#LaidStr8: Are you ready to take the drive home? For those who are unfamiliar, my name is Allie Lyke and this is LaidStr8, rap & hip-hop album commentary by yours truly, featuring reviews in 8 words or less (with a brief description). This will be one of the MANY new segments of ATS Mag
Today, albeit late as hell, I'm taking a journey into the depths of 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J. Cole. Pardon my tardiness y'all, but unlike fickle, teeny boppers, I'm not quick to respond to a freshly pressed album. Especially not a J. Cole album. Talking 'bout he shut the game down?! BOY BYE! In my LaidStr8 of Born Sinner, I mention his traditional 'formula which "he already gave us that for free [...] you would think he would have pushed the envelope a little more. Sorry Cole, but I’m not impressed." Like before, the beats are up to par featuring Outkast/Mos Def elements; the lyricism is decent, the content is mature and conscious; but there still is a lack of WOW factor, or as I like to call it "Amaze-ballz." Even though I'm still not impressed, I'm happy to announce Forest Hills Drive slightly upgrades the formula. This time around, Cole adds the element of emo. Yes, he went Drake on us. Fortunately for y'all, however, he only uses one or two songs to croon over a woman. Seriously, though, the subject matter is pretty loaded. Topics range from virginity to foreclosure, to Ferguson to Iggy, and the emotional rollercoaster goes on. Still, it's not enough to make this a great album. Hell, Waka Flocka slayed 'Fired Squad'. Yes you read that right, Waka! Even more disturbing is the long ass outro at the end! You better get yo' life if you think I intentionally listened to 'dem 14 minutes more than once! Believe me! So, don't believe the hype. It's just as "decent" as his last projects. #LaidStr8 Scale: 4/8 #Str8Songs: 2. January 28th, 9. No Role Modelz, 5. A Tale of 2 Citiez, 8. G.O.M.D., 4. Wet Dreamz Follow Me @AllieLyke
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ATS MagAgainst the Stream Magazine is an urban platform. We edify our readers by finding noble, pure, and true talent and giving it a stage to flourish. While we love bragging about the folks around us, we also tackle urban issues by giving real world solutions. Archives
September 2015
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