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No Country for Old (Rap) Men: REVIEW – 4 Your Eyez Only

A track-by-track breakdown of J. Cole's new album from a J. Cole skeptic

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Second chances are often a mistake. The whole idea that somehow, some way, your gut instinct was off regarding a particular subject. Let’s say in this case that this particular topic happens to be the belief that multi-platinum rapper dude J. Cole is insomnia’s mortal enemy, involves doubting one’s entire belief system. My folly was to think that maybe the guy deserved a second valuation, despite all evidence pointing to the fact that the ironically named Dreamville crew have been assisting exhausted parents in putting young infants to sleep whenever Cole’s music wafts out of a portable bluetooth speaker. I’d heard whispers on Rap Twitter that this young fella was like a bull out the gate with his latest tunes, kicking arse and taking no prisoners like some kind of Rap Game Rambo, so I figured maybe, just maybe, Mr. Cole had decided to take that pillow from his head and put a book in it © KRS-One. Could it be that I could finally listen to J. Cole music while driving and/or operating heavy machinery without fear of dozing off?


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01. 'For Whom the Bell Tolls'

Some poorly executed singing (blame Cudders) over some live horn. Did Cole write ‘Let Nas Down’ in the hope that Nas’ dad might give him a discount from his appearance fee on this? Please note: There is no evidence that Nas Snr is involved in any shape or form. I am, however, rather ‘let down’ that Nas and Common’s fathers haven’t formed a group called the Dad Rap Dynasty.


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02. 'Immortal'

Dude gets his Kendrick on in terms of concepts and vocal intonations, presenting the different sides of street economics. At least he’s not harmonising. Oh shit, is that hip-hop’s ‘premier violinist’?


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03. 'Deja Vu'

Eyes heavy…enter Sandman. Woah, is that Tupac or is J. Cole auditioning for a new Pac feature? Anyhoo, this is some sappy shit about feelings and whatnot.


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04. 'Ville Mentality'

Ya boy is going all Bone Thugs ‘N Harmony again. The beat is decent, but it’s ruined by Cole entering the wishy washy chamber where he feels sorry for himself because it’s hard work being semi famous, guys! He also plays a cheap trick using a kid’s narration to emotionally manipulate the listener.


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05. 'She Mine Pt. 1'

Poor man’s D’Angelo status, now he’s reading out some love letters. Makes me wish rap ballads were back instead of having to hear this, which is really saying something since the last time that sub-genre was popping, we heard Big Daddy Kane tell Barry White about his fondness for licking nail polish from feet, which still makes me throw up in my mouth.


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06. 'Change'

According to J. Cole stans, you require a certain level of intelligence to comprehend the majesty of his verbal abilities. I just like to think that he’s painfully just above average. He certainly doesn’t mumble, if that’s important to you. This song talks about people getting shot, but doesn’t offer any particular insight on the matter other than ‘It sucks’.


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07. 'Neighbors'

This seems to be a justification for why he moved to a nice neighbourhood, which is understandable since who doesn’t like a backyard BBQ? He then discusses that the cracker-ass crackers in the new area are a bunch of fuckybergs who think he’s a drug dealer (although I suspect they were just excited to see Michael Franti again) while humble bragging about Obama mentioning him as a rapper he enjoys. This is easily the most interesting song so far, which isn’t saying much but at least it’s a vaguely original concept.


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08. 'Foldin’ Clothes'

Turns of Cole has ‘Dreams of Spoonin’ a Domestic Goddess’ as he promises to fold the washing, perform foot rubs, and drink almond milk for you girl. I look forward to hearing this next time I shop for jeans. Then at the end he addresses issues around black identity in America and the eternal fear of appearing ‘soft’. Guess he’s trying to Trojan Horse the listener by making a shitty song with a message at the end. Seems pretty half-arsed.


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09. 'She Mine Pt. 2'

A song about fatherhood and his daughter. Congrats chief but couldn’t you just mention her in the liner notes?


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010. '4 Your Eyez Only'

I won’t spoil the plot to this one, other than to say that it’s an interesting concept that’s executed well. That being said, it’s not something I’ll ever feel the need to hear again either.


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011. Verdict:

It’s puzzling as to why two million people bought the last Cole album. Have we gotten to the stage where the people are buying rap albums just to reward mediocrity and not having trap beats? If YouTube comment sections are anything to go by, the average J. Cole fan is a morally superior Fake Deep type who considers themselves ‘above’ any rap music that is even remotely anti-social or ignorant. This album will please those fans, who will feel especially clever uncovering many nuances they’ve convinced themselves exist here. For the rest of us, it’s a collection of some decent ideas buried beneath some ill-advised singing and a shit-tonne of violin, not unlike the last three albums from The Roots but without the great rapping. Not quite the ‘wake-up’ call I was hoping for…