Can't Be Your Superman; Fan's Perception Of Rappers As Superheroes

                                 (*Image credit goes to @STACKmag on Twitter*)

It's hard to stay positive in a world where a reality show character is now the president of the United States. African americans (it seems) are targeted by police officers, jobs in America get harder to find (let alone, keep), and a race war is and has always been lurking in the shadows of a nation where the hardest working men and women don't get their just due. The choices being made by our nation's leaders are an unfruitful attempt at masculinity, and more often than not make things worse than before. If our leaders and "example setters" are doing things like beating women, avoiding paying taxes, and even murdering, then who're the good guys? I try not to treat life like some sappy, self-righteous episode of The Brady Bunch, where we always pick the right thing to do and we're accepting of everybody, but you know the world is in a bad place when you look to a T.V. show for your morals. I've always been a firm believer in guidance, because sometimes when you get side tracked in life, you just need that one person in your life to get you back and chugging on the right track (choo choo I always say). Hip hop has always gotten a bad (w)rap (there's my corny metaphor for this article) because of it's glorification of guns, violence, drugs, and the "degradation" of women, but most recently the game is seeming more like a beam of light than the darkness we're used to seeing due to some of it's... heroes.

Chance The Rapper has pretty much rocked the world of rap in the last year or so, it'd almost be nonsense to say he wasn't hip hop's biggest star in 2016. With the release of Coloring Book, Chance made a genre that takes themselves too seriously fun and lighthearted again with a sense of humor and a voice that spoke for the voiceless. An endorsement with Kit Kat and having his song featured on an advertisement for the NBA were huge deals for the Chicago rapper, but the biggest show of Chance's character came early in 2017. In March of 2017, Chance had a meeting with Illinois governor Bruce Rauner to discuss the budget cuts that were taking place in Chicago's school systems. Unable to prevent the cuts, Chance took it upon himself and donated $1 million to Chicago's public schools "to support arts and enrich programming." I guess not all heroes wear capes... or jerseys.

J. Cole is another fellow do-gooder emcee. Despite the preconceived notions that Cole doesn't know what he's talking about when it comes to activism and politics (at least, in some "fans" eyes), "Mr. Nice Watch" certainly does more than just brag about his watch and grow his hair out to look "rastafarian." During his 2014 Forest Hills Drive promo run, Cole stayed under the internet radar, but was far from inactive. Cole did things unheard of for an A-list rapper, such as show up randomly at fans' houses and hung out, direct messaged fans on Twitter about secret locations for free concerts, and he even went as far as renting out his former 2014 Forest Hills Drive house for single mothers with multiple children for free for an entire year. Helping the needy when they need it most; that's a hero in my book. Check out some of Cole's fans touring his old home in Fayetteville while listening to the "new-at-the-time" 2014 Forest Hills Drive, in the link to the documentary with the same title below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs0UAIAjcYk&t=5s

Kendrick Lamar's donations, though he may not want the attention, don't go unnoticed either. In December of 2013, Kendrick donated $50,000 to Compton's Centennial High School, which was eventually used for supplies to expand the school's musical program. With Compton being as infamous as it is for it's crime rate, it should be even more noted for the talented rappers it has produced ( the obvious ones like Kendrick, Dr. Dre and NWA, Game, Boogie and many more), and a hefty donation for Compton's musical program could mean up and coming kids finding more talent in themselves than they could have ever thought possible. Kendrick also starred in an ad for the release of To Pimp A Butterfly (which you can find the link for below this paragraph) which featured him and a young boy walking around the streets of Compton, and the lessons Kendrick looks to instill into the boy lie in the title; "Hard Work." With short little PSA's like this, Kendrick is another shining example of positivity and teaching today's youth the right mindset for success.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXZ5dm7XFzg

Have you ever seen a fanbase in hip hop as rabid and loyal as Run The Jewels'? Killer Mike and El-P practically started a cult in 2013 with their self titled debut album, though their first collaboration(s) came on Killer Mike's Rap Music album in 2012, where El-P produced every song. The two worked so well together that... you know, the rest is well documented history. There is no fanbase in hip hop like RTJ's, however. Blacks, whites, Asians, kids, men, and women alike all root for Run The Jewels, from places all over the world, and for good reason. Killer Mike's campaign for Bernie Sanders' presidential run, though unsuccessful, sparked a whole class of citizens to root for him and arguably may have opened up a whole new demographic for Bernie, and as cool an old man as Bernie is, he even introduced Run The Jewels at Coachella in 2016. Killer Mike and El-P's constant fight against the evils of America and politics are reminiscent of the values that hip hop was founded upon; values that even Public Enemy would be proud of. Check the link of Mike's Bernie co-sign right below this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikgh4JbAWUU
(*I do not own these pictures, videos, or the rights to any of them*)


You know the craziest part about a hero? No matter if they've stolen a pack of gum, robbed a bank, or even blown up a hospital, if the villain was hanging off the ledge of a skyscraper by their mere fingers shaking in desperation, the hero would still do anything to save them. The attitudes that have been instilled in hip hop haven't all been winners, the "no new friends" and "IDFWU" motto's, and the lack of trust aren't exactly shining examples of what to say or how to act (and believe that these aren't the only examples), but I try to avoid those acts altogether and just stick to the music (though it can be hard sometimes with what some of these guys are saying, or lack thereof). I know how it is because I still get like that sometimes; Budden vs. Drake was like David vs. Goliath, and, just like the story goes, David came out unscathed (say want you want but Budden properly put Drake in his place by EMCEEING). Even in the case of Remy Ma vs. Nicki Minaj, yeah, Remy did go for Nicki's neck, but she stopped once she realized there was no use. Everything Eminem drops is like Superman coming to save the day once again, in the time when we need him most. A character that doesn't change the way that he is because a couple of people don't see the humor in the situations. Maybe they can't be your Superman or Supergirl, but they can be somebody's. And if they aren't setting the example that you wish to see, then there's always the latter; set it yourself. Be the change that you wish to see in the world, and the rest will fall into place.

 











 

 

Observations From J. Cole's KOD

Another second year, another album drop for the emcee from Fayetteville, North Carolina. I say second year because in the last 4 years, Cole has dropped 3 albums including the recently released KOD, starting with 2014 Forest Hills Drive in 2014, then 4 Your Eyez Only in 2016. It seems as if every project Cole releases has an underlying message that isn't necessarily caught off of the first listen, and if the abbreviations for the album's title mean anything (KOD- Kids On Drugs, King Overdosed, and Killing Our Demons) then the rest of hip hop was in for a rude awakening in the subject matter. But did they awaken rudely?  You might be able to say that those who make a certain subgenre of rap were. Did Cole come with that "real shit" again to spark the rap game back into the great state that it was previously?  Cole is usually one to boast the MHHGA saying more than most (make hip hop great again).  BUT DID COLE COME WITH NO FEATURES?!  Let's discuss in my observations of Cole's KOD below.


Tackling Drug Use Like No One In Hip Hop Today Is Doing
J. Cole - Once An Addict
(*Since listening to the Cole album isn't allowed on YouTube without a YouTube Red subscription, I'll have to post the Apple Music song links, so bear with me y'all*)

When so often today drug use is glorified and used to promote a good time among other rappers (most with "lil" in their name), Cole took this concept and flipped it on it's ear. The cover of KOD (mostly the writing at the top, though the cover art serves it's own purpose as well) serves as a disclaimer to listeners diving in to the album; "this album is in no way intended to glorify addiction." While this may seem alarming at first, and it should, the subject matter throughout most songs remains to be the struggle with addiction and drugs through not only Cole's life and career, but hip hop as well. Songs like 'The Cut Off" sound almost exactly like a description of hip hop's youth today, with "kiLL edward" (who is almost certainly Cole himself, used as a representation of today's hip hop landscape) singing the literally carefree hook; "gimme drink, gimme smoke, get me high, let me float, I'm a cloud, coming down, put me down, gentle now, gimme drink, gimme dope, bottom line, I can't cope, if I die, I don't know, I don't know, I don't know." The intimately personal "Once An Addict (Interlude)" details Cole growing up with addiction in the household with his mother's battle with alcoholism, and Cole's fear for letting his mother know his real thoughts on the matter. If an intervention could be put into song form, then "Once An Addict" is that cry for help for Cole's mother's case. He uses songs throughout KOD not to glorify drug and alcohol addiction, but to shed a light on the matters and just maybe; see what it's like to live a day in the shoes of an addict.


Discussing The Obsessions Of Today's Hip Hop Youth
ATM - J. Cole

While Cole's album comes with most of the qualities that the average Cole album would, it's unique in the aspect that Cole approaches the subject matter almost as a parody. On songs like "ATM" and "Motiv8", Cole steals the stapled "Migos flow" (for lack of a better term, also considering that's what it's become known as today) and uses it almost as research to set the example for what hip hop's standards are for music today. "Photograph" is comical in the idea that it's subject matter is actually true, while the repetitive "motivate" hook on the song with the same title ("Motiv8") almost seems to make a mockery of other hooks made by other rappers made today, using background adlibs to stress the "get money" part of the equation, plus the bridge's lyrics (or, "post" bridge, since it's right after the hook) can be interpreted as shots at today's landscape as well; "too many times, I swallowed my pride, I'm crackin' a smile, I'm dying inside, my demons are close, I'm tryin' to hide, I'm poppin' a pill, I'm feelin alive, I'm feelin alive, I'm feelin alive, I'm feelin alive, I'm feelin alive, I'm feeling alive, I'm feelin alive, I'm feelin alive, I'm feelin alive, I'm...". It's as if Cole was so intrigued by today's hip hop landscape and what the hotter artists discussed in their lyrics that he is using it as either "motivation" to help the record sell, or he was using it as research; a wake up call to show other rappers what they are sounding like, and I don't believe Cole has ever cared about selling records.

Political Views & Ideas That Could Push The Agenda            
Window Pain (Outro) - J. Cole

Now from the looks of social media and people's opinions about Cole, nobody wants to hear Cole get political, but Cole has never shied away from doing so while speaking his mind and getting things off of his chest. Discussions of the mass shootings that have plagued the U.S. ("Window Pain [Outro]"), as well as addiction and what it does to people throughout the entire album ("The Cut Off", "Once An Addict", "FRIENDS", etc.) are the kinds of things that keep Cole at the top of the list of relevancy, and top of the list of rappers who fight for what is right; this is why everything Cole drops is a breath of fresh air whilst the rest of hip hop (most of the music getting promoted anyways) is struggling to keep it's head above alcoholic and promethazine filled waters. Now to step away from the "preachy" aspect of the music; though the themes and messages throughout can be depressing and dark, Cole's album is delightfully fresh in that it presents (in a way) solutions to the problems that it also brings to the table with just as much, if not more force. In every raw song's problem also lies it's solution, or at least, steps towards those solutions, and though the road looks bleak for some going ahead, there is still hope towards Killing Our Demons, with those Kids On Drugs. Unless, of course, the King Overdosed, then... we might just be doomed.      

Rappers Michael Jackson Should Have Collaborated With

This may be a stretch, but to me it seems hip hop has become more soulful in the 2010s. While hip hop has it's flaws, its strengths are shining through stronger than ever because of its artists that refuse to compromise. Because of this, artists are making some of the most next level music of their careers, plus simply rapping over an instrumental doesn't always do the trick anymore; people want to hear melodies, and even some singing. Which is why I dedicated a post to this topic; Michael Jackson was indeed the King of Pop. If there ever was a master entertainer, and someone to have on your song just to say you HAVE THEM ON YOUR SONG, it would have probably been Michael Jackson. I mean, the guy's added soul to pretty much any song he's been a part of. There are only a few rappers who I feel I could honestly say deserve a Michael Jackson feature, so I decided to name a few here, and (tried to) include one of their more soulful jams, so you could try to picture what it'd sound like for these rappers to collaborate with MJ. Here we go!

J. Cole - Note To Self


In terms of soul, Cole showed the most on his latest album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive. On songs like "Intro", "Apparently", and especially the outro "Note To Self", Cole showed not only a decent singing voice, but a soul that would make church goers look like sinners. Cole pours his heart out in some of these songs, and Michael Jackson would only cap off this souled out track with some angelic background vocals, or maybe even a solo (who knows, it's up to you to decide!).

Kendrick Lamar - Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst


It should come as no surprise that Kendrick made this list as a "could have been" Michael Jackson collaborator, his music drips soul and his latest album To Pimp A Butterfly is the greatest example of this statement. Michael could have thrown his two cents in on many Kendrick tracks; imagine him on "These Walls", "Kush & Corinthians" off of Section.80 instead of BJ The Chicago Kid (although BJ is amazing) or even the Good Kid Maad City extra "Now Or Never" featuring Mary J. Blige. But the ever-so-perfect collaboration would have to be Michael on Kendrick's "Sing About Me, I'm Dying Of Thirst" because come on; can't you just hear it?

50 Cent - 21 Questions


So this was a tough one, but I had to include 50 Cent simply because of the (little known) fact that Michael Jackson said that he wished to collaborate with 50 Cent before his passing (it's true, look it up). It's really so tough because all of 50's songs are so tough, most include a banging beat with some hard rapping, not something you'd normally hear Michael Jackson on, so 50's classic "21 Questions" seems to be the medium. Could you imagine Michael Jackson on the hook instead of Nate Dogg (R.I.P to the true hook king as well) though?  I guess you'd never know.

Nas - Bye Baby


Nas is practically the perfect rapper for a Michael Jackson collaboration, I mean could you think of anyone more deserving?  Nas is top 5 dead or alive (debatable, although I believe he is) and quite possibly owns the longest reign at the top, with a career spanning over 20 years. Nas has got the sound for MJ too; spanning from songs like "You Wouldn't Understand", "Reach Out", and "Cherry Wine featuring the late and great Amy Winehouse (R.I.P), and those are just on his last album, Life Is Good. Nas is perfect for a Michael Jackson feature not just because he makes soulful, heartfelt jams, but because he spits the truest and most realistic stories in his rhymes; Michael Jackson would cap off the feeling of a perfect collaboration.

The idea of Michael Jackson collaborating with a rapper might sound crazy to some, but it really shouldn't, especially in 2016. The range of collaborations we've seen over the years has really skyrocketed, even if you think about strictly award show/television show performances (Grammy's or talk shows). I mean Eminem collaborated with Elton John for a performance, wouldn't that put to rest any limitations you have on other possible collaborators?  Mixing genres is a beautiful thing not just because of the great music that can come out of it, but because it shows that different kinds of people can accept each other, no matter what their tastes may be. The power of music is infinite.     



       





                     
 




         

J. Cole's "Road To Homecoming" Mini Doc Series Is Awesome

This is the type of material I've been waiting for from rappers... some truly behind the scenes action that gives a look into the life of a rap superstar. This time, it just happens to be J. Cole. Cole has been making his case for one of the best and most real ones out with his strong, and silent campaign for his amazing, and now Grammy nominated album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive.

In case you missed it, last week Cole put out episode 1 of his mini doc series "Road To Homecoming" on HBO, which documents the making of the album, the tour, and Cole talking about the story that went into the making of 2014 Forest Hills Drive. This is the kind of stuff I personally cannot get enough of, the behind the scenes content of my favorite rappers is stuff I live for, and in case you do too and you happened to miss both episodes, you can find both below.

Episode 1
https://vimeo.com/149018305

Episode 2
https://vimeo.com/149886205



 

 

Who Should Win The Best Rap Album Grammy? (Why This Year Is Different + An In Depth Look At Each Nominee)

This has to be the most excited I have EVER been for the Grammys. Every year some bullshit rapper is nominated (and more often than not, wins) simply because they have the most exposure, they're played on the radio most, or because the "academy" feels they are fit enough to win. Just because you totally care about my opinion (actually because I felt like doing it, not necessarily the former), below I'll list each of the nominees (besides Nicki Minaj, because admittedly I haven't listened to her album, and just... no) and a case for why they have a chance to win, or not.

2014 Forest Hills Drive


Alright so if you keep in contact with me on Google+, you probably know I preach how great 2014 Forest Hills Drive is almost on the daily. But in all seriousness, FHD is Cole's best work to date. FHD really does have every type of song; the sincerity Cole showcases on FHD ("Intro", "Apparently", "Love Yourz") is only topped by his incredibly clever punch lines, his hunger to prove he's one of the best rappers out ("Fire Squad", "G.O.M.D"), and his one of a kind story telling ("Wet Dreamz", '03 Adolescence"). I hate to pick favorites, but if I had to choose, I believe next to Kendrick, Cole is the most deserving of this Grammy.

If You're Reading This It's Too Late


I have to admit that I didn't give If You're Reading This It's Too Late the real attention I initially should have. In my opinion, Drake's sudden release of an album with no given release date was a red flag (and later figuring out what the release date meant didn't help the case of the album). Drake's urge to be taken off of Cash Money due to Birdman vs. Lil Wayne forced Drake into a rough spot; making loads of music (including the not so great Future collaboration What A Time To Be Alive) to free up his contract under Birdman and Cash Money to become a free agent. It has even been said by Drake and others that this project is practically a mixtape; why else would Drake make the sign "How's my mixtape?" in order to get reception from fans?  While there are some good songs on IYRTITL, the entire project is one made up of merely party songs, and is in no way shape or form Drake's best project, let alone the "album" of the year.

To Pimp A Butterfly

       
Kendrick Lamar (besides J. Cole) might be the most deserving rapper that has yet to win a Grammy for best rap album. Let's forget that Kendrick crafted practically the anthem of 2015 (above), let's forget that Kendrick brought the jazz influence back to hip hop (George Clinton & Ronald Isley features on the album) and practically forced the rest of hip hop to do something innovative; does the message he is trying to send not hold relevance over any time period?  Were rioters not on the streets after black men and children were being shot for unjust reasons chanting Kendrick's "Alright"?  It's clear that Kendrick really doesn't care about winning that Grammy (or he probably does and is hiding it), but for once; wouldn't it be cool to see someone win that deserves to?

Compton: The Soundtrack

        (*I do not own any of these videos, songs, or the rights to them*)

What can be said about Compton that hasn't already been deeply investigated and already said?  In terms of effort, this is the absolute best album of the year (it is the Good Doctor, after all). Dr. Dre found the best rappers, the best singers, and the best producers to collaborate with. Dre knows how to craft the perfect song, and Compton is the perfect example of him doing so. I didn't understand how someone could blatantly call an album of all original music a soundtrack, but listening to Compton, I understand. Dr. Dre doesn't just make albums, he sucks you into the world he's trying to create and doesn't let up until his story is finished. Compton not only raised the bar for rappers and pushed them to be the best rapper they could, but for musicians and pushing them to make the best music they could make. For so long Dr. Dre has had an agenda to bring hip hop into the limelight and make it respectable among other genres of music, and with Compton, Dr. Dre pushed hip hop that much further.

At the beginning of this post when I said "this has to be the most excited I have EVER been for the Grammys", that is because no matter who wins the Grammy for Best Rap Album this year, everybody wins. Hip hop wins (and hopefully Nicki doesn't win because she's not pushing the agenda as much as the aforementioned rappers). Last year hip hop became the most streamed genre of music in the world, and just about 4 days ago it was revealed by Musixmatch that hip hop is the genre with the highest vocabulary. It's unavoidable at this point hip hop haters; we're coming for that number 1 spot. Does this mean that we need to dominate the Grammy's in order for you to realize this?  Probably not, but still, keep your eyes peeled on the MOST INFLUENTIAL musical genre, and what they'll do at this year's Grammy's. Message.                          
             





     

Promoting Love & Positivity In Hip Hop

The stereotype of some people's opinions of hip hop is getting old. To say it all "promotes violence and drugs", and "glorifies disrespecting women", and that all rappers talk about is "money, clothes and hoes" is just too played out. Where's the love?  In hip hop it seems hard to find (at least at first), but a lot of people who judge rap on it's negative topics and stereotypes don't search deep enough to find the artists that do promote love and positivity. I would love more than anything to be a part of that promotion, so here is a list of rap's most positive, and love promoting artists. It's time for hip hop to stop getting all the bad (w)rap!


J. Cole

Cole is one of the 2 prime examples of rappers who promote love, positivity, and happiness in not only his music, but his way of living. He doesn't just talk about making the world a better place, he sets the example on being a good person overall. In case you didn't hear about his campaign for his last album 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Cole used his old house (at 2014 Forest Hills Drive) to rent out to families in need for one whole year, so the man literally has been putting roof's over peoples heads. Not only this, but one of Cole's friends from North Carolina also told a story about J. Cole paying for a FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP for a girl (named Cierra Bosarge) to attend college (although no word on what school she's attending). Word is that Bosarge wrote a letter to Cole talking about the struggles of school and how Cole's music inspired her, so Cole promised to attend her graduation if she got into a 4 year university. Cole not only attended Bosarge's graduation, but is paying for all of her books and her tuition for all 4 years. If that's not a heartwarming story, I don't know what is.

Kendrick Lamar

https://twitter.com/DailyRapFacts/status/638973428515520512
(*Saw this video on Twitter so I posted a link, if it doesn't show up, let me know in the comment section below, Facebook, or on Google+ and I'll re share the video)

Kendrick Lamar is the other prime example of positivity and love in hip hop. In the link above, Kendrick talks about his thoughts on the real reason people are put here on Earth, and his answer is very Tupac-esque; nothing short of compassion and understanding. Funny how a kid from Compton is more for peace and love than say, the government (*Cue Kermit the frog and coffee cup emoji's*). Kendrick Lamar sits back and lets his music tell a socially conscious message, attacking the flaws of mankind and pushing for better, while remaining cool, calm, and collected in interviews (sort of the opposite of Kanye West... Kanye does drop some knowledge every now and then, but because he's so out of control about it, people pass it off as him being crazy).

Jhene Aiko

                                    (*Jhene begins to discuss her message at the 5:18 mark*)

Jhene's ENTIRE LIFE MESSAGE is love. No, seriously. In the interview above Jhene talks about what she feels her goals in life are and the message she feels she needs to spread to the world. How can you hate someone who preaches love all of the time (plus she's just so damn cute, but that's another conversation for another day)?  Jhene is known to be very into horoscopes and spiritual readings of that nature, so for her to preach love and positivity is no surprise (especially when you see what she posts on her Twitter and Tumblr pages). I know Jhene isn't exactly what you call hip hop, but she is always associated with hip hop acts, plus her message is too strong not to include.

Logic

                                        (*I do not own these videos, or the rights to them*)

Logic has been a fantastic example of positivity, and (dare I say it) is one of the few artists that represents rap in a truly respectable, and mature fashion. The interview above was given by DJ Booth (an incredibly dope website, shout out to their great writers Brendan Varan, Yoh, and Nathan Slavik, who gave this interview), and Logic discusses his lifestyle, his adjusting to rap stardom, and how many people he has in his close circle, and basically sums it all up in one perfect sentence; "I don't fuck with nobody." That message may not be so positive, but Logic is not only expressing his views on how stardom has changed how people see him, in a way he's also giving an important life lesson that many other people need to know; people change.

Hip hop has evolved, and if you don't think so, you probably haven't listened recently. Most people who believe it hasn't evolved simply haven't given it the chance it deserves. I preach a lot about hip hop and what's best for it I know, but this time I'm not talking about the actual music; I'm talking about the way it's "constituents" make it look as a genre. Listen to Jhene Aiko sing a soulful hook on a hip hop song (or listen to her love anthem "In Love We Trust"), listen to the way Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole talks about society today, or hell, even listen to the way Logic talks about the perception of life. It's all about perception, and these amazing artists not only show us why it is so important, but they set an example for how people should live their lives; filled with nothing but love and positivity.    





      










                 

Ranking J. Cole's Albums Worst To Best

Cole World!  If you're a rap fan you've heard a Cole song, and if you're a Cole fan you've DEFINITELY heard at least a whole Cole project before, whether it be one of his fantastic albums or one of his critically acclaimed mix tapes. I find it funny that people honestly compare the two and say that his albums are better than his mix tapes, or his mix tapes are better than his albums (which is the more common argument) when in reality you're almost getting 2 completely different Coles entirely. The creative energy, hype, and hunger as an artist changes entirely when you compare your debut mix tape to your debut album, although unfortunately if your a Cole mix tape fan, you'd be disappointed when I say that we are not here to discuss his mix tapes. This post is strictly for albums: Cole has had 3 major label efforts, each one sounding more different and experimental than the next. Now if you could rank them from worst to best, how would that order go exactly?  That's what we're here to find out. Below, ranked worst to best, along with (arguably) the best song from each album, are J. Cole's 3 albums, ranked.

Cole World:  The Sideline Story

Cole World: The Sideline Story is J. Cole's confusing, yet promising burst onto the music scene. Mix tape Cole fans fell in love with an honest, lyrical, story-telling poet that showed more promise than any emcee that anyone had heard in quite awhile, yet The Sideline Story left a lot to be desired for die hard Cole fans. The Sideline Story is an album that shows every side of Cole that you love to see; the shit talking, the gritty talk of the hood and growing up and becoming a man, along with love and handling pregnancy at a young age. Cole is clearly still hyped at this time because of the recent Roc Nation signing and the bragging rights that come along with saying he's got a Jay-Z cosign, yet the industry's contribution to this album is clear with singles like the Kanye-sampled "Work Out", (which ended up disappointed Nas as Cole talks about later, but we'll get to that in time hip hop nerds).

Born Sinner

Cole's second effort Born Sinner showed a much hungrier, yet experimental Cole than anybody was used to seeing. Cole's rhymes are at the absolute top of his game with his lyrical, compacted flows and clever punch lines, though the song making ability wasn't quite there yet. You can tell that Cole is destined for greatness with this effort, if The Sideline Story didn't do it for you than Born Sinner certainly gives you a good Cole fix in terms of bars, and his respect for the greats is shown on an entire song dedicated to Nas titled "Let Nas Down". Nas even jumped on a remix to the song later to show how much respect he had for Cole and what he was doing for the game. If that's not being given the green light, than what is?  No seriously, I'll wait. Regardless of legendary features, Cole's sophomore effort was good, but you could certainly tell there was something missing, and that there was a part of Cole that fans weren't getting.

2014 Forest Hills Drive

                               (*I do not own any of these songs, videos, or the rights to them*)

Here it goes:  prepare yourselves for this one. 2014 Forest Hills Drive is the best Cole album to date. If I personally could dream up a Cole album myself with all creative control in terms of production, lyricism, flow, writing skills, song topics, etc., this would be the album I'd choose for Cole to make. This is Cole's Illmatic. I can't even believe I just said that. Now many hip hop heads will get uptight about mentioning any Cole projects with Illmatic, or any projects at all for that matter, but in all seriousness, Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive is the best rap album to hit since Good Kid Maad City. It is at least the most complete rap album since then. 2014 Forest Hills Drive has everything a rap fan wants, everything a Cole fan wants, and even more. The emotion emitted in tracks mixed with the controversy and thought it provokes is an absolute perfect blend and it embodies everything you envision a perfect story to be, and the music itself hasn't gotten nearly the recognition it deserves, the only reason being Cole has put out no singles for it. Cole has already been certified Gold by the RIAA, but the recognition is not in the numbers, it shows up in the appreciation for his fans and his conscience voice towards violence in America. Cole has showed up to random fans' houses to sign memorabilia and hang out with them, tweeted people about surprise concerts (and obviously showed up to venues to perform), and he even used his supposed "promo" for the album on Letterman to perform his song dedicated to the victims of Ferguson, Missouri, "Be Free."  Is Cole the new Tupac?  Actions speak louder than words, and Cole's words speak volumes, yet somehow his actions remain greater. Cole's 2014 Forest Hills Drive not only is the best rap album since Good Kid Maad City, not only was it the absolute best of 2014, but it embodies everything Cole represents as not only an artist, but as a person. 2014 Forest Hills Drive allowed me to appreciate music properly again.

Being a J. Cole fan obviously you get a mixed bag between projects (the difference being albums and mix tapes, though I don't truly believe this, I am going off of what the masses believe), but in terms of Cole's albums you truly can't ask for better progression. If the process of growing and becoming a better artist is evident in any rapper, it's J. Cole. The creative process has never been one to give Cole problems, because when you're a real person with real problems and show it through your music, you grow even more. The emotional connection Cole has gained with his fans grew times a thousand with the release of 2014 Forest Hills Drive, and that's after they already had a strong enough bond to love  everything he does. It'd be criminal to ask what Cole has planned next after a momentous release like 2014 Forest Hills Drive, but if you're a fan you can't help yourself. It's always exciting to see what Cole has in store for his fans, and if there is a peak moment in Cole's career, it is now. The fans appreciate everything he does because he gives to them, and they give back to him by showing loyalty. Once Cole gives, it is your opportunity and privilege to appreciate what he gives to you. Truly Yours.