J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story
Artist: J. Cole
Album: Sideline Story
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Reviewer: Bria James for The Blender with Miss DJ Gemz and DJ Tony Drake
With the turn of the season rapidly approaching, global warming isn’t the only reason to consider this fall a “Cole World.” In the last week of September, Jermaine Lamarr Cole, now formally known as J. Cole, after a good 4 years waiting, finally released his first debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story. As much anticipation as this album has congregated, J. Cole has had a lot to live up to and the people he still has to prove are undoubtedly in the masses. The king himself or should I say “C.E.O of the ROC” has even went as far to call the album a “classic.” Strong words coming down from the throne, but the question brought along with that statement is, is he just saying that because his name and label is also branded on the product, or does he really believe that his first officially signee to the Roc label has undeniably made history. As far as the start of his career is concerned, let’s hope this modern day storyteller doesn’t just give us lullabies.
Teaming up with Trey Songz on the hook, ‘Can’t Get Enough’s’ caribbean feel reminds me a lot of the bossman himself Jay-Z’s 2000 single ‘Big Pimpin’ Just with more of a chill and laid back beat that directly reflects Cole’s common flow. ‘Lights Please’ has been a personal favorite of mine since first hearing the song around early 2008. Even with the song being well over 3-4 years old J. Cole stuck to his word by putting it on the album, and along with the rest of the songs on this album it still holds its relevance. The more club orientated track ‘Cole World’, is definitely not one of my personal favorites. It left me dissatisfied with it’s below average verses, hook, and beats, something very rare as far as Cole’s track record. They say you can’t please everybody, and for this song I would have to be in the negative category. Hiding my excitement for this track is next to impossible. Wether it be the smooth Aaliyah like flow, or Missy Elliot murdering the hook reflecting heavily from her deceased co worker and dear friend, everything about ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ screams classic. If anyone was to ever doubt Jay-Z’s words in calling this album a classic (I sure was at first) this song was one of my greatest influencers in changing my mind. Nobody’s Perfect is almost an anthem for modern day urban relationships. And the relationship between Cole and Missy is the closest thing to perfection. With Missy almost losing her battle with Graves disease in 2008, this song not only solidifies J. Cole’s come-up, but Missy Elliot’s come back. Boy has she been missed.
But is this album a classic? Well that’s something for his listeners to interpret. The more I listen to it, the more I am starting to be convinced. From ‘Mr. Nice Watch’ to ‘Lost Ones’ to “Sideline Story’ this album is as diverse and unique as he is. But each track individually can be tied back to a point in his life that has helped to bring him to the place he is today. I am now anxious to see how even further this experiences take him. Taking into account all of the hip-hop albums that have come out this year, this one is definitely worth the 11.99. Your going to want to keep this album in your collection, because the first album is always worth the most when it comes to a legend. He’s not there yet but this album proves he’s on his way. Cole World: A Classic.
