“Cole World: The Sideline Story” is the debut studio album of rapper J Cole.  J Cole has been acclaimed in the hip-hop world from his mixtapes and guest appearances on other artist’s singles.   After listening to this album twice, I can see what the hype is about.  J Cole is a talented rapper and prolific lyricist.   He has one of the better ‘flows’ and delivery of today’s rappers. He places emphasis on well-crafted lyricism. Unlike too many of today’s (mainstream) hip-hop artists, J Cole often adds social consciences to his music and is seldom materialistic. It is also notable that Cole produced most of the songs himself. I have never heard any of his mixtape work.  Some have said his mixtape work is slightly better than this “studio” album. If true, then the mixtapes must be excellent, because Cole shines on this album.

This album is J Cole’s first attempt at achieving mainstream appeal. In doing so, the music is a middle ground between mainstream hip-hop and underground hip-hop. A lot of the aesthetics of underground hip-hop are there in the production, but polished and catchy enough for the mainstream. As the Rolling Stone review of the album stated, “Cole is brainier than most mainstream MCs but too flashy for the underground.”

Most of the songs on the album are a good listen.  “Can’t Get Enough” and “Work Out” are the first two radio singles from the album. They are clearly made for the radio – they are less lyrical than some of the other songs, but they make good pop-rap singles. “Can’t Get Enough” samples African music and “Work Out” refrains Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up”.

“Sideline Story” (the title track) is a reflection of J Cole’s life as a poor black man has been transformed by newfound fame.  “Nobody’s Perfect” (featuring my favorite female rapper, Missy Elliott) deals with a troubled relationship.  “Mr. Nice Watch” (featuring co-producer Jay-Z) is a stab at rapping over a dubstep beat.  “Lost Ones” is the most socially conscience track. It tackles a girlfriend’s decision of whether or whether not to have an abortion, and its implications on himself, girlfriend, and unborn fetus. 

My only complaints about the album are that it does have some of the negative aspects that are common in popular hip-hop. It does occasionally refer to “hoes” and drug use. And the interludes are unnecessary.

J Cole will be known as one of the most talented MC’s of this decade.

(4.5 stars out of 5)