This is a nostalgic album for a lot of people. It’s not necessarily an album designed to blow you away with something innovative upon first listen, but an album that some kid would find themselves listening to every day on the bus ride home from school. It’s an easy going album that explores so many themes that can apply to so many facets of a young persons life. Maybe you’re a teenager who’s worried about his future, just got heartbroken by their crush, or had a fight with their best friend, etc. there’s going to be a song here that applies and feels like an older brother putting his hand on your shoulder and telling you that you’ll be okay. It’s like the musical equivalent of that one favorite hoodie you always wore in high school because it was really cozy. That hoodie that nobody around you really payed much attention to, but it made you happy and you wore it so much to the point that it became part of your identity. Revisiting this album as a 21 year old felt like finding that hoodie in the closet and realizing you haven’t worn it since you graduated, and realizing the last time you had it on you were a different person with different responsibilities and different things to worry about and different people you loved. And you’re not necessarily in a better or worse place in your life compared to where you were when you donned that hoodie, but you get an existential dread knowing you’re no longer the same man
J Cole is one of the greatest story tellers in the industry. Wet Dreams is so vivid and well told, and definitely one of my all time favourite hip hop songs. It's so damn funny and relatable.
@@keller_3180nah that's just him being as relatable and real as ever as far as highschool experience goes, i had an exact same experience when i was 15 lol wet dreams will forever be one of my favourite songs oat
Live Love A$ap is one of the most highly praised mixtapes of all time. Rocky and the producers helped lay the foundation for modern hip-hop to come afterwards. Its also a GREAT project to get you more familiar with the southern side of rap. You could also listen to The 2nd Ammendment by Jpegmafia. It came out prior to Veteran so it could help give you some context of what Peggy was making before Veteran. Its equally as weird as Veteran in my opinion.
The competitive side of hip-hop from true lyricist like J. Cole, Kendrick et al. Comes from a place of always trying to be the best rapper you can be. For artists like them it’s usually a salute to say “I’m aware of how great you are” as opposed to a call out.
What’s best is that for a while now it hasn’t been a malicious as some previous rap beefs now it’s a call out to keep rappers on their toes and never be complacent, like Kendrick’s verse on control got other rappers on it. Long as it’s all playful and respectful rap callouts keep the game interesting and rappers at their best lyrically
And just to piggy-back on this point, historically, hip-hop in general started off with MCs that would keep the party going as the DJ played. They'd speak, shout people in the party out, direct the crowd to do certain dance, and would rhyme. Then it became a competition to be the best in your area, and artists started to battle each other. After that, eventually, the industry got involved, but that mentality to be the best stayed around. It's not a call out to be disrespectful. It's just a way to say "I'm really fuckin good at this. Prove me wrong."
Great comments, everyone :) This is why I so often say the community is a huge part of this musical journey and that I'm understanding so much more about the music than I would if I listened to this on my own. Comments like these really help clear up some of the elements that confuse me.
@@bobthepoppop maybe the conflict in the song January 28th is what you guys are talking about. That the bigger we get our egos collide line and also when tendencies arise to be enemies we should reflect on the times we were chilling line.
I can't overstate the growth you show in not dismissing lines or whole verses on a surface level. I remember you first listening to Kanye and mentioning you had this internal struggle with rappers talking about jewels, money, being the best, gang life, etc, but on another song being sensitive, introspective, and honest. I personally have always accepted it as the honest duality of life. When I was young I wanted a nice car, all the women, nobody could tell me or my friends anything, the world was ours. We were blindly arrogant. Things we eventually grow out of. Ironically I think it's more honest to display both sides because it makes the growth he displays more impactful. And if you go back and listen to how the album is structured. It starts out with him being young, well before he was a rapper, to him starting to make it as an artist, to him making it while getting those things he dreamed about in abundance, and then him finally being able to sit back and reflect on all of that. Being able to put his life in perspective. He was young, immature, and naive at the beginning, wanting to be successful for the women, fame, and wealth. Only realize with age that the important things in life have nothing to do with fame or wealth, and those things can actually hinder or erode what is actually important if you get too caught up in it. So I wanted to say it's powerful for you to finally see all of those internal struggles you once had starting to greatly diminish. And why I always appreciate your honesty, as much as I do your perspectives and an undying thirst to understand. For people who don't listen to hip hop, those braggadocious type lyrics are one of the main things people use to dismiss the genre. And one of my favorite lyrics by Jay-Z is "Motherfuckers say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels. Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it? See I'm influenced by the ghetto you ruined. That same dude you gave nothing, I made something doing what I do, through and through. I give you the news, with a twist, it's just his ghetto point-of-view." I think that brilliantly encapsulates everything I just rambled, plus more. Which is why Jay is brilliant. lol Thanks again for taking time with an album and sharing it. I am absolutely becoming a Patreon this next month. Thanks for the heads up about being double charged if you do now. I am a single father, every dollar matters to me, sadly. lol So that type of honesty makes me respect and appreciate you even more than I already do. Have a beautiful weekend! I was going to say stay warm, but you live in the paradise known as Cali, while I am stuck in Indiana. haha And likewise to anyone else who reads this! I hope your weekend is positive and fulfilling. Full of laughter and love. And PLEASE watch and maybe react to this J Cole live performance. Was performed at the time he was promoting this album, but isn't on any actual album. It is beyond brilliant and full of raw emotion. It is a song he literally wrote the night before. It is his feelings about the unarmed black teenager Michael Brown who got shot dead by an officer in Ferguson. Where the officer was acquitted of the murder. ruclips.net/video/qQZc8SH6EFk/видео.html
Great performance, and amazing write up :) Thank you for the kind words. It's hard to quantify my own personal change through this journey into hip-hop, but it's definitely happening. As I'm exposed to more of it's art, people and perspectives, I can see my own perspectives change as well. It's been interesting to say the least, and I suspect I still have a long way to go. I'm fine with that. As I so often say before I resume the music after talking for a spell, "Let's keep going."
Hip hop is a competitive genre. It’s always been like that, and for many it’s a big part of the charm frfr. Everybody tries to be the greatest or at least the greatest they can be. We got a whole battle rap scene as part of the culture. It’s mostly friendly competition that pushes each other to go harder.
^^^ This is important to read, I feel like some think hip hop is more seriously competitive due to gang affiliated rappers predominance in the 90s (and still to this day in some aspects) but the majority is just striving to be better, both than yourself and then others. It’s a competitive-ness similar to sports. Everyone wants the metaphorical Olympic gold medal, but if someone else ‘wins it’ they’ll respect it.
Ranking yes albums is so tough, aside from JIK which is just so uncharacteristic of ye they all have so many pros and facets it’s hard to put an album above another. My least liked ye album will usually be in my top three in the next week.
I agree somewhat, it usually takes multiple listens through albums before I truly figure out how much I like it. The more I listen to TLOP the more I like it. But nevertheless would be an interesting video idea.
I plan on doing that. I'm not a huge fan of 'ranking' songs or albums, but I'm aware that it's something fun to do and people love comparing their rankings with others.
“Because the internet “ by Childish Gambino was released around the same time in December (only a year earlier) I say that to say it is another great December album that’s very experimental in Hiphop
Bro, In J. Cole's Album 'Born Sinner' there's a song called 'Let Nas Down'. J. Cole was heavily inspired by Nas ! He was singing how he let Nas down in his music career, but Nas responded to J.cole in an "extention" to the 'Let Nas down' song. It's so cool you should look into it !!
When speaking of the 2010s hip hop era people will constantly bring up the big three: Drake, Kendrick, and Cole. All three artists are in my top 10 most listened artists ever, yet Cole will always hold a special place to me. J Cole is what gotten me into hip hop, and will always be my favorite as he touches my soul with his music. I got chills when you got to Love Yourz as I always do, it is my favorite song of all time, it changed my perspective on life and literally had me tearing up on toughest of nights. Through so many moments in my life, especially high school Cole's music was always there. I'm glad you enjoyed this album, it definitely is his most popular album however I don't think its necessarily his best, he has such a deep discography that I think you should get to all of his albums at some point. Cole is noted as one of the best rappers for a reason, he creates such beautiful music with a strong messaage, it's what makes him so influential as he acts as sort of a mentor you could say.
Drake, Kendrick, and Cole are the big three of the 2010s but let’s be real, he is third place of the group. Wale and Big Sean are like the last two of the starting 5.
@@deem10 that is highly highly debatable I disagree with wale and big Sean and I know a lot of people who think drake shouldn’t even be in the conversation
Kendrick and J. Cole best rappers of this generation... Drake ain't even a better rapper than Big Sean or Westside Boogie.. Drake just the most successful commercial artist of this generation
@@cirescum1420 Kendrick had the best albums. He is a superior rapper. Drake is the best by sales, the most popular and the most versatile. J.Cole not is not really the best at anything. He is a big cult fan base but he is third of the big three.
Can’t understand how amazing this video is. This album has been my favourite piece of work for the last 8 years since it was released. Mostly because I grew up with this album & I find myself listening to tracks off this album most weeks. I feel a connection, and it’s amazing to see someone from outside of the hip hop world be able to listen to this for the first time & connect with the message Cole is portraying. Timeless piece of work with the greatest contradicting open message (always seeing things from both sides). Appreciate being able to share this with you mate 🙌 Love from New Zealand
It was fun to listen to. That kind of moment is so rare, where the work is complete and a person can just shrug off the stress and worry and fully relax in celebration.
This album and Kendrick’s to pimp a butterfly both were so amazing and inspirational to me when they released, both are what basically got me into rap, I cherish this album so much tho 😭
4 Your Eyez Only would be a great listen for you then. If you like deep and moody, that’s exactly what J. Cole does in that album. I highly suggest. I feel that 2014 FHD is more of a classic because of how much it helped a lot of us while we grew up with it. I know it helped shaped my perspective on life a lot. Fantastic breakdown and I thank you for taking the time to really break down the lyrics and find what he truly means.
What i really like about " A Tale of 2 Citiez" is the two different perspectives. The first with the guy who gets his watch stolen, and then the second where he's the guy stealing the watch.
HipHop started with DJs battling, then the MCs battling, Cyphers in the park. HipHop has always been a competitive "sport". It's about steel sharpening steel, especially for the OGs & lyrical MCs....not about disregarding the other MCs. Of course there are artists that do disregard others but that tends to happen more during beef
So today I’ve had the worst hangover. It felt like someone was compressing and raking my brain. But for some reason, your video was the only thing I could watch. The mellow commentary and music just helped a lot. Just thought you’d find a laugh that you’ve not only become a successful RUclipsr, but also a hangover cure xD
I think its pretty certain that either one would become one of his favorite albums hes ever done. Id say to do Visions of Bodies Being Burned, unless he wants to do There Existed An Addiction first offcamera, since theres too many albums for him to react to them all
I know you have to conserve time but I miss seeing your reaction to the whole thing playing through without skipping around! So many hidden gems I liked seeing you react to! Anyways, thanks for the videos man!! Don’t ever stop!
It's a RUclips thing. Full reactions tend to get blocked or taken down shortly after. Uncut reactions are available on Patreon if you're interested ($2/month)
Competition is deeply integral in this history and culture of hip hop. In a historical context, that's a huge part of what being a rapper or MC is about. The rap battle, the competition of craft-- lyricism, rhythm, delivery, crowd control-- that's where it all starts. Hip-hop is one of the youngest genres in the world, but its history is one of the most integral
I hundred percent get where you're coming from with "macho bullshit", but everything has context. Maybe try not to put down a key part of a genre that you're trying to get familiar with before you're knowledgeable. I'm not trying to be combatative, just asking for patience and benefit of the doubt. I am highly enjoying the reaction, and don't mean to sound purely negative. The comment just really stood out
Since you requested some videos to watch, I definitely recommend watching all the music videos he made on this album and you can also listen to a live version of the album on spotify + here's a long list of others videos I think you'd enjoy if you have the time PS: LISTEN TO FOUR YOUR EYEZ ONLY Interviews: ruclips.net/video/gsKjJRSmYio/видео.html&ab_channel=J.Cole ruclips.net/video/K8W_9oePPAQ/видео.html ruclips.net/video/GxVXEd_G_60/видео.html ruclips.net/video/GZ1NW_ZjBz4/видео.html ruclips.net/video/JUKUFF6pfIQ/видео.html&ab_channel=SWAY%27SUNIVERSE Performances: ruclips.net/video/qQZc8SH6EFk/видео.html&ab_channel=ProjectLaunchTV ruclips.net/video/d1gjutwBy-c/видео.html ruclips.net/video/CP3EGnB4hX0/видео.html ruclips.net/video/NpG8jUFfVFw/видео.html&ab_channel=RavishingHeat Other Interesting Videos: ruclips.net/video/XiE7NrY5ZMA/видео.html&ab_channel=TrendingTracks ruclips.net/video/okF5gOTX9uM/видео.html&ab_channel=IAmHip-Hop ruclips.net/video/6ZhoVGnGuIo/видео.html ruclips.net/video/YlpN3S16ZAs/видео.html ruclips.net/video/n7HStxkgK6Q/видео.html&ab_channel=Boardroom ruclips.net/video/gTJLwWRfgGk/видео.html ruclips.net/video/KU2nXR8QUrM/видео.html ruclips.net/video/b-4FPGF97qI/видео.html&ab_channel=BoomBeats ruclips.net/video/QR-Nw5LVBgI/видео.html&ab_channel=ComplexNews
Which makes a lot of sense. I've seen plenty of comments where people are relating this album to a specific period in their life, and music has the power to infuse with memories and take you back, so that in itself is enough to propel an album higher since it can have that personal experience. I have albums like that too, where the memories they bring back help lift the album a little higher.
In A Tale of 2 Citiez the 2 verses are the perspectives of two different people. In the first verse he basically says that HE SEES another group of guys pull up on someone and rob him, but in the second verse it’s from the perspective of one of the people that did rob the guy saying “WE pulled up on a nigga at the light…” which is meant to distinguish the 2 different mindsets of the city
For extra cole content there’s a song called Black Friday where Kendrick raps on the tale of 2 cities beat and cole raps on the alright beat .. ppl wanted a collab tape from them for so long and when that dropped we had hope but it’s Still fire and an essential Cole song imo
I enjoy watching your videos because you subjectively discuss the tracks as a fan of the art of music not just as a genre. Sometimes we compartmentalize things for no reason but music is art to enjoy organically and cherish without prejudgment.
I really like this album. It doesn't do anything spectacular but it's such a enjoyable ride that it's spectacular as a whole. Wet dreams will remain one of my favorite tracks out of any hip hip album. Makes you laugh, just about every guy can relate, and it sounds good.
In fact, looking at the hip hop albums you've reacted to, I would say that applies to quite a lot of them. You in a way got thrown right into the deep end. It would be beyond fascinating to see you now go back to the beginning of Hip Hop and see how we got here. The only way hip hop can be fully appreciated is in full context. With these brief glimpses into who you are as a person, I'm confident that given the full context, you will be moved. Many times, in fact, and as the memories of those experiences build upon another you start to understand that hip-hop is this living thing, and you understand in part its life and history, the many many obstacles and challenges it faced to get to where it is, and even then existing in a state where there was worry for its health. It's only at that point that you can understand what people like Cole and Kendrick, who pay homage and respect to the craft, the culture, and its history with every single detail represent to an entire generation. To multiple generations. The song Middle Child helps illustrate some of what I'm trying to convey
I’d love to see Kids See Ghosts by Kanye West and Kid Cudi next! Despite only being roughly 30 minutes of 7 tracks it’s one of my all time favorite albums.
As a competitor I found your take on the competition in hip-hip to be very interesting. You came at it from a perspective that I hadn’t considered, thanks Bob
I think what you're missing from this album to really love it as much as some is the impact of hearing it at a super important or transitional time in your life. So many fans of Cole and of this album, including myself, listened to it when they were young. In middle school, high school, or college and thus were becoming more self aware and introspective. I think this album had a huge impact on people like me because it opened their eyes to ideas and themes they never thought of before at that point or at least made them feel like they weren't alone with those thoughts. I think because of that we relate and resonate so much more with the music and it's themes. You can always appreciate and be impacted by something, but it's so much stronger in a more significant or influential period in one's life.
That's a fact! I was in high school when The Warm Up came out and was about 18 when Born Sinner Came out (my first big concert) so for me I really felt like I was growing along with Cole. Even now with the The Off-Season it's like we've been on this journey together lol
I've followed J Cole's career since Friday Night Lights, I'm a huge fan 🤎 He used to do these pop up $1 concerts in Raleigh, NC, he would post on IG anx Twitter the day of and let his fans know the venue. I've been to 2 of those and 2 of his other concerts in Fayetteville. A couple of my college friends go to the YMCA he plays basketball at sometimes. He's truly one of the most down to earth artist out here.
Hey man, I’m from Russia and my English isn’t so good but your channel is a real find for me. I really like the way u express your opinion. Also nice to see the reaction of a person who hears great rap albums for the 1st time. Thanks and best of luck!
One thing that’s important about rivalry and calling out other rappers Bob, is that it’s for their benefit too. A lot of these rappers don’t have bad blood all the time and actually want to see their competition improve. It might be a bit corny but a good show of this if you haven’t heard it yet is big Sean and Kendrick on Control. He calls out a lot of his friends in that song and reaches out to them to also aspire to be the best rapper. It promotes good music in my opinion. It’s like if the stars you were talking about said to one another “I shine the brightest!” Which the other star replied with “I’ll shine the brightest! More than you!” Overall (when it doesn’t become violent rap beef) it’s beneficial for the artist, industry, and fan.
Bob, the chorus of no role models refers to saving a ho, or trying to change someone who lives that one night stand to one night stand style of life. In short he’s saying don’t try and salvage a real relationship from these people, as they’re just going to leave him. Dont save her she don’t wanna be saved means Don’t try and find a legitimate relationship in those sleep around-y people, because they aren’t interested and will likely hurt you. It connects to the rest of the song since he talks about wanting a real relationship, such as jada smith and will smith (the song didnt age too well lol)
Listen to the live version of this album in Fayetteville. He breaks down his meaning of st tropes. He didn't even know where it was just that it sounded ritzy. So he was on the come up with dreams to live lavish
I’ve listened to this album millions of times but hearing you commentate over it this time really gave me new perspectives. and some of the narrative/stories you’d add onto the songs was seemed fluent and made sense. solid review✅
I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a J Cole fan. I’ve tried, but it’s not my thing. I totally understand why people love it though, and I can appreciate it for that. I agree with you on that I guess, I feel like Cole is just not quite there for me. I’m glad you’re checking out so many different artists, though, and expanding your hip hop taste. I’m excited for your 808’s and MOTM reactions though. Keep it up Bob! Love your channel
10 years removed from being obsessed when this album first dropped, brings me to tears at my dead end job listening this once again. So much nostalgia, and reflecting on 10 years wasted not doin anything w my life. Man, Jermaine. What an all-time classic you crafted w this one.🙏
Hey Bob. I started to watch your videos today and i have really enjoyed them. I'm from Colombia and a big fan of hiphop but sometimes i struggle to really capture what the artist mean because i am not a native english speaker. J Cole is my favourite artist and it is great to hear your thoughts and interpretations of his songs and what he writes.
Friday Night Lights by J. Cole is widely considered on the list of some of the greatest mixtapes ever. If you’re trying to get more of a view on Cole as an artist I definitely suggest giving that mixtape a listen 🙏🏾
To your point of watching videos off camera, after you listen to any kanye album from 808s and onward, you should deep dive into the stories surrounding them and the process because every single album he made after this point was all over the news, with big controversy every time and played a massive part in shaping the albums and the sound they chase after. It's worth checking out to really understand it all. There's so much context that's needed.
In specific to this album as far as other J Cole to check out is his David Letterman performance titled "Be Free" it's a must especially if you looking for other content related to this album.
I'm going to space out a bit of my comment so I don't spoil the reaction for everyone else. Alright, should be good enough. >"I really enjoy it, but there's something there that's just missing for me, but I don't know what it is." I've been trying to figure that out for the past 7+ years (this album came out December of 2014, and I think I listened to it a few weeks after). This is, without a doubt, his best album - just like how Justin Timberlake would say that FutureSex/LoveSounds is his best album. Why am I making this comparison? It's not to say there isn't something meritable about the rest of either of their respective catalogs, but I think Timberlake would say that nothing else has compared to the success (based on the music itself) that came off of that album, and that includes The 20/20 Experience and before Timberlake went solo. In the same sense, I think J. Cole would say that this album is the most successful based on the merit of the music alone. I've been trying to figure that out for the past 7+ years, and I can trace the whole "trying to figure it out" thing back to the Kendrick Lamar vs. J. Cole debates I'd have with a friend at college (I wonder how he's doing). That was the deal at the time - TPAB comes out three months after this album, and of course, you have a more lighthearted West vs. East coast deal going on between these two artists (at least, more lighthearted if you're debating two artists at an expensive university). And TPAB was about as misunderstood by the rap community at the time as Playboi Carti is every time he releases an album (as in people were divided until they really, really listened and grew into it). Of course you'd think J. Cole is better if you've been listening to hip-hop, TPAB was most definitely not the "true to the art" 90's/early 00's hip-hop that Kendrick made a few years prior. It was good, it was fantastic, but it was easy to view TPAB and 2014 Forest Hills Drive and see them as viable opponents, if for a time. I've been trying to figure that out for the past 7+ years, and you know what? I really, really love this album. J. Cole has absolutely fantastic chops, flow, rhythm, cadence, punchlines, and he delivers on top of some really fantastic beats - some (if not most) of which he produced. It's a great exhibition of his talent, his heart, his way of thinking, his soul for the game, everything. This album went double platinum with no features for good reason. It's highly praised for good reason. It's a fun listen, it's a memorable experience, and it's easy to go back to. It's honest-to-goodness hip-hop slaughtered fresh and delivered to table. It's a good meal. It's a 2014 Fiesta ST with low mileage and no issues - it's a great, refreshing drive, the stick-shift makes the car feel preppy, it has a turbo that makes the car feel like a go-kart, and yet it feels so easy to control. You cannot hate this car once you get in it, I promise you. As you say, it's a "cool ride". But hey, you remember your mom's car right? That 1996 Chrysler Town and Country? All the memories you made, driving your friends along for whatever? Picking up a girl that you had in mind? The struggles of being a young, lost teenager, one who was dependent on your own parents to get around and get by? You made some memories in that car. You did some shit. Where you were at before? When you were at your most depressed? When you were still grinding to become the person you are now? How can you forget that car? How could you forget the people that you drove with? How could you cry now about that car, knowing what that car meant? You could have stayed in it. You didn't have to leave it. ...that's what's missing. Thank you for your review of this album, it was nice to take a trip down memory lane.
I drive a 2015 Fiesta ST (I don't remember if I've mentioned this before or not), so this comment really clicks with me. It's funny how music can have this esoteric quality to it... where an album can technically check all the boxes yet somehow, for whatever reason, it's just a slight miss. And then someone can explain to you why they love it so much, why it has so much meaning for them, and you can nod along and go yup-yup-yup and agree and understand yet... that same album still just slightly misses. Sometimes it really is as simple as you say: it has to have those special memories associated with it. It has to be infused with the experiences the music surrounded and enriched because then the music captures those memories and brings them back each time you hear the songs.
rap is as much a sport as it is art. it's about finding the freshest way to talk about old ideas (rhyme, cadence, tone, pronounciation, enunciation etc. - all these things matter). so as fans, we love the music and the artistry that goes into it. but, what makes the artistry hit harder is the competitive nature that comes from it. it's the rappers that take the "poetry" in rhythm and poetry to world class level that get the most respect. we respect the intelligence, growth (maturity) and brainpower that comes from being able to write and recite words like that. it's something to be incredibly proud of. it's a little scarier than just "songwriting". you're not just relying on your beautiful singing voice to sell the feeling/idea you're trying to sell (although this definitely comes in handy sometimes). you're saying it, but you're not just saying it. that's why rap is competitive. it takes a little more than being a good musician or songwriter to be a great rapper. in the truest sense of the word, i mean (not referring to hip-hop in the recent years). you have to possess knowledge and wisdom beyond your years in a way, and you also need to be a storyteller/teacher at heart. i'm probably talking sh*t but i really appreciate these things about the genre. sidenote: yes, i know rap doesn't really stand for rhythm and poetry but i think we can all agree it's pretty fitting.
Hey Bob, just in case you were wondering J Cole and Kendrick are cool, as you mentioned near the end. There’s plenty of pictures online of them together and they have a couple songs together. Even teased the internet of a collab album (never happened sadly). They’re kinda seen as the top 2 of this generation.
i'm really excited to see you go through the rest of cole's albums, for your eyez only and kod are amazing albums, and i know you'll have an amazing time dissecting them :) keep doing what you're doing
I have memories associated with these songs. If I close my eyes & listen to certain tracks ill be put back into able to relive moments. Really great album. 10/10
Bob, great album to review we all love it, keep it up. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE listen to BLACK FRIDAY on SOUNDCLOUD, not spotity, by KENDRICK LAMAR it is an officially released song with the BEAT of "A tail of 2 Citiez" by JCole from this album. This is one of the hardest Kendrick lamar song ive ever heard. ALSO BLACK FRIDAY by JCOLE is "alright" beat by Kendrick with JCOLE singing officially released the same day. you could react in another video, it would take around 5-7 minutes to hear both. Thank you bob
Friday Night Lights is a must-listen mixtape. It jump started Cole’s Career and recognition. The samples, the flow, the bars are insane for such a young rapper like him at the time. You’ll love it for sure, please check it out.
@@bobthepoppop most mixtapes won’t be on streaming services, because they were originally released for free on websites like Datpiff that arent that active anymore. Theyll be on youtube
He said “I won’t say her name… man f*** it her name was Melissa.” Bob is for the streets🤝 😤
😭😭😭😭
ongawddd!!!!!
@bluemcdaniel99 Got a time stamp?
@@akwaelnoel7708after the reaction of wet dreamz
@@akwaelnoel770820:35
This is a nostalgic album for a lot of people. It’s not necessarily an album designed to blow you away with something innovative upon first listen, but an album that some kid would find themselves listening to every day on the bus ride home from school. It’s an easy going album that explores so many themes that can apply to so many facets of a young persons life. Maybe you’re a teenager who’s worried about his future, just got heartbroken by their crush, or had a fight with their best friend, etc. there’s going to be a song here that applies and feels like an older brother putting his hand on your shoulder and telling you that you’ll be okay.
It’s like the musical equivalent of that one favorite hoodie you always wore in high school because it was really cozy. That hoodie that nobody around you really payed much attention to, but it made you happy and you wore it so much to the point that it became part of your identity. Revisiting this album as a 21 year old felt like finding that hoodie in the closet and realizing you haven’t worn it since you graduated, and realizing the last time you had it on you were a different person with different responsibilities and different things to worry about and different people you loved. And you’re not necessarily in a better or worse place in your life compared to where you were when you donned that hoodie, but you get an existential dread knowing you’re no longer the same man
wow this comment really shows why we love and enjoy this album very much. i hope he sees this
this comment is too true 💜
W comment
This comment is just perfect.
Ok
two 2014 forest hills reactions in the same day? I must be dreaming!!!
I assume it's because today is Cole's birthday
turning the tables?
@blankz yeah, they posted a reaction for this album as well
@@bobthepoppop Son swap album review when?
Right?! this is my favorite album love hearing these perspectives
J Cole is one of the greatest story tellers in the industry. Wet Dreams is so vivid and well told, and definitely one of my all time favourite hip hop songs. It's so damn funny and relatable.
J Cole bricked up in math class😭😭😭😭
@@jkam2393 the way he tell his memorie shit I feel like he talking about me cuz we all been there
Wet Dreamz is way too accurate in its story telling 😂
That’s a bad thing bro he goes into way too much detail
@@keller_3180nah that's just him being as relatable and real as ever as far as highschool experience goes, i had an exact same experience when i was 15 lol wet dreams will forever be one of my favourite songs oat
Live Love A$ap is one of the most highly praised mixtapes of all time. Rocky and the producers helped lay the foundation for modern hip-hop to come afterwards. Its also a GREAT project to get you more familiar with the southern side of rap. You could also listen to The 2nd Ammendment by Jpegmafia. It came out prior to Veteran so it could help give you some context of what Peggy was making before Veteran. Its equally as weird as Veteran in my opinion.
Most Highly praised mixtapes of all time is reaching lmao. I like asap but that is just not true.
Another southern recommendation, Big Krit 4 Eva is A Mighty Long Time
yessir can't wait for that
Dude I just discovered the second amendment I didn't know it existed that shit is 🔥🔥🔥
@@Happycamper808 one of the most for sure though
The competitive side of hip-hop from true lyricist like J. Cole, Kendrick et al. Comes from a place of always trying to be the best rapper you can be. For artists like them it’s usually a salute to say “I’m aware of how great you are” as opposed to a call out.
What’s best is that for a while now it hasn’t been a malicious as some previous rap beefs now it’s a call out to keep rappers on their toes and never be complacent, like Kendrick’s verse on control got other rappers on it. Long as it’s all playful and respectful rap callouts keep the game interesting and rappers at their best lyrically
And just to piggy-back on this point, historically, hip-hop in general started off with MCs that would keep the party going as the DJ played. They'd speak, shout people in the party out, direct the crowd to do certain dance, and would rhyme. Then it became a competition to be the best in your area, and artists started to battle each other. After that, eventually, the industry got involved, but that mentality to be the best stayed around. It's not a call out to be disrespectful. It's just a way to say "I'm really fuckin good at this. Prove me wrong."
Hip-Hop pretty much summed up in three comments👍🏾
Great comments, everyone :)
This is why I so often say the community is a huge part of this musical journey and that I'm understanding so much more about the music than I would if I listened to this on my own. Comments like these really help clear up some of the elements that confuse me.
@@bobthepoppop maybe the conflict in the song January 28th is what you guys are talking about. That the bigger we get our egos collide line and also when tendencies arise to be enemies we should reflect on the times we were chilling line.
I can't overstate the growth you show in not dismissing lines or whole verses on a surface level. I remember you first listening to Kanye and mentioning you had this internal struggle with rappers talking about jewels, money, being the best, gang life, etc, but on another song being sensitive, introspective, and honest. I personally have always accepted it as the honest duality of life. When I was young I wanted a nice car, all the women, nobody could tell me or my friends anything, the world was ours. We were blindly arrogant. Things we eventually grow out of. Ironically I think it's more honest to display both sides because it makes the growth he displays more impactful. And if you go back and listen to how the album is structured. It starts out with him being young, well before he was a rapper, to him starting to make it as an artist, to him making it while getting those things he dreamed about in abundance, and then him finally being able to sit back and reflect on all of that. Being able to put his life in perspective. He was young, immature, and naive at the beginning, wanting to be successful for the women, fame, and wealth. Only realize with age that the important things in life have nothing to do with fame or wealth, and those things can actually hinder or erode what is actually important if you get too caught up in it.
So I wanted to say it's powerful for you to finally see all of those internal struggles you once had starting to greatly diminish. And why I always appreciate your honesty, as much as I do your perspectives and an undying thirst to understand. For people who don't listen to hip hop, those braggadocious type lyrics are one of the main things people use to dismiss the genre. And one of my favorite lyrics by Jay-Z is
"Motherfuckers say that I'm foolish I only talk about jewels.
Do you fools listen to music or do you just skim through it?
See I'm influenced by the ghetto you ruined.
That same dude you gave nothing, I made something doing what I do, through and through.
I give you the news, with a twist, it's just his ghetto point-of-view."
I think that brilliantly encapsulates everything I just rambled, plus more. Which is why Jay is brilliant. lol
Thanks again for taking time with an album and sharing it. I am absolutely becoming a Patreon this next month. Thanks for the heads up about being double charged if you do now. I am a single father, every dollar matters to me, sadly. lol So that type of honesty makes me respect and appreciate you even more than I already do. Have a beautiful weekend! I was going to say stay warm, but you live in the paradise known as Cali, while I am stuck in Indiana. haha And likewise to anyone else who reads this! I hope your weekend is positive and fulfilling. Full of laughter and love.
And PLEASE watch and maybe react to this J Cole live performance. Was performed at the time he was promoting this album, but isn't on any actual album. It is beyond brilliant and full of raw emotion. It is a song he literally wrote the night before. It is his feelings about the unarmed black teenager Michael Brown who got shot dead by an officer in Ferguson. Where the officer was acquitted of the murder.
ruclips.net/video/qQZc8SH6EFk/видео.html
Great performance, and amazing write up :) Thank you for the kind words. It's hard to quantify my own personal change through this journey into hip-hop, but it's definitely happening. As I'm exposed to more of it's art, people and perspectives, I can see my own perspectives change as well. It's been interesting to say the least, and I suspect I still have a long way to go. I'm fine with that. As I so often say before I resume the music after talking for a spell, "Let's keep going."
I’m so glad you sent this link for this performance
This is a popular album for reactors today. Turning the tables just uploaded theirs.
It's Cole's birthday, that's why they chose today, i assume.
lol, I saw that. They must have had the same plan I did, posting for his birthday
I think if you listen to his interview with Angie Martinez he explain the album in depth
Hip hop is a competitive genre. It’s always been like that, and for many it’s a big part of the charm frfr. Everybody tries to be the greatest or at least the greatest they can be. We got a whole battle rap scene as part of the culture. It’s mostly friendly competition that pushes each other to go harder.
^^^ This is important to read, I feel like some think hip hop is more seriously competitive due to gang affiliated rappers predominance in the 90s (and still to this day in some aspects) but the majority is just striving to be better, both than yourself and then others. It’s a competitive-ness similar to sports. Everyone wants the metaphorical Olympic gold medal, but if someone else ‘wins it’ they’ll respect it.
I forget about rap battles, so thanks for pointing that out.
Wet dreamz just sounds mad nostalgic I think that’s why everyone loves it
Once you get through all of Kanye’s albums would love to see a video of you ranking them from least favorite to favorite and why!!
Ranking yes albums is so tough, aside from JIK which is just so uncharacteristic of ye they all have so many pros and facets it’s hard to put an album above another. My least liked ye album will usually be in my top three in the next week.
I agree somewhat, it usually takes multiple listens through albums before I truly figure out how much I like it. The more I listen to TLOP the more I like it. But nevertheless would be an interesting video idea.
@@ezrahaskard3527 honesty just listen to a solid Yandhi comp if you hate JIK
I plan on doing that. I'm not a huge fan of 'ranking' songs or albums, but I'm aware that it's something fun to do and people love comparing their rankings with others.
@@bobthepoppop maybe not “ranking” per se but rather which ones were the most enjoyable first listens or which album/songs you connected to the most
“Because the internet “ by Childish Gambino was released around the same time in December (only a year earlier) I say that to say it is another great December album that’s very experimental in Hiphop
My favorite album of all time, I love the screenplay that goes with it
definitely needs to listen to Gambino one way or another
I plan on getting to this album at some point 👍
Bro, In J. Cole's Album 'Born Sinner' there's a song called 'Let Nas Down'. J. Cole was heavily inspired by Nas ! He was singing how he let Nas down in his music career, but Nas responded to J.cole in an "extention" to the 'Let Nas down' song. It's so cool you should look into it !!
Oh very cool
Seriously such a good album, excited to hear your reaction!!
When speaking of the 2010s hip hop era people will constantly bring up the big three: Drake, Kendrick, and Cole. All three artists are in my top 10 most listened artists ever, yet Cole will always hold a special place to me. J Cole is what gotten me into hip hop, and will always be my favorite as he touches my soul with his music. I got chills when you got to Love Yourz as I always do, it is my favorite song of all time, it changed my perspective on life and literally had me tearing up on toughest of nights. Through so many moments in my life, especially high school Cole's music was always there. I'm glad you enjoyed this album, it definitely is his most popular album however I don't think its necessarily his best, he has such a deep discography that I think you should get to all of his albums at some point. Cole is noted as one of the best rappers for a reason, he creates such beautiful music with a strong messaage, it's what makes him so influential as he acts as sort of a mentor you could say.
Drake, Kendrick, and Cole are the big three of the 2010s but let’s be real, he is third place of the group. Wale and Big Sean are like the last two of the starting 5.
@@deem10 that is highly highly debatable I disagree with wale and big Sean and I know a lot of people who think drake shouldn’t even be in the conversation
Kendrick and J. Cole best rappers of this generation... Drake ain't even a better rapper than Big Sean or Westside Boogie.. Drake just the most successful commercial artist of this generation
@@cirescum1420 Kendrick had the best albums. He is a superior rapper. Drake is the best by sales, the most popular and the most versatile. J.Cole not is not really the best at anything. He is a big cult fan base but he is third of the big three.
@@deem10 replace wale with Ye
Can’t understand how amazing this video is. This album has been my favourite piece of work for the last 8 years since it was released. Mostly because I grew up with this album & I find myself listening to tracks off this album most weeks. I feel a connection, and it’s amazing to see someone from outside of the hip hop world be able to listen to this for the first time & connect with the message Cole is portraying. Timeless piece of work with the greatest contradicting open message (always seeing things from both sides). Appreciate being able to share this with you mate 🙌 Love from New Zealand
Really excited for this one. Cole also dropped a top tier verse on Benny the Butcher’s song that dropped today.
no cappppp bro
cole sat on the throne with his verse
Bro I really think that’s song of the year rn
@@zaydelbash1580 I mean its only january yet but I feel u😂
This is the 3rd 2014 FHD reaction im watching this week and I am so happy people are discovering my favorite Cole album
turning the tables and shelbys shuffle ????
@@washpotatod Yes haha
I love it how you stayed and heard all of note to self I honestly love that song
It was fun to listen to. That kind of moment is so rare, where the work is complete and a person can just shrug off the stress and worry and fully relax in celebration.
This album and Kendrick’s to pimp a butterfly both were so amazing and inspirational to me when they released, both are what basically got me into rap, I cherish this album so much tho 😭
this is one of the albums i’d show to a new rap listener because it’s so accessible
@@pddimez8485fr
4 Your Eyez Only would be a great listen for you then. If you like deep and moody, that’s exactly what J. Cole does in that album. I highly suggest.
I feel that 2014 FHD is more of a classic because of how much it helped a lot of us while we grew up with it. I know it helped shaped my perspective on life a lot.
Fantastic breakdown and I thank you for taking the time to really break down the lyrics and find what he truly means.
Imo 4yeo is his best album
This video is already a classic I’m here before it blows up 👍
What i really like about " A Tale of 2 Citiez" is the two different perspectives. The first with the guy who gets his watch stolen, and then the second where he's the guy stealing the watch.
Dude I'm gonna start listetning to albums like this now, it's so much more enjoyable just watching you do it this way. Earned a sub!!
Weird how he went from Death Grips to Mainstream Hip Hop. It’s usually the other way around 😂
HipHop started with DJs battling, then the MCs battling, Cyphers in the park. HipHop has always been a competitive "sport". It's about steel sharpening steel, especially for the OGs & lyrical MCs....not about disregarding the other MCs. Of course there are artists that do disregard others but that tends to happen more during beef
I like this... steel sharpening steel.
So today I’ve had the worst hangover. It felt like someone was compressing and raking my brain. But for some reason, your video was the only thing I could watch. The mellow commentary and music just helped a lot. Just thought you’d find a laugh that you’ve not only become a successful RUclipsr, but also a hangover cure xD
You and turning the tables are so on schedule together coincidentally lol, wishing you all the success my guy!
Yeah, our album paths cross a lot
You need to do clipping either there existed an addiction to blood or visions of bodies being burned it’s very impressive sonicly
I think its pretty certain that either one would become one of his favorite albums hes ever done. Id say to do Visions of Bodies Being Burned, unless he wants to do There Existed An Addiction first offcamera, since theres too many albums for him to react to them all
I’m so happy. My favorite hip hop album of the 2010’s.
Was waiting for this all day!!!
Yeah, sorry, took longer than I expected. It was tough to edit this one. The music is really good, so it was hard to cut parts out.
@@bobthepoppop no worries. Felt even longer me being from the east coast 🤣🤣
East Coasters are ALWAYS on my mind when I'm working on posting a video. "Fuck, it's almost 9 for them!"
Cole world: The sideline story NEXT PLZ
Kendrick is consistently robbed at the Grammys. Macklemore beat GKMC for rap album of the year. Which to me is an even bigger travesty than Taylor’s.
I know you have to conserve time but I miss seeing your reaction to the whole thing playing through without skipping around! So many hidden gems I liked seeing you react to! Anyways, thanks for the videos man!! Don’t ever stop!
It's a RUclips thing. Full reactions tend to get blocked or taken down shortly after. Uncut reactions are available on Patreon if you're interested ($2/month)
@@bobthepoppop awesome, thank you!!
KOD is my favorite J. Cole album, great tracks from front to back
YOU HAVE TO DO 4 YOUR EYEZ ONLY BY J COLE!! It’s his most vulnerable album and my personal favorite because of the last track!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Competition is deeply integral in this history and culture of hip hop. In a historical context, that's a huge part of what being a rapper or MC is about. The rap battle, the competition of craft-- lyricism, rhythm, delivery, crowd control-- that's where it all starts. Hip-hop is one of the youngest genres in the world, but its history is one of the most integral
I hundred percent get where you're coming from with "macho bullshit", but everything has context. Maybe try not to put down a key part of a genre that you're trying to get familiar with before you're knowledgeable. I'm not trying to be combatative, just asking for patience and benefit of the doubt. I am highly enjoying the reaction, and don't mean to sound purely negative. The comment just really stood out
Although after going through your excellent comments section, a good bit of this is likely superfluous. Your comments section is really really good.
Since you requested some videos to watch, I definitely recommend watching all the music videos he made on this album and you can also listen to a live version of the album on spotify + here's a long list of others videos I think you'd enjoy if you have the time
PS: LISTEN TO FOUR YOUR EYEZ ONLY
Interviews:
ruclips.net/video/gsKjJRSmYio/видео.html&ab_channel=J.Cole
ruclips.net/video/K8W_9oePPAQ/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/GxVXEd_G_60/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/GZ1NW_ZjBz4/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/JUKUFF6pfIQ/видео.html&ab_channel=SWAY%27SUNIVERSE
Performances:
ruclips.net/video/qQZc8SH6EFk/видео.html&ab_channel=ProjectLaunchTV
ruclips.net/video/d1gjutwBy-c/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/CP3EGnB4hX0/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/NpG8jUFfVFw/видео.html&ab_channel=RavishingHeat
Other Interesting Videos:
ruclips.net/video/XiE7NrY5ZMA/видео.html&ab_channel=TrendingTracks
ruclips.net/video/okF5gOTX9uM/видео.html&ab_channel=IAmHip-Hop
ruclips.net/video/6ZhoVGnGuIo/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/YlpN3S16ZAs/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/n7HStxkgK6Q/видео.html&ab_channel=Boardroom
ruclips.net/video/gTJLwWRfgGk/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/KU2nXR8QUrM/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/b-4FPGF97qI/видео.html&ab_channel=BoomBeats
ruclips.net/video/QR-Nw5LVBgI/видео.html&ab_channel=ComplexNews
NIcee
Dude... you win!
I feel this is a rlly great album but the reason so many ppl say it’s their favourite is because they may have a personal connection to it
Which makes a lot of sense. I've seen plenty of comments where people are relating this album to a specific period in their life, and music has the power to infuse with memories and take you back, so that in itself is enough to propel an album higher since it can have that personal experience. I have albums like that too, where the memories they bring back help lift the album a little higher.
In A Tale of 2 Citiez the 2 verses are the perspectives of two different people. In the first verse he basically says that HE SEES another group of guys pull up on someone and rob him, but in the second verse it’s from the perspective of one of the people that did rob the guy saying “WE pulled up on a nigga at the light…” which is meant to distinguish the 2 different mindsets of the city
I love this album too much, you gotta check out the rest of his work
The production is so good because j cole did the beats as well very Talented artist
For extra cole content there’s a song called Black Friday where Kendrick raps on the tale of 2 cities beat and cole raps on the alright beat .. ppl wanted a collab tape from them for so long and when that dropped we had hope but it’s Still fire and an essential Cole song imo
J Cole “Be Free” on the Letterman show was an amazing live performance
I like how u split the video in parts where I can watch my fav songs u have earned a new sub
Love yourz is a masterpiece
Forest Hills Drive's intro is one of the most beautiful and well made intro of all time.
Easily the best intro of the century.
It's a great intro, but lets not pretend like it's as good as Dark Fantasy.
Okay, but like Wesley's theory 😂
I miss this J Cole!! Going through this album with you takes me back. Iconic album right here.
I enjoy watching your videos because you subjectively discuss the tracks as a fan of the art of music not just as a genre. Sometimes we compartmentalize things for no reason but music is art to enjoy organically and cherish without prejudgment.
I really like this album. It doesn't do anything spectacular but it's such a enjoyable ride that it's spectacular as a whole.
Wet dreams will remain one of my favorite tracks out of any hip hip album. Makes you laugh, just about every guy can relate, and it sounds good.
In a lot of ways, this is very high art, and as you come to consume more of the medium, you'll appreciate this album more and more
In fact, looking at the hip hop albums you've reacted to, I would say that applies to quite a lot of them. You in a way got thrown right into the deep end. It would be beyond fascinating to see you now go back to the beginning of Hip Hop and see how we got here. The only way hip hop can be fully appreciated is in full context. With these brief glimpses into who you are as a person, I'm confident that given the full context, you will be moved. Many times, in fact, and as the memories of those experiences build upon another you start to understand that hip-hop is this living thing, and you understand in part its life and history, the many many obstacles and challenges it faced to get to where it is, and even then existing in a state where there was worry for its health. It's only at that point that you can understand what people like Cole and Kendrick, who pay homage and respect to the craft, the culture, and its history with every single detail represent to an entire generation. To multiple generations. The song Middle Child helps illustrate some of what I'm trying to convey
I’d love to see Kids See Ghosts by Kanye West and Kid Cudi next! Despite only being roughly 30 minutes of 7 tracks it’s one of my all time favorite albums.
He's doing kanye albums in chronological order so we won't get to ksg until like the summer
im excited for march where he will react to mbdtf
he’s doing kids see ghosts this month
@@sheesh8831that's a great way to do it. I did it kinda similar but broken up
As a competitor I found your take on the competition in hip-hip to be very interesting. You came at it from a perspective that I hadn’t considered, thanks Bob
Favorite album of all time, hands down… idk how I missed this video🤦🏾♂️
I think what you're missing from this album to really love it as much as some is the impact of hearing it at a super important or transitional time in your life. So many fans of Cole and of this album, including myself, listened to it when they were young. In middle school, high school, or college and thus were becoming more self aware and introspective. I think this album had a huge impact on people like me because it opened their eyes to ideas and themes they never thought of before at that point or at least made them feel like they weren't alone with those thoughts. I think because of that we relate and resonate so much more with the music and it's themes. You can always appreciate and be impacted by something, but it's so much stronger in a more significant or influential period in one's life.
That's a fact! I was in high school when The Warm Up came out and was about 18 when Born Sinner Came out (my first big concert) so for me I really felt like I was growing along with Cole. Even now with the The Off-Season it's like we've been on this journey together lol
I've followed J Cole's career since Friday Night Lights, I'm a huge fan 🤎 He used to do these pop up $1 concerts in Raleigh, NC, he would post on IG anx Twitter the day of and let his fans know the venue. I've been to 2 of those and 2 of his other concerts in Fayetteville. A couple of my college friends go to the YMCA he plays basketball at sometimes. He's truly one of the most down to earth artist out here.
Hey man, I’m from Russia and my English isn’t so good but your channel is a real find for me. I really like the way u express your opinion. Also nice to see the reaction of a person who hears great rap albums for the 1st time. Thanks and best of luck!
Dude I seriously commend you for being so open-minded and refusing to reject things you don't understand
One thing that’s important about rivalry and calling out other rappers Bob, is that it’s for their benefit too. A lot of these rappers don’t have bad blood all the time and actually want to see their competition improve. It might be a bit corny but a good show of this if you haven’t heard it yet is big Sean and Kendrick on Control. He calls out a lot of his friends in that song and reaches out to them to also aspire to be the best rapper. It promotes good music in my opinion. It’s like if the stars you were talking about said to one another “I shine the brightest!” Which the other star replied with “I’ll shine the brightest! More than you!” Overall (when it doesn’t become violent rap beef) it’s beneficial for the artist, industry, and fan.
This makes sense. And I do agree that competition usually means that we the fans benefit. I listened to Control just now, good shit 🤘
Thank you for letting Note To Self just rock out. Whenever it comes on shuffle I fall in love with the beat again and just let it play out 😂
Bob, the chorus of no role models refers to saving a ho, or trying to change someone who lives that one night stand to one night stand style of life. In short he’s saying don’t try and salvage a real relationship from these people, as they’re just going to leave him. Dont save her she don’t wanna be saved means Don’t try and find a legitimate relationship in those sleep around-y people, because they aren’t interested and will likely hurt you. It connects to the rest of the song since he talks about wanting a real relationship, such as jada smith and will smith (the song didnt age too well lol)
Yeah, makes sense. I was overthinking it a bit.
@@bobthepoppop I don’t think you were overthinking it, I actually agree and never really thought of it in that light lol
PLEASE MORE J COLE Reactions
your laugh gets me smiling everytime it’s so funny
also 2014 forest hills drive is J cole's best album in his discography
If you liked St. Tropez so much you’ll definitely love Cole’s “For your eyez only” album for sure!!!
Listen to the live version of this album in Fayetteville. He breaks down his meaning of st tropes. He didn't even know where it was just that it sounded ritzy. So he was on the come up with dreams to live lavish
I’ve listened to this album millions of times but hearing you commentate over it this time really gave me new perspectives. and some of the narrative/stories you’d add onto the songs was seemed fluent and made sense. solid review✅
I’m not gonna lie, I’m not a J Cole fan. I’ve tried, but it’s not my thing. I totally understand why people love it though, and I can appreciate it for that. I agree with you on that I guess, I feel like Cole is just not quite there for me. I’m glad you’re checking out so many different artists, though, and expanding your hip hop taste. I’m excited for your 808’s and MOTM reactions though. Keep it up Bob! Love your channel
One of the iconic albums of the 2010s. It's not as experimental or grand as the GKMCs or MBDTFs of the world, but damn if it isn't enjoyable!
Pure magic! Thanks for this reaction Bob 💓 this album got me through a lot, 'specially love yours
“Free from bars” - if you interpret it as structure of a song then it’s a double entendre, meaning free from prison (bars)
You the goat for doing this on January 28th man🙌🏾💯
NOT ON HIS BIRTHDAYYYYY AYYYYYY 💯‼️🎈✨
Hello is one of favorite songs by Cole because the content is so sad but the best is so positive so I can choose what mood to be in when I listen
10 years removed from being obsessed when this album first dropped, brings me to tears at my dead end job listening this once again. So much nostalgia, and reflecting on 10 years wasted not doin anything w my life. Man, Jermaine. What an all-time classic you crafted w this one.🙏
Hey Bob. I started to watch your videos today and i have really enjoyed them. I'm from Colombia and a big fan of hiphop but sometimes i struggle to really capture what the artist mean because i am not a native english speaker. J Cole is my favourite artist and it is great to hear your thoughts and interpretations of his songs and what he writes.
Turning the Tables just reacted to this 😋
Friday Night Lights by J. Cole is widely considered on the list of some of the greatest mixtapes ever. If you’re trying to get more of a view on Cole as an artist I definitely suggest giving that mixtape a listen 🙏🏾
To your point of watching videos off camera, after you listen to any kanye album from 808s and onward, you should deep dive into the stories surrounding them and the process because every single album he made after this point was all over the news, with big controversy every time and played a massive part in shaping the albums and the sound they chase after. It's worth checking out to really understand it all. There's so much context that's needed.
Looking forward to your follow up, this is an AMAZING album
In specific to this album as far as other J Cole to check out is his David Letterman performance titled "Be Free" it's a must especially if you looking for other content related to this album.
You just uploaded and I already know you liked and maybe even loved this album haha. Thanks for the reaction!
You should definitely react to The cool by lupe fiasco. Great lyrics on that whole album.
This is such a good suggestion.
youre an absolute LEGEND for doing this on an 28th
I'm going to space out a bit of my comment so I don't spoil the reaction for everyone else.
Alright, should be good enough.
>"I really enjoy it, but there's something there that's just missing for me, but I don't know what it is."
I've been trying to figure that out for the past 7+ years (this album came out December of 2014, and I think I listened to it a few weeks after). This is, without a doubt, his best album - just like how Justin Timberlake would say that FutureSex/LoveSounds is his best album. Why am I making this comparison? It's not to say there isn't something meritable about the rest of either of their respective catalogs, but I think Timberlake would say that nothing else has compared to the success (based on the music itself) that came off of that album, and that includes The 20/20 Experience and before Timberlake went solo. In the same sense, I think J. Cole would say that this album is the most successful based on the merit of the music alone.
I've been trying to figure that out for the past 7+ years, and I can trace the whole "trying to figure it out" thing back to the Kendrick Lamar vs. J. Cole debates I'd have with a friend at college (I wonder how he's doing). That was the deal at the time - TPAB comes out three months after this album, and of course, you have a more lighthearted West vs. East coast deal going on between these two artists (at least, more lighthearted if you're debating two artists at an expensive university). And TPAB was about as misunderstood by the rap community at the time as Playboi Carti is every time he releases an album (as in people were divided until they really, really listened and grew into it). Of course you'd think J. Cole is better if you've been listening to hip-hop, TPAB was most definitely not the "true to the art" 90's/early 00's hip-hop that Kendrick made a few years prior. It was good, it was fantastic, but it was easy to view TPAB and 2014 Forest Hills Drive and see them as viable opponents, if for a time.
I've been trying to figure that out for the past 7+ years, and you know what? I really, really love this album. J. Cole has absolutely fantastic chops, flow, rhythm, cadence, punchlines, and he delivers on top of some really fantastic beats - some (if not most) of which he produced. It's a great exhibition of his talent, his heart, his way of thinking, his soul for the game, everything. This album went double platinum with no features for good reason. It's highly praised for good reason. It's a fun listen, it's a memorable experience, and it's easy to go back to. It's honest-to-goodness hip-hop slaughtered fresh and delivered to table. It's a good meal. It's a 2014 Fiesta ST with low mileage and no issues - it's a great, refreshing drive, the stick-shift makes the car feel preppy, it has a turbo that makes the car feel like a go-kart, and yet it feels so easy to control. You cannot hate this car once you get in it, I promise you. As you say, it's a "cool ride".
But hey, you remember your mom's car right? That 1996 Chrysler Town and Country? All the memories you made, driving your friends along for whatever? Picking up a girl that you had in mind? The struggles of being a young, lost teenager, one who was dependent on your own parents to get around and get by? You made some memories in that car. You did some shit. Where you were at before? When you were at your most depressed? When you were still grinding to become the person you are now? How can you forget that car? How could you forget the people that you drove with? How could you cry now about that car, knowing what that car meant? You could have stayed in it. You didn't have to leave it.
...that's what's missing. Thank you for your review of this album, it was nice to take a trip down memory lane.
Such a great fucking write up a relate to this so much
I drive a 2015 Fiesta ST (I don't remember if I've mentioned this before or not), so this comment really clicks with me. It's funny how music can have this esoteric quality to it... where an album can technically check all the boxes yet somehow, for whatever reason, it's just a slight miss. And then someone can explain to you why they love it so much, why it has so much meaning for them, and you can nod along and go yup-yup-yup and agree and understand yet... that same album still just slightly misses. Sometimes it really is as simple as you say: it has to have those special memories associated with it. It has to be infused with the experiences the music surrounded and enriched because then the music captures those memories and brings them back each time you hear the songs.
rap is as much a sport as it is art. it's about finding the freshest way to talk about old ideas (rhyme, cadence, tone, pronounciation, enunciation etc. - all these things matter). so as fans, we love the music and the artistry that goes into it. but, what makes the artistry hit harder is the competitive nature that comes from it. it's the rappers that take the "poetry" in rhythm and poetry to world class level that get the most respect. we respect the intelligence, growth (maturity) and brainpower that comes from being able to write and recite words like that. it's something to be incredibly proud of. it's a little scarier than just "songwriting". you're not just relying on your beautiful singing voice to sell the feeling/idea you're trying to sell (although this definitely comes in handy sometimes). you're saying it, but you're not just saying it. that's why rap is competitive. it takes a little more than being a good musician or songwriter to be a great rapper. in the truest sense of the word, i mean (not referring to hip-hop in the recent years). you have to possess knowledge and wisdom beyond your years in a way, and you also need to be a storyteller/teacher at heart. i'm probably talking sh*t but i really appreciate these things about the genre.
sidenote: yes, i know rap doesn't really stand for rhythm and poetry but i think we can all agree it's pretty fitting.
Good write up, thanks man 👍
Love it, Cole is one of the best in the game. Straight bangers every album
i love seeing how far youve come with your reactions. i can really see how you have "grown" into the genre more and understand so much more of it
Dude I feel like I’m hanging out with you… haha kinda cool. Anyways I love this album and have some very beautiful memories to it.
My favorite album of all time 🏆
You need to check out J Cole’s 2k18 woo hah performance for sure. He’s a great performer. Also his performance on letterman was incredible
PLEASE WATCH J COLE’s NARDWUAR INTERVIEW, PLEASE AND THANK ME LATER
Hey Bob, just in case you were wondering J Cole and Kendrick are cool, as you mentioned near the end. There’s plenty of pictures online of them together and they have a couple songs together. Even teased the internet of a collab album (never happened sadly). They’re kinda seen as the top 2 of this generation.
Black Friday would give Bob’s mind a whirl
Dropped this on Cole's birthday lol
i'm really excited to see you go through the rest of cole's albums, for your eyez only and kod are amazing albums, and i know you'll have an amazing time dissecting them :) keep doing what you're doing
halfway through and already my favorite breakdown of my favorite album. appreciate your perspective
I have memories associated with these songs. If I close my eyes & listen to certain tracks ill be put back into able to relive moments. Really great album. 10/10
Bob, great album to review we all love it, keep it up. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE listen to BLACK FRIDAY on SOUNDCLOUD, not spotity, by KENDRICK LAMAR it is an officially released song with the BEAT of "A tail of 2 Citiez" by JCole from this album. This is one of the hardest Kendrick lamar song ive ever heard. ALSO BLACK FRIDAY by JCOLE is "alright" beat by Kendrick with JCOLE singing officially released the same day. you could react in another video, it would take around 5-7 minutes to hear both.
Thank you bob
Gave it a listen... pretty damn awesome 🤘
You seem like a really cool and open minded guy. Love your reactions man
Friday Night Lights is a must-listen mixtape. It jump started Cole’s Career and recognition. The samples, the flow, the bars are insane for such a young rapper like him at the time. You’ll love it for sure, please check it out.
Where do I find that? I typically only use Spotify.
@@bobthepoppop you can find it on youtube pretty easily, its not on streaming services, probably due to a lot of uncleared samples.
@@bobthepoppop most mixtapes won’t be on streaming services, because they were originally released for free on websites like Datpiff that arent that active anymore. Theyll be on youtube