and over again.
Consumerism:
A couple of brand names are mentioned (cars, clothing).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
References to liquor, champagne, and dime bags are more cynical than celebratory.
More on The Cool
Review It
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
- 67% say there are positive role models
- 67% say there are positive messages
- 33% say language is an issue
- 33% say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking
- 33% say they noticed product placement
Most useful reviews by all members
zacharysm148@g ...
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
This is my favorite album ever!
This is my favorite album ever! Lupe does use violence, sex and language to get his point across, but not as much as other rappers. Plus most middle-schoolers hear worse language at school and the sexual wordplay that is present will probably go over most kids heads. The main reason I don't reccomend this for younger kids is because it won't have as big an impact (and, you know, the language). Lupe encourages taking responsibility for your actions and is an awesome rapper overall. The beats are good too. Tip: If you do by this album, (which I really hope you do), make sure you listen to it in order. It's a concept album and if you listen tot he tracks in order, it tells a story and has a better impact.
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philsphan13
adult
adult
What hip-hop was supposed to be
Lupe uses bad language like a lot of rappers, but in almost every song he has a positive outlook on things, and doesn't sound like other rappers who are sometimes just sickening to listen to. Really appropriate rapper, just takes some maturity to listen to.
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Mycophycophyta
parent of 15 and 17 year old
parent of 15 and 17 year old
There may be language, but I believe it needs to have language for Lupe to make his very intelligent points...
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elrey9103
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
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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Johan
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
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.
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fontiso
adult
adult
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.
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