Amid anticipation and a flurry of release date confusion, J. Cole’s latest album “Born Sinner” has finally been released to the masses.
For those unfamiliar with the North Carolina rapper and crooner, Cole was nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist last year but fell short to Bon Iver, provoking anger on Twitter and spawning the “Bonnybear” meme.
Hype had been built around previously released singles from the album, such as the lauded “Power Trip” with Miguel, and this taste of slow, raw emotion sets the stage for the rest of “Born Sinner.”
The album takes a marked turn from the danceable tracks of “Cole World” that ooze attitude and lust. Whereas “Work Out” and “Can’t Get Enough” paid homage to the objects of Cole’s desire, “Born Sinner” more often contains tributes to the women he has loved and lost.
“Power Trip,” hands-down the most impressive track, is a song about first love in which Cole details his rise to fame and concurrent, contradictory feelings for an old flame. He raps about the willingness to give up his street cred, writing songs, sending anonymous flowers and trying to manage the regret of feeling like he “dropped the ball.” Vocals by Miguel in the chorus emotively wail of wanting to be wanted and sleepless nights spent singing love songs. Not only is “Power Trip” an addictive track, but also one with which Cole and Miguel will be hard pressed to find a listener who can’t personally relate.
The title track, performed with James Fontleroy, laments the pains of life in the music industry and all the emotional struggles that come with it. Fontleroy’s contributions add some uplifting soul to an otherwise sad-but-smooth track.
Collaborations with Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent illustrate Cole’s newfound, solidified presence in the hip-hop community.
Along with “Power Trip,” the standout of the album is “Crooked Smile,” an ode to Cole’s self-confidence and desire to be a role model to a younger generation. Cole raps about society’s unfair pressures on women and his personal motivations for not fixing a less-than-perfect smile now that he has the financial means to do so. The money line of the track is “I got bitches still / And they all look like my eyebrows, thick as hell.” Collaborating vocals from TLC, who themselves have addressed similar themes in their song “Unpretty,” are the cherry on top of a lyrically and melodically perfected song.
While songs don’t flow seamlessly together and develop into addictions in the manner of “Cole World,” “Born Sinner” is another fine example of Cole’s natural talent and will be sure to satisfy his loyal fanbase.
