“2014 Forest Hills Drive” is J. Cole’s best album.

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TOP 5

5. January 28th

“January 28th” and “Love Yourz” just had one of the craziest bar fights in the room next door.

I believe “Love Yours” is a beautiful track with wise lyrics and soulful singing, but there is something uniquely special about “January 28th” for me. For one, opening the album with a track that blends a touch of edge, soul, and infectious energy immediately caught my attention. Overall, I think the song sets the perfect tone for an album centered on themes of understanding one’s worth and personal growth. I hope that explanation makes sense to you all.

I fully understand why you would want to kick my ass for putting “January 28th” as #5 on this list.

4. G.O.M.D

Is “G.O.M.D” J. Cole’s most fun track ever?

If you remember, around the time 2014 Forest Hills Drive was released, some fans (myself included) were calling J. Cole a bit stale. In “G.O.M.D.,” we got to hear a more unrestrained, quirky, and animated version of Cole. The track even features a voice that resembles Young Buck’s, passionately and boldly telling everyone to “get off his d*ck.” Overall, Cole delivers an array of flows, moments reminiscent of Eminem, and unexpected lyrics throughout the song. I love it!

3. Wet Dreamz

Every “my first-time” track is awkward (Especially the IMX one).

“Wet Dreamz” is captivating for a number of reasons. For one, it perfectly captures the relatable high school experience of pretending to be more experienced than you actually are, especially when it comes to sex. J. Cole delivers the story with a mix of humor, vulnerability, and authenticity that makes it incredibly engaging. The track’s nostalgic, old-school hip-hop beat adds to its charm, paired with an infectious and heartfelt chorus that elevates its feel-good vibe. This one is simply unskippable.

2. Apparently

I f**king love “Apparently!”

Doesn’t “Apparently” sound like some s**t Kevin from Home Alone would’ve sung? The song has this youthful, heartwarming sound that is hard to ignore. As for lyrically, Cole reflects on themes of freedom, pursuing his dreams, maintaining strong faith, and being surrounded by loved ones. His vocal delivery in the song is impressive, striking a balance between light-hearted and serious tones. I also love how he hit us with a punchy verse towards the end to let folks know s**t isn’t all sweet. All in all, you won’t find a more complete track in Cole’s catalog.

1. No Role Modelz

This is probably my favorite solo J. Cole track to date.

“First things first, rest in peace to Uncle Phil!” is an iconic hip-hop line. If you don’t know it, f**k you, buddy. Beyond this unforgettable lyric, J. Cole delivers a performance that exudes a calm confidence, almost like he’s more relaxed than anyone else when chaos ensues. He also drops a few bars that skillfully balance humility and braggadocio, and the chorus, delivered with a laid-back vibe, is irresistibly fun to sing along to. Interestingly, Cole also incorporates some storytelling in the second verse, but it often goes unnoticed because the song is just that f**king good.

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SONGS RANKED BEST TO WORST

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RGM RATING

(B+) (89)

This album reminded me that some artists truly shine when the pressure is off. After J. Cole was heralded by Jay-Z and his team as the savior of hip-hop, it felt like he was trying too hard, which sometimes made his music come off as strained. By the time 2014 Forest Hills Drive arrived, Cole had found a more grounded, authentic version of himself, comfortable and at ease with who he was.

How did this evolution reflect in the music? The album tracks carried a more soothing, laid-back vibe, with Cole’s raps feeling more personal and genuine. He embraced imperfection, allowing himself to have fun and experiment without worrying about maintaining an image. This shift resulted in a collection that felt more sincere and enjoyable, solidifying it as his most refreshing project to date.

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