On this day, Dec. 18, in hip-hop history…

2007: Lupe Fiasco released his second studio album, The Cool, through both Atlantic Records and his 1st & 15th imprint.

The Cool serves as the follow up to his critically acclaimed debut album, Food & Liquor, which introduced him to the world as one of hip-hop's brightest up and coming stars. Even though his first LP was a massive success, it was The Cool that solidified Lupe as one of hip-hop's premier lyricists and storytellers.

The project is a concept album that expands on the story that was told by Lupe on his song "The Cool," off of his debut album. Throughout the course of the 19-track LP, The Cool tells the story of the boy from "He Say, She Say" off of Food & Liquor who grew up without a father, and the people that step in to raise him are introduced as the characters, the Streets and the Game, with The Streets playing his female love interest and The Game his father.

At the time, the album's sound drew many comparisons to A Tribe Called Quest with jazzy tracks such as "Paris, Tokyo," and thought provoking tracks such as "Hip Hop Saved My Life," serving as highlights.

The album debuted as the No. 1 Rap Album and remained at that spot for over two months. It is certified Gold by the RIAA, selling over 500,000 copies to date. The Cool was also nominated for four awards at the 2009 Grammy Awards, and though it won none of the awards, The Cool is still regarded as one of Lupe's best works.

1st & 15th/Atlantic
1st & 15th/Atlantic
loading...

See Hip-Hop Songs That Have Gone No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 in 2018

More From XXL