As time continues to pass by, more and more, I become less enthused about hearing a project from Sir Cole.
First off I want to express that in no way am I trying to downplay the skills that Cole displays on every project. From his days of giving hard deliveries on every verse, to displaying his production versatility, to incorporating melody with minimalistic production, all the way to being one of the few rappers that can carry a project all by himself, something is still missing.
Cole These Days
“Wow, niggas been crampin' my style Blowin' my high, they want a reply The number one question is, "How?" How does it feel now that you on? How much you worth? How big is your home? How come you won't get a few features? I think you should? How 'bout I don't? How 'bout you just get the fuck off my dick? How 'bout you listen and never forget? Only gon' say this one time, then I'm dipped Niggas ain't worthy to be on my shit Haven't you heard? I'm as cold as the tip Tip of the iceberg that tipped the Titanic No tip-toein' 'round it, my shit is gigantic It's big as the fuckin' Atlantic, I'm lit, bitch.” -Rap Genius, J Cole "KOD"
How so gratifying that Cole is now expressing what many echo in the hiphop rumor and gossip forums, but is it late? Did it take the divided response from 4 Your Eyez Only for Cole to here his naysayers and critics? Did that slap him out of his complacency?
Here's The Thing
Cole is not hungry anymore like he once was. Before Cole hit the mainstream stage, he was rapping like his life depended on it, and maybe, it may just have been. However, now that he has platinum plaques, hit singles, millions of fans and all that he could have asked for, the hunger has left. He is no longer rapping like he has something to prove. Ultimately, Cole has entered into the realm of rap journalist, where since 2014 Forest Hills Drive, he has surrendered to telling other's stories (4 Your Eyez Only) or being the messenger (KOD).
“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.”- Rap Genius, J Cole "Friends"
Now it is no big deal that Cole is taking this direction with his music because this is definitely needed in HipHop right now. However, it does leave those fans who remember the young Cole just vying for a spot rapping with the classic white t-shirt in the "Simba" video, begging and pleading for that Cole back. These days many are wondering if Cole is just cool now with just being here, and no longer wants to cement himself as the best, but is okay with just being one of the best.
Ultimately
Cole is still Cole! He will still give you the bars, the production, the content, and the pure emcee that is HipHop necessity. But I can't help but feel that now that Cole is no longer as hungry as others and I would like, he now is becoming the artist that you will always feel like something is missing in his music. That he has lost that once burning flame that got him in the mainstream stratosphere and now that he is here, he is cool with that. He is still putting out good music, but disappoints in that area of intensity and tenacity many grew accustom to adore.
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