"The Growth of CoLe"

           

   Lights Please was the the first time I heard J.Cole rap. I won’t sit here and say I became an instant fan right then and there, but  I will say I realized his sound was different. Different in this industry of U.O.E.N.O.’s and Feds Watching can be either a gift or curse. Your career can blossom from that personal creativity or be killed due to you not being able to connect with your commercial audience. (I.E. those who only listen to the radio).A topic J.Cole addressed on the track “Let Nas Down” off his new album BORN SINNER. Needless to say J.Cole has found a way to navigate the loopholes and potholes of the industry with what many consider classic mixtapes filled with emotional and honest tracks. Tracks such as the “Autograph” and “Rise Above”, which can resonate with not only your average college graduate, but also with any person looking to rise above there everyday situation, and put themselves in a better position in life. 

      Cole’s first album debuted to commercial success, I believe not because of the strength of his first single “Work Out”, but because of the buzz of Friday Night Lights and his touring efforts with fellow rapper Drake. The album was above average among what was out at the time, but Cole admitted he could do better and this was not his best. (Still one of my fave albums). In his latest effort Cole has managed to produce singles such as “Power Trip” and “Crooked Smile” which not only have the ability to connect with his target audience, but also have the ability to connect with the average radio listener. In doing this I believe he was able to gain that commercial success he may have missed the first time around with Cole World:The Sideline Story. Cole also was able to assemble a solid album which was put together very well. Just as a college student would organize a paper, Cole uses that same concept in an effort to organize the songs on his album. The songs tell a story of how J. Cole began and how he ended up where he is now.

Overall the album is very solid. And for those who will only buy the two singles give some of the album a listen, you’ll enjoy.

Rating 4.50/5.00 (From an avg fan not a critic)