Quick News On Lupe Fiasco

Despite the title of his first single, Lupe Fiasco has no intentions to "Dumb It Down" for his sophomore set, The Cool. Billboard reports that Lupe introduces a slew of characters on the album, which is scheduled for a Dec. 18 release. Michael Young History, the Game (who Lupe calls "a male personification of a hustler's damaging influences") and the Streets (who Lupe describes as "a female embodiment of the urban area's corrupt allure") are among a few of the characters who pop up this time around. Fans should remember "The Streets" from Food & Liquor's "Real Recognize Real." Soundtrakk, UNKLE and Chris and Drop supply the bulk of the production and Snoop Dogg, Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and Chicago Indie rocker Matthew Santos also make guest appearances.

Lupe's collaboration with the Japanese clothing company Swagger has spawned its own collection called Fall of Rome. The collection was meant to be a one-time effort between Lupe's Trilly & Truly line, but the rapper says he was so impressed with the designs that he's going to make a separate label. Since Swagger is operated by Big-O and Iggy out of Japan, expect the bulk of the line to be released there, with a limited boutique release in the states this December. For more information on both projects visit www.LupeFiasco.com.