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2014 Forest Hills Drive is what J. Cole considers his best publicly released album and a personal favorite. This album shines above the rest of his projects elevating to one of the greatest of all time. The sheer passion and emotion in every song. Throughout this album, Cole shows his raw emotions and thoughts throughout his childhood and the chain of events inevitably leading him into his artistry. J. Cole questions his lifestyle throughout his life showing him how important it is to love yourself without the necessity of others.
Immediately starting with "Intro" the chorus including "Do you wanna be happy?" posed as a question (Cole). Laying down the foundation for what is to come. At what point or cost will we find happiness? Using this album to describe his childhood he naturally starts this journey with "January 28th" his birthday. Immediately diving into what his dreams are stating "Can I make a million dollars off a rap tune?" (Cole). In this song, J. Cole remains develops a recurring statement. He reveals his big ego, believing he is superior to other rappers and people which will be more evident in the later songs. The next songs “Wet Dreamz” and “03’ Adolescence” highlight his vulnerability, specifically in front of women he is crushing on. The dirty lyrics of “Wet Dreamz” distract one from the deep insecurities he shows. Throughout the song he tells a story of his first sexual experience, feeling the need to show his confidence and inevitably fake it. Expanding on the previously developed theme of his big ego, When delving into his thoughts, it's clear Cole doesn’t encompass this big persona he claims to have. This insecurity and deeper realization develops through “03’ Adolescence” Revealing to the listener he doesn’t have that confidence. His insecurities shine through no longer believing he is “the man.” Not believing he is good enough for the girl of his dreams. To almost rebound off of this insecurity the following songs “A Tale of 2 Citiez, Fire Squad, G.O.M.D.,” The aggressive beats and harsh lyrics cover up the vulnerability shown in the earlier songs. He convinces himself and us that he is better. Whether that is on the street, rapping ability, or the numerous women flocking to him, he is better. The highs and lows of his confidence highlight his confusion and insecurity through his own decisions, did he make a good life for himself?
This album concludes with some of my favorite songs: "No Role Modelz, Apparently, and Love Yourz.” “No Role Modelz” marks the point in the album where Cole takes a reflective approach compared to his childhood's raw emotion and storytelling approach. Thinking about his actions he constructs an idea of where happiness comes from and contrasts with what he believed previously. Believing happiness stems from being superior monetarily, artistically, and sexually desired. In "No Role Models," he reminisced about a time when he was happier. “thought back to a better me… Before I started callin' bitches, "bitches" so heavily” (Cole). Realizing that the disrespect he has shown to others and the influence created never brought him happiness.
“Note to self” serves the album almost like credits giving back to the people who made the album leaving “Love Yourz” as a conclusion to the album. The chorus states “No such thing as a life better than yours” (Cole). This is the perfect way to round out the album because he accepts himself. His verses expand upon this including the error of his previous thought. The song is Cole talking to a past self. “Beauty in the struggle” and “thinking being broke was better” (Cole). Expanding upon this in the second verse explains why Cole feels that way. “Livin' with nothin’ to lose” with all the fantasizing of being rich. The feeding of his ego is highlighted in his album. The millions of dollars he wanted. The most critically acclaimed artist. The swarms of women he wanted. Addressing all of these finally realizes that “Always gon be a bigger house… Always gon be a bitch that's worse out there on the tours” (Cole). Cole highlights his experience in this verse showing he has looked for the bigger house, better whip, and badder bitch. Realizing he never felt the satisfaction in these material things as he believed he would. One of the most powerful quotes off the album “You ain't never gon' be happy 'til you love yours” (Cole). The theme summed up, is how Cole found happiness. Found in pure self-love, loving who you are or what you have, is the key to happiness.
Turtle Modesitt is a junior here at Poudre, this will be his first year within the Poudre press. Playing as a wingback for the varsity soccer team. Outside of school, his interests include skiing, rafting, and being outdoors. Post-graduation he plans on traveling the world and taking a gap year before eventually going back to school. Taking a large interest in school his column will dive into the meaning and influence of albums focusing heavily on the HipHop and RnB genres
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