Let's touch on a subject that rarely gets discussed: creativity

[BOXINGGEMS]

How is J. Cole an example for being uncreative? I can understand if you don't like his music. Its subjective. But a mark of creativity can also be if every project sounds the same. All 3 of Cole's albums sound different sonically. The subject matter and stories changed each album. The core messages and themes changed each album. You have to provide some proof.

 

[CrimsonTider]

1. How is J. Cole an example for being uncreative? I can understand if you don't like his music. Its subjective. But a mark of creativity can also be if every project sounds the same. All 3 of Cole's albums sound different sonically. The subject matter and stories changed each album. The core messages and themes changed each album. You have to provide some proof.

Are we listening to the same J Cole?

 

[Cryptocurrency Scarface]

There is a big challenge in hip hop creativity v Corniness how to be creative without being corny. How to avoid being corny without becoming stale or generic.

Nas has the balance, I'd say Kendrick and Lupe too but some nikkas here consider them corny. Dudes like logic and drake are not respected in the community and eminem's subject matter is questionable.

 

[DaveyDave]

Raekwon, Eightball & MJG, Nas, Scarface, Redman Just to name a few examples of legendary emcees who have pretty much held the same musical identity their entire careers and it hasn't hurt anything. Some guys manage to make dope music without being overly-experimental. Everybody's style isn't tailored to multiple musical lanes.

those guys are all very creative in other ways within their own lane or musical box. Nas is extremely creative with storytelling (Rewind, Undying Love etc), Raekwon has the slang and all that shyt, Redman has crazy flows, funny punchlines, great skits and wild stories, Face has a deep emotional introspective look into the human psyche, Ball & G had a brand new look & sound on that pimp shyt, storytelling was also a big part of 8Ball's creativity.

"creativity" doesn't have to mean trying EVERY style of music or trying to cram so many styles into one album or song. it doesn't mean you have to be OutKast or Wyclef or Kanye, you can have lots of creativity within your lane.

edit: plus creativity doesn't equal GOOD, sometimes it's just wack

 

[MrPentatonic]

How is J. Cole an example for being uncreative? I can understand if you don't like his music. Its subjective. But a mark of creativity can also be if every project sounds the same. All 3 of Cole's albums sound different sonically. The subject matter and stories changed each album. The core messages and themes changed each album. You have to provide some proof.

Most creative thing about J Cole is his production imo, he is a good producer..but I don't think he is pushing the edge when it comes to that or lyricism.

I think his strong points is his simplicity in telling the story/narrative.. There is a artistic value in simplicity though, even though many would disagree, its just one of those perspective of art debates really.

Simple/Complex. I appreciate both sides of the extreme in creative expression.

 

[BOXINGGEMS]

Most creative thing about J Cole is his production imo, he is a good producer..but I don't think he is pushing the edge when it comes to that or lyricism.

I think his strong points is his simplicity in telling the story/narrative.. There is a artistic value in simplicity though, even though many would disagree, its just one of those perspective of art debates really.

Simple/Complex. I appreciate both sides of the extreme in creative expression.

I agree. Some ppl don't understand the value in that though. It's not a bad thing to be able to hit on deep issues without losing the audience. It actually takes more creativity/talent to get the message across while simplifying the song so it can be digested. Like "Be Free" or "Love Yourz".

Are we listening to the same J Cole?

Yes. Does the 1st album sound like Born Sinner? Does 2014FHD sound like the first 2?