Metaphors. Story telling. Cadence. Charisma. Visualizations. Punchlines. ...production?
Cole can rap. For sure. I'm not saying he can't...but the guy just isn't as gifted as he's made out to be. He's just one big "meh"
I understand people hold big sean's physical stature against him, but that doesn't take away from his talent on the mic.
mind you, i've been listening to dude since he was doing free shows with Mike Posner.
Sean can rap. Very well.
I just don't think this album did it for him.

Cole is an amatuer when it comes to Cadence, Charisma and mic presence
And alot of ppl may not notice but Sean has been being really creative with his flow as of late(Recent examples being his ALl me verse and his Control verse)