J. Cole - KOD ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: • J. Cole - ATM
J. Cole brings a lot of heart and salient points on KOD, but it's yet another mixed bag.
More hip hop reviews: • Hip Hop Reviews
Buy this album: amzn.to/2HlCuvY
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FAV TRACKS: ATM, ONCE AN ADDICT (INTERLUDE), WINDOW PAIN, 1985 (INTRO TO "THE FALL OFF")
LEAST FAV TRACK: PHOTOGRAPH
J. COLE - KOD / 2018 / DREAMVILLE / CONSCIOUS HIP HOP, JAZZ RAP, TRAP RAP
5/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@user-eq8oo1vp1p]

I’ve come to the conclusion that he doesn’t like J. Cole

[@zeroscorpio3692]

more like he doesn't mind j cole

[@bixvongoeler5190]

Wait really... you think that? 😂😂

[@ixviah]

1 no I’ve come to the conclusion that I don’t like Cole now

[@theillustrator3795]

true

[@tryagaintmrw]

Ivxiah haha

[@twisty6621]

Melon went 1 million subs with no features

[@donovondavis5754]

Twister every video is a feature... He like dom and AK just talk about other peoples relevance to be relevant tbh

[@killinsoftly756]

Facts

[@SpookNukem]

Also he's done a video with his wife

[@xavierrodriguez766]

Donovon Davis LOL THIS MAN

[@yoitszombieac2673]

Twister that's a very far stretch

[@manicmanicmanicmanic5082]

Still don't understand why people need validation from Anthony to like something. I enjoy the album, but I'm not going to accuse Anthony of being disingenuous just because he walked away from it with a different feeling than I did.

[@KrimsonApoLLo]

It's less people needing validation and more people just not liking his opinion -- which is perfectly fine.

[@nerdhater74]

It's not okay when it's usually J Cole stans who feel that every album he comes out with is an 8-10/10. This was a pretty fair review, although I would have given it a 6.

[@name8731]

A lot of the time, especially with lyrical rappers, people need to see another's view on it because something they thought was woke might of just been dumb as hell

[@TStamp-lw4ku]

Jonah Drake cuz he gets a lot of views and big views has an effect on people’s minds

[@thevinyltruffle]

Jonah Drake i dont either. Ive always been a huge record head and love to debate and talk shop. I like listening to well thought out reviews. But who gives a fuck if he likes it? I aint gonna stop listening to kod regardless of what I hear in this video

[@ProducShuns]

"Yet somehow falls short of his full potential with every release" lmao out here grading report cards

[@politech2722]

ProducShuns A pleasure to have in class, continued effort is encouraged.

[@taylorspastpresent1014]

This review falls short of insight smh

[@burimsinani1]

Fantano is like that teacher that gives you bad grades bc he knows that you can do better

[@ligmarichard4206]

@@burimsinani1 nah he's like the teacher who gives you bad grades because they have no idea how to write they dumb.

[@kefs123]

@@ligmarichard4206 I'm guessing you didn't apply yourself in school lmao

[@CR-ur9nz]

He gave it a 5 because Cole was dissin Anthony's boy, lil pump

[@alprazolam1446]

William Lomu ISSA MEME STOP BEING SO SERIOUS

[@andresmonclut3259]

9:59

[@WhiteSteveHarvey]

Fax no printer

[@travisscottburber5719]

Sh yeah man the G.O.A.T. If Im being serious though how do people say gucci gang is a good song? I dont understand.

[@whoopzdayz44]

@@travisscottburber5719 it has a good vibe to it, and it's kinda just mindless fun

[@cameronwiley9040]

You only gave it a 5/10 because he's 5/10 Black

[@vivify5954]

Cameron Wiley this was funny so I hope it was a joke

[@rhenry5708]

Cameron Wiley sounds pretty LOGICal to me

[@showxxxtime]

R Henry 😂😂

[@juanalderete8087]

More like 3/5ths

[@skazzie6022]

*TentoesdownDEADASS!*

[@starvalentino]

Lesson of the Day: Music is subjective.

[@callmejason3520]

@MARIO ALMADA - MORALES yes it is. Imo opinion young thug's music sucks but many like his music. See? Its subjective

[@PimpPhilth]

@MARIO ALMADA - MORALES shit troll, try again.

[@big_man_on_the_scene]

@MARIO ALMADA - MORALES nigga what

[@TheRulerRoderickSutton]

Not really. Art, music, can be objectively qualified. There can be a criteria used to judge, critique, and compare. Not "subjective." That's actually a big issue plaguing art right now.

[@dovebrutal7624]

@@TheRulerRoderickSutton it is subjective but it can be judged objectively in *some* ways but it's basically 99.9% subjective

[@savehimgffff1777]

“Trans- -gender, have you eating my chicken tenders? Did you love them did you hate them? you will have to pay for them.”

[@BBK113]

Bruh 😂😂

[@worldwidewrestling2639]

LGBTQ Only Fans...

[@savehimgffff1777]

Гошо Филмара thanks 🙏

[@swaggemugabaobao7358]

where is the joke

[@addilyn7449]

@@swaggemugabaobao7358 random=funny

[@johnjohnothan5927]

J Cole gets a 5/10 cause Melon knows he can do better. Lil Pump so dumb he got a 7/10 just for trying.

[@jamieslacks]

This the most overlooked comment rn, preach bruh. Melon ain't hating, he's just trynna provoke a 10/10 Cole album fr

[@adrianmojnarowski2766]

J Cole does a sub par job making introspective songs, Lil Pump does a great job of making fun bangers.

[@MichaelImo]

lil pump has one song lol

[@aerize1192]

CPMS NEWS bro just shut up please

[@Mmachine88]

Guy coles album is trash get over it. He reviews albums based on each artist and reviews them for what they are trying to do. lil Pump succeeds with what he is trying to do. He's not trying to be lyrical or inspirational. If you weren't such a Cole fan you'd see how middle the rode this album is.

[@asvpfern]

1985 melon arrives

[@eternalkick]

fern Can’t believe melon gave KOD a five.

[@sofianeaguiar9953]

jokes on you melon gave kod a 5

[@menine]

LMAO

[@cantu7214]

Eternal Kick well, thats what it deserved so lol

[@ghyoy7463]

1985 jcole get's turned down by melon

[@aclub3414]

Funny how he skipped Kevin’s heart

[@bigsnoozetv2135]

Almost IV he mixed it in with the review of the song of motiv8

[@mexinerdentartaiment]

Not really I didn’t laugh at all

[@joedorben3504]

It was pretty meh tbh

[@kaydenvera6804]

I think that’s the weakest one

[@Jack-ry7fl]

Fantano Said he doesnt like it in a different video

[@ULchiZ]

Lil pump- Lil pump 7/10 Smokepurpp- Deadstar 6/10 J. Cole- KOD 5/10 Lil pump and smokepurpp > J. Cole Melon has spoken, the truth is set in stone

[@puffy_jr7521]

It's just one album. I think melon can agree j Cole is a overall better artists.

[@Yournameisfun]

@@puffy_jr7521 He probably does like Lil Pump and smokepurpp more than J. Cole actually.

[@Hyphaen]

The ratings is how well they did at accomplishing what they were trying to do in their genre and purpose as an artist so yh these artists did do better with their album to make a more enjoyable listen for Anthony

[@MostafaElSakari]

I find J Cole’s flows to be boring and his beats to be generic

[@ChipmunkAsylum]

Lil pump is way better than J Cole

[@Imran-zb7xm]

K - Kids O - On D - D melons

[@davidcrossmier6012]

K - Kill O - Our D - D melons

[@TheCrazycrafter111]

K - King O - Over D- D meloned

[@davidcampos8032]

K - King O - Of D - D melons

[@thanosunreal5848]

best comment

[@Imdawalrus12]

K - Kiss O - Our D - D melons

[@generaldom]

did u meditate

[@thegooglebell8159]

man you're everywhere I go and its been happening for years

[@po_tat]

did you motiv8

[@generaldom]

So come to my damn channel!!

[@GuavaConQueso]

Dom's Sketch Cast heard about the new Basquiat movie? Are you going to watch it for your channel?

[@chefnathaniel9340]

Dom's Sketch Cast MY ASS

[@jsequine927]

A lot of fanboys come on here hoping for a high score simply to validate their own opinions of an artist or project. Melon give mediocre scores to a lot of albums I like too, but I take his opinions on board and try and listen to the album in a different light to see if I agree or not. Melon pretty much always substantiates his point thoroughly, but at the end of the day it's just an opinion. You can agree and move on, or get butt-hurt. But if you're getting personally offended by a review of something you had no input in creating, you're mixing your feelings with logic. If you can't still appreciate an album after Melon disses it you're simply insecure or not intelligent/self aware enough to process opinions.

[@iBeLilTommie]

James Ranno fucl melon. All other reviews on youtube us solid and have a better belief on their reviews while this lame comes off as a hater. Search around on some other reviews to this album. Melon has never liked cole and its time he admits it. Stop reviewing artists you don't like 👍

[@jsequine927]

it's called confirmation bias, you have it bad.

[@iBeLilTommie]

James Ranno your playlist has Logic in it. Someone who looks up to Cole.

[@thewraith5471]

James Ranno Nah this stupid lil white boy needs to stop listening to music he don't even understand tell him get the fuck outta here and go review adam Levine or some shit fuckbhe doing reviewing rap ???

[@CodEliteQS]

The Wraith you’re ignorant

[@nkululekojali922]

Rewatching this review i realised, Anthony had an excellent point suggesting cole should get over his ego and get features in his projects, we all know hes good, went double platinum and all that. Not just because he has blind spots but also the imput from other artists might help him get to another level, out of his comfortzone, and maybe in the process reach a broader audience, not just his die hard fanboys.

[@peterc0358]

You're actually wrong. Cole has said he doesnt care about the no features and it embarrases him when people fawn over him about it. He says hes considered features on the next album to stop the talk of no features

[@champagnebabess]

people be gettin really upset with no features thing

[@pratinavtewari452]

Heh

[@cheesypizzajokes]

annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd he did just that with this new one ;)

[@kairyu2914]

cole did this

[@austinegy]

Is it a 5/10 cause he dissed your lord, *Lil Pump*

[@GuiTheMasterXP]

Lilliam Pumpernickel**

[@todd1985]

LUIOFFICIAL whooshhh

[@NovahSC]

You mean, LORD PUMPETH??

[@vonjames8859]

10/10🔥

[@far3042]

LUIOFFICIAL WHOOSH

[@alichoudhary6599]

Y’all can still enjoy the album. His opinion isn’t worth more or less than yours. He hears the music differently and interprets it differently. I loved the album so go enjoy it, don’t let someone else’s opinions become your own. That’s nonsense.

[@afrosamurai7400]

Ali Choudhary facts

[@parkchau]

If your here wanting him to shape your taste in music your dumb. All hes doing is giving his opinion take it as that and just like what you like.

[@skaterboi65]

Ali Choudhary exactly

[@-nYs-]

Yessir

[@TheBeyNinja]

Exactly. Since he actually enjoys Lil Pump and gave him a 7, his opinions don’t matter to my own taste in music.

[@igorpoliwoda5154]

Am I the only one who loved this album?

[@venusdouglas3185]

Celtics Talk nmNo. I love this album too

[@JoseFlores-ke2xd]

Yeah

[@31SecondCarShow]

yes

[@7tupac7biggie7]

No. J. Cole has reached legendary status already. For Fantano to say that J. Cole caters to a niche audience is quite ridiculous. In fact I can't take him seriously considering he gave Post Malone's B&B a 7 and KOD a 5.

[@JoseFlores-ke2xd]

Maxx Rodriguez hahaha lol good one

[@_vibe_check_]

Cole fans really can’t handle people not liking his music huh?

[@moesalamander7012]

MoonMan yeah cause we all know he is the most lyrical rapper on the planet. MF DOOM? Step over! Aesop Rock? Nursery rhymes! J cole is god!

[@solomonsam8927]

fr he boring as hell

[@luisgarcia8565]

its super funny too given hes fcking trash

[@m4dsi427]

MoonMan it’s because he gives shit like lil pump a 7 and this a 5.

[@zaythomas6981]

I'm a be honest I really can't it really bothers me and if someone criticize him it really get me heated idk why

[@crab2934]

K- KILL O- ORPHANS D- DAILY This album dark af

[@cheetoschrist5685]

K- Kill O- MelOns D- Daily

[@apollog7764]

Cheetos Christ KMD much better music

[@josephbowling8139]

K- KISS O- ORANGTANG D- DICKS

[@remyclusiau9189]

Just imagine the slaughter melon will unleash on the 7 song Kanye album 😭

[@jumpman171]

He changed The Life of Pablo to a strong 8 so idk about that

[@promisethatyouwillsingabou7920]

he will prob like it

[@nathanphipps2708]

i just hope he doesnt accidentally kill kanye

[@haiderh042]

Melon took time to digest TLOP i think he'll give this new one a chance

[@ThaBoss76000]

Dylan Connely changed ?

[@KrissyGabagool]

You're trying to say "Brackets" aren't one of the best songs? Damn okay.

[@bruh......2005]

@marvin marvin Kevin's heart and KOD was overrated. Not brackets in my opinion

[@bruh......2005]

@marvin marvin sorry now that realised what i wrote, when i said KOD i meant to say 1985, that shit was soo ovarated that many people only listened to the Album because of that song

[@Icup200169]

@marvin marvin bruh... 4 your eyez only?

[@deoliln900]

@youtube comment sections were a mistake it was 8 min and you said he can’t make a 5 min track

[@karamhammoda6849]

WTF is this picture WTF is up with you This is disgusting

[@lillotus5003]

The problem is he wants Cole to be a Kendrick, and that just isn’t how he expresses himself

[@chagrin6919]

@@amardipsingh3221 'speaking in riddles' (wordplay) enhances the quality of the album. It is much better to listen to someone describing how sad he is using clever references, than someone who just says 'I am sad'. I think that's the problem with J Cole.

[@granthernandez3536]

No, J. Cole is just a very dull and boring rapper. It’s as simple as that

[@amardipsingh3221]

@@granthernandez3536 untrue

[@mrb-btw]

@@amardipsingh3221 of course you have a cole pfp lmao, his music is the definition of average

[@420speedweed]

Nah cole is trying to be kendrick and he falls flat on his face

[@Venenoso]

Melon hates biracial rappers

[@_MYSTICWOLF]

Venenoso LMAAOOO RIGHT

[@alejandroserrano7755]

Venenoso Nah, he hates how corny they are

[@hiimanhuman]

Venenoso is he mixed race ?

[@mildmagician2764]

He likes lil pump who’s biracial, he likes Ritchie with a T who’s biracial

[@FerociousPaul]

datboi forthere yep cole's half black half white.

[@grogman01]

Yo did he completely skip over Kevin's heart?? I thought that was a pretty solid track.

[@lilliamcruz6778]

Great track

[@erictaylor2183]

Zackery Herrick probably my favorite behind ATM. Noticed he skipped it as well

[@ashtonthornton912]

Zackery Herrick I think he accidentally cut about a part but I think he was talking about it around the 6 minute mark

[@skaterboi65]

Zackery Herrick it's the best track imo

[@csandreas]

He did. Because he doesn't actually like rap.

[@InternetSenation]

I liked this album lyrically but sonically I found it incredibly boring.

[@kaos-brawlstars918]

Solid opinion

[@iBAfterDark]

I still enjoy Forrest Hill Drive a whole lot more than the last two albums. But KOD is a good album.

[@MasterSiliconCarne]

FHD is my fave album of all time. Anthony wont agree, but oh well.

[@sanskarmishra5309]

>chance the rapper pfp

[@motrilfromthe6281]

He even changed it lol

[@jayyy1677]

@@Wabuu-zoo j cole is my favorite artist but he’s literally not the best rapper 💀

[@jayyy1677]

@@Wabuu-zoodefinitely top 20 imo,people bring down hell and earth that all these different artist better than cole like Freddie Gibbs and Danny brown but when I actually listen to Think they’re really good but cole just better imo

[@YESSSSSSSSSSIRRRRRRR]

*"Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?"*

[@MRGUSTAVOCHICKENFRING]

Cwizzo what an asshole how dare he have opinions

[@ZacJonesYouTube]

Great, now Melon can tell me whether I like this album or not.

[@valiante1998]

Jesus christ guys, its just an album review lmfao

[@DeezNuts-ps3zq]

Yeah but you know how people get when you have an opinion different from theirs.

[@akielsteewart8577]

@@DeezNuts-ps3zq cole stans specifically

[@derrickakankwasa8287]

You just didn't like the album. That's understandable

[@seanstroman6087]

Cole cant win in melon eyes 😂😂😂

[@monaqvi1326]

He can if he releases an album that's you know... good.

[@jamal.k.i3440]

Mo Naqvi excuse me?

[@ddvsgd9508]

Because he's not Kendrick.

[@monaqvi1326]

Afronymous FNL is very good! Unfortunately it's a mixtape not an album D:

[@zavs350]

He didn't say it was bad. It's not. It's basically average. To me though? It's a 6.

[@Borquello]

Giving this album a 5 simply because “J Cole is only half part of the superior race” doesn’t sound too convincing

[@BernardGarcon]

Jordan Tavares He's not mental. Melon felt that since J. Cole is only half part of the world's superior race, he only deserved a 5. Whereas his side chick, Lil Pump, got a 7 for having more superior blood.

[@chagrin6919]

Why does this comments section feel like j cole fans are discovering for the first time that music is subjective

[@kaos-brawlstars918]

Bro actually I don't see ONE annoying J-Cole fan comment. Look better, I just see a bunch of fanta no glazers shitting on people who like J-Cole's music.

[@chagrin6919]

@@kaos-brawlstars918 how much did you scroll to find a 3 year old comment

[@kaos-brawlstars918]

@@chagrin6919 bro I just watched the video

[@chagrin6919]

@@kaos-brawlstars918 das crazy

[@SuperSpeedRaven1]

But Anthony, he went double platinum with NO FEATURES! Anthony listen! DOUBLE PLATINUM! NO FEATURES! I don't care if he's corny, NO FEATURES DUDE!

[@youngsinatra6029]

Anthony’s gonna get a million views... no features

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

''It's not because he's black. I gave him a 5 because he has hair and I don't. Life's so unfair!'' wtf!? I can't believe you just said that

[@ilwayeebstay1080]

Oh shit, did he actually say that? Edit: watched video again and he didn't. What the hell? Edit2: I just realized that you were joking! Funny stuff! Kudos!

[@halhabib2335]

Man, life is really unfair. A lot of liars.

[@hubblebublumbubwub5215]

Life is so unfair. Melon's over here, hair is over there.

[@halhabib2335]

Shit you right, don't lie next time.

[@vp_wrld]

Wil Steebs you are stupid

[@agfromdai.e3806]

People are telling J Cole fanboys to calm down yet I'm seeing more comments hating on J Cole rather than people fanboying him.

[@migueword9793]

J. Cole fans: "Omg J. Cole is the best rapper of all time his lyrics are so deep he is even better than Kendrick." Fantano fans: "My intelligence is so high that I cant begin to comprehend how you puny peasants can listen to these fake deep lyrics and this continuing lack of substance in his records. I am so smart and have such refined taste."

[@asher2102]

@@migueword9793 so accurate

[@chilihotdog7257]

@@migueword9793 basically redditors in a nutshell

[@xPostpunk]

I see the opposite. Way more Cole fanboys.

[@chagrin6919]

You clearly didn't sort comments by new

[@CloudNine201]

Where was the review of Kevin’s Heart?

[@bigsnoozetv2135]

CloudNine201 i think he mixed it in with the review of motiv8

[@pedrozajnr7475]

6:00

[@TheMasterOE]

“A lot heart, some very good ideas, but with little to no ambition.” My opinion on J. Cole as a rapper as a whole!

[@highlightyard1338]

Jesse S. When you fail your essay and you your teacher why

[@nachowarrior1]

Jesse S. Dude for real, after 4 your eyez only and this shit, we gotta rethink him being top 3

[@wesleywinklaar]

Jesse S. he definitely isn’t top 3 at the moment

[@sadgiraffe1914]

As a rapper as 3/4

[@TheMasterOE]

I think J. Cole is a good rapper, but I just think his fans overrates him. It’s not his fault at all. He can’t control that. There are other rappers like Kendrick Lamar and even Joey Badass who are able to take the same ideas J. Cole is touching on his last few albums and make them more complete ideas. Hate all you want, but J. Cole will be known to me as a rapper with tons of untapped potential. Even though his fan base makes excuses for his weaknesses as a rapper and he is doing incredible numbers that can’t hi

[@hags-]

I wish you would’ve gone into Kevin’s Heart, that was a pretty strong point on the album and deserves some recognition and input

[@ballintothemax8241]

Jason Raymond it’s all very elementary dude

[@ballintothemax8241]

Kendrick blows thus dude out the water at what he try’s to accomplish

[@stevepartimejobs9272]

Ball into theMax Kendrick’s all bullshit and he knows it . All the gangbanging he talks about is bullshit and he talks about staying away from life completely as young teenager in earlier interviews .

[@ballintothemax8241]

stevepartime jobs everybody over exaggerates that’s a given dude

[@ogbmt]

Jason Raymond I totally agree. I love how the beat is like g funk with dark elements in it for the vibe of a song about cheating on someone you really love. I felt that this production choice was a genius idea personally. Ball into theMax Kendrick's damn is a very similar album to KOD but is actually less ambitious if anything. The main difference is that Kendrick has stronger production and more features on his album. J Cole produces all of his stuff with no features, so it's a bit stupid to compare his work to Kendricks. Cole is clearly not attempting the same things as Kendrick in this regard. stevepartime jobs what are you even talking about? Kendrick never tried to get clout by talking about gang banging. Your comment makes me think you haven't actually listened to any full Kendrick albums. In his songs he is more often talking about the problems of black people in America on the whole rather than just about himself.

[@djivrannl]

Cole fans just can’t accept it’s not that deep

[@cantu7214]

The Wraith aw who hurt you my dude?

[@1026779]

Cantu weak

[@sergiomendoza4040]

Jeeses99 Anyone is capable of being deep but guess what? He isn’t

[@johnkerr3050]

Cole getting worse. FHD was his peak and his only classic album. 4YEO was a good album but not a classic. KOD was trash. I’m a J. Cole fan but I find it ridiculous when people say he’s better than Kendrick

[@johnkerr3050]

Romy Taylor Lets hope he doesn’t bring back those wack ass half trap half not beats with corny lyrics. If he avoids all of that than I will be back on board lol

[@iancohen1986]

Fav Tracks: The Cut Off, ATM, Kevin's Heart, BRACKETS, Once An Addict, 1985 Least Fav Tracks: Photograph, Motiv8 Overall: I think Cole definitely delivers some of his most powerful and meaningful bars on this album. A lot of good rapping with good production throughout but a few rough points hold it back for me like Photograph and Motiv8. Also, I think the fact that Cole didn't have any features on the album hurt it because at times it felt a feature would be a nice change of pace. I would give it a decent to strong 6, it's overall a good album but has a few problems that hold it back from being great.

[@bricksausage62]

No mention of Kevin's Heart? That song is easily the best off the album

[@skyfe5430]

Trevor He prolly couldn't find anything to hate on for that one.

[@dorionsudler]

Trevor thank you

[@JewelFawn]

No

[@jamesryan9638]

Yes thank you

[@Aerchain]

Trevor tbfh

[@FieldTestedSemenKun]

*The J Cole fanboys coming for Fantano's neck*

[@prathmeshnavale7841]

Klas Kitsune what neck

[@cozysrevenge]

Yeah cuz fantano a dumbass. Jk it’s just his opinion but still this album is amazing

[@corymills2767]

I've been riding with cole since he dropped who dat. Lol this album is fucking garbage

[@cozysrevenge]

cory Mills how lmfao. Any Cole fan should love this album. It’s great

[@corymills2767]

I have my reasons that are valid to me. But for me to share them with someone that has his mind made up is pointless. I'm not here to argue or change minds bro lol.

[@alphalax7747]

J cole is to kendrick lamar what drake is to kanye west

[@clementinelives]

Damn.

[@tonygriggle5569]

@@clementinelivesTell yourself “Might Delete Later” if you ever come across this comment.

[@clementinelives]

@@tonygriggle5569 I agree

[@Merkseason]

j cole is my favor rapper and i love him as an artists and i used to hate his channel because of the hate he gave his last two albums but i kinda understand some of the things he says about his potential as an artists use Russell Westbrook as an anoglogy i feel like he's the rawest MC ever but he hasn't ever completely pulled it all together in a sense same with Russ he just hasn't put in his head how to be the best version of himself but he's still great

[@RazaBrothers]

Rawest MC ever? Boyyyyy you gotta listen to way more rap hahahahhaha

[@nerdSlayerstudioss]

How can you say "he can do better" when you rate his "top" albums barely average?

[@q.5954]

nerdSlayer Melon Head means that he sees and feels the potential J Cole has, but he doesn't use his potential.

[@jaredmatthews8363]

He hasn’t hit his full potential in his opinion.

[@tosgys2097]

nerdSlayer He can do better but he doesn't. Cole never goes to his full potential.

[@sfdko3291]

Because his top albums aren't that much better.

[@joninator5000]

have u heard of the word potential my guy

[@besim7376]

I know melon is a mindstate I been a couple times

[@louiemiles94]

Besim Smakiq how long have you been saving that comment

[@natebaz1335]

You win

[@Measy4000]

Bravo

[@HeJay1000]

I dont get it!!!

[@sekiun]

Sto. Ton it’s a play in words from a lyric on the album haha

[@nobodysomebody546]

8:08 😂😂😂😂 that meditate part goes me chills every time I hear the song honestly, I actually love that’s. But Anthony literally just made it sound so ridiculous

[@avxntvra]

Now that it’s been out for 2 years & i listen to this album more I’m realizing this album is very good. Everything J.Cole said pretty much came true & this album will now be a guideline for young rappers forever. I’m not even much of a J Cole fan but he really is someone these young content creators should look up to & listen to.

[@fuziontonygaming]

The Lil Pump came true, but I can’t really get down with his fight racism with racism mindset.

[@PeterBarkerMusic]

@@fuziontonygaming I’m intrigued you say this. What lead you to believe that the overall message was ‘fight racism with racism’? I’m not really a big fan of the record but I definitely didn’t get that kinda messaging from it

[@fuziontonygaming]

@@PeterBarkerMusic I get that Cole is speaking on injustice and some things are justified what he says but he’s always been doing the “White Devil.” Narrative and it’s a turn off over the years.

[@Hildasmood]

“certain level of intelligence” stans are dying 😭

[@travisscottburber5719]

Indeed

[@ADAJ3KINGANGEL]

This album is so woke that Fantano's melon head can't even comprehend it.

[@LugiaBeats]

Smh can't believe he didn't mention addiction being an overarching theme

[@yuhmuhfuhkuh]

Anthony put very little thought into this review. It's a concept album.

[@585marek]

The Great Shredman what are you talking about

[@yurandeveloper6958]

The Great Shredman no it's not a concept album

[@ianleblanc9111]

thank you, re: no it's not a concept album

[@CasperTheGhost64]

J Cole is the good Hopsin, unfortunately that's still not very good

[@KidCudiissound]

Feels Hopsin's better than J Cole

[@MyWay-ls4cp]

Feels why do you not like hopsin. Is it because he's Corny? Is it because he's whiny and preachy and conveys an obvious message that doesn't need to be deciphered. Is it because he's fake deep? Stfu hopsin is technically and lyrically sound and so is jcole. It seems that any lyrical artist that doesn't have the name "Kendrick Lamar" is looked at as some mega woke artist who is trying to be doper than they are, when in fact, both J Cole and and hopsin put out amazing albums. I'm not trying to shit on Kendrick because he is amazing also but stop hating other lyrical artists and acting like they're not dope also.

[@Lopez296]

Ah yes, the lyrically sound "Happy Ending"

[@MyWay-ls4cp]

Nick Lopez nice cherry pick for hopsins most critically low song to validate your argument. I'm sure you feel good to know that you have an excellent copy and pasted opinion.

[@articulateolole3562]

Nas's lyrical masterpiece "Oochie Wally".

[@MalMotorDedo]

Listening to his features, I can't believe Cole doesn't have any 9+ album (IMO obviously). He can really make a project better than 2014 FHD, I firmly believe in this, but I don't know when that's going to happen. I've been disappointed by his albums 😔

[@Jeremy_Sims]

It’s your opinion, fair. This may be long, But if you’re aiming for him to drop something better than FHD. You’re gonna continue to be disappointed in that aspect tbh, Cole didn’t fall off by any means but FHD was definitely the absolute Best representation of Cole in a project, and as a complete versatile artist your gonna get. From the songs structurally, to the live instrumentation implemented and used, samples, timing the record dropped, everything. It was the FIRST album he started doing the no features thing, before it started getting annoying. He rapped introspectively without being preachy and it being forced like he can get now, and he had catchy radio songs like No Role Modelz, that literally still was cohesive with the entire album and topic. If you ain’t like FHD and if you’re looking for something better than that, you’ll be better going BACK to his mixtapes as opposed to waiting on the next drop, he’s in a different stage now, where for him it’s gonna get harder and harder for him to impress us so everything he drops we’re gonna judge it on a crazy high scale, ESPECIALLY because he’s kind of forced himself in a box now where he HAS to rap almost like he’s “woke” on everything!

[@josephmarte1170]

I feel like Photograph was intended to be creepy. It was meant to be a take on the "drug" of social media. How it can warp our intentions and the way we view other people, specifically how men view women on social media. My take on it. I'm not saying it's a good song-bc I don't like it all that much but I feel the meaning of it is going way over everyones head.

[@daoudsalman1307]

Yeah I don't think melon realises most songs are cole playing a character and the whole point is to point out the flaws of the topic at hand

[@mellotones]

Thank You

[@Sean-no3zv]

You mean that thing Kendrick does way better? Cole is overrated as fuck. Probably cause he was more white fans...

[@twinblade6]

Sean Garraway somebody always has to make a comparison when someone else gives a rapper props. That's weak.

[@josephmarte1170]

Sean Garraway lmao, I love Kendrick but to act like he's the first rapper to rap in a character is a stupid way to bash cole.

[@IgnoreTheWorld]

"Supposedly Woke Rapper" 🤔👌

[@darog911]

LOL

[@GOTTATOUCHMYSOUL]

He slick dissed him

[@rare5960]

I mean he isn’t wrong?

[@kidblack1562]

TheActivistBook well there are a few woke rappers that come to mind like Hopsin, Eminem and X

[@MattMatrixJohnson]

Trustasaur where does supposedly come from? He just writes what he feels

[@thevinyltruffle]

Do u ever feel differently after u let an album grow on you? How many times do you listen to an album before the review? Over how long?

[@aquacyanide]

usually 7 listens, for a few days. But if he thinks the album needs more listens he listens to it over and over even more than 7 times. He's a DG fan and you need to be very patient and listen a lot to like DG so

[@matheusmalerbo]

I just don't agree with the rating five. because what you say in the video doesn't make sense, it seems like the rating is based on his expectations not being fulfilled any more than the actual album. If he gave a 6 or 7, that would be fine.

[@thebluecomet8178]

should be lower tbh this albums very boring

[@matheusmalerbo]

@@thebluecomet8178 If it is boring, why you listen? Or, why you lookin for videos talkin about a album that you dont like? Makes sense to you? I really dont understand.

[@OurFoundingLiars]

As I explained on my own channel, The J stands for Jihad. Be careful Anthony. I can’t say much more on the matter because his goons are watching me. Keepaskingquestions

[@scizorbullet8185]

7.4k dislikes? Am I the only J Cole fan that doesn't care about the melons opinion? He doesn't need to like the album for any of us to like it.😂

[@jdeleon5816]

Makai Brown is just how bias he has been throughout the years against J Cole and other artists. His criteria to rate albums is all Over the place

[@scizorbullet8185]

Jean De Leon yeah its pretty shit. Still its a melon man who cares 😂

[@Talkinghead2k]

Jean De Leon that’s because it’s solely based on his enjoyment

[@jeffreyvangemert2506]

he doesn’t care if u like his opinion cause a lot of people do. if you don’t like his opinions don’t watch his videos it’s not hurting him at all.

[@djnovice113]

True however we should hold melon head to a greater standard of music understanding.

[@kierans5583]

Honestly i love this album so much, if were not being critical and instead judging it for the entertainment value I'd give it solid 8/9. This is after listening to the album most days after its been released.

[@mafiablokes]

After all these years, Fantano was completely valid here in the sense nobody even fucking thinks of this album these days…

[@andrewgwizdowski5417]

Get your own mind.

[@toowingless9473]

This comment section is in full out warfare, god have mercy

[@detCap]

I love that people miss the first part of the video, where melon says he has high expectations for Cole. This album is not "worse" than Lil Pump because he gave that a 7 and this a 5. His bar for Cole is FAR higher than his bar for Pump. He doesn't expect conscious, lyrical hip hop from him, so when he makes simple, catchy mumble rap, he's met the bar. Cole on the other hand, he has high standards that he doesn't think KOD meets. Also... it's an opinion. If you like it, who gives a shit what Anthony thinks, think for yourself.

[@LittleSloases]

He's rating based on enjoyability. Cole's album literally put people to sleep and Lil Pump's was more interesting without conscious rap. He's not saying Cole is being rated at a higher standard, just that it does not matter which type of rap one performs.

[@dash2240]

This is so ironic

[@def4439]

I think its more that pump is better at making dumb party music than cole is at making smart conscious music.

[@Ass7309]

he gave lil pump a 7 because it was good at what it was supposed to be, a mindless mumble rap tape. Cole gets a 5 because he falls short of anything redeemable in this snoozefest.

[@whybegin1285]

Brett Capra No, that is literally the exact opposite of how it works. He’s not grading artists based on their “previous material” because then there would be no point to even grade them at all. It’s to compare with other music. It doesn’t matter where his expectations for Cole are, he is saying that he truly believes lil pumps album was two whole ratings above this. If lil pump had made kod, then he still would’ve gotten a 5 for it. While I don’t agree at all with these ratings, that is how he does it, as it wouldn’t make sense to grade based on what that person has already done.

[@DriftingNiu]

Coming back to this... anthony said : 🗣 🎶 🙎🏽‍♂️🙎🏽‍♂️🙍🏽‍♀️ And jcole responded with : *features on literally every mainstream rapper and more*

[@SportyDox]

I love your opinions on hip hop i feel like nobody gets it but you i even argue with my friends all day just to hear you agree with me or lol me agree with you, thank you

[@LoneMoon]

jcole fan: !!!!HEY!!! ! HE BORING BUT HE RAPPING THE TROOFF!

[@joshuaharris5032]

lonemoon also j cole fan: ITS A PERSONAL ALBUM ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE FUN TO LISTEN TO

[@erboch7124]

lonemoon Facts lol I still fw him tho. Fr tho i dig ur music just found it on soundcloud.

[@jarfankle_8587]

lonemoon drake also boring AF but everybody fuck with him...

[@ilwayeebstay1080]

Wrong, they never admit that he's boring

[@jakelewis8400]

Wil Steebs different opinions

[@psphacker57]

Meditation has changed every aspect of my life. It’s one of the best habits I’ve ever developed

[@Mr4DON15]

Ali is there some reason for the pro meditation wave in these comments that I'm missing? Seriously I'm confused

[@psphacker57]

It will put you in the present moment, you won’t be thinking about stupid shit all the time, and you will start to notice things that you wouldn’t have noticed before. And for me meditation is a break from everything. Break from my phone, break from talking to anyone, and break from life lol. I literally just set a timer for 10 minutes, sit down and not do anything. And in that 10 minutes I get to retrospect with my life more, be in the moment, and kinda “see” the bigger picture of life. I’m not arguing with Anthony or anyone, I just thought I’d share my experience with meditation

[@VashTheStampFiend]

Yeah I was really disgusted with how fantano dismisses that. Like 10 minutes to truly reflect on yourself and clear your mind isn’t better than medicating with feeding your addictions? As someone battling addictions i know that there are deeper societal issues but the message was unique in today’s music it should not be belittled. This is why I don’t get surprised or protest when mass shootings and corruption happens. We are what we promote and we as a society promotes destructive behavior, no surprise

[@poppinapplejuice]

Meditation is a practice that needs to implemented in everyday life. It creates more gray matter in your brain, so instead of 'hitting because mad' or 'fuck because sexy' meditation helps us in ways so we can stop acting out of our monkey emotions and actually make sounds discerning choices in life. Its fucking fundamental and if you're thinking 'If it so special why wasn't taught in school." Because school was taught to limit your cognitive expansion and install outside information this was done intentionally. Take back your mind, ya'll.

[@ouikendLP]

Ali i agree with meditating being great for your mental health but first you say that it lets you live in the moment without worrying about anything and a few sentences you talk about it giving you time to retrospect? Pretty much opposite things.. meditation should be a break from life not a time to think about your recent fuck ups and accomplishments

[@grantking4290]

Big KRIT mentioned “medicating or meditating” in his Drinking Sessions track on his 4eva Is A Mighty Long Time album, which you reviewed. He also mentioned it in his NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Big KRIT talked about materialism and meeting his maker in Heaven in his Bury Me in Gold track on 4IAMLT. Props to J Cole for touching on subject matter that touches our souls. However, y’all should try KRIT. Great production, great lyricism, and great ole skool features. He seeks Sunday morning salvation and moonlights as a southern trunk-knocker. Has a taste for the meaningful but can lay down a banger. Try 4IAMLT, Cadillactica, Live From the Underground, It’s Better this Way, or King Remembered in Time. Those are my personal favorites. Krit Wuz Here and Return of 4eva are good

[@TheTeamFabulous]

I'm a big Cole fan. This album felt like I showed up for the release, and Cole was 25 minutes late, then he fucking killed it.

[@tomp5183]

My prediction of what he gives it - 5/10 Hope he gives it - 7/10

[@tomp5183]

Called it

[@lukejamesbgn]

I love the smell of a spicy 5 in the morning...wait, that sounds weird.

[@HeavenOrHell74]

Luke James oh shit...its Luke James! Not the singer

[@ballintothemax8241]

Uncle Luke

[@fatpat1039]

Dammit Its Luke

[@keyboardking777]

Holy shit, you're everywhere.

[@jhoveedyckman8894]

Luke James do jom jones album pause

[@nicktor9028]

That shirt is🔥 🔥 respect how deep your taste in music goes

[@rhys932]

im not even a jcole fan but i think this deserves more credit than you gave it. kevins heart was especially good i.m.o

[@ippo4934]

Russ is whack

[@GTLx16]

Thicc Waifu fact

[@vinnyll]

fax

[@gabe17gamer]

whats that? facts

[@BallKnower]

Oh look, a fact!

[@spidertimbs1461]

Facts

[@tomnew6319]

King of melons

[@thedude6734]

Thomas Newnham His band name

[@malakai4800]

Thomas Newnham King Of Lemon Flowers

[@Dutch_Engineer_Piff_Dahnk]

Thomas Newnham king of melon flowers pt2 and 3

[@ImNotLeBron]

He just personally hates Cole.

[@thewraith5471]

LeBron James dog the fuck is a white boy doing reviewing rap music ???

[@Reuben35newman]

LeBron James Yes,because a 5/10 is a score you give an album/artist you hate

[@ericgodson]

The Wraith hmmm good was point

[@LSDweeb]

don s he reviewed the last drop of the life of pablo pretty positively

[@jonathanclark6489]

Born Sinner is on of my favorite albums, if not the favorite. "Sony signed Basquiat, gave it all he got, now the n***a dont paint the same." J. Cole has unfortunately officially fell off with this album, Tis a sad day indeed.

[@JEK_VaNNNNN]

I always look forward to the dislike bar for every j Cole album review. Cole stans are super insecure about people having different tastes. They did the same shit to dead end hip hop as well.

[@koniu96]

melon why u skipped the only song i liked - kevin's heart

[@aa19776]

voi.tek cause this Is a hate review lol

[@cls63amgwagon34]

voi.tek the only good song on the album

[@xxxtentacionslosteyebrows7509]

No u

[@newinflux447]

Anyone who classifies ‘1985’ as a diss is just ignorant, the irony of Lil Pump’s & Smokepurpps responses to this was that they proved J. Cole right by acting immature about it. I bet Cole is sitting back shrugging his shoulders saying ‘I told you so’ 🤷‍♂️

[@JoeDidIt]

do you expect a 17 years old millionair rapper to act mature in any way?

[@newinflux447]

Joe DidIt no, I expected someone who ‘doesn’t care’ to not care and not address it.

[@JoeDidIt]

17 years old rappers use any chance to beef and stunt on people and "fuck j. cole" was part of pumps comeup story of course this hasnt changed

[@jacquavius5185]

Shit like this is why people hate on Cole fans lmao

[@James-cl4ym]

Melon Head: *Gives a boring album a decent review* J Cole Stans: *_To be fair, you have to have a very high IQ to understand J Cole. The lyricism is extremely subtle, and without a solid grasp of Shakesperian novels most of the lyrics will go over a typical viewer's head._*

[@kevingallo7123]

The people who think j cole is deep be the same people who think smoking weed opens ur mind

[@iBeLilTommie]

This would work if cole was a stoner 😂

[@iansmart4158]

The people who make comments like this be the same ppl to assume that the only value in music is how deep it is or how much there is to “get”. I don’t mean to disrespect you but there are plenty of Cole fans who just are touched by the stories. They don’t need THESE WALLS. They need ONCE AN ADDICT and that’s enough to touch them. Nothing wrong with that.

[@callumrowland3563]

I’ll agree there are maybe two lacking tracks , but I actually really enjoyed this album

[@kinggeedra2796]

Just to sum up the entire comment section: REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@xavierrodriguez766]

KING GEEDRA basically

[@aboredwintermonth2530]

The new DOOM track "Lil Mufuckaz" is a much worse advice and dis to new young rappers but hardly anyone has even heard it.

[@gibbysmoviecorner8286]

Me

[@EthansSpace]

I can’t believe people saw 1985 as a diss track my first thought was it was an advise track

[@thatsgoodleche]

GoodGoingGuy TV they're too barred up to comprehend anything that's why

[@jaz1756]

I mean it was a low key diss he said that their music was shit and they look dumb af

[@VashTheStampFiend]

Jaz it’s not a diss if it’s facts. It’s advisory

[@jaz1756]

roddy PROF.E.T. I understand that but there was still a little bit of shade in there

[@ajax2164]

I really enjoyed the album but you made some pretty good points. I don't know if id classify him as fake woke though, J Cole comes off to me as pretty humble and mostly self aware. What ever comes off preachy or pretentious to me is him just standing with conviction for how he thinks. I don't see anything wrong with that and he seems like the kind of person is still open to learning.

[@xandermicah9258]

I like listening to his description of tracks even if he doesn’t like music I think slaps

[@sexypimpking]

j cole got a 5/10 lil pump got a 7/10. Lilliam Pumpernickel> Jake hole

[@alejandroserrano7755]

sexypimpking I’m pretty sure if he would have compared them, then J cole was gonna be higher

[@sexypimpking]

nope, you're wrong

[@communityEsc]

No, I think J Cole would be rated higher. However the two artists do not have the same goal. If you are successful with the goal of your music or successfully hit the nose on your genre then you get rated accordingly.

[@str8todamoney]

Team SMSD And expectation.

[@bradyw6603]

Lil pump is a revolution and in his own lane, J Cole is at best overshadowed by his peers

[@ragonk683]

Pretty much expected this, but y’all can’t deny J. Cole is one of the best at speaking for the culture. The man is constantly trying to better his community and doesn’t forget where he came from. He can put out 20 mediocre albums and I’ll still respect the fuck outta him. Edit: also, why the fuck is Fantano saying Photograph is a song idolizing online DM slipping love? It’s definitely satirizing it and saying that’s not how love should be second edit: uhhhh I get that Fantano gets the whole unrealistic goal thing with the “12 spots on the pistons” but that line, and the surrounding lines, are about how short the list is of what black people see themselves being successful at. the blame is on society not people having short sighted goals

[@cantu7214]

Ra Gonk yeah and everyone appreciates his efforts, it's just that he aims for higher than he puts out

[@riffmania]

Ra Gonk you’ve been eating tide pods

[@ragonk683]

Cantu I mean the guy broke the US spotify streaming record. Idk what you mean by that. He’s achieving his goal

[@detCap]

This is how I feel about it. Like he's speaking plenty of truth on this album, and doing a lot for the culture and for our community, but the music behind it just kinda lacked imo

[@cantu7214]

Ra Gonk by that logic, drake is the greatest of all time?????? bro quality and success are two different things, ie Views by Drake

[@neelnair3938]

I politely disagree

[@ericwisniewski2636]

Beerbongs & Bentleys gives a Anthony Fantano reference therefore you gotta review that next

[@as7erisk]

Kevin's Heart?

[@jacobhartwell8211]

Archie Bates man, I love that song.

[@irbing6549]

Wow he didn't talk about that lol

[@alexjarmes7226]

How the hell is Kevin's Heart not in the Favorite Tracks section of the description

[@rixiv7868]

James Lamp III Ikr. Favorite song on the album

[@SaulBadmon]

Cuz he a fake Melon and it's never been clearer.

[@jordantavares8521]

cause he has an opinion

[@rp1455]

Yeah thought it was one of the best songs lyrically on the album, and the catchiest too

[@being01]

I think melon just has different values when it comes to grading albums versus the average person

[@oisinfox1969]

Apparently this album is only 1 better than KSI's album

[@alexmeechan15]

Hey Scholesy

[@giorgioIP]

Apparently you're a complete idiot

[@christiandavis7204]

Ad hominem. Try again

[@egg.8320]

Ikr, ksi shouldve gotten a 10

[@sal7727]

thats just disrespectful to cole

[@springrollpapi]

J Cole making music for people who share Prince EA speeches on Facebook

[@kevinchavez303]

I feel if cole could get rid of his ego and actually let better producers and singers, maybe have a feature or two assist on his albums instead of JUST him, his delivery and music would feel entirely different.

[@MMCLLC7]

Kevin Chavez "NIGGAS AINT WORTHY TO BE ON MY SHIT" just cause you think he could be better if he got features doesn't mean he has to do it.

[@MMCLLC7]

nucklehead goddamn, I didn't know misreading a comment on youtube made me a retarded person. I think you need to chill, and probably stop using retarded to mean stupid cause thats kinda fucked up.

[@maritareads5229]

Especially a rap feature. Think of how good he sounded lately when he was on a song with Kendrick. Sometimes having a feature may help you open up your perspective and do something else creatively you may not have thought of. Hell, maybe even use a feature to your advantage and use them as just another instrument to the song and that won't take away the focus from it, like Snoop in Institutionalized

[@oiirs9344]

Coincidentally, Born Sinner, the one with features, is his best album.

[@coolman5242]

The guy went platinum without features, why would he need features? J.Cole doesn't need someone like Future ruining his album by talking about random materialistic shit.

[@amenyaomondi8377]

I felt the same way about the album after listening to it the first time, just lacked the words to describe it as accurately as you do. I also heavily agree with you on the fact that J. Cole is barely scratching the surface in as far as his potential is concerned thanks to the many fans who are comfortable with him producing anything for them to calls themselves fans for. Don't get me wrong, I love the guy but I am sure he could do much much more. Thanks for the review - it solidly reinforces what I think about it now.

[@kenyandawg7037]

we dinywa

[@kimberleychoudhury3358]

just by bringing to light these problems it encourages people to find rules themes n solutions to them eg moderation (was the inspiration I got from this album) n that was my takehome u seemed to miss n I think philosophically u had ur best review on this really good thinking through of ideas about change ( I disagreed but respected ur exploration) n I think that small things can make a difference n cole can communicate via rap words (coz they are words) with his audience to actually help them grow n redirect their own growth cole s critique of his critics helps his fans and himself grow as people non-materialistically n I think that's a beautiful thing that few other rappers other than drake do successfully

[@fax0_max114]

I had such a hard time reading this just to come to conclusion that this is just another cole fan acting like cole's music is super deep while its pretty surface level, but whatever, opinions are opinions