J. Cole Reemerges in the Rap Game

photo courtesy of @realcoleworld Instagram

J. Cole’s had himself a busy week. On Friday, he dropped “The Off-Season”, his first album since “KOD” in 2018. A couple of days later, Cole was making his professional basketball debut in Rwanda. Cole is back atop the headlines, and we’re here for it.

As cool as it is that Mr. “Platinum with No Features” himself has entered the sports scene, we’re focusing on the album. I mean, it’s a holiday for some of us when Cole drops, and it’s been three years since we’ve celebrated. 

“The Off-Season” showcases classic Cole at his finest, bringing us back to “The Warm Up” and “Friday Night Lights”, shades of when he was trying to prove himself in the rap game. Now what many may consider a living legend, it feels like he’s showing that he’s still got it.

After teasing the album’s tracklist, it looked like we’d get another no-feature project from J. Cole. Then, “My Life” rolls around, revealing 21 Savage giving us exactly what we need in a track that’s sure to be a hit. 

Every time we get a feature out of J. Cole, it seems like the guests always bring their A-game, and it’s happened once again. Both 21 Savage and Lil Baby deliver head-bopping verses when given their time to shine. In “Pride is the Devil”, Lil Baby matches J. Cole’s energy while flexing his quick rise to the top of the rap game. 

The album has a different feel than his last few. We’re hearing a lot about Cole’s accomplishments, as he’s flexing his muscles throughout despite the album apparently representing his off-season. You’d expect these types of bars from an artist in peak form, but hey, we’re not complaining.

The project is thought to be a preview for his next album, The Fall Off, rumored to be his last dance. If true, The Off-Season is pretty damn good as a teaser trailer. Realistically, every song up and down the album is worth being added to any rotation.

Yes, it’s high praise. But then again, it’s J. Cole. What’d you expect?