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4 Your Eyez Only
by
4 Your Eyez Only Image
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 323 Ratings

  • Summary: The fourth full-length studio release for the North Carolina hip-hop artist includes co-production with such producers as Elite, Cardiak, Chargaux, Ron Gilmore, and Elijah Scarlett.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The New York Times
    Dec 14, 2016
    90
    It is spartan but sumptuous, emotionally acute but plain-spoken. There’s an extraordinary sense of calm pervading this album, one of the year’s most finely drawn.
  2. Exclaim
    Dec 14, 2016
    90
    It's a love letter, and yet, it's astonishing just how hard-hitting it is.
  3. PopMatters
    Jan 17, 2017
    80
    He has matured into a one of the most important figures in modern hip hop and 4 Your Eyez Only is the evidence of this.
  4. Consequence
    Dec 19, 2016
    75
    The concept works for Cole, and he does a stellar job diving into the mind of a seasoned criminal, who despite his seemingly impenetrable outer shell, is still human after all. It’s a narrative that allows Cole to retain his reputation as a gifted MC while displaying his own growth and maturity as a human being at the same time.
  5. Pitchfork
    Dec 14, 2016
    67
    The title track, which closes the album with a missive for those young girls, is anchored by his personal anxieties, making for some of Cole’s most affecting writing to date. ... At its lowest points, 4 Your Eyez Only rehashes Cole’s worst tendencies.
  6. The Independent (UK)
    Dec 14, 2016
    60
    Jermaine Cole’s fourth album is highly principled and skilfully wrought, but those aren’t always the most prized or effective elements when it comes to hip-hop.
  7. The Wire
    Jan 27, 2017
    60
    Cutting through the tedium reveals a moderately engaging narrative of low level criminality with solid insights ranging from the cloying to mildly provocative. [Feb 2017, p.59]
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See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 47
  3. Negative: 3 out of 47
  1. Higashi
    Dec 14, 2016
    10
    In my opinion this is Cole's most cohesive album. Had a consistent sound and a consistent story, and that bore some but I think it worksIn my opinion this is Cole's most cohesive album. Had a consistent sound and a consistent story, and that bore some but I think it works really well here. 4 Your Eyez Only the song might be Cole's best song yet, what a journey that song is.… Expand
  2. siggi104
    Jul 8, 2022
    10
    I might be the only person saying this but in my humble opinion this is a perfect album.
  4. BeenThinking
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    Definitely J Cole's best album, truly touching story adn the last track is one of his best songs to me.
  5. timikhail
    May 23, 2017
    8
    after long anticipation for a new cole album this finally dropped, it may be arguable that this was not as expected, however, this is a greatafter long anticipation for a new cole album this finally dropped, it may be arguable that this was not as expected, however, this is a great album. Jcole is found on this album conflicted with many ideas and is experiencing true struggles, he uses jazz, atmospheric and emotional music to tell his story, even songs which are said to be bad such as 'foldin clothes' and 'ville mentality' do have a point to them, as Cole is a new person on this album and near perfect songs like 'shes mine pt. 2' brings the listener almost to tears. i personally did love this album and felt impacted by it… Expand
  6. TheFreeman148
    Dec 16, 2016
    8
    I often regard J. Cole as the best lyrical rapper in the business right now and this album further confirms that. Neighbors, Change,I often regard J. Cole as the best lyrical rapper in the business right now and this album further confirms that. Neighbors, Change, Immortal, and 4 Your Eyez Only are the standouts for me but the rest of the songs are worth a couple listens. The rest is about Love which can kind of get tiring but this album is well worth the listen.… Expand
  7. nickslicktrick
    Oct 29, 2020
    7
    Maybe i didn't listen enough but aside from some seriously popular track such as the track "Neighbors." I felt that this album is one that youMaybe i didn't listen enough but aside from some seriously popular track such as the track "Neighbors." I felt that this album is one that you really have to listen too to get the message, nothing wrong with that i'm aware of the conscious rapper reputation that follows J. Coles music. However, in this instance I felt that the album was very unwhelming compared to his follow up album titled KOD instrumentally. i would trade the interesting bass patterns, and bouncy drums for the slow symphonic vibe that this album uses. the perspective is fairly deep, and the wordplay is golden as always with J. Coles music however i just feel like the introspection there comes changes of mood, and sounds to keep the listener intact. maybe i didn't listen hard enough but most of the time every song sounded fairly similar in tone, and instrumentation for the most part.… Expand
  8. banguza
    Dec 15, 2016
    0
    I just didn't enjoy the album at all. his sound is terrible, he hides in other people stories and truly not commit to showing who he trulyI just didn't enjoy the album at all. his sound is terrible, he hides in other people stories and truly not commit to showing who he truly his. i only enjoyed the last song… Expand

See all 47 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Most Discussed Album of 2016
40
#40 Most Shared Album of 2016

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