#StiktothePoint on J Cole's "4 Your Eyez Only"

Things were pretty calm during the first week of December. That changed quickly when J Cole dropped a documentary that also included two songs, "False Prophets" and "Everybody Gotta Die." On these songs, Cole took at aim a few targets, the biggest one being Kanye West. It was an interesting move by Cole as he's not the one to really throw very blatant shots. What it did do was build buzz for his next album, which he would release one week later. I was very excited after hearing the two songs he released but as I listened to the album, 4 Your Eyez Only, I found myself being disappointed with the overall product.

The first thing to get out of the way: J Cole can still rap better than most of the game. He's top 5 when it comes to technical rapping. That's never been an issue. The problem that J Cole runs into is crafting songs. Cole's last album was his most complete effort. While he's always been able to craft a hit here and there, it was 2014 Forest Hills Drive that really showed Cole could not only be a lyrical master, but also someone who could make songs that people want to play over and over. But 4YEO takes a step backwards. The first song starts a trend of Cole's new obsession with singing. In spurts and small doses, it's fine but it's a bit overwhelming throughout the album. Ville Mentality is the lowest point, as the singing is more of a distraction to the very smooth beat he has on this. Had he got someone to sing the hook (more on features soon) and focused on strictly on the rapping, I would have like this more.

Of course, the big thing about last album was that he went platinum without any features. And yes it was a great feat to say the least. But man, this album could have used some injection of energy. There's nothing wrong with just having Cole on the record, normally but most songs on here just seem like they need a break from the rapper and introduce a different voice. Two songs that worked well, were "Immortal" and "Neighbors." These two songs had a lot of energy and have pretty good replay value in my opinion.

What definitely worked was the concept that J Cole portrayed. At first glance, this seems like another personal tale from J Cole. However, when you reach the titular song of the album, you realize the entire album was Cole doing a favor to an old friend of his. This friend died due to his lifestyle choices and the entire album was the story leading to point where Cole explains the love that man had for his daughter. It's such a cool little maneuver by J Cole and shows that he's not only talented but an overall good dude.

Here's the thing: I wish that I could have loved the album more. I'm such a big Cole fan so this one hurts, man. Look, I get it. The man has grown up. He's 30 and manufactured the most secret life of any rapper ever. We wouldn't even know the man was married if not for an interview slip-up and we just found out recently he had a baby. The vibe I got from this album so far is that women really love this one. J Cole definitely is the kind of stand up guy that is easy to get behind in that respect and most of his core fans will love this one strictly off his rapping ability alone. One of his biggest critiques is that he's a boring rapper. And for the most part, I have argued against that as I've always found him interesting enough to make his songs memorable. But this album was not memorable to me. At all.

Pros: Good bars, concept of the album was executed nicely

Cons: Songs have low replay value, singing is too much, 10 songs leaves little margin of error

Must hear songs: Immortal, Neighbors

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