J. Cole – Born Sinner
Released: June 14, 2013 ~ Reviewed: June 18, 2013 (4.5 Stars)
Cole earned this, no thanks to Jay. Then again, as noted in the review, maybe it is a spiteful thanks to Jay. Cole seems to take shots at his label situation several times in the album, those shots help give this album an edge and personality of it’s own. In an era where rappers are getting more and more shine for the images they project, Cole decided to be very sincere on this album, and give us something real. You have to look no further than the singles “Let Nas Down” and “Crooked Smile” to validate that claim. J.Cole may not be doing sets with Badu or on the radio every other song, but the guy that has been called Lyrical Nyquil gives no fucks about being something that he isn’t. Born Sinner is our born winner for Album of the Year. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Young Simba. – Saule Wright