Cole World: The Sideline Story
by J. Cole
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Sep 27, 2011
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 219 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 175 out of 219
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 219
  3. Negative: 20 out of 219
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Amund_j
    Jun 12, 2022
    8
    Cole shows why he desserved to get signed by jay-z with his great flows, and amazing songwriting in serious and less serious manners great listen and will definetly grow on me.
    76/100
  2. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    There's some replay value and has a lot of solid tracks - but it lacks the consistency of Cole's prior mixtape or albums that follow directly after it. It also just seems more raw and unpolished sonically as his next couple efforts. This was kind of the classical "introduction" mainstream debut that is clear that the artist is talented with better work ahead of him.
  3. Connorcox1997
    Feb 23, 2019
    8
    J Cole's Debut Album Cole World the Sideline Story is a great start to his rapping career, although its not perfect album, but its still a promising start to his career. His lyrics, flows, and his bars are dope. Songs are dope, the beats are dope, and the production is dope. Overall Great album.
  4. brockcheese
    Dec 13, 2016
    8
    I really like this album, it has solid production, and decent lyrics when Cole is doing his own thing and rapping about the introspectiveness of his career.
  5. keve16
    Jul 3, 2015
    9
    8.6/10................................................................................................................................................
  6. homer4president
    Mar 11, 2015
    10
    This album has been in the making since J. Cole started rapping. And, if you are a true fan, you have been waiting for it just as long. The album is great from start to finish and shows the hard work and dedication that Cole puts into each and every song he puts out. With minimal features from other artists as well as handling most of the production himself, J. Cole finds himself a classicThis album has been in the making since J. Cole started rapping. And, if you are a true fan, you have been waiting for it just as long. The album is great from start to finish and shows the hard work and dedication that Cole puts into each and every song he puts out. With minimal features from other artists as well as handling most of the production himself, J. Cole finds himself a classic hip hop album that true fans and new fans alike will love. J. Cole is one of my favorite hip hop artist of all time, hands down.… Expand
  7. emlugo123
    Mar 10, 2015
    9
    Now Jay-Z's number one protege, J. Cole is finally getting the recognition he deserves. With his lyrical accuracy, charisma, and storytelling ability, I can tell already that this guy has a bright future. It may be a Cole world but this sure is one hot album!

    Must buys: Can't Get Enough (feat. Trey Songz), Rise and Shine, Breakdown, and Dollar and a Dream III. Actually, just buy the    Now Jay-Z's number one protege, J. Cole is finally getting the recognition he deserves. With his lyrical accuracy, charisma, and storytelling ability, I can tell already that this guy has a bright future. It may be a Cole world but this sure is one hot album!

    Must buys: Can't Get Enough (feat. Trey Songz), Rise and Shine, Breakdown, and Dollar and a Dream III.

    Actually, just buy the whole thing, you won't regret it.    … Expand
  8. ben_zo77
    Feb 6, 2014
    7
    J. Cole's talent and lyrical prowess is evident throughout The Sideline Story, but he doesn't come off confident and mature enough to pull it all together. He should definitely steer away from dependence on production, like he does on "Work Out." Even though listening to the entire album gradually gets increasingly monotonous, there's several songs that stand out. Also, Jay Z, as expected,J. Cole's talent and lyrical prowess is evident throughout The Sideline Story, but he doesn't come off confident and mature enough to pull it all together. He should definitely steer away from dependence on production, like he does on "Work Out." Even though listening to the entire album gradually gets increasingly monotonous, there's several songs that stand out. Also, Jay Z, as expected, totally blows Cole away on "Mr. Nice Watch" which shows that Cole still has a ways to go to fully develop his considerable talents. ~ 6.6/10

    Best track: "Lost Ones" -- Unlike several other tracks on the album this emotion seems genuine, and Cole does a great job with storytelling.

    Other notable tracks: "Sideline Story", "Dollar And A Dream III", "Lights Please", "Cole World", "Nobody's Perfect", "Rise And Shine" & "Who Dat"    … Expand
  9. Kathaline1
    Jul 21, 2013
    9
    I really like this album, and I really like J. Cole. He is what rap music has been waiting for....for real, I can listen to it all the way through without skipping a song. That is when you know you've made a good album.
  10. jagai84
    Nov 10, 2012
    10
    this album is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! j cole is one of the best lyricist in the game right now as well as one of the hottest rapper to!!! just can't stop listening to MR. NICE WATCH AND NOBODY'S PERFECT!!! A dope album for a dope artiste!!!
  11. Phony
    Jul 5, 2012
    8
    It's unnervingly difficult to describe what makes Cole World: The Sidline Story so good.

    His stories have been told before. His beats are somewhat underwhelming, at least, as compared to a Kanye West or a Pharrell Williams. He doesn't perform the lyrical acrobatics that Jay-Z or Andre 3000 are inclined to perform. Somehow, however, J. Cole's debut is refreshing, engaging, warm, and    It's unnervingly difficult to describe what makes Cole World: The Sidline Story so good.

    His stories have been told before. His beats are somewhat underwhelming, at least, as compared to a Kanye West or a Pharrell Williams. He doesn't perform the lyrical acrobatics that Jay-Z or Andre 3000 are inclined to perform.

    Somehow, however, J. Cole's debut is refreshing, engaging, warm, and enduringly likable. He isn't the cleverist, but he is clever. He isn't the rawest, but he is raw. He name drops student loan companies, muses on how white people are surprised by his manners, rhymes 'Barbados' with 'potatoes', and compellingly sends messages about sex and its potential use as a distraction from racism and struggle.

    His voice is lush and awake. I'm not quite sure why he's compared to the monotonous, somewhat lazy Drake. Drake's quiet crooner schtick is boring now. Nothing is boring about J. Cole's growl. He sounds hungry.

    What rappers like Big Sean and Wale lack, J. Cole delivers with resounding intensity: PRESENCE. His growl forces you to listen. His rhymes may not perplex you, but they certainly will impress you. His content isn't marked by originality, but the delivery of it all is moving and intense and better with every listen. With J. Cole, you won't find euro-electro-dance-trash backdrops, or oodles of superstar guest appearances. You will, however, find music that is honest and studious and authentically hip-hop.    … Expand
  12. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 24, 2012
    8
    Strong debut by J Cole. J Cole impressed me with this debut with his lyrics and his aggression towards the album. This best "Pregame" & Friday Nigh Lights. Personally my favorite songs were "Breakdown" & "Mr.Nice Watch"
  13. Zero2k
    Feb 17, 2012
    7
    This is a very impressive debut album by J. Cole. There are both shining moments and low points on the album. J. Cole still needs to find that sound that will work in future albums. On this album, however, there is a solid balance mainstream hip-hop and cross over hip-hop featured. The tracks showcasing his hard hitting punchlines and rhythm over the beats are Who Dat, Work Out and Mr.This is a very impressive debut album by J. Cole. There are both shining moments and low points on the album. J. Cole still needs to find that sound that will work in future albums. On this album, however, there is a solid balance mainstream hip-hop and cross over hip-hop featured. The tracks showcasing his hard hitting punchlines and rhythm over the beats are Who Dat, Work Out and Mr. Nice Watch. There is a bright future with this young up and coming artist. Truly a gifted lyricist that can only grow in talent with the potential demonstrated in this debut.… Expand
  14. TTW107
    Feb 8, 2012
    7
    Very good debut from J. Cole. I still think his best stuff is his mixtape Friday Night Lights but this is still great. With a smooth appearance from Missy Elliot, Nobody's Perfect is one of my favorite songs of 2011.
  15. KingMinnieB
    Dec 25, 2011
    7
    I liked this album. J Cole is a great rapper, he came in the rap game with confidence. He has a potential and a long way to go. He lyrics are tight and his flow is good. He can only get better.
  16. WesWesDoe
    Nov 17, 2011
    8
    Pretty great album by J Cole. The standouts were "Can't Get Enough", "Nobody's Perfect", "In The Morning", "Light Please" and "Never Told". Wonderful debut album.
  17. MFerraro414
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Lyrically, this album is close to nothing that we've seen since Cole's last mixtape, 'Friday Night Lights.' For him to provide such insightful lyrics at the same time as maintaining such a steady and strong production from Cole is something that hardly ever occurs. THIS is what hip-hop is about.
  18. N10
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    Cole World: The Sideline Story!
    This is a really, really good debut album from J. Cole. Such a strong album, damn!
    This is a really talented rapper, and his second album is probably coming next year on summer. And I am really hyped for it. His lyrics is real, not like the most rappers now these day's.
    10 out of 10
  19. Mcritic19
    Nov 7, 2011
    8
    I was expecting so much worst with this album but I got so much better. J.Cole's lyrics were good, the production was good. He had appearances by Missy Elliot and Jay Z (two legends). I was hoping for a little bit more mello album but I like this one I give it a 8.
  20. JayTwisted
    Oct 28, 2011
    10
    For a debut album, it was a strong performance. At times, it seems like standards weren't met, but some songs truly made up for it. Ladies and gentlemen, J Cole has arrived.
  21. AmazinKazin
    Oct 25, 2011
    10
    This is the most complete album since Kanye's "The College Dropout." Cole World features all the necesary ingredients to become an instant classic, a masterpiece. I don't use this gently, but J. Cole fulfilled all expectations and brought the game back to its place. The album only has a mere 4 features which are all perfect. People need to stop comparing Cole to Drake. They're both great,This is the most complete album since Kanye's "The College Dropout." Cole World features all the necesary ingredients to become an instant classic, a masterpiece. I don't use this gently, but J. Cole fulfilled all expectations and brought the game back to its place. The album only has a mere 4 features which are all perfect. People need to stop comparing Cole to Drake. They're both great, Cole's WAY better, and Cole actually raps more than 50% of the time.

    Cole = Future    … Expand
  22. seano92
    Oct 17, 2011
    10
    under-rated by professional music critics, best HIP-HOP album of the year so far by far, dont understand how tha carter 4 sold almost a million in its first week when this only sold 200,000 should have been the other way around
  23. JMaG420
    Oct 7, 2011
    10
    wasnt too sold on him before listening to this album..thought he was a bit preachy in some of his raps, not my style..That being said, I love this album. It started off a bit slow on songs 1-5 (besides Dollar & Dream)..but the second half is phenomenal.Also beats are hot, which J. Cole produced most himself. My favorite tracks, Gods Gift, Cole World, Rise & Shine & Nobody Perfect. Checkwasnt too sold on him before listening to this album..thought he was a bit preachy in some of his raps, not my style..That being said, I love this album. It started off a bit slow on songs 1-5 (besides Dollar & Dream)..but the second half is phenomenal.Also beats are hot, which J. Cole produced most himself. My favorite tracks, Gods Gift, Cole World, Rise & Shine & Nobody Perfect. Check this out if you like hip-hop.… Expand
  24. TheGorilla
    Oct 7, 2011
    10
    Well, it's been a year I haven't listened to a great rap album ( the last one being "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy") and "Cole World: The Sideline Story" is just one of them. I've loved J. Cole since last year, when I've heard him for the first time with 'Young Simba'. I thought his flow was great. But he has changed, to better. His debut album is a great example of modern rap with aWell, it's been a year I haven't listened to a great rap album ( the last one being "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy") and "Cole World: The Sideline Story" is just one of them. I've loved J. Cole since last year, when I've heard him for the first time with 'Young Simba'. I thought his flow was great. But he has changed, to better. His debut album is a great example of modern rap with a 90's twist of hip hop. It's definitely the best debut album since 'College Dropout'. Every song sounds great. I haven't skip any track. I'm blown away. The album is well put together, and my favorite one is 'Dollar And a Dream' and 'Nobody's Perfect'. Best line so far: "This is for all the fans that waited, the **** **** that hated, old hoes we dated, look mama, we made it". I love that line. J. Cole will remain the rapper I'm looking forward the most, after Struka, of course.… Expand
  25. Illmatic-NY
    Oct 4, 2011
    9
    In my opinion J Cole set the bar high for every new hip hop artist. Cole World is a well rounded album better than Thank Me Later , Man on The Moon, and Finally Famous. My personal favorite track s lost ones tells A GREAT story about abortion. i encourage people to hear this album is is hip hops best body of work following the R.E.D album
  26. havslife76
    Oct 3, 2011
    8
    Such a fantastic first album for J. Cole. I was personally impressed with the album, since his hit song on the radio is "Work Out" which to me doesn't even compare to most of the other songs on the album (in fact, "Work Out" is a bonus song which i think is fitting). J. Cole seems to be an excellect story-teller and when he just wants to rhyme on a beat, he kills it. My personal favoritesSuch a fantastic first album for J. Cole. I was personally impressed with the album, since his hit song on the radio is "Work Out" which to me doesn't even compare to most of the other songs on the album (in fact, "Work Out" is a bonus song which i think is fitting). J. Cole seems to be an excellect story-teller and when he just wants to rhyme on a beat, he kills it. My personal favorites are "Dollar and a Dream 3", "Cole World", "Lost Ones", and "Rise and Shine". However, i think that every song on this album is very good for not just J. Cole, but for any rapper. Already can't wait for what he has in store for us next.… Expand
  27. karimelleithy
    Oct 2, 2011
    10
    Great album with a variety of styles. J. Cole really widens his variety of rapping on this great debut album. From his heart-warming deep songs, to club-style hits, J. Cole releases a rare great debut album. A Classic.
  28. COUP
    Sep 29, 2011
    10
    A great debut by J Cole. He keeps a kind of ying yang balance with the album perfectly balancing his fun singles and dramatic personal tracks to create a great album.
  29. Torontonaut
    Sep 28, 2011
    10
    Phenomenal album. Best album this year, almost on par with Watch the Throne, maybe better - I'm still debating that. Hip-hop needs a story-teller like this one. My only gripe is that his hits are poorly done. Work Out is the weakest song on the album yet he's placed it as the last song. Can't get enough is lyrically off, who says you have to drop lyricism to make a hit? Have you heardPhenomenal album. Best album this year, almost on par with Watch the Throne, maybe better - I'm still debating that. Hip-hop needs a story-teller like this one. My only gripe is that his hits are poorly done. Work Out is the weakest song on the album yet he's placed it as the last song. Can't get enough is lyrically off, who says you have to drop lyricism to make a hit? Have you heard Eminem's singles? He's at his best when he displays raw emotion, or he's just going off on a lyrical rage, both of which are commonly found on the album. Cole you almost made a classic, next album you better hit the bullseye - I'll be looking forward to it.… Expand
  30. supalaser
    Sep 28, 2011
    9
    When I heard this album, I was reminded of the myseducation of Lauryn Hill. That in itself warrants a great score. The album isn't perfect, but it is probably the best album I have heard this year.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Most Discussed Album of 2011
61
#61 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic 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.
    Read full review
  2. BBC Music
    Nov 4, 2011
    70
    Cole World reveals its maker to be a technically superb rapper with great production skills, albeit currently exploring rags-to-riches tales lacking in consistent vigour.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Oct 19, 2011
    70
    Despite the flaws, Cole shapes up his debut to be a well-rounded effort.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »