J. Cole’s latest album is a feast of historical changes, introspective growth and a mammoth farewell. This is probably his wisest record, given his decision to bow out of the Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef of 2024. 

At a towering 1-hour, 41-minute runtime, to say J. Cole has something more to say on this double album is a vast understatement. 

On the first disc’s intro, J. Cole reflects on his return to the hunger, trauma and ambition in his home state of North Carolina at age 29. He overlays his vocals and bars of personal triumphs, confessions and growing pains over gorgeous soul and jazz samples with interpolations of other famous songs. His lyrics also include responses from his hometown following his departure and return. 

He has the help of featured artists: Future, Tems, Erykah Badu, Burna Boy and fellow North Carolina native Petey Pablo, who croon and reflect on their lives through their vocals. 

This record is a testament to how a homecoming doesn’t warrant a hero’s welcome but instead requires growing past that expectation and thriving. 

The second disc tells of J. Cole’s return to his hometown 10 years later at 39 and reinforces his status. The album takes on an even grander introspective scheme, reverse-chronicles his life from death to birth and shows the world that one’s fall-off is inevitable, as one person’s peak may be another’s starting point. 

The personal pitfalls of love, money and his purpose in the world of hip-hop are an incredible example of what one needs to know before trying one’s hand at the rap game. 

Telling listeners to heed his warnings is nothing new. “KOD” references the glorification of drug use and power drunkenness. “2014 Forest Hills Drive” uncovers the timid nature underneath trying to put on for the public, whether friends, romantic interests or even fans. 

The cover artwork references his original escape from hard times by sampling and creating music from old cassettes. 

Well done, Jermaine. 11 out of 10.