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J. Cole - 4 Your Eyez Only Album Review


'4 Your Eyez Only' marks J. Cole's return after his triumphant LP two years ago; he is one of the leading writers of the new generation of MC's who pride themselves on technical ability, and in a genre where simplicity and a lack of any thought-provoking content have become overwhelmingly commonplace, the return of the Dreamville representative sent the hip-hop sphere into a frenzy. With a tracklist of only ten songs, the concise LP was an incredibly strong end to the year for Cole, and was a late contender for any self-respecting rap fan's album of the year.

J. Cole - 4 Your Eyez Only Album Review

Cole, half-sung, opens the LP by crooning "I see the rain pouring down, before my very eyes" on the brilliant 'For Whom The Bell Tolls', and this melodic, soulful approach runs for the duration of '4 Your Eyez Only'; the North Carolina lyricist's focus on mature, classy hip-hop is once again made clear from the first few minutes of the album, much like his revered '2014 Forest Hills Drive' project. The low, hard-hitting bass of 'Immortal' is matched with subtle vocals and textured production, and Cole's ability to switch between an aggressive, enthusiastic approach and a calm, collected presence makes his material diverse in both sound and in the audience it attracts.

'Deja Vu' is a sure-fire radio hit, complete with knocking drums, catchy hook and cheesy sample, but it is executed flawlessly; Cole's penchant for commercially viable material is unrivalled, but he never sacrifices his integrity or authenticity by churning out formulaic, simplified throwaways. The subtlety on 'She's Mine Pt. 1' makes it a highlight of the LP, and the restrained production and vocal performances from J. Cole are unique and instantly recognisable; with effortless cool and confidence he drops reflective introspection, and it results in an absorbing, encapsulating cut.

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Sam Bennett's Top Ten Albums Of 2016


A Tribe Called Quest Skepta J. Cole Kanye West

Along with 2016, as is the case with every twelve months that passes by, came the age-old complaints that 'hip-hop isn't the same' and that any progression or change is automatically a bad thing. UK based artists make up four of my Top 10 Hip-Hop Albums Of 2016, and Skepta has led a British invasion on American shores. High Focus representatives Dabbla and Ocean Wisdom are also pushing progressive and forward-thinking product on their exciting releases, and on the other end of the spectrum we find London MC PhybaOptikz delivering some of the silkiest boom bap of the year with his under-appreciated project. We also had a number of noteworthy comeback LP's, and some of the biggest names in rap music returned with projects that were as much noted for clickbait context as they were for the quality of the music; the quality was most definitely there though.

Skepta, A Tribe Called Quest and Anderson .Paak

Skepta - Konnichiwa
One of the UK's most treasured MC's finally hit his deserved recognition with this year's LP 'Konnichiwa'. Grime is going global, and who better to serve as its overseas figurehead than Tottenham lyricist Skepta. With undisputable bangers like 'Man (Gang)', 'Shutdown' and 'That's Not Me' (all of which individually set YouTube alight with huge videos), big name collaborations such as Pharrell Williams, Young Lord and A$AP Nast along with an intense and polished sound, the album was an instant hit. People have been waiting for Skepta to deliver a consistent, hard-hitting project for years now, and 'Konnichiwa' did everything we hoped for and more. If you're as uncompromising as Skepta is on this album and even the Mercury panel are rooting for you, you've got to be doing something right.

Continue reading: Sam Bennett's Top Ten Albums Of 2016

J Cole performing live on the Downtown Stage at Life is Beautiful Festival held in Los Angeles, California, United States - Monday 26th September 2016

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J. Cole performing on Day Two of the 2016 Billboard Hot 100 Festival, held at Nikon, Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, New York, United States - Sunday 21st August 2016

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J. Cole Will Allow Single Mothers To Live In His Childhood Home For Free


J. Cole

J. Cole should receive a whole lot of admiration for the way he is giving back to his community. The 29-year-old rapper recently revealed his plans to let single mothers and their children live in his childhood home rent-free.

J.Cole
J. Cole will let single mothers live in his chilhood home rent-free

"My goal is to have that be a haven for families," Cole explained during an interview on the weekly podcast series 'The Combat Jack Show.' "Every two years a new family will come in, they live rent-free."

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J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive Album Review


J. Cole commands a lot of respect for being one of the few real and honest lyricists operating in mainstream hip hop. '2014 Forest Hills Drive' is his third album, and his growth and development is apparent from the instant you press play on the haunting and emotional introduction. Cole recently said that he doesn't care about reviews, good or bad, so I'm not sure he'll pay this much attention, but the North Carolina MC has produced a quality piece of work, with a diverse yet cohesive collection of thoughtful, mature and truthful hip hop.

J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive Album Review

J. Cole begins with 'January 28th', his birth date, and opens the album with lyrics about his early life as well as his thoughts on the recent incidents in America, alluding to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson. The lack of real content in much of the recent rap music is a concern, but Cole assures us from the outset that that is not a route he's going down. He follows this track with 'Wet Dreamz', which has an incredible beat produced by the man himself. J. Cole recounts his first sexual experience over soulful, crisp production, and the honest approach is something that works well, and is very endearing. He shows courage and a disregard for following the standard trends, and it's a much needed breath of fresh air. This continues with '03' Adolescence', where the 29 year old rapper demonstrates both his story-telling ability along with making clear his attitude towards the materialistic and indulging nature of much of mainstream hip hop in today's climate. 'Fire Squad' features another example of this honesty regarding his feelings towards the industry; Cole name-checks Eminem, Iggy Azalea, Macklemore and Justin Timberlake.

'G.O.M.D.' is one of the stand-outs from '2014 Forest Hills Drive', with a fantastic beat you can't help but vibe to, and with Cole demonstrating his radio-friendly ability to full potential, whilst remaining relevant, unique and engaging. Cole really demonstrates his production talents on this album, being at least partly responsible for 10 of the 13 tracks. 'No Role Modelz' is a dope track, Cole makes points about the lack of figureheads, incorporating a well-placed George Bush sample. 'Hello' showcases an effective combination of Cole's vocal ability and consistent flow, and this continues in 'Apparently'. 'Love Yourz' is yet another highlight, featuring Cole spitting confidently about his realizations in what's important in life. The closer, 'Note To Self', is a 14 minute long list of thank yous, closing the album off in Kanye style.

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Made In Minnesota: Budweiser Made In America Documents The Best City Music Of The States


Jay Z Kanye West Kings Of Leon The National Pharrell Williams J. Cole Bleachers Grimes Mayer Hawthorne Baauer Imagine Dragons John Mayer Steve Aoki Kendrick Lamar Weezer Cypress Hill Rita Ora Tiesto Babes In Toyland The Hold Steady Prince

Budweiser Made In America Press Conference at Los Angeles City Hall
Budweiser Made In America Press Conference at Los Angeles City Hall on April 16, 2014 in Los Angeles, California - Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Budweiser

Budweiser Made in America festival is on its way and, to celebrate, the beer brand unveil a series of music documentaries in different States: this week we explore Minnesota!

Being such a huge part of the world, America has always borne a massively diverse music ethos. In almost every part of the country you can come across a different musical culture and it's with this idea in mind that world famous rap star Jay-Z decided to create Budweiser Made in America festival. It's sole purpose is to bring together a choice selection of both up-and-coming and well-established artists spanning all genres including rock, hip hop, R&B, electronic, punk... the list goes on.

Continue reading: Made In Minnesota: Budweiser Made In America Documents The Best City Music Of The States

Daniel Day-Lewis' Son Gabriel Releases Rap About Weed, Being Bipolar And His Father's Fame [Video]


Daniel Day Lewis J. Cole

Daniel Day-Lewis's son, Gabriel, has released a rap under the name Gabe Day, entitled 'Green Auras.' The single is accompanied by a music video in which we see Gabe, who looks a lot like his father, clad in a baseball cap and wooden Africa necklace singing about his experiences amongst a supporting cast of college buddies.

Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis' Son, Gabe, Ventures Into The Competitive World Of Rap.

Now he may look and seemingly act like Josh Peck's sincere stoner from The Wackness but hear Gabe Day out: his new single was produced by hip hop hitmaker J. Cole and the lyrics clearly came from the 18 year-old's heart as he assesses life under the shadow of his father's career and turning to marijuana after learning he was bipolar.

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New York Rapper Bas - J. Cole performing live in concert his 'What Dreams May Come Tour' - Miami, FL, United States - Wednesday 11th September 2013

J. Cole and New York Rapper Bas

New Single "Control (HOF)" Sees Kendrick Lamar Calling Out Big Competitors


Kendrick Lamar Jay Z J. Cole Big Sean Drake

Kendrick Lamar is rising to the top and won’t let anybody stand in his way, the rapper has made that much clear by calling out a bunch of rappers on his latest track “Control (HOF)”. Actually, name dropped would be a more accurate description, because the list of… um… homeboys includes quite a few big names.

Kendrick Lamar, Way Out West Festival
Lamar might have "mad love" for them...

In the new track, which you can listen to via NME, Lamar raps: "I'm usually homeboys with the same nigg*s I'm rhyming with/ But this is hip-hop and them niggas should know what time it is/ And that goes for Jermaine Cole, Big KRIT, Wale, Pusha-T, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Drake, Big Sean, Jay Electron', Tyler, Mac Miller/ I got love for you all but I'm trying to murder you n****s".

Continue reading: New Single "Control (HOF)" Sees Kendrick Lamar Calling Out Big Competitors

Drake Stuns With Mind-Blowing OVO Fest Line-Up In Toronto


Drake Kanye West Wale Lil Wayne Sean Combs J. Cole TLC

For the 16,000 fans who attended Drake's OVO Fest show in Toronto, the whole evening was full of perfect "I Was There" moments with appearances from the exalted lords and ladies of R&B and hiphop royalty.

With an acronym that stands for 'October's Very Own' (October referring to Drake's birth month), OVO Festival is an event that has seen success in recent years and looks to get even bigger still. Previous years have seen performances from Stevie Wonder, Snoop Lion, Eminem, Jay Z and Nicki Minaj but the Canadian rapper and organiser outdid himself at OVO Fest 2013.

Drake
Drake Put On A Great Show At OVO Fest.

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J Cole To 'Educate' Himself On Autism After Apologizing For Lyric


J. Cole Jay Z Drake

The bestselling American rapper J Cole says he plans to educate himself about people with autism after apologizing for an offensive lyric in his song 'Jodeci Freestyle.' The rapper, who became the first artist to sign to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, has now removed the lyric which referred to his rivals as "autistic" and "retarded".

"I want to educate myself more on Autism, and I'll gladly own my mistake and serve as an example to today's generation that there's nothing cool about mean-spirited comments about someone with Autism.

"People with this disorder and their loved ones have to go through so much already, the last thing they need is to hear something as ignorant as what I said," J Cole wrote on his blog, DreamVillain.

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J. Cole Says Sorry For Autism Lyric On Drake Track


J. Cole Drake Rick Ross Lil Wayne Tyler The Creator

Most rappers would give anything to work with Drake right now, but for J Cole, the sacrifice was bigger than he first thought. Having blindly agreed to rap on 'Jodeci Freestyle,' his freestyle ended up offending some, but he’s  since expressed contrition for his mistake and would like very much to just move on, according to MTV.

J. ColeJ. Cole in London

"In a recent verse on the song 'Jodeci Freestyle,' I said something highly offensive to people with Autism. Last week, when I first saw a comment from someone outraged about the lyric, I realized right away that what I said was wrong," Cole wrote in an apology letter to advocacy organization Autism Speaks. He posted the note on his Dreamvillian site on Sunday.

Continue reading: J. Cole Says Sorry For Autism Lyric On Drake Track

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