The religious nature of J. Cole’s newest album is seasoned in modern ideals. “Kerney Skit” and “Chaining Day” both highlight present religious falsity and tackles the issue of an “iced out jesus piece”. Cole has evolved both as a lyricist and as a producer. Utilizing a diverse set of samples to create a very interesting record.
J. Cole is clearly stuck between the purgatory of notoriety and morality. He delves deep into the changing dynamics he has with women on “She Knows” and “Forbidden Fruit”, a track that features Kendrick Lamar where Cole illeterates to the creation story and temptation. “Apple juice falling down her lips/little sip/took a little sip, took a little sip”, Cole explains that he is still trying to decipher the women he encountered before and after the fame.
Cole illustrates more than his woes with women, he addresses his perception of the music industry on the first track “Villuminati”, exemplfying his growth in the business and also addressing illuminati rumors with a few comical, yet witty lyrics. His ego has also grown with the chorus repeating “Sometime I brag like hov”.
He returns to his signature sound on “Ain’t That Some S*** (Interlude)” and falling short of impressing his mentor on “Let Nas Down.” Cole describes not living up to the standards of his idols before him. Moreoever, J. Cole argues his point with strong storytelling verses about succumbing to mainstream pressure. Nonetheless, with the help of singer Miguel on “Power Trip” and TLC on “Crooked Smile”, Cole has found a happy medium between with his message and radio spins.
J. Cole may highlight his struggle into his new life on his sophomore album, but the album is a solid composition of work. J. Cole has proven he is comfortable on his own beats and has improved greatly in this area with the help of legendary producers No I.D and Elite. His growth as an artist is clearly demonstrated as he delivers an album with significantly more substance than his debut album Cole World: A Sideline Story. If J. Cole was looking for redemption he has received it, and at the midway point of 2013 J. Cole has entered the race for Album of the Year .
Ruffhouse News 