BEST OF 2014: Top Hip Hop Albums, R&B Albums and Mixtapes

Well...it's time to close the book on another year in hip hop and R&B music. 2014 certainly was a memorable year to say the least. Filled with plenty of jaw dropping moments and controversy. Whether you were caught up in celebrity couple news, making your Vine videos, fighting to stay away from Ebola or out marching the streets to protest, there was always time to listen to good new music to get you through the drama. My second year doing music reviews I'd say was a bigger success than the first. These albums to me tell the story of 2014 and it's a story I myself will never forget. So like last year, I've narrowed these albums down and my lists are complete. These are my top five hip hop albums, top five R&B album and top five mixtapes. It honestly didn't take me long to narrow it down like it did last year which was good. I chose the albums not only based on the grades I gave them, but the albums that I thought best represented the year and the albums I will remember the most from the year. Without further ado, we'll start with my top ten hip hop albums of 2014:

10. My Krazy Life - YG

CTE/Def Jam Recordings

Production: DJ Mustard, Mikely Adam, B. Wheezy, Terrace Martin, others

Final Grade: B

YG probably had the most surprising album of the year. Much like A$AP Rocky's debut in 2013, this was an album that at first listen I found barely average but grew on me tremendously over time. It was the reverse Good Kid, M.a.a.d. City as YG took you through a day in his "krazy life". DJ Mustard helped YG capture the vintage 90's west coast sound and blend it perfectly with today's hip hop sound. Generating one hell of a debut from YG. 

9. These Days... - Ab-Soul

Top Dawg Ent.

Production: Dave Free, Sounwave, DJ Dahi, Tae Beast, DNYC3, others

Final Grade: B

I have to admit, I was torn between this and Schoolboy Q's Oxymoron at number nine. I ultimately went with These Days (Oxymoron was still a dope album). Although I had a lot of issues with this album, I grew to understand it more over time and grew to like it more. Ab-Soul took the sound of hip hop today and pretty much mocked it. Breaking down how the game has changed to what it is now. Or how things are "these days". Granted the "mocking" songs still sound like commercial reaches, they go perfectly with the concept. I'd still put Control System before this, but These Days is definitely a 2014 album to remember.

8. 2014 Forest Hills Drive - J. Cole

Dreamville/Roc Nation/Columbia Records

Production: J. Cole

Final Grade: B

There was probably not, for me, a more relatable album in 2014 than this. Although it just came out two weeks ago, it has that quickly become one of the best of the year. J. Cole took you down his path to hip hop stardom. From growing up at that address, friend drama, relationship problems, struggling to make it in hip hop and so on. It was almost like a rags to riches story told through music. In hindsight, this album should be way higher on this list but again, it just came out. It has to grow on me more over time. But as of now, it's good enough to crack my top ten.

7. Run The Jewels 2 - Killer Mike & El-P

Mass Appeal/Sony Red

Production: El-P

Final Grade: B+

Killer Mike and El-P once again prove that they are hip hop's best MC/Producer tag team. Bringing lyrical heat through their aggressive and very witty lyricism. El-P, like the last album, delivers amazing production that can only fit them and what they like to do. Since the days of EPMD and Gang Starr, the MC/Producer team has been missing in hip hop. Killer Mike and El-P, aka Run The Jewels, are here in full effect to bring it back. 

6. Mastermind - Rick Ross

Maybach Music Group/Def Jam Recordings

Production: Mike Will Made-It, Scott Storch, Kanye West, Boi-1da, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, others

Final Grade: A-

Surprised? You should be. After five albums, hip hop's most consistent artist finally released his Mona Lisa. This was most definitely Rick Ross's most theatrical album to date. The production was fantastic and told the story for a lot of these songs. Though the recent release of his seventh album Hood Billionaire kinda put a bit of a damper on how good this was, this was still one of 2014's biggest surprises. 

5. PRhyme - Royce Da 5'9" & DJ Premier

PRhyme Records

Production: DJ Premier

Final Grade: N/A

Here's another shocker. I actually have yet to review this album (it's coming soon). But I've already heard it and trust me it is most definitely in the top five of 2014. It impressed me that much and that quickly. I won't speak to much on it because I haven't reviewed it yet. But look out for this review mid January and there I'll explain why this deserves this number five spot.

4. Cadillactica - Big K.R.I.T.

Cinematic Music Group/Def Jam Recordings

Production: Big K.R.I.T., DJ Dahi, Jim Jonsin, Terrace Martin, Raphael Saadiq

Final Grade: A-

Big K.R.I.T. continued his string of amazing projects this year with this fantastic album. Excellent soulful jazz inspired production, great guest features and an awesome concept. This album maybe way ahead of not only Big K.R.I.T.'s time, but ahead of this generations time as well. It just further proves that Big K.R.I.T. is probably only new school rapper that defines true southern hip hop.

3. The Art Of Chill - Nitty Scott, MC

Boombox Family Ent.

Production: Chuck Strangers, Yuri Beats, Ski Beatz, Bigg Dre, Moss, others

Final Grade: A-

In a year that was dominated by hip hop's new two leading ladies, Nicki Minaj and Iggy Azalea, the most slept on album of the year was also by a femcee. Nitty Scott, MC's long awaited debut was well worth the wait. The album has an awesome cool, calm and chilled vibe that I don't know how anyone couldn't vibe to. Great lyrics, solid production, and great "chill" concept. But it's her poetic like lyricism and story telling that makes this a stand out (especially when talking about personal topics). I can't remember the last time a female rappers album made me feel this way. I know most of you are Nicki and Iggy fans, but this album proves Nitty Scott MC's name should be among hip hop's female elite.

2. Under Pressure - Logic

Visionary Music Group/Def Jam Recordings

Production: 6ix, Logic, DJ Khalil, Dun Deal, Tae Beast, others

Final Grade: A

Like Nitty Scott MC, Logic's long awaited debut was also very well worth the wait. I was extremely impressed with this album. Lyrically, this is probably the album of the year. Logic's flow and word play over these excellent production is absolutely mind boggling. This is what he's been showing us on his mixtapes for years. But it was him showing his personal side, telling his story that he never told that really drew me to this album. Logic is way ahead of his time as a MC and this damn near perfect album proves it. He's definitely here to stay. 

1. Piñata - Freddie Gibbs & Madlib

Madlib Invasion

Production: Madlib

Final Grade: A

This was a no brainer. From the lyrics, to the production, to the guest features, to the concept. There was not a more fully complete hip hop album in 2014 than Pinata. Freddie Gibbs and Madlib never worked together prior to this and both were doing different things musically. But they got together on here and made a damn near classic. The albums old school gangster concept with Madlib's brilliant, theatrical, 70's blaxploitation inspired production set this album far ahead of everything else in 2014. I really hope this isn't the end for these two. Another project from them is much needed after this amazing album. This is probably the only album in my top ten that will continue to be in heavy rotation going into 2015.

TOP FIVE R&B ALBUMS

5. VII - Teyana Taylor

G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam Recordings

Production: Vidal Davis, Boi-1da, Harmony Samuels, Craig Balmoris, others

Final Grade: B

Since the review, this album has grown a lot more on me. Teyana Taylor put together one solid, memorable debut. It was dark, it was passionate, it was intimate and just full of New York attitude. Adding that plus her seductively raspy voice makes this an album to remember in 2014. 

4. Trigga - Trey Songz

Songbook/Atlantic Records

Production: D'Mile, Da Internz, DJ Mustard, Mike Will Made-It, Soundz, Dun Deal, others

Final Grade: B+

Once again, Trey Songz delivers a dope project. Filled with the usual. Chart topping hits and great mainstream production. Giving you everything from his usual panty wetting lyrics to tales of getting caught up. Trey Songz again makes a case that he is R&B's number one male singer. 

3. My Everything - Ariana Grande

Republic Records

Production: Benny Blanco, Rodney Jerkins, Cashmere Cat, Key Wane, others

Final Grade: B+

Ariana Grande's loud, strong and amazing voice comes into play full force on her sophomore album. It totally exceeds her debut. From the pop-ish dance tracks, to the hip hop tracks, to the stand out ballads, Ariana Grande is the total package when it comes to a R&B/Pop artist. With the talent and following she has now, this young lady is destined to have a long and possibly legendary career.

2. Girl - Pharrell

I Am Other/Columbia Records

Production: Pharrell

Final Grade: B+

Pharrell was probably the man of the year in music. He made every get up, dance and feel "happy". Just one of many amazing tracks on this sophomore album. It's more than just about adoring women. The old school dance sounds of the production makes this a great album for everyone from kids to the old folks. There wasn't another album this year that made you feel more good. Made you get up and smile. Made you feel more...well..."happy". 

1. Souled Out - Jhené Aiko

ARTium/Def Jam Recordings

Production: No I.D., Key Wane, Fisticuffs, Dot Da Genius, Thundercat, others

Final Grade: A+

There was honestly no other album, in both R&B and hip hop, that blew me away more than Jhene Aiko's much anticipated debut. Never in my wildest imagination did I expect this to be even close to as amazing as it was. Everything from her amazing way with words, in depth storytelling of her life, and the dreamy, mystifying production makes this album stand in a class all by itself. I don't throw the word classic around a lot, but it's hard to argue that isn't one already. Of every album I'll reflect back on from 2014, this will be the first one for sure.

TOP FIVE MIXTAPES

5. Zero Gravity 2 - King Los

4. House Rules - Slaughterhouse

3. Faces - Mac Miller

2. Cilvia Demo - Isaiah Rashad

1. Black Hystori Project - Cyhi The Prince

Well...that's a wrap. I can't wait to see what 2015 will bring in hip hop and R&B. I look forward to giving you another year of great music reviews. As well as new changes. A new grading scale and new layouts for the site. Mic Navarro's Corner continues to grow and get better. Thanks to everyone. My readers, subscribers, and followers on Instagram. I'll see you all in 2015!

- Mic Navarro

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com

@mic_navarro on Instagram

K. Michelle - Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart? ALBUM REVIEW

Sexy, feisty, brash, cocky, a little bit of country with a dash of ratchet. Just a few of the traits that best describes the reality show star turned R&B diva K. Michelle. The southern belle has become quite the fan favorite in such a short time (no pun). Her very relatable topics in her songs, her deeply sensual and intimate sex talk, and her overall "keeps it real" attitude makes her loved by many. Women love her and men are in love with her. So obviously, that leads to much anticipation for this. Her second album Anybody Wanna Buy A Heart (A.W.B.A.H. for short). She's coming off what I believe was a stellar debut album in Rebellious Soul. I had the pleasure of the reviewing it and it was easily one of my top three favorite R&B albums of 2013. I loved it's dark yet intimate tone wrapped up in up and down emotions. But keeping it real with everything she says about herself at the same time. That's pretty much what I expected again going into this new project. I thought this album, while not as good as her debut, was still a good album. She sticks to her usual script content wise. Guy drama, self esteem issues, controversial "keeping it real" lyrics and yes fellas, plenty of sex talk. Pretty much the same deal from the last album. Although this time around she goes more in depth with these topics. Especially the relationship drama. Let's begin the break down:

1. Judge Me

She starts this album on a high note with some strong and powerful vocals. Singing about how she has flaws and is not perfect. Therefore you shouldn't judge her. In the hook she says " I know it's easy to point your finger at me/cause I say things that y'all think". This is exactly what I've been saying about her. How she's keeps it real. Speaks her mind and really does say things people think and are afraid to say. Overall this song was great. Loved this intro.

2. Love 'Em All

This is the first single and a very interesting one. This is one of those songs that has multiple meanings. It all depends on what you hear. To me it sounds like she's getting a joy out of playing dudes. They think that she loves them but she "loves them all" as the hook says. I don't know how most of you fellas will take this but I bet then females are getting a kick out of this. This is just another case of K. Michelle going where no other females dare to go. A very bold song to be a single.

3. Going Under

Here we speed things up. I love the old school hip hop inspired beat here. Props to Pop and Oak on the production. She seems to be singing about how she doesn't love to let her down again. I thought the hook was pretty cool as well. She does her own rendition of the classic line from Grandmaster Flash's "The Message" saying "it's like the journals of time it makes me wonder how I keep going under". Which makes sense considering the 80's hip hop sound this song has. Dope song overall.

4. Cry

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. That's the moral of this song. It's another topic where K. Michelle just speaks how she feels. In what kinda feels like a true story, she sings about getting revenge on him by cheating on him with one of his friends. How she's gonna let him "kiss her body, touch her body" and record it so he can see it. Damn. Most women think of doing this as revenge for everything their man has done to them. But barely any are this blunt about really doing it. Anyway, the vocals are fantastic here and the beat, though a bit slower, is also sharp. Great song. I'ma pray for that guy.

5. How Do You Know?

Nothing much here but a calming love ballad over mostly piano keys. I can hear a lot of pain and emotion here. Which isn't a surprise considering what's been going on on this album up to this point. Pretty decent song overall.

6. Hard To Do

This is one of my favorites of the album. First the beat. I love the drums and snares on it. I just love how well she rides this beat. Especially on the hook. Definitely one of the best beats on the album. Props to Soundz on the production. As far as the lyrics, she's wanting to make it up to her man for whatever it was she done by giving him good...loving we'll say. As a man, nothing is more entertaining then hearing K. Michelle's sex talk. I even liked the couple of bars she spit at the end. That was cute. But anyway, this had huge single potential and I hope it happens. This was great.

7. Maybe I Should Call

Here comes some more emotion. She singing about a man that she used to be with and how she wishes it could have lasted longer. She's still in love with him and is heartbroken that he has a wife and child now and probably has no chance of getting him back. But still contemplates calling him. This is a situation females and even some males could relate to if they were in a similar situation. It's a very difficult situation to go through. I was surprised to find out this was the second single. Doesn't really scream single to me. But whatever. I guess this is a story she wanted people to hear. It may be a true one.

8. Something About The Night

Alright fellas here we go. More sexy time with K. Michelle. This about how wild she likes to get at night after a few drinks and a few blunt hits. Wild as in horny and/or freaky. This song tricked me at first listen though. I'm thinking she's just talking about sexing up her dude until I listened again and heard one line..."is it your good looks or lips below that make me blow". Lips below? This is about...another woman? I mean not that I'm mad that this is possibly a lesbian fantasy song but that went over my head big time. Nowadays a lot of females it seems are into each other now so this song isn't that much of a surprise. We also just seen Keyshia Cole do something like this on her latest album. Overall, it's a cool uptempo song with a whole lot of kinky content.

9. Miss You, Goodbye

Okay fun is over now. Here some more guy drama. It's about how she misses this guy and how apart of her still loves him. But at the same time she remembers why she's left and isn't regretting leaving. Sound likes another complicated mess of a relationship. This is one of the more weaker songs for me on the album honestly. It will take a minute for this to grow on me to where I can at least call it decent. 

10. Build A Man

Through some of these songs she's been on quite the emotional roller coaster dealing with men. But no songs shows a bigger out-pouring of emotion more than this. This is a six minute long track about all the men she has been involved with (even name drops a few). Talking about how they each had a different flaw that made the relationship fail. She's tired of not being able to find the perfect man with no flaws and wishes she could just build one. Build one using the good traits from past exes. I could tell that this really gets to her just by the tone of sadness in her voice. Not to mention a few lines like "so many men gave me a song to sing/but none of them gave me a ring". This is a story I've heard from plenty females. A lot of them go through this. Which is why I know for a fact someone is gonna relate to this heavy. The only issues I have with this song is it's length (which was kinda unnecessary) and the excessive hook. Especially towards the end. But other than that, it's a decent song. Very relatable for many.

11. Drake Would Love Me

Oh boy. Here we go. When the track list for this album released and people saw this song title, Twitter erupted. I myself couldn't wait to hear this either. Turns out this wasn't quite what I was expecting. It's a slow ballad where she seems to be crushing on Drake. Telling how their relationship would be, what she would do for him, what he would do for her and so on. She even ties in his hit songs on the hook ("I'd be the best he ever had", "he'd be on his best behavior", "he would make me so proud" and so on). This to me just makes me think of high school when you wrote your crush a love letter. But normally it's the guy writing it. Not this time. The song is cool I guess but I can't help but laugh a bit. Knowing him, I can only imagine what Drake will say (or record) as a response to this. If he responds at all. Hell if it was me, I'd see what's up. I can't imagine lover boy Drake turning down someone as fine as K. Michelle (especially considering the girl to girl jumping he's been doing lately but that's another story). Anyway, I'm sure everyone will get a kick out of this. I'm actually interested in seeing where this goes from here.

12. God I Get It

She closes this emotional roller coaster of an album with a testimonial. Talking to God. Admitting to all her faults, everything she's done wrong and how she's missing out on God's many blessings. As a few songs have already indicated, she not afraid to admit that she is not perfect and has plenty of flaws that need fixing. At the end of the day, asking God for guidance and support always helps. She does go through a lot. Almost too much. But she has great faith that things will get better for her. I believe they will as well. Great way to end this album.

Overall, I thought this was a solid sophomore project from K. Michelle. She shows again that while she may not be the best singer in the world or have the same kind of glitz and glam fame, she's ahead of them by being more real with who she is and speaking on what no one else would. I give this a final grade of a B. Like I said in the last review I did of hers, K. Michelle is R&B's #1 rebel. She doesn't follow the same blueprint of these other R&B chicks. She tells it how it should be told. She's not scared to say what the others won't say and "gives no fucks" what people may think. She is definitely cut from a different cloth. It's because of this, K. Michelle will have a long, long career. Of course, all of us fellas (and I guess some women) don't mind that at all. End. 

Final Grade: B

ALSO CHECK OUT
K. Michelle - Rebellious Soul ALBUM REVIEW

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Kimberly Pate
Bianca Atterberry
Dallas Martin

Lead Artist

Kimberly Pate

Production

Jesse Wilson
Shea Taylor
Timothy Bloom
Kenneth Coby
Eric Hudson
Erik Ortiz
Kevin Crowe
Kenny Bartalomei
Jerry Wonda

Collaboration

None

Label

Atlantic Records

Mic's Mixtape Of The Week

Webbie

Money Good

Available now on Datpiff

Mic's Web Chick Of The Week

Kenia Bliss

Columbia, SC

Instagram: @istare_istalk

COMING SOON...

Nicki Minaj
The Pinkprint

Royce Da 5'9" & DJ Premier
PRhyme

Rae Sremmurd
Scremm Life

Copyright 2014. Mic Navarro's Corner.

micnavarro.blogspot.com

@mic_navarro on Instagram

J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive ALBUM REVIEW

At this point in his career, I've just about ran out of good compliments and acknowledgement for J. Cole. With a classic mixtape, classic debut, and a stellar sophomore album under his belt, J. Cole is working his way up the ladder to being one of hip hop's elite lyrical MC's. His way of poetically telling stories and his style of beat making (which has gotten better and better with each project) has made him one of the game's better multi-talents and puts him in a whole other class away from his peers. So it's easy to see why every release from him is a much anticipated one. Not just from the mainstream fans who like him due to popularity, but from the hip hop heads who listen because of his music talent. This is his third album 2014 Forest Hills Drive. Typically, I sometimes always know what to expect from a J. Cole album but this time it was different. First of all, I didn't even know about this album until a week or so before it's release. No promotion, no singles. It was as if J. Cole pulled a Beyonce and just dropped an album out of nowhere. So I didn't really know what to expect because of it. After multiple listens, I have no idea where I stand with this album. It's not at all bad, it's not even average. But not what I was hoping either. A few things are evident before even listening. Looking at the track titles and the album titles, he's most likely about to reflect on his childhood and how he grew up. Which is exactly what he does. 2014 Forest Hills Drive is the address of the house where he grew up in Fayetteville, NC. So the album is majority stories from J. Cole about the memorable events that happened during his time living there. His production is getting better and lyrically nothing has changed. But with only thirteen tracks, no guest features and no singles, the album feels more like a mixtape or a free EP. I don't get the same feeling here that I did listening to Cole World: The Sideline Story and Born Sinner. Well now, on to the breakdown:

1. Intro

Okay...I gotta be honest here. The moment I heard this intro I panicked. It's nothing but 100% R&B vocals from Cole about freedom, happiness and love. While him singing isn't nothing new (he's done it quite a bit), it was surprising to hear this album start off immediately with emotions. I already knew what this album was gonna be about before listening and I heard this and said to myself "damn he's getting over emotional already". I mean don't get me wrong it's perfectly normal expressing emotion when reflecting on your past. I just thought he'd be a little stronger about it. Oh well, I'll get over it eventually.

2. January 28th

Now here is where Cole takes you back to the beginning. January 28th is his birthday and this song takes you back to his early years. This is kinda the same thing Jay-Z did on The Black Album with the song "December 4th", which was track two on that album as well. Anyway this song was okay. A settled soulful production (which majority of the album has). It sounds like on the hook he's telling pieces of advice that he was given as a child. Which of course, ties right in with the direction this song goes in. Pretty good overall.

3. Wet Dreamz

This album is full of so much relatable content. But for me, no song was more relatable than this. Here Cole tells the story of his "first time" and how it all went down. How he was crushing hard on her, how bad he wanted to sex her and how she was down for it. But yet he didn't want her to know it was his first time so he played it like it wasn't. Listening to this made me reminisce a lot because my own "first time" story was eerily similar to his (I'm not gonna go into it don't worry). Which is why I relate to this song a lot. Anyway I like the production. It's one of few that's not soulful and has more of a mainstream sound with the "Impeach The President" sample. Good song for anyone that likes to flashback to their first time.

4. '03 Adolescence

Here, Cole is reflecting on a specific year of his youth. 2003. He was just graduating high school and moved to New York to further his rap career. The lyrics is his thoughts as an aspiring MC. From girl problems, to low self-esteem. The third verse is very interesting as he talks about how he looked up to a friend of his who wad getting girls, getting into trouble and such. But the friend turns around and tells him how he looks up to him because he's doing something with his life and how he has family issues and wishes he didn't. Making Cole feel a little sorry and a bit more grateful for what he has. Another good song with relatable topic for anyone who also went through this.

5. A Tale Of 2 Citiez

As stated on the previous song, Cole moved to New York. This song is pretty much him talking about the major differences between New York and Fayetteville. One of the major being conflict with dudes on the street (he depicts on the hook his friend being robbed at gun point at the light). Hard for me to relate to this one because I've lived in one city my whole life. But those of you who have moved around between cities knows how hard it must be to adapt to your new location. Especially if it's a rough place like New York. I do like how even with this kind of topic, he was able to make a catchy hook that goes perfectly with what's being talked about. Nice song.

6. Fire Squad

Now begins the controversy. This song was released a bit early before the release of the album and it made everyone turn heads. Here he's attempting to restore hip hop and put out the flames (hence the song title). Specifically breaking down white privilage in hip hop. He goes as far back as mentioning Elvis and how white folks took Rock-N-Roll from black folks. He compares that to today how white people are seemingly taking hip hop from black people. Noting the biggest example: Macklemore's Grammy win over Kendrick Lamar. Also noting Iggy Azalea's instant rise to fame in such a short time. A lot of people saw this as Cole taking a jab at white artists (he also mentions Eminem and Justin Timberlake). I don't see that at all. Although he says in the song that he's "just playing", a lot of what he said was facts. Facts that I guess others are afraid to tell. Anyway I do like the song and production especially. It's bass is more hard hitting and is a total change of pace from how this project started. Great song that really gets you to thinking.

7. St. Tropez

Changing the mood drastically from the previous track, this is where Cole's career begins to take off. St. Tropez is a city in France that has been referenced by many rappers time and time again. They used it as a way of showing their fame and fortune by taking trips there. Here it's hard to tell if Cole is doing the same thing or talking about a chick he's with. I guess it depends on how you listen to it. Anyway this one has some growing on me to do. I don't think it sucks or nothing but like I just said, it's hard to make out what's going on here. Plus he's doing a lot of singing on this neo-soul sounding production which threw me off as well.

8. G.O.M.D.

Now here's a song with content completely different from everything else. The acronym in the title stands for Get Off My Dick. Sounds like this is the point in the story Cole has gotten arrogant and cocky about his talent. Now he feels like he can make below average songs for the radio like this. I laughed loudly when I heard this hook. Sounds like some vintage Luke/2 Live Crew type stuff. For that reason I can see a lot of people liking this song but ehh. I don't know where I really stand with this one yet.

9. No Role Modelz

Cole now reflects back on his life now and the past few years (this coming after the realization he had towards the end of the previous song). During this new realization, his sees that there were no real role models in his life. He only looked up to rappers or athletes as he states in the song ("cause ain't no hope for the youth well ain't that the truth/when all your role models either rappin or the hoop"). I do like the song but not so much the hook. He borrows the hook from the Three 6 Mafia hit "Don't Save Her" and it kinda sounds bad and out of place. Considering the songs topic. Still a good listen though.

10. Hello

Throughout this who album, Cole talks a lot about relationship and girl issues. Just his overall lacking of a love life. Well here he's wanting to re-kindle with an old flame from his past...only to find out she's moved on with someone else. He repeats "hello" on the hook and through most of the song because he's on the phone telling her how his and her life could have been much better if they had stayed together. Listening to these lyrics makes me think back to a verse Cole had on The Game's song "Pray". The words and details from both that verse and this song kinda match. Regardless of the repetitive hook (which y'all know I hate) I do kinda like this.

11. Apparently

It's now at this point Cole is realizing how much the fans are listening to his music and are looking up to him now. So he reflects back on all the wrong he has done in the past and states how he is trying to correct it all. The second verse was the highlight. The song starts with him "sing-rapping" but then he unleashes a fiery second verse filled with tons of crazy word play and metaphors. There's no verse like this on the album at all which makes it a huge highlight. Definitely like this one.

12. Love Yourz

The hook of this song sums it up perfectly: "there's no such thing as a life that's better than yours". In other words, appreciate what you do have and appreciate the more important things in life. Such as family, friends, love and happiness (which goes right back to what was said on the intro). The last verse is kinda like a letter to the friend he was talking with on "03 Adolescence". Telling him there's always gonna be someone with a better car, better clothes, better looking girl. But you'll never be happy until you learn to love yours. Great words of wisdom. Awesome song.

13. Note To Self

He closes this album the same way it began. Singing. By his words it sounds like Cole's expressing his current outlook on life. The majority of this song however is nothing but him taking the time out to thank everyone involved with this album and those who are close to him and played a part in his life and career. From his youth to today. This is the same thing Jay-Z did on "Blueprint" and "My 1st Song". Kanye West also did it on "Last Call". Great way to end this project.

In closing, I still believe this project as a whole sounds like a mixtape/EP in comparison to his previous two projects. Just a well done mixtape/EP. For an album than didn't have much promotion or any singles, this was certainly a very above average listen. I give it a final grade of a B. Like I stated in the beginning, J. Cole continues to grow and get better and better with each project. His lyrics, his words, content and production especially have stepped up big time between his mixtape days to now. So much of his music and the stories he tells are so relatable for many including myself. All teaching valuable life lessons that he learned as well. J. Cole has quietly become a positive motivator for these young people that look up to him. He realizes that and has taken full responsibility of that role. He doesn't see us as fans, he doesn't even see us as friends. He sees us all as family. Family that he can teach. We're all ears. End.

Final Grade: B

ALSO CHECK OUT

J. Cole - Born Sinner ALBUM REVIEW

CREDITS

Executive Producers

Jermaine Cole

Mark Pitts

Lead Artist

Jermaine Cole

Production

Jermaine Cole

Ramon Ibanga, Jr.

Carl McCormick

Calvin Price

Anderson Hernandez

Anthony Parrino

Tray Samuels

Ron Gilmore

Nate Jones

David Linaburg

Collaboration

None

Label

Dreamville/Roc Nation/Columbia Records

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