Countdown to the Album of the Year, #8- “The Off-Season”

Veteran artists have had their time to shine and show that they are still masters of their craft this year. One of them was legendary rapper J. Cole, who released his sixth studio album, “The Off-Season” on May 14th.

He possessed a large amount of longevity in the music industry where semblances of popularity wear away quickly. It is remarkable that the anticipation for a release by Cole still resonates with millions.

This album was more of the same, as it still incorporated Cole’s lyrical genius mixed with his stellar storytelling. 

He further highlights his talent to make songs feel genuine and make it as if the listener is part of his story. Thus, creating a connection with the audience that tunes in to listen to his story or the message he is trying to spread.

Songs such as “a m a r i,” “a p p l y i n g  p r e s s u r e,” and the previously published single “i n t e r l u d e,” thoroughly captured what his life had been like since his last release and in general too.  

It essentially said that he had gone through an ‘offseason,’ or a period of time that he took away to himself to hone his craft and improve on himself.

Notable features such as Lil Baby on “p r i d e . i s . t h e . d e v i l” and 21 Savage on “my.life” added further layers of excitement to Cole’s album.

J. Cole, post-album, made an unexpected decision of signing with a professional African basketball team in the Rwanda Patriots.

Posting a short three game stint in the league and later leaving citing “family obligations,” Cole returned to the United States and went relatively silent in the mainstream.

Seemingly being an artist who stands firmly on the quality of his music and acclaimed status to generate publicity for his work, Cole has not invested much into promotional material and will most probably not be heard of until he releases a new piece. 

However, he added to his already cemented legacy in the rap industry this year without having to adjust the formula that works for him, which is the mark of true talent.