Young Rappers Old People Should listen to — J. Cole
For those who haven’t been following this series, I’ve been trying to encourage old heads like myself to get back into listening to rap and hip hop. There’s a lot of quality emcees, both male and female, worth following. To lose sight of that, because of the dregs of the scene, does the majority of the genre a disservice. With that said, for this week we’re going to North Carolina.
Who: J. Cole
Where: North Carolina
Album: Forest Hill Drive
Why:
Back in the day, the time when boom bap ruled the world of hip-hop, emcees seemed to be bigger than life characters. There were/are rappers like Rakim, who calls himself “the God emcee.” But what if there was a current rapper who is bigger than life, yet creates work that makes his fans believe they can relate with him? How about a rapper who openly admits his genius, while maintaining a level of humbleness? A rapper who’s well versed in the history of hip hop culture, yet forward leaning with innovation? Would old fogies like us appreciate him?
I think so.
Ladies and Gentlemen, J.Cole.
So why Forest Hill Drive? Born Sinner might be my favorite album of his. KOD finds a brilliant balance between innovation, and stadium songs, but if you’ve been away from rap, and given up on rap, Forest Hill Drive is where you need to start your journey. This is an album, that arguably doesn’t have a traditional single. The great majority of songs are relate-able, at a perfect driving vibes pace, with songs that create nostalgic images for us older hip hop heads, while being an escape for kids who feel adults don’t understand.
This is a well-thought, soulful project with catchy choruses. An album that is easily digestible in a single listen. The replay quality of it is unquestionable.
I’m actually not sure what order to go through his discography, but don’t skip his Friday Night Lights mixtape. I know it’s not an official album, but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t listen to it. Also, I think Cole World and Born Sinner probably should be listened to back-to-back. Born Sinner exists as a reaction to the criticisms of Cole World. In defense of Cole World, as a creative professional, we often make sacrifices to move forward in our careers. Those sacrifices don’t make a work less important. It’s just a different perspective.
I’m an author, who has primarily been published through small independent publishers. Even I had to alter how I wrote to get that first book published. I didn’t realize how good my first book was until years later. I think as old heads outside the scene, we have a vantage point that could help us appreciate Cole World for what it is.
That said, what gives me real hope for the future of hip hop and rap is the list of emcees at the top of the game. Of the top 3 rappers, I’ve already featured Kendrick and now J. Cole. There’s a strong argument that Drake should be on my list of Young Rappers Old People should listen to as well. Especially, if you primarily look at his earlier work. How can so many people my age complain about rap, when there’s so much quality at the top? Because of Soundcloud rappers? Mumble rap? Even in those spaces/genres you can find exciting emcees worth your time. Perhaps that’s a clue to the future of this series.
