Anyone who has casually paid attention to J. Cole maneuvering through rap’s ecosystem could foresee a prolific album such as KOD on the horizon.
The anointed lyricist has grown increasingly reclusive over the years; simultaneously stepping out of the spotlight that JAY-Z shone on him early in his career while toying with the emotions of his loyal fanbase. His free-flowing dreads and beat-up Air Jordan 1’s represent his relentless attack on materialism and hedonism — the same vices that have permeated his music to apologetic proportions since his sophomore album, Born Sinner.
So the trichotomous KOD (billed as “Kids on Drugs,” “King Overdosed” and “Kill Our Demons”) arrives at such a CRUCIAL time in the beloved Hip Hop culture. We are at a crossroads. Never has the music enjoyed such financial success — but it often came at the cost of clever songwriting and layered song subjects. And the evolution of drug usage has artists in a position where their influence is strictly for being under the influence.
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Given his platform as semi-elder spokesman, Cole goes miles beyond simply chastising the younger generation for being druggies and junkies. He magnifies the “Kids on Drugs” portion of the album by soapboxing from personal experience. On “Once an Addict (Interlude),” he vividly illustrates his mother’s battle with the bottle through lyrics like, “I gotta leave this house ’cause part of me dies when I see her like this/ Too young to deal with pain I’d rather run the streets than see her kill herself/ So ‘Ville became my escape from a feeling I hate…” thus, explaining his destiny to flee to NYC in efforts to become a career MC. The message comes full circle on the adjacent “FRIENDS” (with assistance from his drearily voiced alter ego, Kill Edward) where masterful rhyming lays out a plausible treatment plan overtop a dreamy kick-n-snare combo.
KOD is also remarkable because it shows Cole with a heightened sense of urgency — and energy — within the records. Seemingly taking heed of the notions his art is largely “boring” (his last project 4 Your Eyes Only played possum to an underlying theme underneath a bevy of docile beats), the Villematic One adopts today’s popular staccato delivery to “Kill our Demons” and drops gems without being a preachy jeweler.
The hypnotic reverb felt on “Photograph” works wonders as Cole touches on the smoke and mirrors a simple Instagram like can create, while “ATM” serves as one of his catchiest records to date, as the compounds of several bridges, refrains, and a speedy flow equate both a turn-up anthem and financial help module.
We’re living in a time when today’s Hip Hop heroes are embracing new levels of adulting and Cole (as King Overdosed) allows listeners into his money world like never before throughout the album. “ATM” was just light work; handout hounds are disconnected on “The Cut Off” but the telling “BRACKETS” is a masterpiece awakening, as the storyline concludes with the certainty that death and taxes are an eternal strife. (We see what you did there, Jermaine. Salute.)
King Overdosed then passes out the final exam on “1985 – Intro to ‘The Fall Off’,” a backhanded well-wish to a particular young gunner whose slander breached Dreamville County. Regardless of who the rhyme-laden bounce directly targets, it’s a one-size-fits-all forewarning that riding Hip Hop trends will eventually take artists down a dead-end street.
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It’s unquestionable that J. Cole is a rap king — and also a king of imperfection. His self-produced soundbeds have eclipsed the level of serviceable but still don’t reach a golden benchmark to declare any instrumental classic in its own right. And the medial track “Motiv8” stumbles on its mock trap exoskeleton, preventing it from reaching its potential as absolute inspiration. But whether it’s reveling in a “crooked smile” or owning up to the life of a philanderer on the auto/biographical “Kevin’s Heart,” J. Cole has a gift in turning tears into teaching tools and KOD is a concise, leather-bound audiobook of invaluable life direction goals.
Choose wisely.
Good write up- this is definitely the album where Cole fully realized his potential
Too Dope! Cole World
This is Cole at his best! This is the artist we saw coming on The Warm Up. Nothing but fire and he does us favor by going going at all the fake “Lil” out there. Props to him!
Such incredible music. Made me a lifetime fan!
Great album
This album is garbage. Mediocre bars cringe worthy singing
I guess Dx is getting paid to come up with these reviews
How are you gonna say songs like “1985” and “Friends” have mediocre bars? I swear the internet shouldn’t just let have an IP address. You Lil Pump fans are something else smh.
It just means that you’re easily impressed
mediocre album at best
Instant classic. It’s so obvious. Will be remembered years to come as a pivotal album that came at a pivotal point in the culture. Big ups King Cole.
I didn’t love 4yeo but kod is motivational creative and just real. Anyone who is not feeling the album hated it before they played it. 5/5
Fell asleep during the 1st song
Great album… Not everyone is going to enjoy it because that means you have to focus for longer than 20 minutes. Plus new rap fans can’t or refuse to get behind an album that hits too close to home and actually has meaning. Everyone hating on the album fear not, Lil Junkie is about to drop his latest album which is basically a retread of the previous album, same beats and same subject matter. Thanks for that offering Cole and thanks for dropping an album we need.
OHHHH I SELL YOU DIS ALBUM FO’ ONE FIVE DORRA FUCKY SUCKY EEGGRO’ FO YOUUUU!!! DIS ALBUM MAKE ME GO WING WONG IN MY DING DONG, SEXY GUYYYY!!! NUMBA ONE FUCKY SUCKY ALBUM D OF DA YEAH FOR SRANTY EYE CHINESE MAN!!! J CORE IS SO GAY HOMOSEXUAL GUY, FUCKY SUCKY BOY!!! NUMBA ONE FUCKY SUCKY FO’ SRANTY EYE GUYYY!!!
Only 3 good songs on this… will be forgotten in a month like 4YEO and always be remembered as a mediocre album.
How could you give this a 4.6 when in your conclusion you basically said the album missed its mark? I think the 4.6 is a solid score but the written review (in the conclusion) doesn’t do it justice.
No it basically said the beatz aren’t fire
Wack album
It seems like ratings don’t mean anything anymore
4.6/5
Must’ve reviewed a different project then because this ain’t it
Rofl you know the reviewers on this site are basura. This album wasn’t lack luster and the average dork (hip hop dx staff) falls in love with the morality of a project vs the music it delivers. There’s some moments on this project but this isn’t even the best J cole project let alone a stand out amongst projects like Damn, Views…not wak at all…not impressive either.
Well said.
All Hype
Fake deep shit is all that you will get from this
For all of you that agree and gave this album a 4.5 and better are all prisoners of the moment. Are any of J.Cole albums instant classics or albums that turned into a classics over time? J.Cole and Kendrick are both benefiting from the fact that there are a lot less rappers who are lyrical and have substance in their music . So over time with more weirdo, colored hair, I pop 12 pills before 10am rappers coming out like roaches, where is the healthy competition for MAINSTREAM rappers like Cole and Kendrick? Now J.Cole and Kendrick can put out mediocre albums like KOD and ppl will say “instant classic” or give it a high score like this article. Yes. J.Cole is rapping about substance and has some real life bars but it not his best. I gave this album 3.5 rating. When you name J.Cole rap god point out an album of his that shows he is a rap god? Prisoners of the moment stop over hyping above average music. Matter of fact is any of J.Coles albums better than Lupe The Cool or Food and Liquor? Before somebody has a heart attack this is just my opinion and feel free to argue your opinion logically not because you J.Cole nuts in your mouth
It’s crazy how these blog sites are impressed by anything these days
4.5/5 Yes
Relax. This album is not THAT crazy. One of the most important rap albums ever? I mean it’s levels above the majority of rap releases these days because most of these rappers don’t have much to offer other than turn up music and this was a respectable effort to explore the aspects of the drug culture and how people are addicted to different drugs (money, fame, pills etc.) but all the messages were delivered from An almost naive childish point of view and is perfectly labeled fake deep. “Don’t medicate… meditate” was almost laughable. It’s a good album and a respectable effort but take your foot off the GAS with the “one of the most important rap albums ever” statement. We would like to expect more from you guys
I hope you bein sarcastic….
J. Cole is a lame. His beats are amateurish, his bars are generic, & he comes off as more of a social worker than an actual artist.
Above average for what’s coming out right now but by far is not a classic, it’s over hyped by cole fans but being judged unfairly by cole haters
Message could seem cringey but think he tackled it quite well and lyrically the album is on point
Your absolutely right with your comments but when writers like Trent write “the anointed lyricist….” does J.Cole immediately come to mind? Be honest. I do not think most ppl who have been listening rap for 20+ years (me) watch it evolve or de-evolve is judging unfairly, its just that if your expecting a 5 star meal but end up with a Johnny Rockets burger your going to be a bit disappointed. Do get me wrong Johnny Rocket burgers be hitting the spot but its not a 5 star a meal.
Cole’s best.
DX showing its biased inclinations again. Skyzoo had more depth and relate-ability than this album. Second was U God. You haven’t reviewed Murs album possibly coz ul be biased on him too as a co-worker huh? This album against the mumble rappers is good no doubt, but by Cole and his peers standards is a below average effort and no amount of name calling “hater” and “u have to be smart to get it” will mask the reality that Cole is not as good as y’all claim he is and its painfully showing!
Hot garbage
THANK GOD for J COLE someone needs to take pride in the ARTFORM after all any nobody on the street can dye his hair, pop mollies, smoke pot and drink syrup then jump into a studio and make an album full of dumb choruses with no real content or reflection. It’s really getting pathetic….outside of Post Malone or Lil Uzi the rest of these youngins sound like 5th graders. 1985 is my ish!
Great album, great review. Ofc ur going to have those haters who say otherwise and bash what u said, but obviously ur not wrong. They will never admit cole having a great album. 9/10
Choose wisely.. life or death you decide.
Kdot or j.cole??? So he bites another mans concept and y’all want to say one of the most important rap albums ever ?. Come on son! Y’all don’t know shit bout music if y’all say that.This shit trash maybe four good tracks. Two weeks to record huh? sounds like it #nomoredickriders
I agree. This is Damn pt.2, and usually the sequel isn’t as good as the original. It was ok, no where near “one of the most important rap albums ever”. Hhdx ride kendrick and j.cole no matter what they do. I like both artists, and I loved Damn, which is why this album is a disappointment.
How is this a sequel to DAMN? The production on damn is LAVISH, HUGE, BANGING…most of these beats sound like Cole did them himself in his basement. This album doesn’t seem to be attempting to be DAMN in anyway.
for you not to hear similarities means you only listened to or remember a few songs off Damn. So much sounds like Kendrick on this album.
J. Cole and kendrick are both the sons of Lupe fiasco. Kendrick stole the reversed album concept from Lupe.
This maybe this generation’s version of Hip-Hop is Dead…pretty solid album.
Is ya’ll mad ’cause he got a better review than the artist you like? Huh?
Classique
Wait till King Push and the new Nas drops.
Kanye about to show y’all corny motherfuckers what hiphop is supposed to sound like
Oh yeah and I forgot…
5/5
J.cole k.dot. Chris rivers joyner lucas Joey badass Royce da 5’9 nf ANoyd nipsey King los big krit rittz asap twelvy rapsody anderson pak flatbush zombies stormzy. Hip hop right now not nececerely in dat order
100% Agree!
trash
Little bit exaggeration HHDX. Its a good Album but not great at all
In all honesty if you are trashing this album you obviously are not listening to the message. Shit got me sad as fuck on “Window Pain” with the wanting for the best for your community and family. This is a fantastic album listened it from beginning to end multiple times. It seems as if the increase of trap and mumble rap has dumbed down the masses and think that this album is “boring”… Go enjoy your fucking list of lil rappers and explain to me how they are half as talented as J. Cole.. I will be waiting..
Hahahahaha omg you’re all wet
Good content. Some good storytelling. As the child of an addict I can always relate to Coles work. But this was NOWHERE NEAR as good as FHD and a notch below 4YEO
So fireeeeeeeee
Album is nice Its Grown Man Music playa…I got alot off Jewls From this album Aint no cat in the hat Artist over mannnnn.Love Everything about this album.Got the physical deff. worth my$ thanks J for a real excellent project
dope.
Anyone else notice he bit Lupe Fiascos flow on multiple occasions on this project?
G.O.A.T
Like dawg are ya’ll stupid. First you say he’s boring and never go off on a track. Then he put some more agressive beats ( produced by him) and start going off on tracks like KOD where he tell ya’ll to get the fuck of his dick ’cause ya’ll tellin’ him to get features. Like ya’ll people can’t get satisfied brah.
The album’s incredibly boring and this review’s headline is hyperbolic to attract clicks and comments such as this. It barely feels like Cole was aiming to entertain and engage the reader with this project. He’s incredibly overrated. There is little variety. It’s frustrating because he really has the talent and potential. It’s like watching Usain Bolt run a 100m with his legs tied together.
Exactly! The delivery is so dull, it’s like he is not even TRYING to engage the audience.
I’m a huge J Cole fan and I agree, this album is important. But it isn’t that good, definitely not a 4.6. More like a 3.7/5. The music still has to grip you, regardless of the message. This is slightly boring at times, and if the bar wasn’t so low from soundcloud rappers, it wouldn’t be rated so highly.
HHDX doesn’t get to decide which rap albums are the most important ever…you guys are a bunch of sellouts and bozos
I always laugh at people who don’t get it.
Cole did what many of us are afraid or can’t do. He addresses shit. Just because one addresses it, brings it up, shines a light, etc.. doesn’t necessarily mean they have the answers. First step is actually accepting that an issue exists. Window Pain, and Brackets are my favorites but I can listen to the whole album without skipping anything.
Dude reminds me of Nas and outside of Pac, Nas is who I fuck with.
Waaay too early to say this is one of the most important rap albums ever. If hip hop actually changes for the better after this, then years down the road you can look back and claim that. As of right now its just another rap album.
This album kind of reminds me of the cool. Its a pretty decent project from Cole. My only critique is that intention of the record could of been a little better. Just because a record has substance that doesn’t necessarily make it good. It needs a little more enthusiasm oomph if you know what I mean. There’s also nothing wrong with outside contributions. Not necessarily features. Sometimes outside input helps. Overall I do think this album was need in the current climate of hip hop.
All I can do is wanna cry reading these comments about how this album is “generic, trash or average”, this was a great album from the lyricism, production and artistic subject matter of it all and if you find it boring your just immature and childish as FUCK this album is classic status I agree with the 4.6, and I’m not even really a J.cole fan***..
I think the album is a good album but there is always room for improvement. I’ve been rocking with Cole since his first three mixtapes. Art is mean’t to be critiqued. You can tell when a person is just blatantly hating and when a person is giving an honest critique to help. Its still a great album. It could also win an award.
– Biggest J Cole fan on this planet
not a stan
100% certified stan
1000% certified stan and I am 66 yr old female.
I am Bobbie, I meant to rate 5/5 with no regrets. First time commenting on this site.
fire
DJ MUGGS VS. J COLE
This album is classic, but not a 5. Production is 3.9 out of 5, bars is 4 out of 5, features is 0 out of 5, ( kill Edward act failed he should of just not done that), and hooks is repetitive so 3.6 on the hooks. Album theme gets a 5 out of 5 because this generation needs this album. He had to use beats that adapt to these fucked up times because if you get Cole on a straight boom bap album?!! Tsss these kids wouldn’t bother. Chico has spoken (mic drop)
So I guess you appreciate Cole now after bashing him for copying Tech N9ne?
First of all this album is not a classic or even close to one. His production sux and the album has 3 decent songs. This is a commercial album nothing is new or even ground breaking on here. Classics are albums that you can play 20 yrs later and its still fresh. Cole, Kendrick, Eminem, Lil Wayne, Migos and all these other groups don’t have classic material.
You’re crazy if you can’t listen to mmlp or eminem show now and feel it’s fresh. I don’t like Wayne but Carter 1, possibly 2 can be considered classic. We will see about good kid maad city in a few years if it still holds up. I wouldn’t even consider any album for “classic” status until about 10 years pass.
Fire
If you were with Cole since the mixtape run, you know what’s up
On this album J Cole does not do a good enough job of sticking to the theme of the album. I appreciate the concept, but starting off the album with “people are not worthy to be on my [songs]” is not a very smart idea especially when he could definitely use a feature, so we don’t have to hear his atrocious singing voice ever again. I did really love “Once An Addict” and “1985” as he got off what he wanted to say in a very mature and natural way without sounding preachy or forceful. The first half of this album is incredibly weak with half-baked song ideas that are not consistent with the theme of the album; that paired with poor and surface level lyricism calls for me to give this album a 3/5. Appreciate the concept, but I wish Cole stayed on topic more often and did it with the wordplay and bars that I know he is capable of.
They rate everything classic these days
Best Cole Album yet
Some of Cole’s strongest work yet. While I may not agree its one of the most important rap albums ever…the hyperbole alone almost made me not want to click on the review, I can’t fault it for what Cole does right which is a lot.
With that said, featuring yourself is a corny gimmick lol
Here’s my thoughts and I know y’all won’t like it…
1. This is the only positive thing I have to say about the album. He’s a good rapper and a good writer.
2. Stop overhyping Jermaine. He delivered another average album. Which is sad, because I believe he’s a good rapper.
3. So funny that he doesn’t do features, but lately his best verses have been…his features on other artists songs.
4. This album reminds me of his boss’s album, 4:44. Decent content, but ultimately forgettable. But even Jay had an addictive song in “the story of OJ”. Time will tell with KOD. But as of now…nah.
5. Why the last track alone better than the rest of the album? lol. – “intro to 1985”
6. I think the overhype made him lazy. Most of the music on the album sounds half-baked. It needed to cook some more.
7. Lack of growth compared to others in his “class”. There was a time I really looked forward to that J.Cole x K.Dot album. Now I wouldn’t want that disappointment.
8. Iron sharpens iron…he needs to keep other rappers around him. Andre 3K wouldn’t be GOAT without Big Boi. K. Dot wouldn’t have grown without the support of Black Hippy. J.Cole has a talented roster in Dreamville. Use them.
9. KOD should’ve been loosies released on Soundcloud or something.
10. Instead of hyping up Jermaine so much… go listen to KRIT’s latest album instead. They’re in the same “class”, but KRIT has shown growth in rapping AND production skills. I think it’s partly has to do with being slept on and having something to prove. He has a hunger about him. Jermaine needs to find that Friday Night Lights hunger again.
11. Big KRIT >>> J. Cole
Yea this review is awful. You’re completely right…I didn’t like it. That album is pound for pound the best album out this year. 4:44 also was an amazing ode to black empowerment and his least forgettable work since the Black Album. This is J.Cole’s best work. Life is not all punchlines buddy. This isn’t a rap battle. This is subject matter relevant to the times. It warns practically against addiction (A problem plaguing the black community). We use to be the drug sellers (Bad enough)…We’re turning into the users. Good albums are always relevant to the times. Marvin made “What’s going on”. Teddy made “Wake Up”. You can’t party to those songs but they stand against time because their subject matter was relevant. Go listen to forgettable punchlines and hooks elsewhere. This is Hip Hop at its finest.
I am escomillions and I approve this message
Album of the year.
HHDX finally stopped the bullshit and put respect on Cole’s name. Can’t believe it.
By far his best album. Lyrics production on????????
Solid album. The first part feels like he’s mocking the current rap game. I’m not crazy about the herky-jerky rhyme pattern, but understand what he’s attempting to accomplish. This is definitely an important album considering how too many modern artists are basically glorifying drug addiction. I certainly appreciate his mission with this project. Personally, I dig the laid back subtle J. Cole over slow beats. In my opinion, 4YEO is his best work to date, despite my first impression that it was a cure for my insomnia. That project just grew on me because it’s so perfect in terms of mood and message. As for KOD, the J. Cole that I dig appears at the end of the album beginning with BRACKETS. For those who complain that he doesn’t utilize features, that’s actually one of the things I like about his music since 2014 Forest Hills – he has a very unique sound when he’s rolling dolo. (Born Sinner was a scattered mess with all the features). Again solid album, that may likely grow on me over time. 3.5/5
1985- so. much. knowledge.
You rate this higher than Skyzoo???? Really. Consistency needs to be applied to your reviews. Cole will never be a saviour. He’s not good enough. But he tries so I can’t hate.
The disrespect is real, Skyzoo Album way better but only true hip_hop fans know that. Hip-Hop DX are nothing but dickriders
Probably features one of Cole’s most solid production works to date. The message is straightforward and is fitting for this generation. Rather than bash drug users and addicts, Cole chooses to deliver a sympathetic message well crafted through melodic tunes and 808s. Lyrically and production wise, Cole proves he is at the top of his game and I can’t wait for “The Fall Off.”
our relationship has trust issues trent…you know why?…two words trent…LIL XAN…i’ll never forgive you for that review and making me listen to that album…you expect me to trust what you write…lil xan trent, lil xan
Initial feeling is that this one right here is a classic. I’ll be honest, I am waiting to see how I feel a month from now but I’ve listened to the album probably 20 times and I’m not tired of it
People hating on this album are sad…. COLEWORLD! 5/5 Classic. In an era where everybody doesn’t say shit he takes a stand and people have the nerve to hate on the king….sad!
This broke the first the first day streaming records for an album and single song for both Spotify and Apple music also!!!! Read it and weep you sore losers!!!!!!
DREAMVILLE.
KING COLE.
Actually has more repeat value than DAMN and even Forest hill drive. Needs a bit more better hooks on some tracks but I love it. Don’t hurt me!
4/5
i have many respect for j cole but i was disappointed by the photograph track which he had the same flow as ski mask the slump god yet non the less he is still a good rapper
he couldve done more and done more collabs
Cole doesn’t really fuck with anyone in the industry though. Although I really want a Kendrick & Cole album imagine that…
One of the best hip hop album this year
It’s a real nice album, but I can’t give it 5/5 for the production – it’s serviceable but far from stellar – and I can’t give it 5 for the writing either. There are some nice bars and good messages, but the delivery is a little too basic for my taste. It’s like a good story being told but by an elementary school teacher. That said it is still at a high level and likely to be better than 95% of what else is released this year. Most importantly, it is considerably better than 4 Your Eyez Only, which was vastly overrated.
I feel like Cole biggest fans are women who aren’t really into hip hop but want to be able to have a favorite artist who is cool. To me he is ok but he just doesn’t move me in any kind of way. I don’t find him inspiring. He doesn’t amp me up. Nothing he says make me say “Damn!” and hit rewind. None of his beats bang hard. None of his hooks catchy. He’s not funny. His wordplay is simple. He’s got no unique style. Once you heard the album 2 or 3 times nothing new comes out with more listens. Meh.
Listen to Window Pain that is the deepest song on there that will make you feel some type of way
I think its a 4 outta 5… i mean its good but its not even J. Cole”s best album by any stretch or facet lol. Its hype folks it will die down. But yeah I think J. Cole is right now a top 20 rapper of all time….and thats sayign something!
All facts homie, he dont got them “rewind there’s more to find” type of bars.
The album is so deep all the songs on there are bangers the only one I’m on the edge about is The Cut Off I believe that this will be the biggest tape dropped in 2018
Finally….some dope lyrics other than KDot. These two running the game.
I’m not a J. Cole fan but i do respect him for he’s doing but overall this is just another mixed bag album that he delivered.
I’m not the biggest Cole fan and I don’t respect his hate of Kanye but this is a dope album.
THIS ALBUM IS THE BIGGEST OF THE YEAR!!!!!!! This album is the most lyrical since Kendrick’s DAMN. The only down side to this album is Cole altar ego kiLL Edward. Frankly the parts of the album with that kind of kills the vibe of the bars if FRIENDS didn’t have kiLL in it would be a full banger. Also if you listen to Window Pain closely the lyrics really make sense and when the bassline and the eerie sample in that song is just dope. Coming as a Producer/Songwriter I really appreciate the beats and the lyrics in this album. We need more people like J. Cole and Kendrick final statement
CyHi the Prince’s album was far better lyrically and sonically. But he’s CyHi so he gets no love. PRhyme 2 is far better than this album in all aspects as well. Sure the message is good, but it’s nothing that hasn’t been said before so let’s please stop making it seem like this is revolutionary. This is just a decent to good album, nothing special, not enough to get these kinds of reactions. If this is considered “amazing” then Revival is one of the greatest albums ever lol. Let’s just give every OK album the highest ratings.
“PRhyme 2 is far better than this album in all aspects as well.”
Sorry but for the most part PRhyme 2 was a massive let down.
… doesn’t mean it wasn’t better than this lol. And let down only if you expected anything other than bars and hard beats.
I’m not saying its revolutionary I’m just saying it is the biggest album so far this year we will just wait and see if any other artists drop.
Cole’s lyics are pretty basic, the message is good but he really not that lyrical
This project doesn’t do anything for me. There are a couple of good tracks on it but otherwise it feels a bit lazy. Lyrically, it’s a little bit above average, but production-wise it’s lacking excitement. I’d give this a 3.5 out of 5. I might listen to it again, but it won’t make it into a steady rotation, personally.
J.COLE IS A GOD. BEST ALBUM EVER BETTER THEN TUPAC
What is a “prolific” album? Misusing a “fancy” word in the first sentence of your glowing review says everything that needs to be said about J. Cole fans.
Did they really go into detail about an interlude on the album? The problem with J has always been not what he’s saying, but how he says it. There’s no fire or passion in his delivery. Kendrick can rap the alphabet and make it sound like he’s coming hard.
Beats dnt bang hard stupid its not that kind of album Grown man music aint for the kids 4 adults no dance crap or how the kids say is there any bangers or it slaps stupid words grown man music if u live with your mama album aint 4 u Grow up Stop smoking blunts and drinking beer grow up take care of your kids handle your biz. get 2 or 3 jobs do the right thing is it banger hate that shit lmfao
Please, somebody drop an album that gives a different (not a new concept at all) view and oh here we, its the greatest album ever…GTFOH with that dick riding knee jerk reaction shit. It was a good album. Not a classic, not timeless. He aint said shit that havent been said before except in his own way. Lets not get carried away though
When you hold the concept of KOD up to what we’re championing in today’s “rap culture” you end up with a pretty strong message, no? Haven’t we been getting hit over the head with ignorant, fake-trap shit for the better part of 3 years now? So you might call the reaction to this record “knee jerk”, but it feels more complicated than that. Fast forward ten years. Fuck it, fast forward 25. Where are your classics? Not a single soldier in this new class, just a bunch of selfies with 15k likes. So good for Cole. He had something to say, and he said it in the exact fashion we’ve come to expect from him.
I haven’t been getting hit over the head with shit….as far as his content, I prefer Lamar just to be honest. I listened to the album…its good….not a classic not timeless, just different. Different dont equal classic. Using this against mubble rap is an easy argument to make but playing the comparison game still dont make it this critically acclaimed project that some people keep claiming
I meant “we”, like we the people, not you particularly. And I agree, I listen to Kendrick more than I listen to Cole- but they’re on the same conscious wave which is a breath of fresh air. Hip hop content has been dumbed down for a minute now, and it’s comforting to hear something with a heart and soul get some shine. Different doesn’t equal classic, but time will tell. Is Damn or To Pimp A Butterfly a classic? Not quite yet. Illmatic is 24 years old and at classic status. So who knows how KOD will shape up moving forward. In my opinion, it’s a think piece that will stand up a few years after the face tattoo generation is rehabbing their substance blues away.
Y’all lost whatever credibility you had left when you published this review.
Look at this guy– “Anyone who has casually paid attention to J. Cole maneuvering through rap’s ecosystem could foresee a prolific album such as KOD on the horizon.”
Are we even on the same planet? Why have you been waiting for J. Cole to miraculously pull a classic album out of his ass? Is that what you heard on Born Sinner or any of his other shit??
5/5
I don’t know about that headline, Trent, but this album does bump. Much better than 4YEO.
Refreshing. Love Cole. 5 out of 5 you bitch you
thanks for gettin one right hhdx
I have to agree with people questioning the credibility of HHDX going forward. Maaaaan this album is weak. I get the “after school special” message, but cmon can the woke liberal media machine not spread to hip hop. Cole’s lyrics are as usual on point, but the boring production makes this a long Public Serving Announcement, not “one Of The Most Important Rap Albums Ever”. You can achieve greatness by having messages in ur songs (4:44, every Nas album, Lupe etc.) even in this ADD era of the times. Very disappointed in the album and this PC review.
HHDX’s review standard has fallen off the face of the planet in the past year or so. but whats the alternative?
This is a great album. Incredible flows, beats, creativity, and message.
The album is 3/5 at best, it seems as If J.Cole was trying to force a classic album out but failed. The album was so basic concept wise compared to lupe or kendrick.
The most important hip hop album of all time? Are you kidding me? HHDX once had credibility and now reviews like this are happening. This album is boring and predictable. I downloaded it on Spotify and it lasted 5 minutes on my phone before being deleted. Yawn.
The fact that you had the album on your phone for 5 minutes, when in total the album is around 40min, means you didn’t have the patience to listen to the whole thing so I feel like your review is just invalid and stems from ignorance.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This album is a breath of fresh air in an era of failing lyrics and content. It feels like an indictment of what the hip-hop culture has become. Both well written and composed.
AGREED!!!!!
Perfection.
Cole never disappoint the majority of the album is fire. I can’t lie the track he was talking about his mom alcohol abuse made me cry I can’t listen to it again because I know that pain first hand. The only reason I didn’t give it a perfect 5 because it was to short I needed about 14 to 16 tracks. I felt like he came with the Kung Fu Kenny flow also so I had to dock him a point. Other then that this is what hip hop needs. Thanks J Cole. Your a legend in my eyes.
4/5-Not every album you listen to has to be like kendricks DAMN where if you listen to it side ways there are three different albums…lmao! We looking for the next wave not what somebody else already did! But instead of setting yourself up for what you thought J-Cole should sound like if he where your sperm…listen to the work Jermaine dropped. Actually listen to the album from start to finish. It took me listening to it three times fully to understand what he was trying to do he is talking about the world year 2018 from his eyes and others….Fact is nobody likes when people tell them the truth about their actions same way Jayz-4:44 got eric bonnet and south rappers holding money to they ear panties in a bunch…The album is dumb down so the kids will get it as well as folks who think they so woke but miss the message by trying to be so woke….. #dreamville
Amen
This is one of the most annoying albums I have ever heard, although I can’t say I’ve listened to any of these mumble rapper’s albums. Cole’s flow on this album is so annoying it is difficult to pay attention to what he’s saying.
I don’t think there are much albums out there that deserve a perfect 5/5. Ready To die. The Infamous maybe. But this album had me struggling to rate it a 4/5. Only reason I have not given this album a 5/5 is for the lack of commercial hit. Sure there is ATM. Possibly KOD. But not something I can play at any party, any persons car, and have everyone totally on board. BUT this is minor flaw. The 4/5 comes from the Theme(and how he stuck too it), the writing, the stories, the teaching and advice, flow, and for overall great production. Also keeping in mind that Cole did this by himself. Yes no feature, blah blah blah I can feel the memes flowing. but people forget; Cole PRODUCED 9/12 tracks completely by himself as well. Also co-producing on 2 more tracks, leaving only one track he didn’t touch. Which is INCREDIBLE. Great album. Lots of people that I watch, and trust, on Youtube for reviews have been saying this is already a Classic, and will stand the test of time. J. Cole did it again
That response wasn’t to you. This website doesn’t work properly.
+BHop You shouldn’t trust anyone that says the album is a classic already. Those are called stans. The album has been out for a mere six days.
This album is heavy in content and forcing the audience to listen in a different manner. This album is highlighting those activities, circumstances, and social challenges that lead to drug abuse, wasteful spending, and self destruction all captured in intrucate lyrics. This album is simply incredible! 4.5 stars!
boring
Something feels off on this album. We all know he can come with a Friday Night Lights project with pure hiphop and no trap, but sadly that won’t sell or he believes it won’t sell. So instead, we get a few trap tracks sprinkled in the album where he talks down on trap but yet still employs repetitive hooks and trap drums and fast hi-hats. Come on Cole! I believe it’s a cop out. You better than this. Cole said it himself; not me. If you want to be considered one of the greats, you would think he’d be concerned with adding to his legacy and putting out A+ quality. We all support creativity, but not when it turns into BS trap-esque music.
Hmm, i kind of felt the same way during my first listen, but towards the end (and on the following listen-throughs) my view on the album changed. I think that he used the trap’esque sound to show the “new generation” of rappers, that you can explore the modern sound of hip hop but still use it as a platform for lyricism and societal relevance. To me the album shows that an artist can experiment with the trap sound without having to ad to the decline of lyrical qualities by mumbling – but instead use it to play with staccato flows while delivering an important and super responsible message. And using the “mumbling-rap-sound” while schooling the mumbling-rappers is pretty brilliant
j. cole is so overrated ! don’t get me wrong. he is a lyricist and definitely got some talent. but he ain’t great as many people considered him to be. his beat selections are 75 % of the time fucked up. and sometimes the content of his music is just boring. kendrick lamar and big krit are definitely far ahead from him.
NOBODY EVEN FUCKING KNOWS WHO THE FUCK BIG KRIT IS! SO SHUT THE FUCK UP WITH YOUR DUMBASS OPINIONS WHEN YOU CLEARLY HAVENT EVEN HEARD HIS SHIT
Hot dumpster juice on a 100 degree day
9.2/10… gtfo. this shit was a 6.5 or a 7 tbh
So you call this one of the most important rap albums ever and then call Em’s Revival trash?! get the fuck outta here!
Revival sucks especially coming from someone like Eminem. This album is miles better.
Where the hell did Revival come from? These albums sound nothing alike
OVERRATED
This and Saba are the best albums of the year IMO. Cozz Effected and Phonte’s album are also really dope. Looking forward to that new Royce album this week.
fuego
lit
Great now I feel olbigated to listen to this.
And it’s not gonna be worth it. I’m hesitant to say he lacks charisma, I don’t think that’s the right word…. maybe boring? But still it’s not the right word.
He’s like the worst qualities of Hopsin combined with the worst qualities of Lupe Fiasco. Is this going to be an album about not doing drugs? Its gonna be like that cartoon dog telling us he wishes we wouldn’t smoke weed… It’ll probably come off as sanctimonious, judmental and shallow, he didn’t lead a life or have the insight to lecture on these subjects…. I’ll bet, haven’t heard it yet… Just a prediction…. fucking one of the most important albums ever DID YOU SERIOUSLY FUCKING SAY THAT??
Is it ok to view this album as average? Lol there’s highs and lows on this it’s good but far from a classic. Coles flow and verses feel lazy at times. People wanted to label this a classic even before it dropped. Also diss tracks > pep talks. 3.0
Agreed Andy, Average at best!
Good stuff
This is more of a reactive album than a creative album like 4 your eyez only or 2014 Forrest. Thats the down side of this project for me. He’s reacting to Lil Pump & Smoke Purp situation. I dont know, he tried to balance the moral standing with understanding but it didnt quite come off as well as I expect a dope ass artist and rapper like Jcole can bring. Each to his own. The amazing songs are Window Pain, Brackets, Kevin and Friends.
Loved his earlier stuff, maybe if I listed to it 100 times I’ll start enjoying this. I’ll pass sorry. 1 Star.
Cole fans don’t understand what a good album sounds like -because they’ve never heard one. j cole has no identity and is too busy trying to be something he isn’t.
Another Migos fan…
You sound foolish
lit. 5 Stars
Sort of boring and repetitive – nothing stands out! (listened through it 3 times)
One of the most important rap albums ever? Its not terrible but its nothing special, Cole’s style of rapping and lyrics gets stale fast and its so boring and kinda simple, same for the production there are no standout tracks. And dissing mumble rappers is some old head and close minded way of thinking. Also he NEEDS guest rappers and producers for his next album cause sorry but he cant carry a whole album on his own…
You must like Migos….
Window pain is my favorite
5/5
Haters gonna gate…
This album just gets better as it goes along. Though this isn’t J Cole’s best work, it’s his most powerful and most focused work to date. A great look at modern Hip-Hop
Great concept along with some heartfelt and insightful tracks from Cole. Production is solid across the board and makes for one of the top albums of the year so far.
album of the year
Average album. Nothing special.
On point and very creative …this one will last for ever …arguarbly one of his best albums
K.O.D is an album that can relate to almost everyone that has pain but feel as though they need something to take the edge off. Rather if it’s drugs, sex, or money. This album not only helps people realize that they are strong and don’t need those things to cope with but it also shows and tell Cole’s own experiences. He’s trying to wake us all up as he’s been trying for years. Keep up the positivity Cole. I’m ya biggest fan
Very important album especially in this day and age of 2018 when taking drugs, smoking, vaping, etc. is considered something ‘cool’ by most individuals born after the year 2000.
Probably more like a 4.6-4.8. Every track is good and has an important message. The album stays on it’s KOD theme (whichever way you interpret it) for the most part, yet tracks like BRACKETS, Photograh, and 1985 range from taxes to social media to Lil Pump. One of Cole’s best albums to date.
PEOPLE DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT. F4GGOTS. THIS WAS ALBUM OF THE YEAR, ARGUABLY WITH DAYTONA AND BOOK OF RYAN.