One of the best artists in all of music J. Cole has taken many different approaches in his music. One thing remains consistent about his catalog, his music has a purpose. Here's a look at my favorite 10 songs from J. Cole.
10. In the Morning feat. Drake
Album: Cole World - The Sideline Story
Year: 2011
From the opening sounds you knew this was a vibe. "Baby you summertime fine," is still a line I've got in my back pocket. Being 18, this song was played at the right times that have left tattooed memories in my mind. Drake adds the "Poetic Justice" type flow with the raspy voice on a feature that will always be one of his greats.
9. Immortal
Album: 4 Your Eyez Only
Year: 2016
This album was/is a snoozer. Definitely not his greatest piece of work from a total aspect, but there are gems on this record. Immortal is one of those songs that will (probably) never be skipped by me. The beat is perfect for cyphers and as soon as Cole gets on top of it he doesn't let it go.
8. Villuminati
Album: Born Sinner
Year: 2013
Born Sinner was an album that had to be successful. Cole's first album was decent, but nothing compared to Friday Night Lights. So when Born Sinner dropped Cole wasted no time getting right to it. Villuminati is the first track from Born Sinner, and by the BIGGIE sample, you know Cole was gonna be on it. His bars are unapologetic, truthful, and this is the flow that starts who we know Cole as today.
7. Neighbors
Album: 4 Your Eyez Only
Year: 2016
Funny how I thought an album that was a dud has two of my favorite songs on it. Neighbors is the black experience. Cole explains that no matter how much success he obtains, at the end of the day he's just a black man, and that might not be enough to save him.
"It's this society that make
Every nigga feel like a candidate
For a Trayvon kinda fate
Even when your crib sit on a lake
Even when your plaques hang on a wall
Even when the president jam your tape"
Every nigga feel like a candidate
For a Trayvon kinda fate
Even when your crib sit on a lake
Even when your plaques hang on a wall
Even when the president jam your tape"
6. Fire Squad
Album: 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Year: 2014
The hardest song from one of Cole's hardest albums, Fire Squad is a jump. Fire Squad starts with an intense beat, with a flow that bites just as hard.
I am the bravest, go toe to toe with the giants
I ain't afraid of you niggas, I'll end up fading you niggas
'Fore it's all said and done, this nigga need medicine
My uzi, it weighed a ton, I need me a better gun
In fact I just might need two, cause niggas say they the one
And I got something to prove
Forgive me lord here they come, BLAOOW"
5. Kevin's Heart
Album: KOD
Year: 2018
Cole's not much of a singer, but he might be the best non singer in the rap game. When he sings
"All in your mind with fears that would come true
The back of my mind, the back of my mind was you
Wishing that I could blind myself from view
And only have eyes, and only have eyes for you"
it's some of his best work. The struggle of cheating in relationships has been covered in many ways, but this unique pitch about trying to pick up the pieces and move forward sticks out in my head.
4. Born Sinner
Album: Born Sinner
Year: 2013
Faunterloy's chorus is amazing. The production feels so homely, so soulful. The instrumental is great enough to play on its own. It draws emotion out of me. But the real prize of the song is Cole's first verse.
3. Friends
Album: KOD
Year: 2018
"Cop another bag of smoke today." KOD was all about trying to get his people sober. Friends sounds like it's dedicated to his partner's who are or maybe addicted to weed or other easily obtainable drugs.
"And I hate it for my niggas 'cause they ain't got ambition
Fuck did you expect, you can blame it on condition"
"But fuck that now I'm older I love you 'cause you my friend
Without the drugs I want you be comfortable in your skin
I know you so I know you still keep a lot of shit in
You running from yourself and you buying product again
I know you say it helps and no I'm not trying to offend
But I know depression and drug addiction don't blend
Reality distorts and then you get lost in the wind
And I done seen the combo take niggas off the deep end
One thing about your demons they bound to catch up one day
I'd rather see you stand up and face them than run away
I understand this message is not the coolest to say
But if you down to try it I know of a better way
Meditate"
2. Middle Child
Album: Revenge of the Dreamers III
Year: 2018
The whole scene is a murder. From the beat to the lyrics to the video, Cole flexes on just how above he competition he really is. He's stuck in the middle of 2 generations, lil bro and big bro all at one time. Kinda how we all feel for those of over 25 and under 40. The "Middle Child" ironically is the middle child in everybody's Top 5.
1. Power Trip
Album: Born Sinner
Year: 2013
Cole was such in his bag on Born Sinner. His first album was decent, but was a disappointment compared to his prior mixtapes. Born Sinner had to be a success, and thanks to Miguel, Cole had a single that was a true embodiment to who he was as an artist. Cole's one of the best story tellers, and is at the top of the game when it comes to rapping about love.
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