J. Cole
2011 was a breakthrough year for this young M.C. He not only displayed his lyrical chops, but also brought out his inner Yeezy by producing the majority of his two latest projects. Dropping his highly regarded mixtape, Friday Night Lights, in November of 2010 built a buzz strong enough to put even the heaviest of drinkers on their back. Friday Night Lights was packed with a diverse range of songs, proving that he can appeal to any crowd. It included party-hype songs like “Blow Up”, songs that told stories of his past such as “Farewell” and “2 Face” and songs that you’d just kick back with your girl and listen to like “Back to the Topic freestyle”. The mixtape had quite a lineup of features from big names such as Wale, Drake, Big Sean and Kanye West. As well as to other up and coming artist like Omen, Pusha T and CyHi The Prince. J. Cole rode the hype of Friday Night Lights all the way to the release his first full-length studio album Cole World: The Sideline Story.
Cole World silenced haters and turned the masses into Cole-ibers. Producing all but three songs on the album himself (after also producing the entire Friday Night Lights mixtape) proved that he was the real deal and here for the long run. Releasing his first single “Work Out” on June 15, settled uneasy thoughts about his album being pushed back like Big Sean’s Finally Famous (which had its release date pushed back for years). His second single “Can’t Get Enough” (featuring Trey Songz) received enough major radio push to get commercial listeners anxious for the album. J. Cole’s final single, “Mr. Nice Watch” featuring rap legend and personal mentor Jay-Z, solidified Cole World‘s must-buy status. Just like Friday Night Lights, the versatility of the album appealed to a large audience.
J. Cole is one of few artists trying to keep “true” hip-hop alive. He speaks about more than drugs, power and sex. Songs like “God’s Gift” which speak on his struggle to find his ride-or-die chick. While others showcase his story telling abilities such as “Lost Ones”, which speaks on the difficult decision a young couple must face when they find out they have a baby on the way. Cole, a Saint John’s University graduate, doesn’t forget about his college fans with songs such as “Mr. Nice Watch” and “Pass Me By” that add nicely to any pregame playlist. 2011 was the year of Cole World, and the release of his untitled sophomore album in June 2012 is highly anticipated.
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Being from Michigan, I want Big Sean to bring all the success and shine he can to our state. But I think eventually his gimmick is going to play out soon. J. Cole’s just got that flow that’s never gonna get old. I’ve got to give the edge to him now, and for the foreseeable future.
Posted by Elikem "Quim" Moten | February 20, 2012, 12:30 PMits all about J.cole if you listen to his music you can honestly just press play and let him ride out all day if you want and the lyrics and meanings are soo deeper than alot of these rappers do now a days so i gotta say J.cole all day
Posted by jonnny williams | February 20, 2012, 6:37 PMBig Sean has so much more swag it’s not even close
Posted by Dale | February 20, 2012, 3:21 PMDefine “swag”. I’d agree he’s the better dresser and has more fashion sense. But outside of that, what else can you say he’s got over J. Cole?
Posted by Elikem "Quim" Moten | February 20, 2012, 3:24 PMHe’s swagged out though
Posted by Dale | February 20, 2012, 7:46 PMbeing sober for 8 months straight makes you realize how shitty rap really is. Same few topics in almost every song. I’ve been searchin for some depth, and right now J. Cole is one of the few who supplies that for me so I gotta pick him even over the michigan man boiii
Posted by Stephan | February 20, 2012, 8:33 PMBig sean doesn’t talk about money, bitches, etc. like every other rapper and still manages to maintain a high level of swag
Posted by Dale | February 21, 2012, 6:34 PMDale are you serious?! Big Sean’s go-to line is always something similar to “I f*cked yo b*tch!” Lot’s of rappers brag about money, cars, women, etc. and Big Sean is no different. I’m not saying that’s all he talks about, but to say he doesn’t talk about those subjects at all is naive. Sit down and listen to Finally Famous (the last mixtape and the album), then listen to Cole World and Friday Night Lights and you tell me who’s got more substance to their lyrics.
Posted by Elikem "Quim" Moten | February 21, 2012, 10:26 PMDo some research before you comment big Sean says shit jus like all these other guys j .cole speaks the truth
Posted by Jon w | February 21, 2012, 11:40 PMhis album is the only time i’ve heard him rap about other stuff, like memories and don’t tell me you love me… those are the only two songs i can think of
Posted by Stephan | February 21, 2012, 6:58 PMI am a heavy Big Sean and J. Cole fan. Big Sean all the way tho. If you say all he raps about is Bitches and Money, listen to “Dont Tell Me You Love Me” or MY favorite song of his “Say You Will” off “UKNOWBIGSEAN” mixtape (Finally Famous Volume 2)
Posted by Chase Sarhan | February 27, 2012, 11:12 PM