J. Cole: The Dreamville Patriot:

Between the Golden State Warriors, Lebron James in the Finals and of course Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, what’s clear is that within modern youth society we have a love-hate relationship with the idea of dynasties. If you’re a fan of that player or team, you love to see it. If you’re almost anyone else with a vested interest in the field, we typically search for any excuse to diminish, shun, or ultimately break-up such dynasties. Rather than celebrating the fruits of hard work and greatness we more often see both overt as well as covert attempts to undermine the success.

This same dynamic is beginning to play out in the world of hip-hop and specifically in the world of raps “Middle Child”, Jermaine Lamar Cole (J. Cole). Think about it over the past 5 years all we’ve heard is that the Warriors’ dominance is bad for business. The Patriots in the Superbowl every year is boring or that Lebron was only in the Finals every year cause the competition was weak. Haven’t we seen the same criticisms levied at J. Cole.? Let’s assess. How many times have you heard “man Cole’s music is boring”, “ain’t no body tryna hear that Harvard Soul Rap” or “he won’t hop on no features cause he knows he can’t rap with all the best in the game”.

Of course, we’re all entitled to opinions, but are these true feelings or just opinions driven by the hate for the dynasty and monopoly that Cole has created at the top of the game. You think his music is boring and puts you to sleep he gave you the same content over the trap beats and broke-up flows which have become so prevalent. You think he can’t rap with the best of them in 2018 alone he gave you features with 21 Savage, Royce Da 5’9, Rapsody, Wale and his typical Dreamville crew. And going further back, in 2017 he quite clearly smoked Kendrick on Jeezy’s ‘American Dream’. Through all of this, he was able to live up to the statement he made on 21 Savage’s hit single ‘A Lot’; “No problem I’ll show up on everyone album, you know what the outcome will be”. What’s more, he dropped so many elite features in 2018 alone you could add them together and make an album. J. Cole has perfected his craft to such a level that he is able to very easily flow on tracks with artists ranging from Ty Dolla $ign, 6LACK, Bas, Ari Lennox and of course the modern great that is Young Thug.

Further, with the manner in which he so easily communicates and connects on a human level with the newer wave of artist such as Cardi B, Lil’ Pump and the aforementioned 21 Savage, we see that the decade long veteran is in no way anxious or self-conscious of anyone ousting him from the throne upon which he sits. Further with Drake seemingly unable to drop an album worthy of his celebrity and Kendrick always biding his time between releases. Cole’s continual ability to go Double, Triple and Quadruple Platinum year in, year out, with each release should not be understated. Like Russell Westbrook with the Triple Doubles, if its so easy why doesn’t everyone do it?

Ultimately though, none of the naysayers’, doubters or critics matter. Roc Nation’s chosen one has grown to such a height and such a level that he is sitting very comfortably in his seat. And with Revenge of the Dreamers III still hotly anticipated and a surprise album drop always an option; what we know for certain is that “It’s gonna be a tough year for the haters”.