Review
"2014 Forest Hills Drive" by J. Cole is kinda like a deep dive into the rapper's formative years in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The album gets its name from his childhood home's address; he even bought the crib back in 2014 and made a cool move by renting it out at a low cost to help locals in need. J. Cole rolled up his sleeves for most of the production work here, while also collaborating with some tight contributors like Ron Gilmore from Dreamville, DJ Dahi, and more. The sound on this album is clean and lets Cole’s skills shine, putting his raps right in the spotlight.
The album is heavy on the introspection, with Cole exploring his past and all the moments and people that shaped who he is. Tracks like "Apparently," "Wet Dreamz," and "No Role Modelz" are standout moments, showing off Cole's knack for storytelling and slick wordplay. Although the album skips out on flashy singles and guest spots—kinda bold in today's scene—it might hit a nerve with listeners looking for those big, catchy hooks. However, "2014 Forest Hills Drive" stands as a solid piece in J. Cole's body of work, attracting fans who dig that real, reflective vibe in hip-hop without needing all the extra hype. - Aiden
