Cole World: The Sideline Story

J. Cole

For my first album review, I really wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to pick an artist in a genre I am not as well versed in and really open my mind in terms what it has to offer. I’ve never been the biggest fan of hip-hop or rap, but I must admit, the genre as a whole is very appealing. However, I’m also not the kind of person to go out and purchase a hip-hop album. In fact I only own 7 hip-hop albums to date. Naturally, this is one of the genres I want to explore. And what better way to delve deeper into the rhymes than reviewing one of the genre’s rising stars?

So I decided on J. Cole’s major label debut, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Around 1 year ago, J. Cole performed at my alma mater’s opening weekend Block Party. I ended up not going to the event, but after giving Cole World a couple of spins I regret my decision. In his debut J. Cole isn’t afraid to step up to the plate and swing for the fences. His decision to produce the album himself is admirable in itself, and his use of minimal guest artists is even more ambitious. If anything I have to give props to Cole for making this album his own.

The album opens with an intro followed by “Dollar and a Dream III.” So far the album hadn’t wowed me with its rags to riches opener, but maybe I would’ve enjoyed the song more had I heard the first two installments (which are on Cole’s earlier mix tapes). It was when the first single “Lights Please” began that I started to get really into the album. It’s no coincidence that this track gives off the vibe of a low-key Jay-Z (Cole is signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label). Speaking of which, I particularly enjoyed “Mr. Nice Watch,” which featured Jay-Z on guest vocals (if you couldn’t tell, I’m a Jay-Z fan. The Blueprint is one of the 7 hip-hop albums I actually own). The beat here is catchy with a subtle hint of dubstep (which, on the whole I hate as a genre, but works here), the lyrics contagious, and Jay-Z is as good as ever.

Immediately afterward is “Cole Word.” The song is fast, brash and yet confident enough to win me over. The album takes a serious turn with “Lost Ones,” which paints a realistic picture about the conflicts of abortion and presents the theme of daddy issues, which recurs throughout the album. This is one of the more fresh themes I’ve heard in a while. Too many rappers go on about fucking women and fucking people up (*cough* Lil Wayne *cough*), which is why many people I know are turned off by hip-hop. Though these themes are addressed in some of J. Cole’s songs, I’m glad to see it didn’t take over the whole album.

All in all, this is a solid debut for J. Cole. His DIY approach earned my respect on its own and he delivered a fine album. It does have its flaws (“Rise and Shine” didn’t do anything for me and “In the Morning” was predictable and annoying), but my expectations weren’t that high to begin with. Now that his sideline story has been told, I can’t wait to see what J. Cole can follow up with now that he’s been put into the game.

Recommended Tracks: "Lights Please", "Mr. Nice Watch", "Cole World"