 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Cool
- By Lupe Fiasco
- Genre: Hip-hop
Common Sense Media says
Intelligent social commentary, some iffy content.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
In Lupe Fiasco's sophomore CD, THE COOL, he combines many diverse influences more skillfully than most artists: provocative poetry ("She would cry just so I could drink the tears from her eyes" and "Y'all please have sympathy and forgive my cool young history"); references to literary and mythological figures (Ichabod Crane, Poseidon); cynical wake-up calls about institutional racism and unconscious sexism; and stream-of-consciousness word play. And it's all explosively performed over exquisitely produced instrumental tracks that also draw on many musical periods and influences, from soul to acid rock to standard-issue hip-hop.
Is it any good?
Fiasco has produced a witty, intelligent, cynical, and thought-provoking album. Best of all, his first unlikely target seems to be himself, as he never shies away from taking responsibility for his own actions. Although the explicit language might make some parents uncomfortable, the content is important and socially relevant enough to consider making an exception for The Cool.
What 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.
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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
There may be language, but I believe it needs to have language for Lupe to make his very intelligent points...
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AGE
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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| Artist: | Lupe Fiasco |
| Release date: | December 18, 2007 |
| Labels: | Atlantic, WEA |
| Genre: | Hip-hop |
| Parental advisory: | Yes |
| Edited version available: | Yes |
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