Born Sinner
by J. Cole
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Jun 18, 2013
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 410 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 308 out of 410
  2. Mixed: 44 out of 410
  3. Negative: 58 out of 410
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  1. adhamhany
    Feb 18, 2014
    9
    I don't understand why this is rated so low compared to other rap albums released in 2013. This is better than most of them. It has some of the best production around. The samples are absolutely fantastic. J. Cole's rapping is pretty great, accompanied by very good lyrics.

    It's actually pointless to state my favorite tracks, 'cause that'll be like writing the track listing (or more than    I don't understand why this is rated so low compared to other rap albums released in 2013. This is better than most of them. It has some of the best production around. The samples are absolutely fantastic. J. Cole's rapping is pretty great, accompanied by very good lyrics.

    It's actually pointless to state my favorite tracks, 'cause that'll be like writing the track listing (or more than half of it, anyway). But i do recommend the Deluxe Edition. It has some mesmerizing tracks in it.

    It may not be innovative or groundbreaking or anything like that; but with an album this good, it really doesn't need to be. Beautiful. Absolutely Beautiful.    … Expand
  2. fifi3
    Jan 16, 2020
    7
    Born Sinner is really good. It is a honest, thoughtful and witty account on several issues by Cole and it has a lot of really cool production on it as well. There's a lot of versatility on here - a radio pop rap banger like Power Trip, the soulful Chaining Day, the politically charged New York Times, or a track like Born Sinner... it's just a really, really good album.
  3. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    6
    this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6
  4. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    Good album...........................................................................................................................................................................
  5. Spangle
    Jun 17, 2013
    9
    Very good album from Cole here and certainly a LARGE step up from his debut, Cole World: The Sideline Story, which was more of a 6 or 7 out of 10. This, however, is more like his mixtapes, which is exactly what fans like myself wanted. Tons of emphasis on the lyrics and Cole certainly went hard here with less corny lines than on Cole World. The main criticism I've heard of the album is theVery good album from Cole here and certainly a LARGE step up from his debut, Cole World: The Sideline Story, which was more of a 6 or 7 out of 10. This, however, is more like his mixtapes, which is exactly what fans like myself wanted. Tons of emphasis on the lyrics and Cole certainly went hard here with less corny lines than on Cole World. The main criticism I've heard of the album is the production, but I tell ya, I'm not really seeing it. The production wasn't extraordinary, but it was far from being bad enough to take away from the album at all. Not as good as Yeezus, but very good in its own right.… Expand
  6. geedup
    Jun 17, 2013
    7
    Had huge hopes for this Cd. So many mixtapes and features on tracks and killed it. However, maybe I built it up in my head a bit cuz it wasn't one of my favorites this year. Seems to me most of his songs had similair references and topics. It almost created a "mood" which wasn't something I'd play to bob my head to feel it. I found myself listening to the lyrics-which is good. But not whenHad huge hopes for this Cd. So many mixtapes and features on tracks and killed it. However, maybe I built it up in my head a bit cuz it wasn't one of my favorites this year. Seems to me most of his songs had similair references and topics. It almost created a "mood" which wasn't something I'd play to bob my head to feel it. I found myself listening to the lyrics-which is good. But not when the same things come up.… Expand
  7. ben_zo77
    Feb 10, 2014
    8
    Born Sinner is a step up from J. Cole's debut album. He reminds me strongly of Nas in this album. The lyrics are impressive, but a lot of the album sounded the same and the message of the album was pretty stale. He didn't push the envelope when it came to taking on relevant, socially conscious topics. Cole does, however, sound more confident than in Cole World: The Sideline Story. His micBorn Sinner is a step up from J. Cole's debut album. He reminds me strongly of Nas in this album. The lyrics are impressive, but a lot of the album sounded the same and the message of the album was pretty stale. He didn't push the envelope when it came to taking on relevant, socially conscious topics. Cole does, however, sound more confident than in Cole World: The Sideline Story. His mic presence is starting to take shape. It's great that he clearly takes cues from Kanye, Nas, and sometimes Jay Z, but if Cole wants to cement himself as a big figure in hip-hop he needs to go off in his own direction and do his own thing. Cole has the talent to be a legend, but I'm not sure if he's ever going to harness it properly. Overall though, Born Sinner's lyrics and flow makes me give it an 8. Even at his worst, Cole is better than most rappers in the game. ~ 7.9/10

    Best track: "Let Nas Down" -- The storytelling of Cole on this song is incredible. Also, I love the use of a saxophone in the background.

    Other notable tracks: "Trouble", "Rich **** "Forbidden Fruit", "Miss America" & "New York Times"    … Expand
  8. Connorcox1997
    Feb 23, 2019
    10
    J Cole's Born Sinner is a big improvement to J Cole's Previous album. J Cole improved his lyrics, flows and his bars from his previous album. I loved all the songs on the album, from start to finish, especially additional songs form the deluxe edition. The beats are dope, and the production is great. Say What ever you want about Born Sinner, but J Cole has step up his rap game. Dope Album,J Cole's Born Sinner is a big improvement to J Cole's Previous album. J Cole improved his lyrics, flows and his bars from his previous album. I loved all the songs on the album, from start to finish, especially additional songs form the deluxe edition. The beats are dope, and the production is great. Say What ever you want about Born Sinner, but J Cole has step up his rap game. Dope Album, I highly recommended it.… Expand
  9. keve16
    Mar 22, 2015
    8
    7.9/10................................................................................................................................................
  10. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    7
    Born Sinner is an interesting album. The highs are high, and the lows are low.
  11. rydermusic
    Jul 22, 2013
    7
    In this album, J. Cole demonstrates his skill as a rapper and producer. Despite Born Sinner is a respectable album, this album is a step backwards compared to Cole World: The Sideline Story.
  12. blogfirstlast
    Jun 18, 2013
    8
    J Cole's new album is a very mellow one. I thought it would be boring, but this is a mellow album done right! Lyrically, Born Sinner is even better than Yeezus and Watching Tv With the Sound Off, but for the production Yeezus AND Watching Tv were better.

    Production: 7/10
    Lyrics: 9/10
    Final: 8/10
  13. N10
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    I don't really have much too write about this album. Cause clearly people hate on Cole's beautiful and darker sophmore project just for the sake of Kanye West's Yeezus. Sad to see how people instantly throw words around before they even heared it. If so I would gladly listen to your opinions. In my opinion when it comes to the lyrics, Born Sinner is the winner of the two by far, on YeezusI don't really have much too write about this album. Cause clearly people hate on Cole's beautiful and darker sophmore project just for the sake of Kanye West's Yeezus. Sad to see how people instantly throw words around before they even heared it. If so I would gladly listen to your opinions. In my opinion when it comes to the lyrics, Born Sinner is the winner of the two by far, on Yeezus it felt kinda lazy with it but he sure had his moments at times. Not Ye's best tough. Production wise Yeezus has more flavour to it, more harder bass and production. Either you love the production of Yeezus or you simply dislike it. I'm a huge Kanye fan but to me the lyrics didn't to me or the production really well. Yeezus is good, great in it's first five tracks. And Black Skinhead is so far one of the year's best with New Slaves. Born Sinner.. too me, is fantastic. He's rhymes are really well put-together and he's flow switches up good and dosen't get boring. 18th June is a great day in Hip Hop. Let's welcome "the newer" faces, if J. Cole's albums are as good as this one at least then he sure is going to do ous well in the future.… Expand
  14. homer4president
    Mar 11, 2015
    9
    This album is one that you have to find a nice seat and some decent headphones for and it's worth it! At time it can be a little heavy, but it's honest. The weight of his convictions about hip hop are real, and I respect that...a lot. Take the time and understand his metaphorical analogies throughout the record.

    I loved this album. It remains my favorite album to listen to. I've sat    This album is one that you have to find a nice seat and some decent headphones for and it's worth it! At time it can be a little heavy, but it's honest. The weight of his convictions about hip hop are real, and I respect that...a lot. Take the time and understand his metaphorical analogies throughout the record.

    I loved this album. It remains my favorite album to listen to. I've sat down and listened to the whole thing over and over because I just love it. It will never get old to me, it's a classic.    … Expand
  15. JamieVic
    Jan 10, 2014
    6
    Born Sinner reminded me of Kanye West's debut album The College Dropout. The production was very soulful and it worked in his favour. His album also tells a story we want to listen to which is evident in Crooked Smile, Let Nas Down and Chaining Day. However, I felt like there were a little too many fillers on the album that made the album seem repetitive. Nonetheless, it was an overall success.
  16. Sci-Fi-Dude1456
    Nov 12, 2013
    9
    EVERYTHING about this album is a big and huge step up from his last album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. Lots of songs on here are really good. Be sure to buy this album if you like the songs!
  17. comebackkid12
    Dec 8, 2014
    7
    Rather than take matters into his own hands and command his own legacy, Cole almost seems excited just to gaze and take in his idols, which sometimes works, and other times doesn't in his sophomore effort, "Born Sinner." Sure, it has the hits to be able to power him to the top of the charts, and the dark mood surrounding the record is enchanting, but for most of the time, it feels as ifRather than take matters into his own hands and command his own legacy, Cole almost seems excited just to gaze and take in his idols, which sometimes works, and other times doesn't in his sophomore effort, "Born Sinner." Sure, it has the hits to be able to power him to the top of the charts, and the dark mood surrounding the record is enchanting, but for most of the time, it feels as if Cole is hesitant to take on his own role, and instead is satisfied with sitting back, not charging ahead. The storytelling and persona is on another level for this project however, and Cole does an amazing job painting a vivid picture in our heads, with his lyrical cunning standing over a lot of the album. The heartfelt moments of him having an inner battle for the pursuit of groupies or something more is evident, but the problem is that Cole doesn't yet have the swagger to be able to pull it off. Most of the middle parts of the record feel unnecessary and filler, when really they shouldn't. When it's all said and done however, "Born Sinner" is an excellent tale that has the honest moments and anthems it needs to be successful. Just how successful it can be, though, is up to Cole himself. Tracks that stood out to me were the 5-minute welcoming "Villuminati," the soulful "Born Sinner" (with James Fauntleroy providing a fantastic & fitting chorus), and the honesty-filled "Let Nas Down."… Expand
  18. emlugo123
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    A lot of people are saying this album is "boring" or "dull" but honestly if you think that, you can't admire the artistry in this album. Personally, I believe this album is amazing and the stories told in it are impeccable and something most rappers can't do. Cole deserves to be at the top of the charts with this masterpiece.
  19. Velocijoey
    Mar 19, 2014
    9
    I was not a fan of Cole's first release and I was rather skeptical going into this album. After giving it a few listens, i was addicted. This album shows what he can truly do as not just a rapper, but as a great producer. While the mainstream singles are catchy, songs such as "Runaway" and "Rich **** show his true potential. NAS comparisons galore. Enough said.
  20. dell221
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    easily the best album he has done. I love damn near every song up here Channing day is really good and stays on repeat. I love born sinner as well but its a little short. all in all i hope he gets back to doing albums like this
  21. BLeat
    Jul 12, 2013
    4
    Even at he's worst (which Born Sinner is), J Cole is better than 90 percent of rappers out there, but after this album has defiantly took him out of the top 5; terrible work, especially for talent as great as Cole.
  22. ClayMerritt
    Jun 24, 2013
    2
    J. Cole, while a rapper with skills, doesn't display them. He's a very boring and tedious rapper. People say he's "real" when I've heard the same ole stuff from other rappers. I don't buy into his hype. Its ridiculous. Born Sinner backs my point. Very stale album, production is okay, but not the best.
  23. Supermanhere
    Jun 19, 2013
    8
    Listened to the album back to front decent album highlights are land of the snakes rich runaway ant that some interlude cooked smile and sparks will fly
  24. tankcritic123
    Jun 17, 2013
    10
    This album is a big step forward from cole world. What I appreciate about cole is that he puts an equal or even more emphasis on producing his own songs. And he has turned out to be a damn good producer. His bars and rhymes also deserve equal acclaim. Best tracks; Rich N***z, She Knows, Power Trip, Let Nas Down
  25. RealHipHop
    Jun 18, 2013
    8
    This album could easily become 2013's best Hip-Hop album but there's more to come. This album is much more improved if compared to his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. The album's title was inspired by a verse in The Notorious B.I.G's song ''Juicy'', the verse is ''Born Sinner, Opposite of Winner''. The song is featured as a sample in the first track on the albumThis album could easily become 2013's best Hip-Hop album but there's more to come. This album is much more improved if compared to his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story. The album's title was inspired by a verse in The Notorious B.I.G's song ''Juicy'', the verse is ''Born Sinner, Opposite of Winner''. The song is featured as a sample in the first track on the album ''Villuminati'', which is one of the best tracks in the album. There is some 2Pac and Notorious B.I.G in the album as well as some Jay-Z inspiration. The album had only 1 track I really disliked. The rest are amazing and some are good. Although I wish the album had some more collaborations with other rappers. J.Cole produced all of the songs in the album and had people co-produce in 2 tracks. The production is good in the album. But overall I felt some tracks like ''Chaining Day'' had not so good production which made the song sound not as good as it could have been. This album is easily better than Kanye West's Yeezus.

    OVERALL: The album is AMAZING. I think J.Cole really took his time making this album and made some big lyricism and some production improvements. This album is definitely worth the price. I would highly recommend picking up the Deluxe Version as it makes the album even better for $13,99 on iTunes or you can go pick up physical copy in stores.    … Expand
  26. fraspi
    Jun 18, 2013
    7
    It is not a bad album. It is definitively better than its predecessor. But J. Cole is missing something what makes the other rappers special. He sounds like a normal person and even though normal person can be a great rapper (see Big K.R.I.T.), J. Cole isn't that case. The album is too long with too few themes but that doesn'tmake it boring. Just average with really impressive production.It is not a bad album. It is definitively better than its predecessor. But J. Cole is missing something what makes the other rappers special. He sounds like a normal person and even though normal person can be a great rapper (see Big K.R.I.T.), J. Cole isn't that case. The album is too long with too few themes but that doesn'tmake it boring. Just average with really impressive production. J. Cole improved and there remains still room for another improving. And Im looking forward to it.… Expand
  27. WorstReviews
    Jun 18, 2013
    9
    It really is an astounding from the crap that comes out of the Hip-Hop/Rap industry these days. J. Cole's first effort was very limited and he took the world by charge when his album was #1 when it released. So, it was just another mainstream rap album with a new voice behind a mic. But not with Born Sinner, JC's most anticipated sophomore albu (for me atleast). The reason why i was soIt really is an astounding from the crap that comes out of the Hip-Hop/Rap industry these days. J. Cole's first effort was very limited and he took the world by charge when his album was #1 when it released. So, it was just another mainstream rap album with a new voice behind a mic. But not with Born Sinner, JC's most anticipated sophomore albu (for me atleast). The reason why i was so hyped for this album was this rapper was given more freedom this time around, and i knew he would deliver. Now i'm not going to lie, the beats used in this album don't partically attune to the style of rap i listen to, but i know the work that was put into this album and this is J.COLES album. J.Coles RAP album. And it is definitley an album RAP needs. Maybe there is hope, for the rare occurences of good music that come sof the genre these days. 9/10 Excellent.… Expand
  28. HGossI
    Jul 28, 2013
    5
    J. Cole is a talented emcee. Unfortunately, Born Sinner isn't up to his standard. Gifted with a unique style, Cole doesn't need to copy any rapper. At times Sinner sounds like Take Care... but r&b/rap sound is better left to Drake. Cole struggles with this mellow sound, and doesn't have a natural singing voice. The times he is best on Born Sinner is when he is eating up beats and makingJ. Cole is a talented emcee. Unfortunately, Born Sinner isn't up to his standard. Gifted with a unique style, Cole doesn't need to copy any rapper. At times Sinner sounds like Take Care... but r&b/rap sound is better left to Drake. Cole struggles with this mellow sound, and doesn't have a natural singing voice. The times he is best on Born Sinner is when he is eating up beats and making bangers. This sound is almost nowhere to be found, and overall the album suffers because of it. I'm convinced that J. Cole has longevity in this game, but efforts like Born Sinner wont solidify him. Overall, Cole's second album lacks the energy of his first, has repetitive, boring production, and is below the par he set with Cole World.… Expand
  29. The_Following
    Apr 19, 2017
    7
    J.Cole Pours Out Everything that he wanted to deliver on Cole World Sideline Story...Lyrically J.Cole Spills Outs His Darkest Thoughts and Sincerity. Beautiful Tracks Like "Runaway" and "Rich Shows why J.Cole May have the ability to rise to the top. Personal Tracks Like "Let Nas Down" and "Born Sinner" shows that J.Cole will never lose sight of what he is and what he wants to become. ThisJ.Cole Pours Out Everything that he wanted to deliver on Cole World Sideline Story...Lyrically J.Cole Spills Outs His Darkest Thoughts and Sincerity. Beautiful Tracks Like "Runaway" and "Rich Shows why J.Cole May have the ability to rise to the top. Personal Tracks Like "Let Nas Down" and "Born Sinner" shows that J.Cole will never lose sight of what he is and what he wants to become. This Album may not completely broadcast j.cole's ability but its brings light to what he has in store for the future.… Expand
  30. endallchaos
    Jun 24, 2013
    7
    It's a good album, it has it's highs and lows. Most tracks seem to be well thought out and produced well, I do have to say that the top songs we're Power Trip, Born Sinner and Miss America. Is it worth it buying it? Yea, go buy it, it's an album that you will enjoy.
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Most Discussed Album of 2013
52
#52 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. PopMatters
    Jul 15, 2013
    70
    He’s certainly impressed with his flow, delivery and production, and while he hasn’t released the next golden hip hop album he’s coming close.
    Read full review
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Jul 9, 2013
    40
    There are some solid points buried deep down in the wreckage of Cole’s seven-bar pileup, but you’ll have to sift through a great, big, ambivalent pile of solecisms in order to get to them. As it turns out, that holds true for the vast majority of Born Sinner.
    Read full review
  3. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    Jul 2, 2013
    53
    Three years after his album should have put the "sideline" comments to rest, Cole’s still studying the traditional playbook from the bench, preferring to follow Nas’ bible than strike out on his own.
    Read full review
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