The Life Of Pablo's Butterfly?
I'm not sure. Maybe but I still think he wasn't as well known then.
Think my brain had a mini meltdown there, To Pimp a Butterfly I meant 
Say how you really feel!
I really have to disagree about his mediocrity. He doesn't flood the market but for me he's remained consisten since Cole World. All his albums have replay value and imo his conscientious teachings should be celebrated. Big Sean, Wale etc have their own loyal fan bases but for me they've not got the consistency of Cole. I do have Logic up there too. He is undeniably corny but lyrically he's remained consistent since the mix tape days. All of his albums are actual bodies of work too unlike a lot of albums these days which lack any concept and are basically just mix tapes. I think that's why Kendrick is well thought of too, they both definitely appreciates the artistry of hip hop.Easily my favourite Kendrick track. The beat is amazing.
Ummm excuse me?
Say how you really feel!
I don’t think his albums have replay value unless you’re a Cole stan.
With the exception of Forest Hills Drive, I just don’t see people talking about any of his songs, especially from his last two albums.
People talk about him and praise him, yes, but actually discussing his songs? I don’t see it.
I asked in this thread what the best albums of the year have been, I don’t think Cole was even mentioned - in a year where Kendrick hasn’t released, Drake was underwhelming and everyone else was underwhelming too, Cole is still struggling to get a look in?
Nah. He’s done out ‘ere
I think he’s peaked, or comfortable in his mediocrity because he knows that his fans will support him no matter what and he’ll get
Let me ask you this - what is it that Cole does that’s better than Drake or Kendrick?
This is a question I’ve been struggling with, and is part of the reason why I don’t think he’s on the same level as them anymore.
You’re excused, it’s one of a handful of recent great songs from Kanye.
Is this “commercial hip hop”? I’ve no idea.
Best video I’ve seen in ages. Can’t stop watching.
MUDBOY for AOTY
Agreed
I do agree with that, I don't think his last couple of albums have been as hard hitting as his early stuff, there may be an argument that he's gone kind of stale but for me personally, song for song, I can't think of more than a couple of albums that dropped this year that were better than KOD. Maybe Daytona and at a push, Nasir? Says a lot about J Cole's standing for me.I don’t think his albums have replay value unless you’re a Cole stan.
With the exception of Forest Hills Drive, I just don’t see people talking about any of his songs, especially from his last two albums.
People talk about him and praise him, yes, but actually discussing his songs? I don’t see it.
I asked in this thread what the best albums of the year have been, I don’t think Cole was even mentioned - in a year where Kendrick hasn’t released, Drake was underwhelming and everyone else was underwhelming too, Cole is still struggling to get a look in?
Nah. He’s done out ‘ere
I think he’s peaked, or comfortable in his mediocrity because he knows that his fans will support him no matter what and he’ll get
Let me ask you this - what is it that Cole does that’s better than Drake or Kendrick?
This is a question I’ve been struggling with, and is part of the reason why I don’t think he’s on the same level as them anymore.
And for me, Cole beats both Drake and Kendrick at story telling and I think his flow is better too.
Nasir was incredibly forgettable for me. Nas is spent.
Saba's album is the best for me this year so far.
I don’t think his albums have replay value unless you’re a Cole stan.
With the exception of Forest Hills Drive, I just don’t see people talking about any of his songs, especially from his last two albums.
People talk about him and praise him, yes, but actually discussing his songs? I don’t see it.
I asked in this thread what the best albums of the year have been, I don’t think Cole was even mentioned - in a year where Kendrick hasn’t released, Drake was underwhelming and everyone else was underwhelming too, Cole is still struggling to get a look in?
Nah. He’s done out ‘ere
I think he’s peaked, or comfortable in his mediocrity because he knows that his fans will support him no matter what and he’ll get
Let me ask you this - what is it that Cole does that’s better than Drake or Kendrick?
This is a question I’ve been struggling with, and is part of the reason why I don’t think he’s on the same level as them anymore.
I know a lot of people think this, but they severely underestimate his fan base. He packs out arenas here anyone else apart from the other 2 struggle to.
As to what he does better than Drake and Kendrick? I think his music speaks to, and touches, a distinct spectrum of people/fans, on an emotional level, in ways Drake and Kendrick, for all their brilliance, don't. It's like 2Pac's music (before anyone jumps on me I'm not saying J Cole is 2Pac). A lot of people don't get him. "He's not as technical as Nas/Biggie". But you really could feel the entire range of human emotion through his records. Not saying J Cole is that good. But I think it's the same effect.
I'll openly admit I'm a nas fanboy so you'll have to take my opinion with a pinch of salt.
Not heard Saba's album, what type of rapper is he?
This is very true, the emotional aspect can't be overlooked and Cole has an ability to spark a sense of empathy in his lyrics.
Not really sure how to describe him. He’s a Chicago rapper with a really good flow and sound. Giving him a listen is probably the best way to find out. Photosynthesis, BUSY / SIRENS and LIFE I’d recommend. Also PROM/KING since you like storytelling.
Drogas Wave is much better on subsequent listening, definitely a slower burn. Still nowhere what Lupe's capable of but much better.
Yeah tbh, I've yet to meet a J Cole stan who thinks otherwise
I'm not suggesting he's a bad rapper, just overrated at the moment, and his reputation precedes his current standing.
Drake & KDot have overtaken him - we can all agree on that yes?
So with that being said, have the likes of Chance The Rapper, Travis Scott & Logic also over taken him?
I think there's arguments for Chance & Logic, or at least all of them including Cole are on the level below Drake & Kendrick
I'm with Solius - Saba is top 5 AOTY for me.
Anyone heard the Brockhampton album?
Anyone heard the Brockhampton album?
Was disappointed with iridescence to be honest. I rate the saturation albums highly but this one just didn't do it for me.
Yeah tbh, I've yet to meet a J Cole stan who thinks otherwise
I'm not suggesting he's a bad rapper, just overrated at the moment, and his reputation precedes his current standing.
D& KDot have overtaken him - we can all agree on that yes?
So with that being said, have the likes of Chance The Rapper, Travis Scott & Logic also over taken him?
I think there's arguments for Chance & Logic, or at least all of them including Cole are on the level below Drake & Kendrick
Drake hasn't overtaken Vanilla Ice yet as regards rap skills
Yeah tbh, I've yet to meet a J Cole stan who thinks otherwise
I'm not suggesting he's a bad rapper, just overrated at the moment, and his reputation precedes his current standing.
Drake & KDot have overtaken him - we can all agree on that yes?
So with that being said, have the likes of Chance The Rapper, Travis Scott & Logic also over taken him?
I think there's arguments for Chance & Logic, or at least all of them including Cole are on the level below Drake & Kendrick
Overrated is a relative term, hard to argue that.
On absolute terms, I do think in the rap world he is on the same tier as Kendrick and Drake. You'd have to be more specific in explaining where the 2 you've mentioned have "overtaken" him. Not from a critical perspective or commercial perspective at least. He's selling out the same arenas they are selling out.
I don't think even the hardcore of J Cole stans put him on a par with Kendrick. I love J Cole, his vibe, beats and voice are different and appeals to a certain subset of hip hop fans although he is not well rated by critics. For example, 2014 Forest Hills Drive is one of my favourite albums and its rated mediocrely by critics.
Yeah it’s definitely not as good as the Sat trilogy but some great songs on there. District, Weight and Tonya come to mind. Was so gutted when they had to cancel their Toronto gig.
The last track on that album is lovely. Similar in feels to what the last track on Camp did for me with Gambino.
Agreed, there are some stand out tracks - but a lot of it gets lost when you listen from start to finish. It needed some more structure imo.
When you talk about rap superstars - the biggest rap acts who are post 2009/10 era - Drake & Kendrick are that. Cole used to be, but he doesn't have that superstar pull anymore. Arguably it could be something he's done intentionally, either way it is what it is.
I don't think you can use concert tickets as a gauge personally because someone like Russ & Logic sell out those same arena's, because their fanbase is religiously loyal to them - also Cole is almost only visible at his concerts. He doesn't do interviews, TV appearances, radio, barely uses social media etc - the only way as a fan you can access him physically is by going to see him live - so that will surely drive up interest.
Kendrick & Drake's careers have gone to places that I don't think anyone could've predicted - they are not just the biggest rappers, but up there with the biggest artist 's globally. Cole's career is still better than 95% of rappers, he's just fallen in comparison to them.
That sucks! Toronto must be a good place for gigs though.
Yeah I saw Gambino a couple months ago and got tickets to Bas next month. Travis Scott was way too expensive though.
Iridescence is a big miss for me. Losing your best rapper and plugging his gaps with more verses from your worst rapper(?) (Joba) doesn’t quite work out.
Depends what you mean by best. Surely Dom is better than Ameer.
By best I mean best, which Ameer was.
Disagreeeeeeeeee
I love this energy
I really like Bearface, though. I don’t think his lyricism is particularly strong but he really captivates every songs he features on in the albums.
He’d do well to go solo and make some indie ballad EPs, or something.
He’d do well to go solo and make some indie ballad EPs, or something.
Gave him a listen and I like what im hearing. Very talented. GPS, with Twista is very good too.
Yep, good song that! Stoney is good too from that album.
Yeah I had the album on shuffle earlier and it was a good listen. Surprised I've not heard of him, shows how far behind I am with hip hop these days!
With the recent Azaelia Banks/Lana Del Rey feud, has anyone listened to the former's work? Her antics have put me off it but keep saying she's got talent.
Talent she has for sure, but she's got serious issues.
I haven't kept up to date with her music because quite frankly she puts me off - any new tracks you'd recommend?
Massive let down smh
New T.I album is fire. Highly recomend to give it a listen.
"Wraith" with Yo Gotti is amazing.
"Wraith" with Yo Gotti is amazing.