The Scene

J.Cole is known for his though-provoking raps, storytelling and enlightened views yet those fans who appreciate Cole's work might not know of Dreamville Records - J.Cole's label. Knowing and loving J.Cole doesn't automatically mean that you as a fan also know of Coz, Omen, Bas, Lute or Ari Lennox as Cole hasn't exactly carried his label-mates with him into the spotlight. Despite getting the co-sign from J.Cole and calling Dreamville their home, these rappers haven't appeared heavily/at all on Cole's own projects, thus keeping a lid on their buzz.

I've known of Cozz for a minute and the name Omen rings a bell, but I was definitely in the group of fans who, when 'Revenge Of The Dreamers II' dropped, was excited to hear what the Dreamville roster had to say. We've all heard a lot from J.Cole so to hear different voices, tones, stories and perspectives that all shared a similar vibe was mouth-watering. It's safe to say that I'm now waiting to see each of the Dreamville roster step out into their own lanes, anticipating what their next moves are.

The Songs

Folger's Crystals x J.Cole - Kicking it all off with standard J.Cole fire.
Night Job x Bas ft. J.Cole - What I picture when I think of Dreamville.
Backseat x Ari Lennox ft. Cozz - Smooth, Ari can sing yo.
Caged Bird x J.Cole ft Omen - Enlightened, Omen got unique bars.
48 Laws x Omen ft. Donnie Trumpet - Chicago connection bringing in some funk.
Housewives x Bas - Talking the most like...
Tabs x Cozz ft. Bas - Dark, flexing in the dark.
Still Slummin' x Lute - The jam of the tape.
Grow x Cozz ft. Corey C - Easy beat, complex bars

The Vibe

If you like J.Cole's overall vibe, then it makes sense that you'll enjoy the vibe of ROTD2 as there's the usual dosage of introspective bars that cause you to reflect and nod your head at the same time. The variety of rappers on display however keeps things interesting as you'll be graced with Cozz's Compton tales one minute, then taken back to Queens with Bas the next which serves up a unique feeling to ROTD2.

Ari Lennox offers a soulful touch, she's a dope singer joining Lute as the latest additions to Dreamville's roster. With so many different perspectives, ROTD2 juggles the conundrum of being muddled with offering something different with each different artists very well. The concept of 'dreamers' is interesting when considering the vibe of the album as there's certainly a dreamy element to the project, both in terms of subject matter and production.

The Music

There's no official word on who produced tracks and what not, plus I've already touched on some general sound thoughts so here's some bars...

See I don't know just how this rap thing go
From the looks of it you closer than most niggas that I know
Please explain, way I see it bruh, you paving lanes
What you don't believe cause boy your songs did some things for me
Had me thinking we was trapped, but Lute you set us free
Niggas stay focused, when it's right for you, it's meant to be
Every time I play a song you gain a fan
Nigga you the man, drop a song, what you waiting on?
You in high demand and that's life
Only one time to get it right
Take a flight, view this world from a different height
See this hood still the same, no matter how you view it
You got dreams, I just rather you pursue it
Just promise you never change, I don't care just how you do it Lute - Still Slummin'

Hot rod, ride by, slow down the block
Shots fired, drive-by - Lord will it stop?
Cowards on the news think that cowardice is gritty
Bullets whizzing by me every time I’m in the city
Kill me, rob me, take my gems and jewels
And paint my schools with Jesus Christ as white
Then lock my father up for life
Institutionalize my rights, then hide my plight from sight
That’s trickery, steal our swag, that’s mimicry
I am original man, empirically
Chi City heart, I’m just being honest
Born poet, nigga fuck a song here’s a sonnet Omen - 48 Laws

You ain't a man till you stop chasing your friends, my nigga
Think for yourself, make your own plans, my nigga
I'll be lying if I said I ain't understand, my nigga
Cause who you gon' follow when the leaders all get swallowed
By reefer clouds and bottles
In and out of county jail
This is hell, see the young black males in packed cells J.Cole - Caged Bird

Finale

The hip hop world has quickly established a bunch of different labels and crews who have brought back the quintessential 'clique' vibe into modern hip hop. Dreamville and its roster of up and coming rappers get a chance to share a project with their chief J.Cole as they present a mixtape which comes together in a cohesive package yet also showcases the individual artists as well. There's no weak link in the mixtape with each artist holding their own and offering something unique, in that sense 'Revenge Of The Dreamers II' is the perfect mixtape as it gives fans a taste of what is in store from Dreamville in 2016 and beyond.