Mr Cole, he holds illustrious company at the top of the hip hop food chain. Not for serving up bang up bangers that have shawties twerking and homies two-step-mean-mugging, but for serving up verses that offer an insight in to a complicated mind. Forest Hills Drive, it's where he grew up and as the cover suggests, Cole returns to his roots - that would suggest that he left, he's only ever physically left. The warmth of home has remained in his music throughout his career and Forest Hills Drive is this warmth mid-peak.

The first word that came to mind after listening to this a few times was warmth. It's warm, whether it's the effects on the cover picture, the layers and variety of sounds and rhythms or simply the words he speaks. A lot of the modern hip hop that I love, all the fresh faces and young cats doing their thing, has the boom-bap element but the spice surrounding that classic sound is varied. Cole produces much of the album, he's produced for a bunch of other rappers like TDE homies Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul and he can craft beats that conjure a range of vibes while combining a variety of sounds and instruments.

Some people don't like Cole's 'depressing' songs, fair play to them as it isn't all chirpy and bitches and money and I got a benz and 35 baby mums. It's honesty, some people like it, some people don't and it's a staple in Cole's tunes. Whether it's on Wet Dreamz where he describes having sexy time with a young lady...

I ain't never done this before though

Or on 03 Adolescence where he explores insecurities, the struggle and a theme that appears through the album - being grateful amongst the struggle he witnesses around him...

So how you looking up to me, when I look up to you
You bout to go get a degree, I'ma be stuck with two choices
Either graduate to weight or selling number two
For what? A hundred bucks or two a week?
Do you think that you would know what to do if you was me?
I got, four brothers, one mother that don't love us
If they ain't want us why the fuck they never wore rubbers?
I felt ashamed to have ever complained about my lack of gear

That being grateful thing resonates throughout the album. In pretty much every song, the idea of enjoying your life and not worrying about people who may be better off or appear to be in a better situation comes in different shapes and sizes. 

Turn the TV on, not one hero in sight unless he dribble or fiddle with mic's January 28th

Fire Squad is a track that's been talked about the most. Cole is out to fire a few shots and remind those who live on snooze that he's got straight up bars. While much of the album is warm and down to earth, Cole's aggressive on this joint and is out to prove a point. He takes aim at white musicians making their living off of black culture, but it's a matter of perception. I reckon he's just providing commentary on the game, boasting while also making folks aware. 

J Cole just keeps it real, he keeps it real with himself and the experiences he's had. He's a pretty cool dude, while also having a mind that can decipher the complexities of society. That's why I kinda love this album because you get brutal honesty in a unique creative way, while some songs make you reflect on yourself, others offer you an insight in to J Cole. 

There's lessons and ideas you can take from the album and put in to your own context, whether it's the hope and determination of Cole on jams like St Tropez and G.O.M.D. Sidenote - if you're unsure about Cole's ability behind the boards, G.O.M.D should get you up and adopting the head nod vibe. Cole gives you knowledge about stuff that you can't relate to in any way shape or form - whether it's the difference between 'sisters' and 'hoes' on No Role Modelz or not being there for his mother or his missus, while he was in New York and/or enjoying the spoils of being a rapper. He juggles the two examples on Apparently, which is my Bang Up Banger. It's equal parts uplifting as it is honest, as it is skillful.

I guess I kinda assumed that you knew J Cole can rap. He can tell a story, offer up funky rhyme patterns, word play and juggles a few different personas on the mic. There's a reason why he's pretty well respected by the top shelf rappers in the game, you respect your peers.

What is it? Forest Hills Drive reflects precisely the vibe I got when I saw the cover image. Warmth, you feel at home and you're able to enjoy the creative offering that Cole provides while also putting it to use in your own world. For me it's a reflection of the times we live in from someone who is emerging as a leader, there's angst, there's insecurities, there's supreme confidence, there's honesty and there's hope.