This is a very highly anticipated album and man does it live up to the hype. It's a double album while the first disc has Cole returning to his hometown the Ville after dropping 2014 Forest Hills Drive. The 2nd disc is him 10 years after that and his newer viewpoints. The album starts with "Two Six" which is a banger. Cole displays a lot of clever flows here. "Safety" is rapped from the perspective of one of J. Cole's friend's from the Ville. It might be somewhat controversial as Cole describes someone who is obviously gay and he almost calls him the f word. I will get into more songs ....but honestly this album is so dope I'm thinking of doing a track by track review of this album. I haven't done a T-b-T review in a long time! "Run a Train" features an interesting Future feature on the hook.....it grew on me. Basically this album is very experimental as Cole sings in different ways on some tracks and for the most part it works....Rapp...
I haven't reviewed a DMX album in a minute. This is a really dope album too. late 90s DMX was unstoppable commercially and its easy to see why. The singles here are amazing. "Party Up" is an all time favorite of mine. On "What's My Name" you really feel DMX's rough nature. I like how he slows it down for the ladies with Sisqo on "What These Bitches Want". "One More Road To Cross" is a good opener. This is a very well produced album. I liked most every song too. I haven't reviewed DMX's first 2 albums yet but this one might be the best one. Lyrics 22 Beats 23 Depth 24 Tilt 23 Verdict 92