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Cole World: The Sideline Story - J. Cole
  • Band Name: J. Cole
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2011
Cole World: The Sideline Story Image
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 65 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: After making three successful mixtapes, the rapper releases his debut studio album featuring guest appearances from Drake, Missy Elliot, Jay-Z, and Trey Songz.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Expert Witness (MSN Music)
    Nov 4, 2011
    83
    He's worth the shot Jay couldn't resist giving him. But he's still not comfortable enough or clever enough.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 22, 2011
    83
    Cole World: The Sideline Story is a well-rounded effort, and deeper than most.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Sep 26, 2011
    60
    Amply stocked with warmth and charisma, the only thing Cole World really wants for is the kind of out-of-the-park highlight that would pull the whole album together; as is, it shows off the scattered but considerable strengths of a talented rookie whose potential for long-term success is palpable.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 32
  3. Negative: 1 out of 32
  1. DreamVillain
    10
    JCole really impressed me this debut. Almost all the songs are great. My personal favorite is Breakdown, as I can relate alot to it. It may not be the next Illmatic, but it's still the best mainstream debut album since College Dropout.… Expand
    • 4 of 6 users said yes
  2. NIVRIGAWIN
    10
    If you remove your expectations before popping your headphones in, you will be amazed by the profound lyricism and talent of J. Cole. If you came in expecting to be blown away, chances are you will also emerge in awe of Cole's skill. The more you can relate to his songs, the deeper the connection and the more profound the appreciation you will develop. I don't know what constitutes a classic, but I will definitely be playing this album 10 years from now, along with College Dropout and Late Registration. Hopefully Cole can be this generation's Kanye - without the arrogant demeanor. A+… Expand
    • 6 of 8 users said yes
  3. Chrislake94
    8
    This is J. Cole's most personal work yet. The Songs fit perfectly with each other and it is worth listening to the intro and interlude. The Intro and Interludes were dynamic and so was the opening song Dollar and Dream 3 which will immediately get you hooked on the track. The Albums gives off different emotions which is a good thing, some are radio-friendly tracks but it IS necessary to listen to the Album all the way through to get a good perspective.… Expand
    • 4 of 4 users said yes

See all 32 User Reviews

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