N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose (Remix) video featuring Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Pusha T of The Clipse from the album Seeing Sounds

Behind the scene footage and the making of the music video “Paris, Tokyo”

COCA-COLA KEEPS IT COOL WITH TEEN CONCERT TOUR FEATURING GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING STAR LUPE FIASCO

Six-City “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour” Kicks off in Los Angeles

Coca-Cola keeps the summer cool and makes it hot for teens across the country as it kicks off the six-city, invitation only “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour” featuring hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco today in Los Angeles.

Starting tonight in Hollywood, Grammy award-winning hip hop artist Lupe Fiasco will bring his hits, “Kick, Push” and “Superstar” to lucky teens, ages 13-17, across the country for an exclusive, invitation only concert tour created by Coca-Cola North America. The “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour” opens today at the Avalon in Hollywood and will travel to some of the hottest venues in five other cities including: The Electric Factory (Philadelphia, August 3); The Tabernacle (Atlanta, August 8); Park West (Chicago, August 17); LOVE (Washington D.C., August 21); and, The Filmore at Irving Plaza (New York City, August 29). Up-and-coming artist Karina Pasian will open the show.

“The ‘Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour’ continues Coca-Cola’s tradition of connecting African American teens with something they love – Coca-Cola and music,” said Yolanda White, assistant vice president, African American Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “Not only will each concert offer the teens an unforgettable musical experience, it will give each of them a taste of the Coke Side of Life – a moment in time that is refreshingly optimistic and uplifting. And, by engaging an artist like Lupe Fiasco, they will be encouraged to live on the positive side of life.”

Tickets to the show are free and can only be obtained from partnering radio stations, participating retailers and Coca-Cola street teams traveling to teen hot spots throughout the cities. In addition, select Boys & Girls Clubs in each market will distribute tickets to deserving Club teens.

“I am looking forward to the ‘Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour.’ It’s a unique opportunity for me to bring a message of positivity and what it really means to be cool,” said Lupe Fiasco. “I hope it will be an unforgettable experience for every teen who attends.”

The Grammy award-winning Lupe Fiasco came on the music scene in 2006 with the chart-topping debut single, “Kick, Push.” He has been lauded by critics and fans alike for his clean, underground, storytelling rap style that is contrast to popular mainstream lyrics glamorizing materialism, sexuality and violence. His music is inspired by his love for Japanese animation, comic books, video games, art, literature and philosophy. MTV recently ranked him No. 7 on the list of “hottest MCs in the Game 2008.” His highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Cool” was released in December 2007 and has garnered current hits “Superstar,” “Paris Tokyo” and “Hip Hop Saved My Life.”

Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs

The partnership with local Boys & Girls Clubs is a part of a long-term national relationship The Coca-Cola Company has with the non-profit youth organization. As part of the “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour,” select teens from local Clubs will receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Lupe Fiasco and attend the concert as VIPs.

Radio stations offering “Refresh Your Flow Tour” tickets are: Power 106, Los Angeles; Power 99, Philadelphia; HOT 107.9, Atlanta; WGCI, Chicago; WPGC Jams, Washington D.C.; and, HOT 97, New York City. Check with each station directly to learn more about how to obtain tickets.

The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 450 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.5 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.

“LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” EARNS RIAA GOLD; CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED MC CELEBRATES WITH MAJOR NORTH AMERICAN TOUR SUPPORTING KANYE WEST; “SUPERSTAR” CONTINUES TO SHINE AS NEW SINGLE, “HIP-HOP SAVED MY LIFE,” IS READIED FOR MAY IMPACT; GRAMMY-WINNING “DAYDREAMIN’” CURRENTLY FEATURED IN AT&T’S “CELEBRATE SPRING” TV PROMOTION

“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.

* * * * *

Lupe Fiasco has quickly established himself as among the most compelling and creative artists of the era, offering a rare combination of complex, thought-provoking lyricism coupled with sure-fire beats. “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” sees the critically acclaimed rapper following up on 2006’s breakthrough, Grammy-nominated debut, “LUPE FIASCO’S FOOD & LIQUOR,” by kicking and pushing against the boundaries of modern hip-hip. Loosely structured as a multi-character concept album detailing the “damaging influences” and “corrupt allure” of post-millennial Urban America, the set features such special guests as the one-and-only Snoop Dogg, with diverse and inventive production from Soundtrakk, UNKLE, Chris & Drop, and Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump.

The MC first made himself known with his featured appearance on Kanye West’s hit single, “Touch The Sky,” followed by the anthemic hit single, “Kick, Push.” As a result, “LUPE FIASCO’S FOOD & LIQUOR” debuted on Billboard’s “Top Rap Albums” chart at #1 upon its September 2006 release, while also entering the Billboard 200 at #8.

The 25-year-old rapper soon proved to be the year’s biggest hip-hop breakthrough, garnering a trio of 2006 Grammy Award nominations, including “Best Rap Album,” “Best Rap Song,” and “Best Rap Solo Performance.” Other honors include his being named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists To Watch 2006” as well as GQ’s 2006 “Breakout Man of the Year, “not to mention an array of nominations from the BET Hip Hop Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, the mtvU Woodie Awards, and the Soul Train Music Awards.

“LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” drew instant critical acclaim upon its December release, coming in at #10 on Entertainment Weekly’s “The Best” list for 2007 – no mean feat considering the album was released with just two weeks left in the year. The album “recalls (Kanye) West’s pop versatility and positive flair,” EW declared, adding “Fiasco seems ready to join his former mentors in the big leagues.” The New York Times was equally effusive, calling “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” “one of the year’s best hip-hop albums.” USA Today awarded the album four stars, praising it as “a 19-track gem that showcases (Fiasco’s) intricate wordplay on everything from the rap industry and celebrity life to gun-toting youth and sexual violence.”

Online outlets were also quick to commend the collection, with Pitchfork giving it an 8.1 rating, declaring it “sprawling, grandiose.” “Lupe Fiasco is undoubtedly one of ‘The Coolest’ rappers to come along in the last ten years,” noted RapReviews.com in a 10-out-of-10 rave. HipHopDX.com rated “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” 4.5-out-of-5 Xs, pointing out that the set “proves that ‘FOOD & LIQUOR’ was no accident and it’s quite possible that the best has yet to come.” “Lupe demonstrates an innate virtuosity in his brainy approach to an often over simplified craft,” hailed AllHipHop.com in its 8-out-of-10 starred review, while Yo! Raps awarded the album 5-out-of-5 stars, explaining that it “has pushed the genre of hip hop music into a place where no emcee or artist will be able to lead hip hop into for awhile.”

Among Lupe’s biggest fans are hip-hop’s best and brightest stars, including Jay-Z, who told Blender that, “I love Lupe. He’s a genius writer.” What’s more, the legendary Rakim – without question one of rap’s all-time greatest talents – recently named Lupe as his favorite current MC, explaining that “there’s still a lot of artists and a lot of songs out there that’s good for you and still sound like that real hip-hop. The positive rap doesn’t get as much coverage as the negative rap, but people (like Lupe Fiasco) are trying to get back around to the lyrical stuff.”

LUPE FIASCO

ON TOUR 2008

All Dates w/Kanye West’s “Glow In The Dark Tour” Except *

April

26 Albuquerque, NM Journal Pavilion
27 Denver, CO Pepsi Arena
29 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center Arena
30 Austin, TX Frank Irwin Center

May
1 Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
2 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
3 New Orleans, LA House of Blues *
4 Atlanta, GA The Arena @ Gwinnett Center
5 Tampa, FL Ford Amphitheatre
6 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
8 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena
9 Raleigh, NC Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
10 Washington, DC Nissan Pavilion
11 Virginia Beach, VA Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
13 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
13 New York, NY S.O.B.s *
15 Boston, MA Tweeter Center
16 Hartford, CT New England Dodge Music Center
17 Philadelphia, PA Susquehanna Bank Center
18 Scranton, PA Toyota Pavilion
20 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
21 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre
22 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
23 Chicago, IL United Center
24 Chicago, IL United Center
24 Fargo, ND Fargodome
26 Manitoba, AB MTS Centre
27 Saskatoon, AB Credit Union Centre
29 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
30 Calgary, AB Pengrowth Saddledome
June
2 Vancouver, BC GM Palace
3 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
5 Reno, NV Reno Events Center
6 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
7 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
8 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena
9 Salt Lake City, UT E Center
11 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
12 Moline, IL i wireless Center
13 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music Festival *
13 Cincinnati, OH US Bank Arena

Lupe Fiasco - Hip Hop Saved My Life video featuring Nikki Jean

LUPE FIASCO IS “THE COOL”-EST SUPERSTAR IN HIP-HOP TODAY; GRAMMY-NOMINATED RAPPER’S SOPHOMORE ALBUM DEBUTS AT #1 ON BILLBOARD’S “TOP RAP ALBUMS” CHART, WHILE SCORING ACROSS-THE-BOARD CRITICAL PRAISE; CHICAGO MC IS FIRST MUSICAL GUEST ON LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN’S RETURN TO THE AIR; MAJOR CROSS-COUNTRY TOUR TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK

1st & 15th/Atlantic recording artist Lupe Fiasco is making waves from coast to coast with his just-released second album, “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL.” Highlighted by the hit single/video, “Superstar (Feat. Matthew Santos),” the hugely anticipated collection debuted on Billboard’s “Top Rap Albums” chart at #1, remaining in the pinnacle position for what is now three consecutive weeks.

“LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” has drawn instant critical acclaim, coming in at #10 on Entertainment Weekly’s “The Best” list for 2007 – no mean feat considering the album was released with just two weeks left in the year. The album “recalls (Kanye) West’s pop versatility and positive flair,” EW declared, adding “Fiasco seems ready to join his former mentors in the big leagues.” The New York Times was equally effusive, calling “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” “one of the year’s best hip-hop albums.” USA Today awarded the album four stars, praising it as “a 19-track gem that showcases (Fiasco’s) intricate wordplay on everything from the rap industry and celebrity life to gun-toting youth and sexual violence.”

Online outlets were also quick to commend the collection, with Pitchfork giving it an 8.1 rating, declaring it “sprawling, grandiose.” “Lupe Fiasco is undoubtedly one of ‘The Coolest’ rappers to come along in the last ten years,” noted RapReviews.com in a 10-out-of-10 rave. HipHopDX.com rated “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” 4.5-out-of-5 Xs, pointing out that the set “proves that ‘FOOD & LIQUOR” was no accident and it’s quite possible that the best has yet to come.” “Lupe demonstrates an innate virtuosity in his brainy approach to an often over simplified craft,” hailed AllHipHop.com in its 8-out-of-10 starred review, while Yo! Raps awarded the album 5-out-of-5 stars, explaining that it “has pushed the genre of hip hop music into a place where no emcee or artist will be able to lead hip hop into for awhile.”

“Superstar (Feat. Matthew Santos)” is now poised to explode onto the radio airplay charts, with Rhythmic outlets nationwide giving the track its biggest weekly increase to date. In addition, the listeners at New York’s hugely influential Hot 97 have been showing the single big love, while the station’s programming staff was blown away by Lupe’s recent sold-out show at The Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza. Along with the fantastic response in NYC, “Superstar” is picking up strong momentum in some of the country’s biggest major markets, including Los Angeles, Miami, Tampa, Hartford, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Hartford, Philly, Las Vegas, and San Diego.

The Chicago-based MC – who recently scored a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Urban Alternative Performance,” honoring last year’s hit single, “Daydreamin’ (Feat. Jill Scott)” – introduced “Superstar” to millions of new fans last week, performing as the musical guest on the return-to-the-air episode of CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman.

Next month, Lupe will be the subject of the first February installment of MTV’s 52 Bands, a special feature segment that highlights one new artist per week, throughout the year. Furthermore, the “Superstar” companion video – directed by the great Hype Williams – was MTV2’s #2 most spun clip over the holiday week, while scoring additional play at MTV, mtvU, MTV Hits, MTV Jams, and VH1 Soul. “Superstar” is also in “Large” rotation on BET’s Rap City, as well as in “Medium” rotation on the network’s overall playlist.

Unquestionably among hip-hop’s most electrifying and active live performers, Lupe celebrated the December release of “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” with a special “MySpace Presents The Release” concert at Honolulu, Hawaii’s Pipeline Café – Lupe’s first-ever Hawaiian live date. A full-scale US tour is set to take off on January 10th at Portland, Oregon’s Roseland Theater, with dates continuing through the end of the month (see attached itinerary). A majority of the shows – including those in Seattle, San Francisco, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington DC, and New York City – are already sold out, but a further slate of North American concerts will be announced shortly.

In addition to his performance itinerary, a series of in-store appearances are also scheduled in such cities as Portland, San Francisco, Encinitas, Las Vegas, Denver, Austin, and Dallas – full details can be found at Lupe’s official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/lupefiasco. One of MySpace’s top 5 current artists, Lupe maintains a vibrant online presence, including his own LupeFiasco.com (recently updated with a wide range of interactive features such as “THE COOLest” video game). Also, Lupe’s very own YouTube channel – located at www.youtube.com/lupefiasco – has logged over one million plays, with videos including “Superstar” and the banging street anthem, “Dumb It Down.”

An array of high-profile mobile initiatives also heralded the new album’s arrival, including early drops of “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” on Verizon and Sprint, as well as feature slots in all major off-deck and on-deck ringtone stores. A special Boost program – featuring a can’t-miss-it standup of Lupe – is now in effect at over 8,000 retailers nationwide.

* * * * *

Lupe Fiasco has quickly established himself as among the most compelling and creative artists of the era, offering a rare combination of complex, thought-provoking lyricism coupled with sure-fire beats. “LUPE FIASCO’S THE COOL” sees the critically acclaimed rapper following up on 2006’s breakthrough debut, “LUPE FIASCO’S FOOD & LIQUOR,” by kicking and pushing against the boundaries of modern hip-hop. Loosely structured as a multi-character concept album detailing the “damaging influences’ and ‘corrupt allure” of post-millennial Urban America, the set features such special guests as the one-and-only Snoop Dogg, with diverse and inventive production from Soundtrakk, UNKLE, Chris & Drop, and Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump.

The MC first made himself known with his featured appearance on Kanye West’s hit single, “Touch The Sky,” followed by the anthemic hit single, “Kick, Push.” As a result, “LUPE FIASCO’S FOOD & LIQUOR” debuted on Billboard’s “Top Rap Albums” chart at #1 upon its September 2006 release, while also entering the Billboard 200 at #8.

The 25-year-old rapper soon proved to be the year’s biggest hip-hop breakthrough, garnering a trio of 2006 Grammy Award nominations, including “Best Rap Album,” “Best Rap Song,” and “Best Rap Solo Performance.” Other honors include his being named one of Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists To Watch 2006” as well as GQ’s 2006 “Breakout Man of the Year, “not to mention an array of nominations from the BET Hip Hop Awards, the NAACP Image Awards, the mtvU Woodie Awards, and the Soul Train Music Awards.

Among Lupe’s biggest fans are hip-hop’s best and brightest stars, including Jay-Z, who told Blender, “I love Lupe. He’s a genius writer.” What’s more, the legendary Rakim – without question one of rap’s all-time greatest talents – recently named Lupe as his favorite current MC, explaining that “there’s still a lot of artists and a lot of songs out there that’s good for you and still sound like that real hip-hop. The positive rap doesn’t get as much coverage as the negative rap, but people (like Lupe Fiasco) are trying to get back around to the lyrical stuff.”

(TOUR ITINERARY ATTACHED)

LUPE FIASCO

On Tour 2008

JANUARY

10 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
11 Seattle, WA Showbox at the Market
13 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
14 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
15 Solana Beach, CA Belly Up Tavern
17 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
18 Las Vegas, CA House of Blues
19 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre
20 Denver, CO Gothic Theatre
22 Austin, TX Emo’s
23 Dallas, TX House of Blues
25 Atlanta, GA The Roxy
27 Baltimore, MD Sonar
28 Norfolk, VA The Norva
30 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
31 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore at TLA

FEBRUARY

1 Richmond, VA Stuart C. Seigel Center
2 New York, NY Nokia Theatre

MARCH

1 New Haven, CT Yale University
25 Fredricksburg, VA Great Hall

Fresh.

The video for the first official single from Lupe’s sophmore album “The Cool”, in stores December 18th!

Directed by: Hype Williams