Cole World: The Sideline StoryJ. Cole · 2011

rollingstone

7.0

“"I’ve got the nerds rapping hard shit/Dummies rapping smart shit," boasts J. Cole on his major-label debut. Cole is brainier than most mainstream MCs but too flashy for the underground; he’s equally at home flaunting success and sensitivity – his "from-the-heart shit," as he calls it. He’s a technically superb rapper, packing these sleek, snappy, […]”

pitchfork

6.1

“After a string of promising mixtapes, rapper J. Cole was signed by Jay-Z and now returns with his major-label debut. Jay guests here and inadvertently highlights exactly where Cole comes up short.”

fantano

6.0

“Lyrics: http://rapgenius.com/albums/J-cole/Cole-world-sideline-story”

Duldavamp

6.0

“This album is not bad at all, but with that being said he added some songs we have already heard like lights please and in the morning. I understand technically this is his first album but other than that it’s really solid.”