After the critical acclaim and popularity J. Cole’s 2014 album “2014 Forest Hills Drive” experienced, the artist had quite a hard act to follow.  Knowing this, I listened to the album with an open mind and can say that it is a solid installment to his discography.

Cole has always tried to play the modesty card, and this shows thematically on the album. It is not as vibrant and accessible as its predecessor, which is probably a reflection of his unexpected stardom referenced on this work. Perhaps the most apparent example of this is with the song “Neighbors” in which the chorus recites “The neighbors think I’m sellin’ dope,” a likely allusion to his rich counterparts doubting his methods of acquiring socioeconomic status because of his race.

In addition with this theme, he also heavily discusses police brutality, the wrongful incarceration of the black community, and the oppression of women. The messages of the album are much deeper than most modern rap albums and is definitely a refreshing change of pace. It is nice that not every artist in 2016 has to preach about his or her extravagant sex life and drug habits. However, I enjoyed the persona that J. Cole assumed on his last album much more, but our young JAY-Z signee is all grown up.

“4 Your Eyez Only” is definitely a solid work of art, but doesn’t quite have as many clear-cut classics as “2014 Forest Hills Drive.” There is nothing inherently wrong with the album, its just not as memorable as the past work. Even the album cover of Forest Hills became an internet meme with the caption “When you get home early and your mama doesn’t get off until 5.” I wasn’t expecting a follow-up song to “[this song title was deemed inappropriate]” in which J. Cole further described his carnal escapades, but sadly nothing is quite as remarkable on “4 Your Eyez Only.”

Favorite songs: “Neighbors,” “Ville Mentality,” “Immortal”

Score: 6.5/10