J. Cole
Every album we have reviewed, graded S to F.
- Albums graded
- 7
- Critic’s grade
- Highest grade
- Average grade
- Span
- 2011 to 2026
No. 8 on Top 10: Rap Discographies, graded B as a body of work.
Every album
7 albums, 2011 to 2026, each placed by its grade, then sorted onto the board.
The records
Newest first, each with the line its review opens on.
2026The Fall-OffAnnounced for six years, delivered as a double album, and it is the writing that justifies the wait.
2021The Off-SeasonHe drops the sermon, picks up the pen, and reminds everyone he can actually rap.
2018KODA lecture about drugs and phones from a man who has stopped noticing he is lecturing.
20164 Your Eyez OnlyHis most serious record and his least playable, and the closing song makes the whole thing worth it.
20142014 Forest Hills DriveNo guests, no singles, no help, and the best writing anyone has done about wanting to go home.
2013Born SinnerDarker, better produced and far more sure of itself. The album where the self production finally works.
2011Cole World: The Sideline StoryA gifted writer buried under the beats a major label thought a debut needed.