‘Cole World: The Sideline Story’ Listening Session Review
Picture yourself in this scene. You’re waiting on line and the only thing running on your mind is “I hope this album is good.” You walk into the club, the music is bumpin’ and everything is moving in slow motion as you say hello to fellow bloggers and industry people. But all you still got in your mind is “I hope this album is great.” As everyone patiently waited for J. Cole to arrive, the DJ had the club bumpin’ as he blasted old-school Hov & DMX through the speakers. As I am looking around, I catch a glimpse of a familiar face. As the lights skimmed through the DJ booth, Cole was finally here. My mindset got in full effect for the music of one of the greatest lyricists to ever walk this planet.
J. Cole grabbed the mic and thanked everyone for coming and proceeded by telling us how the whole event will take place. Mr. Cole was a little worried about someone sneaking in a video camera to capture footage of songs (which would be able to record the songs) but it seemed like everyone was very respectful. Then the event began. Check after the jump for the full-length review track-by-track.
J. Cole began the night with the first track of the album:
1.“Intro”: This record began beautifully as every “Intro” track J. Cole has ever produced. The harmony of the piano began slowly as your hear J. Cole’s voice speaking to someone else within the recording studio. The lyricism was so heart-warming and you can just feel, emotionally, what J. Cole was rapping about.
Then the song went straight into:
2. “Dollar & A Dream III” – The instrumentals of “Intro” were mixed into the beginning of this song and all you can hear is the instrumental of Harps playing in the back. The beat is so soothing and had such a great feeling type-of-sound especially coming from the Co-Productions of The University & J. Cole. The first words into the song is the same hook J. Cole used in “Dollar & A Dream II”…” I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team/ Everything ain’t what it seems”…Then he goes into the verse with such power and command. This song just makes your whole body bop to the beat. The crowd was loving it.
“Never seen rich, but I’ve been poor”
3. “Can’t Get Enough” ft. Trey Songz – J. Cole explains to the crowd how he met Brian Kidd and how NO I.D. described Brian as being a guy who lived in a snow cabin in the mountains who just produces beats all day but Mr. Kidd actually lives in L.A. J. Cole and Brian Kidd met up and their chemistry was magic. But due to legal issues, Cole was only allowed to select a few beats from Mr. Kidd to spit on. But when “Can’t Get Enough” got leaked, they loved the attention it was getting and decided to release it as the 2nd single. I love the Spanish sample they use from “Paulette” as performed by Balla et ses Balladins. Trey Songz gives it an extra umph but it still doesn’t fail.
4. “Lights Please” – As expected Cole didn’t play this track. But he did explain why the song is on the album. He said that no matter what people are saying, he was going to put this song on the album regardless of how long his debut album will arrive. He even told us that he remembers an event back in 2009, he told the crowd with his XXL sweater that “it’s going to be on the album even if it drops in 2012”
5. Skit (Interlude) - it was hard to hear because of the loud bass coming out the speakers but Cole was talking to his friends about him spending the night in jail the same day of him signing to Jay-Z.
6. Sideline Story – the beat and lyricism of this song was just flawless. it had the old school J. Cole flow and the super bass making every soul move side to side. It was just a beauty. J. Cole also raps about a subliminal rumor about Jay-Z not promoting his artist well saying, “Ni**as is saying ‘Why Jay-Z never shout me out’, but I don’t give a f-ck“. But only if I was able to catch the rest of that verse, Cole did explain why he said that and there was no pun intended. Jay-Z is still J. Cole’s mentor and idol.
“Back when Martin Luther had a thing for Coretta/ Wonder if she seen the dreams he was dreaming/ Did she have a clue”
7. Mr. Nice Watch – Before Cole played “Sideline Story” he told us that the song was going to go straight into this song and when it arrived, the whole place was shaking. Oh my goodness. The bass for this song is ridiculous. The flow was incredible. Cole’s lyricism was straight fire. And Jay-Z? He killed it. This song was so good that all the bloggers yelled out, “PLAY IT AGAIN!”. J. Cole laughed and said, “I’ll play it again as we leave the club.” I see this song being played at clubs in NYC as his anthem. It might be the hit of the winter! As I write this, it hits me that J. Cole might finally have a super-hit! A hit where the hip-hop world is truly going to recognize who Jermaine Cole really is. Cole also explained how Mark Pitts told him that Jay-Z is always late but always on time.
“No more Mr. Nice Guy.. Say hello to Mr. Nice Watch.”
8. Cole World – following “Mr. Nice Watch” might be hard but this track didn’t disappoint. This song had the crazy bass with the 808 going H.A.M. Song was such a great lyrically sensation. J. Cole used those lyrics in a freestyle with Cosmic Kev in Philly.
9. In The Morning – Like I said in my tweet “this song is such a sexual classic. I wonder how many babies were made while listening to this.” Of course with the feature of Drake this song was added because of commercial purpose but everyone loves this song. Great song for the ladies and men too. Don’t be shy. haha!
10. Lost Ones - J. Cole explained how he was hurt when this song was leaked. He even told us that he had this song for almost four years. When he was just starting to make “The Warm Up” mixtape he had the song already recorded. But he told us this is one of his favorite tracks. He did some minor changes to the song. He added live violins, a different intro to the song, and added new vocals as well.
11. Nobody’s Perfect ft. Missy Elliot – Cole told us the story how it was ironic that he had a song with Missy Elliot. Because a couple of years back when he use to get rides by his friend’s sister, she use to bump to Missy. That is what made Cole fall in love with the music of the Misdemeanor. With simple connect, Missy was gracious to do a song with him and she laid down the hook. It was pure magic like Kobe & Shaq.
Photo courtesy of JColeNation
12. Never Told - Cole explains how there will be a song you might skip and this would be the one, but, Cole explains how he guarantees that this will be our favorite song within one month or so after the album drops. I understood why. It really wasn’t your typical J. Cole song, but i can see myself cruising in my car saying, “this is my ish!”. Good song, could be great.
13. Rise Or Shine - this song was just a pure rap song. Just pure lyricism. Cole poured his soul into this song with anger and poise. For the last verse, Cole gave us a treat by stopping the song and rapping it as an acapella. That was insane. I was so in awe with what he was saying, I wasn’t able to write down a bar or two. It was simply amazing. A preview of the song can be found in the video below.
14. God’s Gift – It’s such a beauty of a song. The flow is so harmonic and the lyricism is just full of grace. HustleGRL dropped a video of him performing this live in Toronto last week.
Jigga wouldn’t even take my cd/ 2 years later I’m on, on to the Blueprint
15. Breakdown – Last but not least, J. Cole told us this was his favorite song. The reason why he had it last was because he didn’t want to mess up the flow of the tracks. Prior to this he was telling us that not only because this is his album, but this album is one of those where you don’t have to skip a song. He said in “The Warm Up” and “Friday Night Lights” he would skip a song or two. But in this one, it’s hard for him to skip a song and I truly understand why. But in “Breakdown” it’s basically all the years of hard work poured out into this song. It’s so emotional and touching that all you can do is bop your head and say, “Yes Cole, I feel you bro.” He raps to us about the story of how his life came to be and how it got to this point. Truly touching.
Bonus Tracks: Work Out, Who Dat, and Daddy’s Little Girl. I know you guys are wondering, “What about ‘Cheer Up’ or ‘Nothing Lasts Forever’” but it just didn’t make the cut or Cole didn’t want to play them for some reason. But that is just how the industry works. J. Cole wished he could put all the songs he made into this album but he even told us he has some songs saved for the next album and so on.
J. Cole then thanked Mark Pitts, Jay-Z, everyone from RocNation and Columbia Records for making his dreams come true. As the night concluded, J. Cole played Mr. Nice Watch as he promised. He gave daps to all his friends, family, and fans in the attendance. It was a night either J. Cole or I would ever forget.
Photo courtesy of JColeNation
September 27th, 2011 is the date.
My final review is simple and short. This album to me is a CLASSIC. As a blogger and hip-hop lover, not as a major J. Cole fan, but this album is the “Illmatic” of our generation. Why? Because J. Cole gave us true hip-hop in this album. Yes, because this is a mainstream album, he needed some mainstream songs, but I can tell J. Cole did his absolute best to make this a true hip-hop album. My only concern is that I hope the Grammy academy notices the true essence of hip-hop in “Cole World: The Sideline Story”. I give this album a 5 out of 5 ‘KillerStars’. If you don’t like this album, I have no idea what to tell you. Might as well start listening to ‘yodeling’ music if that’s the case. This album is pure magic, and will not let the #alCOLEholics down. It won’t sell a million like Weezy in one week, but it will make enough to make J. Cole fans proud. Promise.
I just want to thank @LeonKHH (the founder of KillerHipHop) for giving me the oppurtunity to experience a moment of history last night. It was trully a blessing. Thank you to everyone who read this article. If you have any comments, leave it down below. Also hit up my twitter for any comments as well.
Cole World.
Shoutout, Props, Photo & Video Credit to JColeNation
Related posts:
- Video: J. Cole Debuts “God’s Gift” Off ‘Cole World: The Sideline Story’
- J. Cole Names Favorite Songs From ‘Cole World: The Sideline Story’
- Cover: J. Cole – Cole World : The Sideline Story
- J.Cole – Cole World : The Sideline Story (Track List)
- J. Cole – Any Given Sunday #3 (UStream Session)
Comments
58 Responses to “‘Cole World: The Sideline Story’ Listening Session Review”
Leave a Reply
Follow Me
Thanks!
I’ve been reading nothing but GREAT things about this album. Your conclusion did just bring me to cheers! lol
As a fan from day one, I’m very proud of Young Simba!
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:51 am
grown simba* in deed. thank you.
[Reply]
TSP2 Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 4:40 am
Got Chills, but i did not read the review of the songs because i want the first experience to be the album and then the review
#alCOLEholic
[Reply]
so that track list on twitter is different from the actual album track list?
[Reply]
EarForMusic Reply:
September 13th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
@alex,
Nahh its the same exact cole just didnt play cheer up and the bonus
[Reply]
cole world! this ish brought me goose bumbs!
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:51 am
thank you. im cole blooded as well.
[Reply]
A CLASSICCCCCCCCCC………..
BUY IT SAVE IF FOR YA GRANDKIDS NEED TO HEAR IT
[Reply]
I’m so jealous of you right now man. Only two more weeks!
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:51 am
two. more.
[Reply]
i think it would’ve been better if you said “blueprint” or “resonable doubt” of our generation. illmatic is un-comparable. but to each his own.
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:50 am
well im not comparing it to “Illmatic’ im just making a metaphor that it’s going to be that type of album in our generation.
[Reply]
man.i can’t wait for his album to drop..but now after reading this one..i’m more pumped up..COLE WORLD!!!
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:50 am
Cole. World.
[Reply]
“I was so in awe with what he was saying, I wasn’t able to write down a bar or two”
The reviewer sounds too big of a stan to take the entire review seriously as a “classic”. But i’m sure Cole is going to deliver heat
[Reply]
Damn, you got me hyped as a motherfucker. More than “Tha Carter IV” and I’m a huge wayne fan and i waited 2 years for C4. Seriously, i think we will kill Take Care and I’m not a Hater.
[Reply]
Cant Wait
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:48 am
THANKS MAN!
go bruins!
[Reply]
He*
[Reply]
Thank you for the post! Cant wait!!
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:47 am
NO THANK YOU!
[Reply]
Can’t wait to hear the album. I’m too hyped for it. #COLE WORLD
[Reply]
Damn! Shouldn’t have read this review, now my patience for this album is nonexistent! September 27, get here faster!
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:47 am
@Adge, word. i cant wait. thank you so much.
[Reply]
Adge Reply:
September 15th, 2011 at 8:27 am
@EricTheKidd, No problem.
Cole World!
[Reply]
“Yo Cole, you got that ‘Illmatic?’ Na, no one touchin’ Nas. It’s more like ‘Villematic’…!”
The Chosen One said it himself.
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:47 am
Amen.
[Reply]
Can’t Wait…
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:46 am
@sansy, me niether. thank you.
[Reply]
Damnn this is sick was kinda loosing hope but this has me pumped up again!! Lets gooooooo! Lol
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:46 am
LEGO! in deed. thank you for reading it. thank you.
[Reply]
MosDef Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:54 am
@EricTheKidd, thank you bro! Appreciate all the work you guys do keep it up
[Reply]
I wish I hadn’t even clicked this link, EricTheKidd I’m beyond envious of you, regardless of what anyone else thinks, you witnessed one of the greatest lyricists/wordsmith of our generation, and props on the captivating speech regarding it all. Forget Cole World, Cole Universe..
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:46 am
oh please, thank you so much. no need to envy. i have a long road ahead. ill just say ive reached the top of my first mountain. on to my next one.
[Reply]
Wow, @EricTheKidd, Thank You. This is beyond more insight on the album than I thought we would receive. I am extremely excited for sept 27th now after reading this.. and for anyone going to see cole on the 22nd in L.A, see you all there
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:45 am
your welcome. and no, thank you. i wish i was in LA to go see him too. you have a place i can stay? lol. just kidding. enjoy.
[Reply]
Jackie Reply:
September 18th, 2011 at 8:58 am
@EricTheKidd, lol funny, thanks.BTW I like how humble and intelligent you are, I always find myself checking the website to see if you posted something new. I think i have to follow you now =)
[Reply]
Thanks for this review I kno all the Cole World fans as well as myself are hyped about this , September 27th two more weeks!!
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:44 am
2. more. weeks.
thank you.
[Reply]
I hope your happy, you have got me quite hyped for an album I did not really look forward to that much
lol
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:44 am
be hyped. its going to be good.
[Reply]
J.Cole is going to have one of those albums that doesn’t do good in sells the first couple of weeks but will pick up on sales months after people catch on to it.
As long as an album gives me Great lyricism & Amazing production then it’s worth buyin.
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:43 am
@Royal Swagness, word, i believe in that too. from someone is actually from fayetteville. its amazing to see how big he is now.
[Reply]
Aye yo im first daying this. I cant wait for this shit man #ColeWorld #alCOLEholic #COLEcain attic
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 1:42 am
thank you. i cant wait.
[Reply]
so hyped for this cd. 2 more weeks couldn’t come any faster. I know 1 million isn’t likely in a week, but man i hope cole fans get all their friends on this shit. more hype more sales. COLE WORLD NO BLANKET!
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 2:05 am
yes. yes. yes! let’s go. thank you for reading!
[Reply]
Honestly id buy 1 million albums just so j cole can be recognized the way he should be
[Reply]
EricTheKidd Reply:
September 14th, 2011 at 5:07 am
@Buggz, haha. oh you rich, huh? just messin’ with ya. cole. world.
[Reply]
“Ironically you been sleeping on the one you’ve been dreaming bout”
Hopefully no one will sleep after cole world!
[Reply]
Already got that shit preorder on amazon. Let’s Go Cole World.
[Reply]
Dis Album Is Gonna Be Dope.! #ColeWorld
[Reply]
♥
[Reply]
You can have your opinion on this album, but to put this in the same boat as illmatic you should never have an opinion on hiphop.
This generations illmatic is illlmatic. Nas gave the people timeless music, and thats why that will be a classic.
As for the Cole album, anyone you buys this album based on this review will be greatly disappointed. Its Sub-Par at best.
Grab “Kendrick Lemars – Section 80″ and enjoy a real hiphop album.
[Reply]
Me Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 8:45 pm
@prk,
“Sub-Par” ?!?? hahahah listened to the album and its amazing! K-Dot is great but section 80 doesnt really compare to Cole World: The Sideline Story. Illmatic is still my favorite album but i believe J. Cole made a “classic” with this one
[Reply]
ONE QUESTION …. whats with the collabo of JCole and KendrickLamar ??
“Temptation” ?! Preview was in Febuary … i was looking for this track in cdq but didn’t found it, hopefully it will be on Cole World
♥
[Reply]
Me Reply:
September 26th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
@damian,
^^ can not wait for this to be CDQ!
[Reply]
the reviews for this album made me tear up, knew he would kill it – glad im not the only one. listening to these tracks will inspire people, including me. Young simba has had a great start, lord knows he will keep it up. one love
[Reply]