Guest post by Aaron Dolores, cultural ambassador for all things dope and diverse at mixologicity.com
J Cole came into the rap game like a Russian meteor; blazing, unexpected, and grabbing the attention of the whole wide world. After quickly building an extremely loyal and enthused following on the mixtape circuit, the North Carolina rhyme spitter drew the attention of Jay Z and subsequently signed to his label, Roc Nation. This was a lot of pressure to someone who had never released a solo album.
With the spotlight beaming high, the hip-hop community not only highly anticipated his first album Cole World: The Side Line Story, but equally, what its artist direction would be. The golden boy was stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place by badly needing to appease his hardcore fans, all while making music that was commercially viable. In the end, he split his effort and attempted to make an album for both, leaving either side only half way satisfied. This ostensibly sent Cole back into the studio to completely recalibrate his musical direction.
Just a year and an half later, his second album remains unfinished, and Cole just released a free EP/Mixtape to hold his fans over. With a Lauryn Hill sample, an ode to Old Dirty, and a remake of Nas’ recent album cut “Stay”, his offering on “Truly Yours” is extremely lyrical and heartfelt. Even better, it’s also a throw back to the thoughtful story telling type music that originally made him a star. Oh, and did I mention its completely free?
Listen here and download at will.
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Free Music, the best!