A few days ago, on December 9th, 2014, J Cole released his third and most real album to date. Forest Hills Drive give us insight into a real Cole and see what makes him tick. Hot New Hip Hop has seen stellar reviews of the album and I am inclined to agree as he touched on subjects that everyone can relate to. Of course, he presents all of his songs in true Cole fashion, telling a clever story throughout each.
Kicking off the album with an Intro, he offers the listener a question, do you want to be happy? Do you want to be free? I’ll tell you Cole, this album made me happy. I am so tired of the popularized, ridiculous version of hip hop that the radio plays. This is the type of music that I fell in love with as a kid, real stuff, not bells and whistles with guys yelling into a mic making corny metaphors.
He references with affection TV characters such as Uncle Phil, and Aunt Vivian from Fresh Prince of Bel Air, as well as female artists, Trina, Sade, Aaliyah, and Nia Long. He also had some choice words for artists in his song Fire Squad. Iggy Azalea, Eminem, Justin Timberlake, and Macklemore were mentioned in that particular track.
This album will yield many-an Instagram quote with one liners like,” If you don’t aim too high, you aim too low”, “huh nice watch”, “I ain’t never did this before”, and many more for you to sift through on your own. He offers us a look into his own opinion about topics which is a relief to see him open up. Stories of his past emerge, reminding me much of a Nas album. I believe he would proud of you Cole.
Keep this stuff up Cole, you are one of the only real dudes still in hip hop, a prized diamond surrounded by fools gold.
To read the Hot New Hip Hop article click here.