I see my homies with kids and daughters esp, and how it affected their lives, and taken them into different directions, and certainly can't relate to that personally at 31, with no kids. But, I relate to selling grams, catching the bus on El Cajon boulevard, hustling out of trap spots, watching people shoot up, getting out of jail, picking up trash at a stadium for a slim paycheck, feeling like I washed up at only 21... Many of the themes of anger, youth, growing up, inequalities, Cole has expressed clearly since he came on the scene, in 09 or so, I've always fukked with his music.
I love the art and expression of this album, I love that Cole can drop an album like this, (and Forest Hills Drive) that feels so much more true to what he wants to do, then his clumsier commercial tracks that littered his debut. I think it's length is a strength, and concept albums, in all honesty are not my favorite, but there are really some great tracks on here, and more then the tracks, it's dope to see this kind of artistic freedom. Cole can drop this, and then a month or two from now, drop an angrier, more outraged album. I think this is part of the new way we will see music from artists like Cole. So, I don't have to love every track, to appreciate this as thoughtful, important work.
I think 'Deja Vu' is dope, and one of the stronger tracks, I still don't think anyone has really used that sample the way it deserves.....but Cole gets close, not quite there. The title track is the clear standout. 'Immortal' feels a little too tame, and not quite ugly and nihilistic to really capture the street shyt in 4 min, some of the songs lack an edge in the production, that kind of blunts their purpose. I get the message and sentiment of 'Fold Clothes', and that will likely be big on Facebook, if not the radio. I am not one for the gender roles, but none of my limited wildest relationship fantasies involve folding clothes for her, or me but I understand why it's there, but nah, I can't run that one.
Cole is important artist, and I commend him for the route he's taken, interested to see what he does next. I think this album is very close to really good, I think the production and lyrics should be sharper, but dude has never not improved as he's evolved over the years.