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
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  1. 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.
  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. 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"
  4. 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
  5. 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.
  6. keve16
    Jul 3, 2015
    9
    8.6/10................................................................................................................................................
  7. 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.
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. 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!!!
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. Chrislake94
    Sep 27, 2011
    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 toThis 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
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. RubberDucky
    Sep 27, 2011
    10
    This is the man who will save hip-hop. Such a strong album. All the tracks fit in with one another, and the deep tracks have that authentic Cole feel to them. And the new Dolla and A Dream is so good, did anyone else hear the Kingdom Hearts sample?
  20. DreamVillain
    Sep 27, 2011
    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.
  21. 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.
  22. DumDumDugan
    Sep 28, 2011
    8
    People looking for a good album with some meaningful lyrics should get this album because its perfect for you. If your like me and have been a j cole fan for some time and have listened to most of his mixtapes then you may be slightly disappointed by this album, although that doesn't mean its not good, its just that it hasn't quite lived up to what i've come to expect from j cole. It isPeople looking for a good album with some meaningful lyrics should get this album because its perfect for you. If your like me and have been a j cole fan for some time and have listened to most of his mixtapes then you may be slightly disappointed by this album, although that doesn't mean its not good, its just that it hasn't quite lived up to what i've come to expect from j cole. It is still one of the best rap albums out at the moment. The standout tracks for me would have to be the lost ones, mr nice watch, work out and A dollar and A dream III.… Expand
  23. warrenswag
    Sep 27, 2011
    7
    I'm sick of critics now n days. theres no way this album is anything less than great. these critics like allmusic and rollingstone think they know everything but they just dont. tha carter 4 was one of the worst albums ive ever heard and allmusic gives it a 4 out of 5, thats insanely ridiculous and now rolling stone is gonna say that this album is at best a 7? come on now, lets put all theI'm sick of critics now n days. theres no way this album is anything less than great. these critics like allmusic and rollingstone think they know everything but they just dont. tha carter 4 was one of the worst albums ive ever heard and allmusic gives it a 4 out of 5, thats insanely ridiculous and now rolling stone is gonna say that this album is at best a 7? come on now, lets put all the bs aside and be realistic. j cole is a genius in the studio and while he may need a little help with producing his lyrics are off the charts real. everything cole says is completely real and relative to **** that people go through all the time. plus, how r u gonna go out and give his mixtapes great reviews and then say that his debut album isnt that good? 1/3 of this album is previous mixtapes songs and the other 2/3 is just great new songs that cole spits fire on. 9 out of 10 tho for me cus i still think the best for cole is ahead of him.… Expand
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. thebait
    Sep 28, 2011
    10
    just purchased this off itunes. it's a good debut...even bigger than drake's and big sean's debut. the anticipation was long but it lived up to the hype. i hope RocNation pushed this album...Breakdown best track on the album.
  27. rapha1818
    Sep 28, 2011
    8
    j.Cole has arrived officially that is.Its a solid debut but he could have reached out to more experienced producers to help him, stand out tracks are 'Lost ones' and 'Lights please'. I expect more from his sophomore album great future ahead.
  28. 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.
  29. 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.
  30. 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
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
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