Lupe Fiasco has terrible timing. The Cool, his follow-up to the critically-acclaimed Food & Liquor, hit shelves on December 18, 2007. Released too late to make anyone’s “Best of 2007″ list, The Cool will also fail to make similar lists next year (as it was technically released in 2007).

I doubt Mr Fiasco really cares. Those familiar with his music will probably agree. In an industry fueled by shameless self-promotion and reckless excess, Fiasco is a rogue. He frequently raps about politics, history, and social injustice.

Which doesn’t mean he can’t hang in there with the big boys. On The Cool, Fiasco spits some of his fiercest verses while, at the same time, expanding his sound and vision. On the track “Put You On Game,” Fiasco sounds downright sinister, effectively silencing those who thought he was too soft.

For the most part Fiasco’s new album works. Food & Liquor is, after all, an extremely difficult act to follow. And while The Cool isn’t as immediately engaging, it’s a solid release that cements Fiasco as one of hip hop’s brightest stars.

[mp3] Lupe Fiasco :: Put You On Game

The following albums came dangerously close to making my Top 10 list, but for reasons discussed below, didn’t quite make the cut:

Lupe Fiasco – Food & Liquor

Despite having Food & Liquor for only a few weeks, I’m completely obsessed. Like Clipse’s Hell Hath No Fury, there is no filler on Food & Liquor. But unlike Clipse, Lupe Fiasco seems to have a conscience. He raps about poverty, politics, skateboarding, and the state of hip hop (to name a few topics). But whatever the subject matter, the beat is always dope and the lyrics thought-provoking.

[mp3] Lupe Fiasco :: Daydreamin’
[mp3] Lupe Fiasco :: American Terrorist

CunninLynguists – A Piece of Strange

After going through most of 2006 without hearing any good hip hop, I get slammed with Clipse, Lupe Fiasco, and then CunninLynguists at the end of the year. Of the three, CunninLynguists’ A Piece of Strange features the most beautiful production. And similar to Lupe Fiasco, CunningLynguists rap about heavier subjects. I guess I identify more with someone trying to spark societal change than someone talking about how much money they pull in from pushing rock.

[mp3] CunninLynguists :: The Gates

Division Day – Beartrap Island

I was randomly browsing Amoeba a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon Division Day’s Beartrap Island in the used section. I was happy to finally find the damn thing; I’d been searching for it for the better part of the fall and winter. Unlike the original owner, I’m really digging this album. It’s consistently great and often fantastic. Give “Colorguard” a listen. I guarantee you’ll like it the first time through.

[mp3] Division Day :: Colorguard
[mp3] Division Day :: Dayenu