J. Cole‘s fourth studio album 4 Your Eyez Only is mired in anxiety and apprehension. A project that presents more questions than answers. Gone are the nostalgic moments of yesteryear, in its place, the grim prospects of the unknowable future. The mystery of what lies ahead is his source of inspiration, and in only ten songs he addresses his most pressing concerns.
At its best 4 Your Eyez Only is an analysis on the world at large, what has changed and what hasn’t. At its worst it’s a cheap knock off of Kendrick Lamar‘s To Pimp a Butterfly. Cole adopts a few different styles, which only adds to the confusion he’s looking to contextualize. For the average rapper it would be a smash hit, but for Cole it’s an effort that reads as rushed and inconsistent.
‘For Whom the Bells Toll‘
Opening on a somber note, contemplating the extent of his own mortality. All the glamour that once shined so bright is now blinding him. He’s reeling, lost and unable to fathom the downward spiral. The crisis is putting him a bad state, one that has him considering suicide. It’s slightly overwrought, but he’s trying to hint at larger ideas. A heavy start to a long and winding journey inward:
‘Immortal‘
The beat has a menacing, off-kilter tone, a sound similar to what TDE is doing. Even his cadence resembles Kendrick Lamar, which is slightly off-putting. The sullen mood, however, isn’t coming from a place of irrationality. He’s looking into his own past, his home and those around him. The disparaging view from his window is driving him mad, leaving him with more questions than answers:
‘Deja Vu‘
The beat, much like Cole himself, bridges the gap between generations, a nod to both the golden era and today’s modern styles. It doesn’t lean too heavy in one direction, which gives him the room to simply be what he’s always been, a talented wordsmith. He dials back on the existential rhetoric, and decides instead to court a lovely lady. Smooth and effortless work from a natural scribe:
‘Vile Mentality‘
The combination of husky basslines and savory piano licks is the audible equivalent to a smokey glass of cognac. It leads Cole down another dark alley where he finds himself fuming over the current state of mind haunting his peers. The infectious attitude of hyper-aggression, greed and warmongering has sickened him to a state of delirium. He’s searching for a way out, unsure where the answers lie:
‘She’s Mine, Pt. 1‘
A simple confessional that has Cole pouring his heart out. He’s being ultra sensitive, and perhaps a little too sentimental. It’s slightly predictable in that he’s still courting a woman when it might have translated better if it were aimed at another type of relationship. There’s a cheapness to it that grinds against other songs, and it ends up slowing down the momentum considerably:
‘Change‘
A steady boom bap has Cole moving a mile a minute. For the average lyricist it might prove to be too much, but he holds steady maintaining composure every step of the way. The blistering pace keeps him sharp and he’s able to detail the turbulent process of change. His reasoning is simple, yet eludes the masses. He’s explaining that impactful reform almost always comes from within:
‘Neighbors‘
Cole juxtaposes two worlds to show us where his perspective lies. The chaos forces him to find insight and worth or he risks losing his mind to the madness. Yet it’s the turbulence that gives him the edge that other lyricists lack. It’s a self-awareness that is indicative of an artist on the move, a journey that he’s hoping will add reason to rhyme. A deep exploration of self:
‘Foldin Clothes‘
The most hype you’ll ever hear anyone get about domestic responsibilities. Husbands and wives all over the world wish their spouse would get this amped-up about menial house chores, but the truth is it’s not so much about laundry as it is lending a helping hand to someone you love. The homey atmosphere is warm and holds up well against the lively beat. A homemaker’s jam with all the fixings:
‘She’s Mine Pt. 2‘
Sweeping harmonies announce part two of his love story. There’s elements of Chance the Rapper written all over it, which is another example of him tastelessly biting another rapper’s style. For the casual fan it’s easy to overlook as the lyrics are heartfelt enough to keep his credibility intact. But for others it can read as phony and indicative of your typical pop rapper:
‘4 Your Eyez Only‘
Once again he’s copying King Kendrick, everything from his delivery and lyrical style to his tone. It’s a poor note to end on, but one that doesn’t necessarily take away from the overall feeling. Cole is lambasting the hypocrisy out there and putting a frame around the injustices he’s experienced. It’s a short and poignant way to end the project. A showing that will carry him into next year:
