On November 14, J. Cole shocked the rap world with the announcement that his third solo album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, would be hitting stores before the end of 2014. Ladies and gentlemen, the day foretold has finally arrived. Available for streaming now on Spotify, the new record features no credited guest appearances, almost guaranteeing that the release is the emcee's most personal to date. While Cole may handle all of the mic work on this one, the project is far from a solo effort, however. Producers on the record include Cardiak, Vinylz, Phonix Beats, Willie B., and, of course, Cole himself. In a bold marketing strategy, the project spawned no pre-release singles, making this the first time that listeners can hear it in its entirety. (Although many fans may have heard a leaked copy that began circulation in early December.)
Is this Cole's best studio release yet? How does it compare to his mixtapes? Give 2014 Forest Hills Drive a listen below and let us know what you think.