Go backstage with The Music and receive FREE:

  • Exclusive members-only editorial, charts
  • Our subscriber-only newsletter
  • Members only competitions to win tickets, experiences and more
  • Access to our street press archives
  • First access to our exclusive limited edition vinyl variants

Thank you for being a part of our community! Enter your email address as verification and you'll be taken backstage right away.

Please ensure that you provide a valid email address.

Album Review: J Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive

Darren Collins
StarStarStarStar

"A throwback to ‘90s ‘working-class’ hip hop."

More J Cole J Cole

Anointed by Jay Z as the baton carrier of his Roc empire, J Cole instantly inherited both profile and pressure.

Handling both with aplomb, the North Carolina-born MC has seemed in no hurry to blow up, his albums thoughtful and restrained, at times maybe too much so. His new set continues in that vein, Cole examining his coming of age before lurching into his current life in the fast lane and sometimes controversial views on the industry.

At times shockingly candid, sonically and lyrically the album is in many ways a throwback to ‘90s ‘working-class’ hip hop.