ALBUM RATING: 8.5/10

When people think of J. Cole’s music, they usually think of three things: creative backing tracks, powerful emotion, and amazing lyrical skill. He is one of the most talented rappers and lyricists of our generation, and his third studio album 2014 Forest Hills Drive cements that legacy.

The album begins with an introduction song, properly entitled Intro, that sets the tone for the rest of the album, establishing themes of struggle for freedom and brotherhood. The mellow tune entrances the audience with inquiries of: “I said do you wanna, do you wanna be free / Free from pain, free from scars / Free to sing, free from bars / Free my dawgs, you’re free to go“. This use of anaphora, repeating the phrase “free from” (with some slight variation), emphasizes the many obstacles that members of Cole’s community had to face just to live their live freely. He alludes to how they are often held back by the struggle of their ancestors, their own past, and the country’s incarceration system.

Anaphora is used once again in a later song, Love Yourz, which takes into account all of the struggles that people face on the daily and reminds the listener to appreciate everything they do have, rather than search for greener grass. He speaks directly to his audience: “Always gon’ be a whip that’s better than the one you got / Always gon’ be some clothes that’s fresher than the one’s you rock / Always gon’ be a b—- that’s badder out there on the tours / But you ain’t never gon’ be happy ’til you love yours“. These lyrics appear at the end of the song, providing a satisfying conclusion that reinforces feelings of gratitude. With Thanksgiving coming up, it’s likely a message that most people need to hear.

Another song on the album is the well-known No Role Modelz. As soon as the instrumental opening comes on, everyone knows what is coming for the next four minutes and fifty two seconds. This song emphasizes Cole’s ability to make it out of his difficult situation and achieve success, while also expressing some regret of getting caught up in his new lifestyle: “No role models and I’m here right now / No role models to speak of / Searchin’ through my memory, my memory / I couldn’t find one / Last night I was gettin’ my feet rubbed“. The best part of the song actually features a soundbite from former President George W. Bush, delivering an ice-cold variation on the classic “fool me once” saying. Overall, the well-known songs of the album are the highlight of the collection but the lyricism in the remaining songs provide a strong backbone to the album.