by Short-T
I was one of those people that actually liked Cole World: The Sideline Story. There were some songs I could have done without such as “Cole World,” “God’s Gift,” and “Workout.” Like Nas I felt that “Workout” was one of the worst songs from one of the best new rappers. Fortunately, there are more songs more fitting of J.Cole’s potential on Born Sinner. Songs like “Let Nas Down,” “Chaining Day,” “LAnd of Snakes,” “Power Trip” and “Rich N!ggaz” feature amazing storytelling and social commentary on the music industry, fame, and wealth.
“Ain’t That Some Shit Interlude” and “Trouble” were pointless attempts to showcase how many times Cole can say “bitch” and “shit” before the song ends. The “Mo Money Interlude” and “Runaway” shows off his rapping skills better. His improved production skills are another highlight of Born Sinner. The last minute of “Land of Snakes” is a great musical addition to Mr. DJ’s original production of Outkast’s “Da Art Of Storytellin” I had a problem with some of the sequencing. A positive song like “Crooked Smile” should not be before a song where your idol says you suck. The “Mo Money Interlude” should set up the songs about wealth and material items, not “Trouble.”
My only other issue was the hook for “Forbidden Fruit.” Kendrick Lamar delivering the hook is a good choice since he told us before that he was a sinner that was more than likely going to sin again, but I can’t forgive him for taking a bitch to the garden. That part confused me, but I guess its okay because “Bitches come and go, Money come and go, Love come and go.” The aforementioned “Power Trip,” “She Knows” and “Crooked Smile” are most female friendly songs on the album. I immediately liked the former two track two tracks, but “Crooked Smile” can get skipped on certain days while I’m playing this album. While the message of imperfections make you beautiful is true, I fixed my crooked smile and I don’t have J.Cole money. This might be an ulterior reason why I’m not a fan of the song.
Speaking of J.Cole’s money; the intro, “Villuminati” is the perfect opener for an album with religious influences. On here Cole explains why the Illuminati is better off without him and how he got to this position he is in now to be accused of joining a secret society of billionaires that run the world. Finally, the album closer, “Born Sinner” highlights the low points in the North Carolina rapper’s life outside of music and how he hopes to reach a point of salvation. With this album, disappointed fans and critics will join him in his journey to be the best. Amen.
