Album Review: J. Cole-2014 Forest Hills Drive

Two things need to be said about J. Cole‘s third studio album 2014 Forest Hills Drive. The first is that despite what other people may be saying the album does have a concept and it comes together quite nicely. The second is that the album could be considered imitation and sample city but with good reason.

The 13-track compilation brings listeners to what his mindset was when he first lived at 2014 Forest Hills Drive, while at showing that even though he’s back there he’s not exactly the same person he was when he left.

“Intro” as its name suggests is the first track off the album and most would interpret it in one of two ways. The two minute track is mystically reflective as Cole asks, “Do you wanna do you wanna be happy?” against tamed piano chords. The question he’s posing could be in reference to his first encounter with 2014 Forest Hills Drive and his dreams of what might be awaiting him outside of Fayetville. Or he could be asking that question to his present self, because despite all the things he’s accomplished there may be other things or people that can still bring him true happiness.

“January 28th” is less about his birth date and more about the man that was born that day, and the things that have influenced him, both good and bad. Cole raps against a soulful beat about his current state, while simultaneously showcasing nostalgia and inner-conflict with his words. He also takes time to reference societal conflicts and how important his friends are to him. But one of most important things that he does on this track is assert his position in the game, “Your Highness could paint a picture that’s vivid enough to kill blindness.”

“Wet Dreamz” gives you a glimpse of a younger, more vulnerable Cole as he recalls what was going through his mind before he lost his virginity. In traditional Cole fashion this one is a true narrative. One that embodies feelings of intimidation, self-doubt and the worries that may accompany perception. “Hadn’t been in a p***y since the day I came out one” pretty much sums it up.

“”03 Adolescence” sticks with “Wet Dreamz” theme of recalling the past. At first one might think that Cole is rapping about a girl but there is more to this track. 2003 marks the end of Cole’s adolescence so the track serves as glimpse into what his adolescence entailed. The almost 4 minute 30 second track paints it as one that involves crushing on a girl, dreaming and scheming or at least trying to. The track also showcases what Cole learned from those years, like the power of his potential. “You everything I wanna be that’s why I f***ks with you, so how you looking up to me when I look up to you”

“A Tale of 2 Citiez” once again bridges the past with the present. One could interpret as a reference to both his cities (Fayetville, NC and Queens, NY) and how he was able to come full circle. Or he could be talking about Fayetville with two different outlooks–the one he had when he left and the one he holds now.

“Fire Squad” is where the imitation city thing comes in. On the almost five minute track he steals both Drake and Kendrick Lamar‘s flow, and then references it soon after. “Same way that these rappers always bite each others flows,” he raps. Guess Cole doesn’t see what so special about it. And that whole JT, Eminem, and Macklemore thing can be viewed not at as a criticism of them but something that supports his argument, “white people stole the sound.” Although it may be inferred Cole didn’t they messed it up, he very well could be saying that they took it and made it their own. He’s trying to put out a fire, not start one.

“St. Tropez” has a calmer mood and explores Cole’s first need to fly high. The lyrics present somewhat of a double entendre,”I never been that high before Very bad reason not to go Terrible reason not to go,” because it could be talking about traveling to St. Tropez as well as the doubts that can accompany success.

“If it’s about the latter “G.O.M.D.” is good follow up because Cole discusses the perils of Hollywood, which in the case may represent hip-hop as a whole. On this one Cole comes at his haters and maintains that he is going to be true to himself. His message here is simply, let him rock.

On “No Role Modelz” talks about how he know “real” role model who helped him become that person he’s referring to in the previous track. A lot of pop culture role models were mentioned though, they helped shape his views on things like love.

Which is fitting because love seems to be something Cole is stuck on in “Hello” as he reminisces about someone he once loved and probably still does. He speaks on being back in her life but also voices his reservations over the evolving beat.

“Apparently” is a song that references his first go around with 2014 Forest Hills Drive, and let’s listeners why they’re was a second go around if they didn’t know already. It also serves as a song of self-realization because he realizes how important he is to those who care about him.

“Love Yourz” is a simply a track that reminds us to love ourselves. “No such thing as a life that’s better than yours.”

Things get reflective again with “Note To Self” The track and the “credits” that come along with it are pretty entertainingly confusing.

Ultimately, 2014 Forest Hills Drive does a good job of showing how Cole has evolved over time not just in the game but in life. Be sure to sure to listen for the samples and imitations embodied in the work. Didn’t want to give them all away.