2014 Forest Hills Drive
by J. Cole
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 613 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 532 out of 613
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 613
  3. Negative: 34 out of 613
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  1. Higashi
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    Greaet album from top to bottom. Very cohesive, very foretelling, and very fun in a lot of parts. However the lack of features from his Dreamville cohorts Bas and Omen was felt. Cole's no Bas, but this will do
  2. mone06
    Dec 18, 2014
    10
    I'm going to keep this simple. Best album of 2014. A Definite must buy. J. Cole saved hip hop. If you're a fan of hip-hop and tired of listening to the non sense on the radio this is the album for you. I've listened to this non stop for over a week now and cannot name one bad song on the album. Whats really impressive is that this album is great with no features at all. If your a hip-hopI'm going to keep this simple. Best album of 2014. A Definite must buy. J. Cole saved hip hop. If you're a fan of hip-hop and tired of listening to the non sense on the radio this is the album for you. I've listened to this non stop for over a week now and cannot name one bad song on the album. Whats really impressive is that this album is great with no features at all. If your a hip-hop fanatic and you don't own this, shame on you. This is up there with reasonable doubt and illmatic… Expand
  3. MNIMN
    Apr 18, 2015
    10
    Cole stepped up everything on here 10 fold from his previous album Born Sinner. He took all the criticisms he got from that album and made sure they weren't present here. This album gives you everything you can ask for from a rap album: Raw lyrics (Fire Squad), fantastic story telling, a great mix of up-beat bangers (Tale of 2 Citiez, G.O.M.D), focused and relatable story telling (WetCole stepped up everything on here 10 fold from his previous album Born Sinner. He took all the criticisms he got from that album and made sure they weren't present here. This album gives you everything you can ask for from a rap album: Raw lyrics (Fire Squad), fantastic story telling, a great mix of up-beat bangers (Tale of 2 Citiez, G.O.M.D), focused and relatable story telling (Wet Dreamz & 03 Adolescence), emotion and an important message in the latter few tracks. Cole's has gotten a lot of slack for his production on his previous two LP's, but here he diversities it perfectly - from one track to the next it's completely different and on first listen you really don't know what to expect next. Easily the album of 2014, and arguably even the best rap album since Kendrick's Good Kid m.A.A.d City for me. Now 4 months later it is still in constant rotation despite a ton of new rap albums being released in 2015.… Expand
  4. samyradwan
    Dec 21, 2014
    10
    AOTY Jermaine Cole has shown excellent growth as an artist with this brilliant LP. I'm proud to call myself a fan of his, and I'm anticipating his next body of work. Shout Cope Fam.
  5. ZaeDilla
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    Jermaine Cole has shown excellent growth as an artist with this brilliant LP. I'm proud to call myself a fan of his, and I'm anticipating his next body of work. Shout Cope Fam.
  6. Brooklyn23
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a great concept album and goes into depth about Cole's rise to fame. I expected the last 15 minutes to be a song but I can't hate on someone shouting out and thanking his peers and mentors. Real rap is back.… Expand
  7. admir91
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    Amazing Album by far one of the best in the past few years. Cole is the new leader of the new school. The story he tells from beginning to end is as good as it gets. Only other rapper that has released anything even worth mentioning this year is Logic with under pressure which was a great album in it of itself.
  8. gobinadesh
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    Do you wanna, do you wanna...be happy? Whole album feels directly from the heart. J. Cole put together an amazing blend of tracks. Please release this on vinyl!!
  9. TheJmsJose
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jermaine Cole brings this beautiful album to us, speaking of his rise to fame and its outcomes, current issues, and truly finding himself after all he has been through. After listening to Born Sinner, I was immediately hooked onto Cole and what he could do. He studies rap like no one else and loves what he does, so its only normal for him to make things the way he wants to, as he said in his outro, "If you are influenced by the world, then let the world be influenced by you". This is what exactly Cole attempted to do, as well as changing the state of rap and telling his story while he is at it. Throughout the first third of the album we see Jermaine thinking and reflecting his adolescence and his first time, accompanied by a beautiful intro. The story then goes one to Cole's love life and how some women cannot be saved. He mocks party songs in, "GOMD," and realized that his rise to fame has changed him. Fire Squad is a story of itself. Overall this album does not lack a thing except singles.
    That is not necessarily a bad thing either, Cole's message of happiness over money shows as he does not need influence from others to make a classic. This is a modern rap classic.
    Last but not least, a rebuttal to some of the people that rate this badly because he name checked Eminem. First of all, you must be idiotic and dumb to not see that Cole wasn't dissing Eminem, as he was simply letting out his frustrations with the game. If you look at the numbers, and even some of Eminem's own lines, you can see that J. Cole has a lot of back-up when he made his statement. It was more of a call out to rappers, to gain their hunger back, and to make classics. You can see this in the outro as well, as he talks to Drake and Kendrick through there.
    Though different, this album definitely delivers a deep message that some mainstream brainwashed ears cannot handle, and that is okay. But to call this a bad project would be a sin.    … Expand
  10. danhildy
    Dec 11, 2014
    10
    J Cole has definitely shown his growth as an artist on this album. He really seems to be at peace with himself by the end of the album and it is an incredible journey he takes the listener on. Every track is packed with emotion. For me, it's unlike anything I've ever heard before and not in a bad way. I've never heard so much emotion in any hip hop album. He isn't afraid to say what heJ Cole has definitely shown his growth as an artist on this album. He really seems to be at peace with himself by the end of the album and it is an incredible journey he takes the listener on. Every track is packed with emotion. For me, it's unlike anything I've ever heard before and not in a bad way. I've never heard so much emotion in any hip hop album. He isn't afraid to say what he really feels giving this album a raw, soulful vibe. Many critic ratings don't do this album justice. The thing about this album is it doesn't fit into the nice little box that we call mainstream music. People and critics that call this album "trash" or "lacking" don't understand true art. Props to J Cole for not tailoring this album for radio hits and trusting his loyal fan base to give this album the praise it deserves.… Expand
  11. Diablos21
    Dec 12, 2014
    10
    I've been a fan of this man's work since The Come Up and it's nice to see his progression from rapper, to artist. Didn't too much care for his last two albums, they seemed lacking in certain areas and I chalked it up as him losing steam and figured he'd never be able to return to the form he showcased in his mixtape days but it's nice to see that I was proven wrong in my assessment. ThisI've been a fan of this man's work since The Come Up and it's nice to see his progression from rapper, to artist. Didn't too much care for his last two albums, they seemed lacking in certain areas and I chalked it up as him losing steam and figured he'd never be able to return to the form he showcased in his mixtape days but it's nice to see that I was proven wrong in my assessment. This record reveals that he's only improving and is a great step in the right direction for Cole. I'll even go so far as to say that it is his best project since Friday Night Lights and is 2014's Album of the Year… Expand
  12. pittsports87
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    This is by far Jermaine's best album to date and rivals his 2 classic mixtapes, The Warm Up and Friday Night Lights. The album features amazing production from himself, Vinylz, !llmind, and others. His sharp storytelling is evident all over the album and he is finally becoming the rapper everyone expected him to be. This is the best album released in rap music in a long time and isThis is by far Jermaine's best album to date and rivals his 2 classic mixtapes, The Warm Up and Friday Night Lights. The album features amazing production from himself, Vinylz, !llmind, and others. His sharp storytelling is evident all over the album and he is finally becoming the rapper everyone expected him to be. This is the best album released in rap music in a long time and is exactly what the game needed.… Expand
  13. hip_hop_head
    Dec 13, 2014
    10
    Can anyone honestly remember the last time we heard a hip-hop album laced with so much raw emotion driven by real meaning? Not to compare the two, but the visions Cole paints thru music evokes sentiments eerily similar to Pac. J. Cole finally did what I've hoped he'd done since his debut: expand his production. He's a top-notch producer himself, but he was doing himself a disservice by notCan anyone honestly remember the last time we heard a hip-hop album laced with so much raw emotion driven by real meaning? Not to compare the two, but the visions Cole paints thru music evokes sentiments eerily similar to Pac. J. Cole finally did what I've hoped he'd done since his debut: expand his production. He's a top-notch producer himself, but he was doing himself a disservice by not showing how hard his bars could go on practically anything. Albeit, he sacrificed some of his pure, raw, lyrical ability, but he did so in lieu of becoming a better artist who can craft beautiful, melodic songs.

    This is a concept album which makes the track list coherent and easy to follow, as we see the first couple of songs talk about growing up in the Ville, and life as an adolescent in general (certainly everyone found themselves reminiscing nostalgically about trying to get the pretty girl in math class in high school), and it transitions to him "on his way, about to get paid" in Hollywood. When he's finally there, he realizes its not all its built up to be, so he comes home where his happiness was all along. This is truly the product of a man who's achieved self-actualization, something we rarely ever see, especially in the music industry filled with false happiness inundated by hedonism to the thousandth degree.

    The best part is, Cole doesn't care what we think about the album, because he's found out how to make himself happy, and can do nothing more than hope we're right there with him. Surely, after vicariously going through Cole's journey, its safe to say that those who truly search for meaning in music are with him.
    The album has all the makings to be a classic, but only time will tell. I don't think this is a 10, more of a 9.0-9.3, but I'm giving it a 10 because I believe the time will come years from now that critics realized they were way off with their 6's and 7's. #coleworld    … Expand
  14. batoto
    Dec 15, 2014
    10
    I haven't enjoyed any of J.Cole new music since his mixtape days, however upon my first listening of this album I genuinely remembered why I thought of him as one of the best upcoming rappers back in 2009. Forest Hills Drive really sounds amazing and it's such a cohesive blend of different types of beats and song productions. The album really immerses the listener into a state of mind andI haven't enjoyed any of J.Cole new music since his mixtape days, however upon my first listening of this album I genuinely remembered why I thought of him as one of the best upcoming rappers back in 2009. Forest Hills Drive really sounds amazing and it's such a cohesive blend of different types of beats and song productions. The album really immerses the listener into a state of mind and tells a great story with a great message, which artist "don't sing about no mo". It's also a shame it's been so misunderstood by critics. The only reason I created this account was to give this album the score it deserves, which is a 10, and to hopefully encourage people to give it a try. You won't regret it.… Expand
  15. AlexB
    Dec 16, 2014
    10
    Great album, with a solid story behind it. I am happy for Cole because this album will put him on the top of the charts this year, he is projected to sell 300k+ of copies in the first week. Remember, these numbers were made without solid promotion and singles. Cole's delivery on the album is top notch, his mentality is changed, he's no longer doubtful, he feels more confident throughoutGreat album, with a solid story behind it. I am happy for Cole because this album will put him on the top of the charts this year, he is projected to sell 300k+ of copies in the first week. Remember, these numbers were made without solid promotion and singles. Cole's delivery on the album is top notch, his mentality is changed, he's no longer doubtful, he feels more confident throughout this album. Overall, this album has a refreshing sound, good production, everything about this album is solid. I'm disappointed with the critic reviews, I feel that some of them gave Cole much lower ratings compared to what this album deserved.… Expand
  16. junodaisy
    Dec 25, 2014
    10
    Do not trust the reviews on this album by "professional critics." This album showcases J. Cole's storytelling over superb production. He sings on a few tracks, which is an acquired taste. But I think he makes it work. There are absolutely no gimmicks here. This is substance over style. Cole just pours out his heart on these tracks and the end result is impressive. This album is well worthDo not trust the reviews on this album by "professional critics." This album showcases J. Cole's storytelling over superb production. He sings on a few tracks, which is an acquired taste. But I think he makes it work. There are absolutely no gimmicks here. This is substance over style. Cole just pours out his heart on these tracks and the end result is impressive. This album is well worth your money.… Expand
  17. Turtlejump
    Jan 7, 2015
    10
    Honestly one of the most heart warming and beautiful rap albums out there. Songs such as "Wet Dreamz", "No Role Models" and "Fire Squad" talk about classic hip hop topics such as sex, relationships and the competition in the rap game. But treats the topic in a different way, a more humble way talking about it in a true sense without boasting or turning the topic into satire.
    I don't think    Honestly one of the most heart warming and beautiful rap albums out there. Songs such as "Wet Dreamz", "No Role Models" and "Fire Squad" talk about classic hip hop topics such as sex, relationships and the competition in the rap game. But treats the topic in a different way, a more humble way talking about it in a true sense without boasting or turning the topic into satire.
    I don't think this album will let Nas down.    … Expand
  18. Niko7
    Jan 8, 2015
    10
    I just don't get it the critics speak poorly of the album while the users praise it. I bet most of the people reviewing these album listen to each track once, if they even listened to the whole thing. They give this a 68 and give rae sremmurd something higher what the **** is that. I haven't heard their whole album, but the 3 or four singles that were released weren't good. They weren'tI just don't get it the critics speak poorly of the album while the users praise it. I bet most of the people reviewing these album listen to each track once, if they even listened to the whole thing. They give this a 68 and give rae sremmurd something higher what the **** is that. I haven't heard their whole album, but the 3 or four singles that were released weren't good. They weren't terrible, but I wouldn't want to listen to anything they say more than once, unless it is for the beat. A lot of the critics wrote really short reviews because they probably have not listened to much of the album, and the ones that did complain about the eminem and maclemmore line, calling him insensitive. Get the **** over it and lets not forget he is half white and even if he wasn't it doesn't matter he did say anything wrong just the truth.… Expand
  19. coleworldohyeah
    Jan 10, 2015
    10
    Mr. Cole has progressed so much since releasing his mixtape, The Come Up, in 2007. He always finds a way to connect to listeners each project he has released. His melodies are better than ever and the production on this is easy on the ears. A must hear album for music lovers.
  20. splash_money24
    Feb 14, 2015
    10
    Don't understand why the critics gave the album such a low score. Songs like "Apparently", "No Role Modelz", and "Wet Dreamz" are songs that I think everyone can relate too. "GOMD" and "Fire Squad" and "St Tropez" were some great songs too and I love what he did with the last song on the album, "Note To Self" thanking everyone who has gotten him where he is. J. Cole is one of the bestDon't understand why the critics gave the album such a low score. Songs like "Apparently", "No Role Modelz", and "Wet Dreamz" are songs that I think everyone can relate too. "GOMD" and "Fire Squad" and "St Tropez" were some great songs too and I love what he did with the last song on the album, "Note To Self" thanking everyone who has gotten him where he is. J. Cole is one of the best story tellers in today's rap. I can listen to Forest Hills Drive everyday without getting tired of the same songs. People who actually like real hip-hop know that J. Cole has real talent. He's in my top 3 for today's rap/hip-hop artist. He's shown excellent growth since his last album Born Sinner. I think why so many people hated the album was that not all the songs were great. I love J. Cole's openness, that's something I admire about him. When I first heard the album I thought it was straight garbage, but after listening to it another time I grew to love it and become a huge fan of J. Cole. I feel like he has his head on right, not worrying about money, sex, and fame but more family, truth, and "true mohterf****** love." If I were to chose the best song on the track it would be "Apparently" Closing in on the final tracks of the project, Cole reflects on the wrong decisions he’s made in life and tries to correct them now knowing how much the people believe in him and look up to him.… Expand
  21. michaeljrmj
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    This is a album of greatness matched with heart. Cole has always been true to the game, but with this one I feel he really shows what he can do when given a beat, some samples, and a few hiccups from the past, present, and future. Each songs gives a significant sound and story that resonates itself with the combination of the album.
  22. kristi_b10
    Aug 5, 2015
    10
    This was the best album of 2014. J. Cole is underrated because he's not on the same page as everyone else. He does own thing and try to be as regular as possible. He stays true to himself. He does not let the media interfere in his personal life. He's very humble as well and this album shows it. I love every song on here. He put his all in it. I give it a 10/10.
  23. KSortin
    Dec 2, 2015
    10
    I literally made an account just because the critic score was so wide off it's unbelievable. This album is timeless, every track is on point. I'm dumbfounded by MetaCritic's "critics." You guys are clearly suffering from a lack of education on hip-hop and are the reason great artwork like this doesn't get the deserved recognition. The lyricism has it's blow-my-mind-away moments and withI literally made an account just because the critic score was so wide off it's unbelievable. This album is timeless, every track is on point. I'm dumbfounded by MetaCritic's "critics." You guys are clearly suffering from a lack of education on hip-hop and are the reason great artwork like this doesn't get the deserved recognition. The lyricism has it's blow-my-mind-away moments and with the calming, resonating and nostalgia-based records there's also those crazy excitable this-man-going-in records. It's 2015 and this album is still the best from then until today - Dec 12.… Expand
  24. aidanhicks101
    Oct 8, 2016
    10
    If J. Cole knows anything, its how to tell a story from beginning to end. Such a masterpiece. This is not just one of my most favorite albums of all time, but it changed who I was as a person. It should me the reality of life, and I have no idea how he will be able to top himself after this. Hopefully he continues with this sound and what he is doing because things will only get better from here.
  25. jamoha98
    Nov 17, 2016
    10
    Like a reviewer in the comments, I also made an account to write a review in defense of this album. I do not know what album the reviewers were listening to, but this was clearly not the same J. Cole. One "critic" labeled J. Cole as indecisive. However that is completely false, this would be an apt description of J. Cole before this album, except this album changed this trait. Cole touchesLike a reviewer in the comments, I also made an account to write a review in defense of this album. I do not know what album the reviewers were listening to, but this was clearly not the same J. Cole. One "critic" labeled J. Cole as indecisive. However that is completely false, this would be an apt description of J. Cole before this album, except this album changed this trait. Cole touches on very real and important subjects such as the position of the black community in January 28th, being grateful for what you have in Love Yourz, addressing the falseness of the modern age with No Role Modelz, and finally him battling himself in Tale of 2 Citiez. J. Cole takes on a trip through his own real experiences and he does it in a masterful and entertaining manner. His songs are not to the point of denseness and meaning of a Kendrick Lamar, yet it is easier to enjoy his songs because of this. Additionally, these songs are fun, the beats are mastered excellently, and his rapping skills maybe only surpassed by a hand few in the game. This is hip hop at its finest in the new era where most rappers rap about the same shallow objects. 2014 Forest Hills Drive is a gem in the modern day of hip hop and should be appreciated as such.… Expand
  26. bilbo95
    Dec 15, 2016
    10
    Incredible album that truly expresses the story of J Cole. Give it time, multiple listens, and enjoy the art. Certainly one of my all time favorite albums
  27. shaangsingh
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Easily the best album of all time. I refuse to give anything else close to this project. From now on, I base my albums from 1 to 10, where the only way it can be a 10 is if it somehow beats this album. Cole is the greatest of all time. Hands down
  28. jackwells99
    Sep 4, 2017
    10
    His best work to date. Delivered through Incredible production and a signature flow that is hard to compare to any other artist in the game. Very real and raw lyrics make this album a hip-hop classic.
  29. Connorcox1997
    Jan 29, 2019
    10
    2014 Forest Hills Drive is not just another rap album, its art. When I first listen to his album the first time I thought it was decent. However when I listen to the album a couple more times, I fell in love with it. 2014 Forest Hills Drive by J Cole make one of the greatest albums of his career, and one of the best albums of 2014. This album is a must listen.
  30. kams
    Jun 30, 2018
    10
    Thats a classic album. J. Cole delivered some fire on this one. Great production and the lyrics are on point. Album contains songs that everybody can relate to.
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Most Discussed Album of 2014
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Uncut
    Feb 3, 2015
    60
    You long for a bit more of the ardour of "Fine Squad." [Mar 2015, p.73]
  2. Rolling Stone
    Jan 5, 2015
    60
    He speaks some incisive truths about class, race ("Fire Squad") and relationships ("Wet Dreamz"), but those insights are too often undercut by crass humor. The production falls short, too, with dull beats to match his languid flow.
    Read full review
  3. NOW Magazine
    Dec 18, 2014
    60
    Consistent, yes, but not the king yet.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »