16. Lupe Fiasco - The Cool (2008)
Notable Tracks: Hip-Hop Saved My Life, Streets On Fire, Intruder Alert, Hello/Goodbye I'm starting to question myself with all of these hip-hop albums, but I simply cannot forget this album. If you have never heard of Lupe Fiasco, or if you typically don't even listen to this genre, I strongly suggest departing from your normalcy for a moment and giving this album a chance. If there is one rap artist who can completely resurrect common misconceptions (and even plausible perceptions) about the genre, Lupe is that artist. What sets him apart from the others is his impregnable beliefs, his ability to tell thought-provoking, heartfelt stories, and his nearly unparalleled lyricism. What's even more outlandish is the fact that Lupe--a modern rap artist--also fronts a post punk/alternative band called Japanese Cartoon. While I can't honestly provide positive reviews for his experimental band, I can say that Lupe, without a doubt, is the type of serious artist mainstream music desperately needs. If you find that you really enjoy this album, I suggest listening to his albums Food & Liquor and Food & Liquor II.