J. Cole ft/ Jay-Z "Mr. Nice Watch"

Here is the extremely hyped up track from J. Cole's upcoming debut "Cole World: The Sideline Story". I'm surprised this leaked so soon, but now its here and the big question is: Does it live up to the hype? 

No.

There you go. Now, me personally? I didn't get too hyped up for it. Most times, I don't like songs J. Cole has features on. I'd sooner here him spit solo, so I won't be lowering my expectations for the full album based on this song. Before writing this post, I decided to see what the opinion of the masses was thus far. Of course its quite mixed, but most don't like it. Then again, most didn't like "Work Out" and I thought it was a dope joint. Now for my own review.

The beat isn't as bad as most are making it out to be. Granted, I don't like the foundation much, but the breakdown near the chorus is mad dope and the guitar riffs added later add to it. I'm not sure where Cole's mind was when making this, but its way out there. Most people think Cole is trying too hard to be a triple threat like Kanye West (sing hooks, produce, rap) and this song will be a foundation for their argument even after the album comes out, good or bad. I didn't like the hook. Its not that I didn't like HIM on the hook, I thought the hook was whack as a whole. I also think there are plenty more Jay-Z lines he could make into full length songs. Maybe the hook will grow on me after a few more listens.

Lyrically, J. Cole is uncharacteristically sub-par. The braggadocio is heavy on this one (unsurprisingly) but the lyrical content isn't even clever. Also, his topics are all over the place and most won't catch the attempt at a message here without someone telling them.

Now, Jay-Z's verse......I give him credit for outdoing Cole, though it wasn't hard this time around. Beyond that, it wasn't his best. I caught a comment on Hiphopdx.com where a fan said Cole should be angry because he gave Drake such a dope verse for "Light Up" and gave his own artist a weak verse. I laughed. I agreed as well, but I think Jay had some trouble getting motivated to write for this beat.

All in all, this collaboration could have been a much better set piece for a (hopefully) amazing album. We'll just have to wait to see if the rest of the album makes up for it.

"Mr. Nice Watch"