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I like the first Bobby Digital. Maybe it's for nostalgic reasons only. I haven't heard it in a few years.
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I am feeling super divided about J. Cole's Born Sinner. Sometimes it sounds brilliant, then it sounds really half assed. I am not very familiar with this guy, but he sounds like he's doing a Weird Al version of Kanye. His lyrics go back and forth between excellent and dillusional (seriously? J Cole, a millionaire? Worried about bumping into his ex-girlfriends at the Oscars? I just don't see that being a serious problem for him.)
Either he's as smart as he thinks he is/talks about being, or he's trying to talk his way into epic stardom. He talks about famous rappers who he used to adore, and winning them over with his sick skills.... Sounds familiar, only no names are dropped.
I really can't tell if I love it or think it's so so, but this is no Late Registration, and I think e needs a new angle. Hip hop does not need another intelligent (lots of people have college degrees... Even black folks, J), nerdy, hater-hatin' crown watcher. After listening to Born Sinner a few times, I doubt Jay or Kanye are looking over their shoulders in fear of this guy stealing their thunder.
Decent album. Sounds good if you shuffle it up with a bunch of other artists. But a game changer it is definitely not.
Meanwhile, Run the Jewels is better than I even expected it to be. Good team, those two.
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