Lupe Fiasco’s The Cool by Lupe Fiasco

Lupe Fiasco's The Cool (commonly referred as The Cool) is the second studio album by Chicago-native rapper Lupe Fiasco. It was released on December 18, 2007, by 1st & 15th Entertainment and Atlantic Records. Recording sessions took place during 2006 to 2007, with Lupe Fiasco himself, alongside Charles Patton (Chilly) serving as the records executive producers. A concept album, The Cool was based upon the song and a title character from his debut album, Food & Liquor (2006). The album features guest appearances from Gemini, Snoop Dogg and Matthew Santos, while the production was provided by Patrick Stump, Soundtrakk and Unkle, among others. The album debuted at number 15 on the US Billboard 200, selling 143,407 copies in its first week. The album debuted as the number-one rap record and remained for 9 weeks. To date, the album was a certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). At the 2009 Grammy Awards, the album was nominated for the Best Rap Album.