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. 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
  3. 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!
  4. wazzy
    Jun 17, 2013
    9
    Great album. Really surprised me of how much Cole has evolved in such little time, he crafted this album almost perfectly. It's good to hear and album with more than just one or two good songs, minimum fillers makes a big difference.
  5. Tashy497
    Jun 21, 2013
    7
    Solid album, a few issues.

    Rhyme-wise... really feeling it. His lyrics actually have substance, story, something going on besides just words that rhyme or forcing words to rhyme that don't. Some tracks have some pretty whack lyrics and chorus (i.e. Hate Rich People God D#mmit) that just sounds very amateur. The last handful of tracks feel like his real album (not in a good way).    Solid album, a few issues.

    Rhyme-wise... really feeling it. His lyrics actually have substance, story, something going on besides just words that rhyme or forcing words to rhyme that don't. Some tracks have some pretty whack lyrics and chorus (i.e. Hate Rich People God D#mmit) that just sounds very amateur.

    The last handful of tracks feel like his real album (not in a good way). What I mean, you can tell the underproduced stuff towards the end was his real stuff before producers dropped cash into him. Some cutting room floor these songs should have hit.

    Some tracks have some R&B soul to them on the level of Drake, and that's a style that's going to fade real quick. Sometimes Cole has the attitude and voice emulation of Kanye and some rhymes that are purposefully bitten sounds mixtape worthy only (i.e. Busta Rhymes bite).

    The song with Kendrick Lamar is solid, mostly you just want to hear more Kendrick. Cole has lyrics but how delivers them seem lacking attitude or soul, again as exhibited by hearing Kendrick on the track you can see what I mean.

    Cole has got the rhyme power maybe next time we can hear something a little more dirty and less radio friendly.    … Expand
  6. 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.
  7. Say_Chidz
    Nov 20, 2013
    9
    Born Sinner is this decade's Late Registration, its themes styles and production methodology are a strikingly poetic ode to Kanye's second album. it is one of the finest rap albums of the year and will be a big contender for the Rap Album Grammy.
  8. 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
  9. kbyrd2
    Jul 1, 2013
    9
    Amazing album by J. Cole. His production matched with his lyrical potency is amazing. So far, the best Hip Hop album of this year. Future of Hip-Hop is found in Cole
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. KanyeIsGod
    Jul 6, 2013
    7
    Overall, a solid album. Songs like "Rich nigg*z" & "Let Nas Down" give it that raw appeal. Even singles like "Power Trip" & "Crooked Smile" push it to the limit. But when hearing his first mixtape, "Warm Up", you can't help but think he has more potential than this. Although I have to admit, he matured well from his debut.
  17. 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.
  18. MooreReviews
    Jun 22, 2013
    7
    J.Coles sophomore album is ambitious and seeks to be something great, and on some songs it shows. Others on the other hand come up short and feels week. The album is honest, and I like that. But the subject matter can get repetitive. Rapping about "being real" gets old after a while. Also having songs called "No Money" and "Rich on the same album is strange. On No Money he says"Mo money,J.Coles sophomore album is ambitious and seeks to be something great, and on some songs it shows. Others on the other hand come up short and feels week. The album is honest, and I like that. But the subject matter can get repetitive. Rapping about "being real" gets old after a while. Also having songs called "No Money" and "Rich on the same album is strange. On No Money he says"Mo money, blow money, show money, party money, side ho money, dope money..." Yeah you get the idea, that line goes on for a while. But on "Rich he says,"I hate rich goddammit cause i aint never had a lot dammit". If on this album if he's trying to be real and stay true to the fans, why is he making songs that counter act each other on the same project. I'm not saying their bad songs, but their not helping the his persona of "being real". Another problem I have with this project is about how much he focus's on his idols, hell he made a whole song about he disappointed Nas. He talks about he's going to be a legend, but I don't think he can be if all he raps about is how good 2pac and Nas are. On a positive note the production is on point. In "Trouble" the choir bring a brilliant sound to the song that sounds similar to "Sunrise" by Childish Gambino. Probably my favorite song on the album is "New York Times". One of the lyrically best on the album and the catchiest hook. J.Cole at the end of the day is a lyricist, and a good one at that. But I think he needs to widen his subject matter and move on from praising his idols. If your already a fan you'll probably love this album, but new listeners might find it more to be just average.

    Favorite Tracks: Villuminati, Trouble, New York Times.
    Least Favorite: Forbidden Fruit, Miss America, Born Sinner.    … Expand
  19. Ryan7
    Jun 18, 2013
    9
    Great solid album. J.Cole has shown great production skills and has even emerged to be one of the best contenders of the rap game lyrically too. This is the album that J.Cole should be making and this gives Yeezus stiff competition. There is not one bad song on the entire album and even the deluxe edition songs are great.
  20. cpitts1
    Jun 17, 2013
    10
    Cole goes IN and his production game is on point, best album i've heard in quite a while, every song blends production, flow, and lyrics so perfectly it's hard to think of any way to make this album better
  21. WildcatOffense
    Jun 17, 2013
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album shows J. Cole's growth as a producer, and storyteller, and with that you have Born Sinner. The overall dark tone of production and lyrics in the first half of the album, "She Knows" is the only song that isn't really a highlight of the first half, but is still a fairly enjoyable song at that. The darkness in the first half is offset by the lighter second half, starting with the "Where's Jermaine" skit that leads into the long awaited Kendrick Lamar collaboration "Forbidden Fruit", which is a very high set highlight of the album, I could see this as the third single. "Chaining Day" sounds like a song that was ultimately left off of "The 20/20 Experience", which isn't necessarily a bad thing given it gives vibes of Timbaland production, with mellow lyrics. Then you have Crooked Smile, the uplifting collaboration with TLC. This song should do very well on the billboard charts, it has all of the tools to do so. "Let Nas Down" is a highlight all in itself. Cole describes how he let his childhood idol down by "selling out" and making "Workout". The title track "Born Sinner" ends the album on a high note, only to introduce you back to "Villuminati" with it's Choir ending that goes right into the introduction of the album. The album overall to me is a strong 8- light 9, which is a complete step of from the mess that was "Cole World: The Sideline Story".… Expand
  22. riicky
    Jun 17, 2013
    10
    Production was topnotch. Storytelling was incredible. Cole's flow and bars were very impressive. Nice to have an album you can play through the end and not want to skip songs. major improvement from Cole World. Cole really delivers.
  23. Higashi
    Jun 17, 2013
    10
    Amazing album. Huge step up from his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story, production and lyric wise. Best HIP HOP album dropping on June 18th. Support the man!
  24. Adam1571
    Jun 17, 2013
    7
    An impressive and enjoyable sophomore effort. A little one dimensional in terms of its subject matter- but then look at the genre as a whole. Doubtless a step up from his debut album, which was considered by many to be a disappointment. Contrarily, 'Born Sinner' showcases not only his ability on the microphone but his production, which was solid throughout. Looking forward to seeing moreAn impressive and enjoyable sophomore effort. A little one dimensional in terms of its subject matter- but then look at the genre as a whole. Doubtless a step up from his debut album, which was considered by many to be a disappointment. Contrarily, 'Born Sinner' showcases not only his ability on the microphone but his production, which was solid throughout. Looking forward to seeing more from J Cole in the future.… Expand
  25. solecookie18
    Jun 17, 2013
    9
    A great album in which you see a huge step forward in production. J. Cole is a great artist and this improvement in his production is what makes Born Sinner so great.
  26. kevinj17
    Jun 17, 2013
    10
    Cole rally came strong on this album. The album starts off with absolute fire with Villuminati the way Cole makes fun of the whole concept is brilliant. Things just get better -Power Trip is amazing, She Knows is good, Let Nas Down, Crooked Smile & Mo Money are all very good. The only song I don't really care for is Chaining Day...just not much to it. The Deluxe edition has two amazingCole rally came strong on this album. The album starts off with absolute fire with Villuminati the way Cole makes fun of the whole concept is brilliant. Things just get better -Power Trip is amazing, She Knows is good, Let Nas Down, Crooked Smile & Mo Money are all very good. The only song I don't really care for is Chaining Day...just not much to it. The Deluxe edition has two amazing songs the previously released Miss America and NY Times (ft. 50 cent). If you're going to buy an album this week, this is the one to get. ColeWorld… Expand
  27. dolothoughts
    Jun 17, 2013
    6
    Only really a few good songs on this album that I would come back to. The production of this sounds as if a church congregation got together to make a rap album. Although I'm sure that is what J. Cole was going for, it just came off as bland to me.
  28. lozo75
    Jun 17, 2013
    6
    Dope, but repetitive album. J Cole hasn't progressed much as an artist or stepped out of his comfort zone which is a bit disappointing, but still solid. The lack of features and length make this album a little boring, for some reason I just can't get into it. It seems that with all the other big Hip-Hop releases coming out that are really pushing boundaries, this album may be forgottenDope, but repetitive album. J Cole hasn't progressed much as an artist or stepped out of his comfort zone which is a bit disappointing, but still solid. The lack of features and length make this album a little boring, for some reason I just can't get into it. It seems that with all the other big Hip-Hop releases coming out that are really pushing boundaries, this album may be forgotten quite quickly. Still… Expand
  29. dopedrops
    Jun 17, 2013
    8
    “It’s the feeling in the air you bout to drop a real classic
    He said Cole, “A lil’ birdy told me on the low you got an Illmatic”
    Nobody touching Nas it’s more like Villematic” Villematic (Friday Night Lights) It’s entirely too early to determine what the status of this album will be in the years to come, although we do live in a generation that gives the title of classic to just about    “It’s the feeling in the air you bout to drop a real classic
    He said Cole, “A lil’ birdy told me on the low you got an Illmatic”
    Nobody touching Nas it’s more like Villematic” Villematic (Friday Night Lights)
    It’s entirely too early to determine what the status of this album will be in the years to come, although we do live in a generation that gives the title of classic to just about every album 30 minutes after downloading a leak, but for what it’s worth, the anticipation, the hype, and the build up for J.Cole’s 2nd album is what a lot of people were looking forward to for quite some time. I think it’s because Sideline Story was such a disappointment for many that the expectations were either: high, low, or simply in the happy medium. I know that I was prepared for this album because of the first single that he put out, his feature verses (Pray by The Game also featuring JMSN is the notable one), and his growing strength in producing is what had me enticed as to what we’ll hear. Also, the fact that he moved up release date to compete with Kanye West shows that he has the confidence in his music that he can go toe to toe with the great ones. He has a quote later on in the album that says: “long live the idols, may they never be your rivals” and Kanye West is definitely idolized by many, so why not share the same spotlight with one of the greats? It would make sense to me.
    The title of the album Born Sinner is a reflection of the fact that when you’re born, you’re already surrounded by the world’s wrongs which become to manifest around you. A line that I’m thinking of right now is Kendrick Lamar’s from Ab-Soul’s Outro on Section.80:
    “you ever see a newborn baby kill a grown man? That’s an analogy for how the world makes me react. My innocence’s been dead”
    The picture of the baby with Deviled horns symbolizes that we’re unknown to the fact that we essentially sin from Day 1, but it’s not until we grow and receive an understanding of just what it is that’s so sinful. Religion, spirituality; whatever you believe in, they’ve been common topics throughout Hip Hop as of recent that have been constantly spoken upon, and it’s something that a lot of young people can relate to (which is primarily his target audience) because like myself, I’m not very religious, and I do question a lot of things that I’ve been exposed to when it comes to having a belief in a higher power or the Bible itself. Everything comes down the Kanye’s line in Gorgeous, which I’m sure I’ve regurgitated through several of my reviews, but it works here:
    “Is Hip Hop just a euphemism for a new religion?”

    Keep Reading http://dopedrops.com/2013/06/j-cole-born-sinner-review/    … Expand
  30. VOL
    Jun 17, 2013
    10
    Cole's honesty and master storytelling throughout Born Sinner is something worthy of praise in itself. Each song serves it's purpose in allowing you into his world as he struggles to navigate through a corrupt society in hopes of finding himself.

    LAnd of the Snakes, Runaway, Rich N*ggaz, Forbidden Fruit, Crooked Smile, Let Nas Down and the album's title track are the milestones of this    Cole's honesty and master storytelling throughout Born Sinner is something worthy of praise in itself. Each song serves it's purpose in allowing you into his world as he struggles to navigate through a corrupt society in hopes of finding himself.

    LAnd of the Snakes, Runaway, Rich N*ggaz, Forbidden Fruit, Crooked Smile, Let Nas Down and the album's title track are the milestones of this album.

    In the end Cole revels in the realization that self-fulfillment trumps any material gain, creating a truly inspirational tale. By the album's end Cole's triumph will resonate with any reader that has ever had to do any soul searching.    … Expand
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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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