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The Off-Season
by
The Off-Season Image
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 158 Ratings

  • Summary: The sixth full-length studio release for the rapper features guest appearances from 21 Savage, 6lack, Bas, Lil Baby, and Morray.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Clash Music
    May 18, 2021
    90
    The hype for his newest album, 'The Off-Season', reached astronomical heights. Fortunately for fans, they did not have to wait long, and the North Carolina rapper did not disappoint.
  2. Variety
    May 19, 2021
    80
    On “The Off-Season,” he is burnishing a reputation as a lingering titan. If “The Off-Season” is Cole’s first record of The Fall Off Era, he appears far from ready to bow out, nor should he be.
  3. AllMusic
    May 24, 2021
    80
    The album is a varied selection with solid performances and production throughout. Much like the title suggests, The Off-Season feels like Cole running through different exercises as he gets in shape for something bigger.
  4. RapReviews.com
    Jul 13, 2021
    75
    There’s a very real, dare I say relatable feel to Cole’s music that “The Off Season” continues to highlight. Unfortunately, it’s a few songs short of being a great album as Cole experiments with some different styles of production that aren’t always successful. Cole’s nearly-man mentality produces a nearly-great album.
  5. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 1, 2021
    74
    His performance on The Off-Season will have hip-hop oldheads smiling, nodding, reminiscing on days of old. ... The lack of any poignant through-line either sonically or thematically will have bespectacled journalists shaking their heads and talking about how Kendrick does it better.
  6. Rolling Stone
    May 21, 2021
    70
    Over a tight twelve tracks of nimble songwriting and outstanding composition, J. Cole continues to muse on the themes weaved throughout his discography: life and death, success and lack thereof, the divine and the mortal. He does this with personal and interpersonal anecdotes that are interesting but safe, as he leans into his passion for rap and sport and away from his predilection for social commentary.
  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 18, 2021
    60
    Non-conforming, ‘The Off-Season’ is a little bit off in places and its steadiness can be one-note, but it’s still a strong piece technically. You might not play this album every day, but it would still be a strong record for J. Cole to end on.

See all 10 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 40
  3. Negative: 2 out of 40
  1. Johnsmtih
    Dec 3, 2021
    10
    Timeless project one of coles many albums that show he is one of this generations best
  2. KingMaclean
    May 18, 2021
    10
    I personally believe it’s one of his best projects. I’ve had it on repeat since it’s release and on this album, Cole really found his grooveI personally believe it’s one of his best projects. I’ve had it on repeat since it’s release and on this album, Cole really found his groove and didn’t disappoint.… Expand
  4. Jarrett
    May 19, 2021
    10
    Man idk what album these critics are listening to. This is a classic rap album from top to bottom. And I’m not even the biggest Cole fan.Man idk what album these critics are listening to. This is a classic rap album from top to bottom. And I’m not even the biggest Cole fan. Just giving credit where it is absolutely due. The raping is phenomenal. Best I’ve heard on a commercial rap project since DAMN. Production is modern yet still fees nostalgic. Very difficult balance but they pulled it off. Track list is short and sweet which keeps the album focused and concise. There is literally not one skip on this project. There is literally something here for everyone. If you not feeling this you don’t know hip-hop, period. These publications need to stop letting journalists who are not Hip-Hop enthusiasts. It’s damaging to the culture.… Expand
  5. EvanKilter
    Apr 5, 2022
    9
    Aside from some minor blemishes, Cole is on full victory lap before what I can only hope is a home-run. 9.3/10 least favorite song is hungerAside from some minor blemishes, Cole is on full victory lap before what I can only hope is a home-run. 9.3/10 least favorite song is hunger on hillside, not a bad song just not fitting in my eyes.… Expand
  6. asdf123k
    Sep 18, 2021
    8
    Despite being The Off-Season, J. Cole spits out raps more fiercer than I've ever heard him.
  7. AzzyJ13
    Jun 10, 2021
    8
    Overall a pretty good album, not Cole's best but I would say still good overall. It has Great tracks such as Interlude and My life, howeverOverall a pretty good album, not Cole's best but I would say still good overall. It has Great tracks such as Interlude and My life, however not one that will be remembered when he is brought up in 5 years due to his more successful work before it.… Expand
  8. 214ofwgkta
    May 19, 2021
    0
    When it comes to "conscious hip-hop", Cole is definitely the most overrated. Simple metaphors and wordplay will have you falling asleep. It'sWhen it comes to "conscious hip-hop", Cole is definitely the most overrated. Simple metaphors and wordplay will have you falling asleep. It's great if you need a nap.… Expand

See all 40 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2021