J. Cole’s re-releases of classic mixtapes like The Warm Up on streaming services have fans buzzing about his highly anticipated album The Fall Off. But with Kendrick Lamar’s 2024 dominance and the aftermath of the Big 3 beef, the Bad For The Community crew questions how Cole should move forward in this final phase of his career.
The conversation kicks off with Cole revisiting his early mixtapes, diving into his personal history with a podcast that’s sparked curiosity about his evolution. The crew debates the evolution of his artistry, acknowledging that while Cole has clearly grown, his recent work seems to be in search of new creative ground.
One crew member points out that Cole’s recent music feels less relatable, and he might benefit from experimenting with more diverse storytelling. They compare his approach to that of Kendrick Lamar, with one arguing that while Cole is an exceptional artist, his accessibility has sometimes limited his reach in a way that his peers, like Kendrick and Drake, have avoided.
The conversation then shifts to Dreamville, Cole’s record label, where the speakers agree that while the label has talent in artists like JID and Ari Lennox, Cole could do more to develop and support these artists in the same way he has paved his own path. They suggest that Cole should take on a mentorship role more seriously, offering guidance to up-and-coming artists while balancing his own career.
Further into the discussion, the group delves into Cole’s place among today’s rap giants, noting how he has often been overshadowed by Kendrick and Drake. They agree that while Cole’s lyricism remains unmatched, his career needs to take risks and embrace vulnerability to stay relevant as he heads into what could be his final album. They express a desire for Cole to take chances, telling more personal stories and being more open with his fans.
As the debate wraps up, the crew hopes for a bold and unapologetic final chapter in J. Cole’s career—one that sees him confronting challenges, taking creative risks, and asserting his legacy as one of the greatest of this generation.
