Lupe Fiasco goes gold

“LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL,” the chart-topping second album from 1st & 15th/Atlantic recording artist Lupe Fiasco, has been certified gold by the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000. The critically acclaimed album – which features the hit singles, “Superstar (Feat. Matthew Santos)” and “Hip-Hop Saved My Life (Feat. Nikki Jean)” –debuted on Billboard’s “Top Rap Albums” chart at #1 upon its December 2007 release, and remained in the peak position for nine weeks.

In February, the Chicago-based MC earned his first-ever Grammy Award, bringing home the “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” trophy for last year’s smash, “Daydreamin’ (Feat. Jill Scott).” The track is now being featured in AT&T’s national “Celebrate Spring” ad campaign.

“Superstar (Feat. Matthew Santos),” the first single/video from “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL,” is without doubt one of 2008’s foremost hits, maintaining its top 20 status on this week’s Billboard “Hot 100.” The track is also a top 10 sensation on the “Hot Rap Tracks” ranking, while still standing strong on a variety of other charts, including “Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs” and “Hot Digital Songs.” What’s more, “Superstar” continues to score at radio, where it remains a top 20 favorite on both the CHR/Top 40 and Rhythmic airplay charts. The track is also drawing significant play at Urban outlets nationwide. The “Superstar” companion video – directed by the great Hype Williams – remains a hugely popular clip at all music video outlets, including MTV, BET, Fuse, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, MTV TR3S, VH1 Soul, the N, and MUN2.

“Hip-Hop Saved My Life (Feat. Nikki Jean),” the album’s latest single/video, is slated to impact at multi-format radio outlets across the country in late May. It has already been added into rotation at the biggest hip-hop radio station in the country, New York’s Hot 97. The track’s companion video – directed by Dr. Teeth (T.I., Paul Wall, Mike Jones) – is already in play across the MTV spectrum, including MTV2, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, mtvU, and FUSE. The clip, which features a cameo appearance from rap icon Bun B, is now in “Up To The RC” rotation at BET, where Lupe recently made a stellar live appearance as part of the network’s annual Spring Bling coverage. “Hip-Hop Saved My Live” is also a top 10 success at BETJ.

In addition to his recent performance on BET, Lupe has made a variety of high-profile TV appearances in recent months, performing live on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman, CBS’ Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly, NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno, PBS’ Tavis Smiley, MTV’s TRL, and the syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Surely one of hip-hop’s most electrifying and active live performers, Lupe is currently on a major North American tour, supporting his longtime friend and associate Kanye West on his blockbuster “Glow In The Dark Tour.” The trek is now lighting up arenas across the continent, with dates continuing through a June 13th finale at Cincinnati’s US Bank Arena (see attached itinerary). That very same day will see Lupe playing an additional set in Manchester, Tennessee at the Bonnaroo Music festival.

Watch the video for “Paris, Tokyo”