KOD
by J. Cole
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. HipHopDX
    Apr 23, 2018
    92
    J. Cole has a gift in turning tears into teaching tools and KOD is a concise, leather-bound audiobook of invaluable life direction goals.
  2. Exclaim
    May 29, 2018
    80
    Though it's no surprise that Cole's consciousness leads the album, his unabashed statements regarding the direction of rap music and its current megastars are gutsy.
  3. XXL
    May 4, 2018
    80
    While there are moments where Cole comes off more as a condescending high school principal than earnest older brother, KOD is an overall strong effort that connects of emotional trauma, mental health stigma in the Black community and the real problem of drug glorification.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 24, 2018
    80
    Cole’s incisive, mic-dropping end to KOD reiterates his importance to the rap game in 2018 and, if you’re the speculating type, could even serve as a taster for an imminent full-length follow-up.
  6. NOW Magazine
    Apr 24, 2018
    80
    There might not be any outright smash hits ready for radio and curated streaming playlists, but it’s a well-paced album with strong replay value. Cole doesn’t sacrifice any inch of rhythm or melody while detailing his cautionary tales.
  7. The Guardian
    Apr 23, 2018
    80
    KOD’s sound exists in a curious, appealing area somewhere between beatifically stoned and slightly unsettling.
  8. Consequence
    Apr 23, 2018
    75
    He doesn’t finesse his points; he douses them in gasoline and blows them up. And that’s great! We could all do with more fiery explosions in our music. Sometimes Cole gets wacky, but thankfully he’s never dull.
  9. AllMusic
    May 7, 2018
    70
    As the value of Cole's witticisms, and the intellect required to decrypt full meaning of his verses, continues to be debated, the increased strength in his clear-cut writing evinces promise of greater work ahead.
  10. Rolling Stone
    Apr 25, 2018
    70
    His thematic consistency can be hard to stomach, especially since his tracks are stripped down, with minimal melody and the spotlight focused on his harsh, truth-telling words. Such dogged persistence that makes K.O.D. a magnetizing albeit difficult listen.
  11. Spin
    Apr 23, 2018
    70
    It’s a commendable effort, with Cole putting himself in a creative territory to respond to critics, peers and progeny. His messages are timely despite the fact that they continue, rather than conclude, a larger conversation.
  12. Pitchfork
    Apr 24, 2018
    63
    KOD, with its stripped-down production, snare-drum flows, and focus on virtue and vice, can feel like a pale shadow of DAMN. Unlike the Pulitzer winner, Cole is far more predictable and accessible.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2018
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2018

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 321 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 248 out of 321
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 321
  3. Negative: 17 out of 321
  1. saad_munir
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Not as catcy as 2014FHD but the lyrical content is so dense and relatable. Definitely one of his best albums.
  2. draediamond
    Apr 23, 2018
    7
    It's a good album no doubt but J Cole misses a chance to make it great. I would specifically give it a 7.5. The album is portrayed by J ColeIt's a good album no doubt but J Cole misses a chance to make it great. I would specifically give it a 7.5. The album is portrayed by J Cole and the interludes/samples he uses as an album with much depth but Cole's lyrics don't dig deep enough. He definitely has his moments of depth but it's not consistent. It's definitely a beautiful album but there's more than a surface and J Cole doesn't perfect the depths as well as the surface. There are countless highlights on this album and the production is top notch.… Full Review »
  3. realareebyrn
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Every message is ever so relevant, the production (primarily handled by J Cole himself) is extremely smooth, and he never strays away from theEvery message is ever so relevant, the production (primarily handled by J Cole himself) is extremely smooth, and he never strays away from the topic at hand. The final track isn't a diss, it's more so a warning and a piece of guidance. Everything from digital social media love, cheating temptations, tax brackets and budgets, to drug addictions and alternatives to dealing with the pain, Cole really shines in subject matter.

    This album, being conscious rap with no features, no promotion (J Cole only announced it 4 days before its release), it's amazing to see it performing better than Drake's Views album on the day 1 streaming and sales performance metrics. Usually these music streaming records are won by pop music artists such as Drake, Beyonce, Adele and the like. But seeing J Cole prevail, with a lyrical and conscious project, is amazing to see.

    This is the album that every other rapper feared to make, and Cole discussed things that artists never discuss. This is his most cohesive and well-crafted project to date, and it deserves a 10.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »