"The hunger is there, but the hunger has changed. Less bout ending the drought and more for the rain." _ Profex
That's a line from a joint I've yet to finish, but I felt that is summed up my thoughts on J. Cole's debut pretty well. The days have passed where the top artists come into the game simply using their given talents with lyricism to feed the fam and get off the streets. There's a grimy feel in hip hop that's sorely missed, reserved for those old school vets when they decide to drop a few bars. There are exceptions to be sure, but the albums truly selling are filled with hip hop of more pop-ish persuasion, all focused on capturing the common ear with something catchy to put it on the top of the charts. Glorification of the mighty dollar is at an all time high, and its evident in today's popular music.
Knowing this, I hoped J. Cole's debut would be steered more by the old school and stay focused on continuing a story Cole captured everyone with way back on The Come Up. For the most part, he did just that. Song's like "Dollar and A Dream III", "Lost Ones", and "Breakdown" stay true to the story-telling gift J. Cole was blessed with, whether its his own or character's suffering the plights of the common black man and woman. The production even stands strong throughout the album, with J. Cole on the boards 90% of the time. He's come into his own as a producer, but I'm not quite sure he has settled on a signature sound just yet. That could be a good thing in the future.
There are a couple songs recycled from old releases, but they vibe with the newer songs well. "Lights Please" seems to hold a special place with Mr. Cole, as it should since its the song that got him signed. "In The Morning ft/ Drake" is another holdover that I believe was the only "chart climber" he needed, but he adds on "Work Out" and "Can't Get Enough ft/ Trey Songz", both of which received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike.
The collaborations on the album are enjoyable, all except for the big one "Mr. Nice Watch" featuring the big homie Jay-Z. I did a slightly more subjective review of this particular song a few days back (http://tinyurl.com/43bol7l). In short, it disappoints. Its refreshing to hear Missy Elliot on "Nobody's Perfect" and the song is one of my highlights.
All in all, the album is good. A little less fluff and I think it could have stood with the great debuts like Illmatic and Reasonable Doubt. It definitely stands out amongst today's music and its more than worth the $15 you'll throw down for it.
"Dollar And A Dream III"
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