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J Cole Album Makes Impressive Start
Other | Thursday 6th October 2011 | Osh
J.Cole Album Review
Cole World: The Sideline Story (ROC NATION/SONY)
So its finally here, the long awaited release of J.Cole’s debut studio album is finally here and for once, this product lives up to its hype. The album is musically diverse and Cole’s lyrics and flows are innovative but more importantly his choice of topics are refreshingly new. This album will probably take Hip Hop into a new direction.
From the intro Cole announces that he has come for what he is owed and you believe him, Dollar and A Dream has a resounding baseline over a mid tempo melody, with Cole’s almost Tupac esk flow. Can’t Get Enough feat Trey Songz, is the lead single from the album and is definitely one for the clubs, with a latin guitar driving the bouncing baseline. Lights Please is already a classic and is the single that made Jay-Z sign Cole to Roc Nation.
Sideline Story is uptempo with an infectious piano riff, Cole drops lyrics that strike the balance perfectly between reality and depression. Dub Step is undoubtedly influencing the industry worldwide and this is evident on Mr Nice Watch which features Jay-Z and no doubt will be a single. Cole World will keep the ‘street heads’ happy, with a heavy 808 baseline throughout. In The Morning featuring Drake already has the streets on lock. Lost Ones is very interesting lyrically as Cole deals with unplanned pregnancies and raps from both the male and female perspective. Nobody’s Perfect has that mid tempo R’n’B feel to it and refreshingly features Missy Elliott singing the hook, a sure fire hit single.
Rise and Shine explodes with a rapid drum pattern and a slammin baseline. A must for every Hip Hop mix tape. The sharp snare beat on God’s Gift almost holds your attention hostage and the irregular beats on Breakdown perfectly set up Cole’s insightfull lyrics, which addresses the effects of a broken home. Workout was a soft release from the album and Cole cleverly borrows the melody of Paula Abdul’s 90s R’n’B hit, Straight Up.
The deluxe edition of the album includes the classic Who Dat that announced J.Cole to the world and Daddy’s Little Girl really showcases Cole’s social conscience regarding young women going astray.
Overall the album is balanced i.e. street without being hood, commercial without selling out and the featured artists complement Cole without ever being overpowering. So this probably the best album released this year and when Cole says himself “I’m set to reign for 3 or 4 eras”, you believe him. He has certainly made an impressive start. Long live the king!
