J. Cole - THE OFF SEASON First REACTION/REVIEW

J. Cole drops his highly anticipated Album titled THE OFF SEASON, after a few listens it ultimately feels like crumbs from a great 5 star meal to come in the future.
J. Cole - The Off Season Full Album
1. “95 South
2. “Amari”
3. “My Life”
4. “Applying Pressure”
5. “Punchin’ The Clock”
6. “100 Mil'”
7. “Pride Is The Devil”
8. “Let Go My Hand”
9. “Interlude”
10. “The Climb Back”
11. “Close”
12. “Hunger On Hillside”
Best Tracks - 95 South/Applying Pressure/My Life/Close/Let Go My Hand
There are technically no "worst" tracks imo, just some really pointless/boring ones.
Have a great day & thanks for watcing!

[@jjjmendoza1410]

Mans ain’t even acknowledge Morray, he killed that shit

[@deducted104]

His shit was beautiful especially that coffin part

[@AlexA-et6tf]

He a casual lol

[@ArKaneAcrumProductions]

@@deducted104 ❗❗

[@MattGarcyaDC]

Yeah I’m done with this guy shawn.

[@bryce.3mm]

My thoughts exactly. Morray's vocals on the chorus were great

[@danielduarte7052]

This album was just a “ I can rap bitch “ and no complaints hard af

[@benjaminvalenzuelavillarro8765]

FACTSS

[@leorrocher]

It wasn’t that crazy lyrically it’s just good

[@drgw99]

That "bitch" in all caps tho, especially on the intro and applying pressure

[@ynswrld2130]

@@leorrocher compared to what we know jcole can do then yeh but there were quite alot of bars scattered through out

[@sven7037]

@@leorrocher depends what you define as lyrical but Cole always rap his ass off every album the only difference he did it on someone else beat

[@MariLil]

It's the fact my name is Amari and I was born January 28th. I'm convinced J Cole knows me at this point.

[@nonsentz5765]

Ayyyyyyeeee, GANG (also born on the 28)

[@neguswitdaprunejuice7772]

January 21 here lol

[@Iamme_30663]

November 13 here....hold up

[@stev1399]

You acting like you the main Character

[@MariLil]

​@@stev1399 Prove that I'm not. Stay in denial if you want to.

[@Ryzo7198]

That moment on “a m a r i” when Cole raised his vocals for the “windows was cold” line had me gassed personally, thought it was a great song

[@mystymos3614]

real talk amari was the only song on the album i liked/loved. only part of the album that had me rewinding

[@rowanrowan7521]

A m a r i - was booming " outta the concrete was a rose " from about there I lost my sh*t

[@rowanrowan7521]

A m a r i - was booming " outta the concrete was a rose " from about there I lost my sh*t

[@mystymos3614]

@@rowanrowan7521 nah amari was the only track i liked on the album for me but that shit goes

[@JYMAHJAMES]

@@yeah101 ...no

[@octopoes7898]

Crazy how 21's music is only exponentially getting better

[@cataldinho]

but I'm still waiting for Without Warning 2

[@ouztsdonovan]

@@cataldinho ong im hoping that comes this year around the same time savage mode 2 did

[@Imayrnn]

It’s actually crazy it sounds a lot like ‘a lot’

[@doncolethepoet]

@LH it’s growing on me but His can’t leave without it still his best verse, he had a great flow on the song tho

[@atm_xx_6093]

@@cataldinho i get where you come from, but I think Without warning should be a standalone album imo

[@BluDandelion]

If you're curious as to why Diddy and Cole fought. Diddy was drunk and tried to disrespect Kendrick cause the control verse where he said "I'm the King of New York" pissed him off and J.cole stood up for him

[@Tha_Thiccness]

That's GOAT shit right there

[@Zackatoh]

Cole also said something about Diddy putting a hit on pac and that's why people can't claim to be kings because of people like him or some shit like that, there's a vid on youtube about it

[@dannynozy7686]

@@jacejohnson7113 nah it was confirmed by a couple celebs

[@alexisquintero2782]

Damn that’s a real homie

[@yuko1227]

@@jacejohnson7113 That's what happened. IB ( Dreamville manger ) told that story back in 2013. Diddy some what talked about it on the Breakfast Club. Might be deleted idk

[@NickWildinnn]

I’m not even a Cole fan like that but you’re on some other shit if you don’t think he bodied this whole project.

[@nando1679]

Fr same with em all his reaction on him is just hating

[@nateaddy4387]

It would have made a great mixtape. But it didn’t really have a direction that his other albums have

@@nateaddy4387 but your favorite mumble rappers have no meaning but that's ok?

[@nateaddy4387]

@ J Cole is my favorite rapper behind Denzel Curry. I was beyond hyped for this album.

[@jayson6487]

@@nateaddy4387 how could you take denzel curry seriously

[@jericocortes7289]

1:04 95 South 2:39 amari 3:34 My Life 5:47 Applying Pressure 7:20 Punchin The Clock 7:48 100 mil 9:06 Pride is the Devil 10:00 Let Go My Hand Interlude - Skipped The Climb Back - Skipped 11:28 Close 14:09 Hunger On Hillside

[@whyintheworldamiallowedsuc400]

You da real mvp

[@Sv63s]

W manz

[@JordanNMusic]

The 21 Savage and Lil Baby features were a surprise/highlight

[@JordanNMusic]

@@jakesherman4728 that makes 1 of us lol but aye more power to u

[@JordanNMusic]

My reaction is coming later today!

[@drako5684]

Loved the collab w Lil Baby but I wasn’t as satisfied with that song since I already heard that beat from Amine’s album 😭 Not that I didn’t like the beat, I couldn’t stop thinking about amine’s song “I Can’t Decide” 💀

[@isaiahbunten8931]

@@JordanNMusic u gotta make different content bruh u basically make exact replicas of Shawn's vids

[@ransoxm6735]

Agreed

[@Aviishek.]

Shawn not liking the album means that J Cole actually put out a masterpiece.

[@deonnelson9780]

Lmao

[@fav6262]

he trippin.

[@yohawn7014]

when did he say he didn’t like it?

[@InfamousAWJ]

@@yohawn7014 His whole vibe bro like he’s such a damn goof nerd bruh that’s why I don’t watch him. I’m only here to see if he’s changed but he’s still a dweeb I’m finna be out rn.

[@exglued2394]

@@InfamousAWJ facts

[@Meami_ami]

Dropping love famo

[@anthonyleivamendoza5147]

This bro just pop outta no where 🤣

[@TheGrinder_27]

Where’s your reaction to the album at🤔🤔🤔

[@samsholty5717]

Where the reaction at bruh

[@barnabassolomon1629]

Will you stfu

[@pepyman14]

👀👀👀

[@vmanakapiggybank]

Photograph by Cole is hard af idk how people can’t relate to that song and it wasn’t cringy

[@kohanu95]

Agreed. I love that song

[@berg164]

He likes funk and stuff like that. But agreed love that track

[@shifty_s197]

yea agreed i stopped looking at cole like a singer or rapper and more of just a person who puts out art. hes explaining and leaving a good mark. i respect that. who will stand out in the future. someone rapping about consciousness and morals or someone rapping about the same shit everyones rappin bou

[@memoordonezlomeli5416]

It sounds good but the topic I got tired of after 3 listen

[@bronneh]

Facts this guy hates on cole so much pisses me off

[@lax398]

It definitely feels more like a mixtape. a collection of songs where Cole is just rapping at his high level and working on his form. i’m still waiting to see the result of the three years we waited. where The Fall Off at

[@justcallmee898]

If you watch the documentary, the fall off is still a work in progress. Much like athletes, this is like a training session before making a championship run. The best is yet to come my friend

[@jamesvasquez4839]

@@justcallmee898 lowkey after listening to this album i’m just wondering when we’ll get “it’s a boy” too. in the doc he was mentioning how the off season and it’s a boy are pretty much done so maybe next year? later this year? 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@puertoricanboy25]

@@jamesvasquez4839 all i know is the song let go my hand seemed to give us a little glimpse into”it’s a boy.” Where he talks about raising his song and its probably my favorite from the album.

[@depressedeaglesfan4842]

@@jamesvasquez4839 two cole albums in a year would be a wish come true

[@mysteriousgamer8941]

mixtape cole is in many ways...better than album cole.

[@deonnelson9780]

This album feels like a warm up and something bigger is coming.

[@chrswlf2657]

Yh The Fall Off which might be his last album.

[@gavatundejr4986]

Lol people say that about every cole album, and then he makes yet another 6/10

[@jaypr2236]

@@gavatundejr4986 Casual stfu he has only two mid albums thats kod and sideline story stop capping

[@killowavenue222]

@@jaypr2236 nah yo he got a couple others

[@redzzz51]

@@jaypr2236 KOD is a great album.

[@bongobooty3379]

Biggest takeaway for me from this vid is that not every song or album needs to be super new or thought provoking to be good. Because this album is better than 90% of rap albums that came out in 2021 and this dude can still find everything wrong with it. 😐

[@ArsalAwais]

real😂

[@southbronxboy]

Diddy was trying to press Kendrick Lamar over his control verse saying he's the king of NY and Cole got in the middle to calm Diddy down and Diddy swung on Cole for interfering

[@cagethekyle6493]

Isnt cole like a foot taller than that man? Haha

[@southbronxboy]

@@cagethekyle6493 a foot taller than Kendrick but not Diddy.. maybe a few inches

[@rolodexpropaganda]

Cole gave diddy the work .

[@seanduncan1659]

"I'm not calling a grown man puff" 4 seconds later: "Puff"

[@Babymastro]

hilarious

[@fadibokinno3465]

Imma let it 666

[@nrgao]

You constantly don't like the songs that a big majority of people like as their favorites. It is a skill.

[@daydrmr3391]

He stays hating, it’s like he’s trying to not like it? It’s like that with every review he does

[@joaomarcelo2038]

@@daydrmr3391 yeah, i think he doesn't do it intentionally, but it sounds like he's just hating

[@SouthJerzVillains]

His whole channel is based off of him hating popular music and offering trash critiques

[@stijn8588]

@@daydrmr3391 this album was just good. Thats what he said too. Its just a decent album. Nothing more.

[@fuego8338]

@@SouthJerzVillains damn he bash an album you like or somethin??

[@bobbymcfemale8028]

I'm mad he didn't freak out at the transition from cole to baby like he did when 21 came in on "my life".....my reaction was just straight up jumping in excitement through most of this album

[@TheBRYANAWSOME]

me too, first time i heard that flow switch i lost my fucking mind 🤣

[@brandonmarrero3949]

he diesn't like anything. dont let that affect your opinion on anything lol

[@robertbrock3666]

No life shaq was all of us on the part

[@dekadens]

yeah because shawn doesn’t like anything

[@zephh_sk]

Imma keep it real Shawn, I think your criticism towards this project was completely unwarranted. Like at this point idk what Cole gotta do to please some of you fr

[@moe2099]

thats what im saying bro. all he said was "oh i was bored" or "it didnt do anything for me" like wtf you want to Cole at this point ? For people saying Cole was boring, he came with different energy. Also people were saying he needs fts and work with different producers, guess what? He did exactly that and they still hating lol

[@aaronboone8097]

Shawn is basically the Skip Bayless of music reactions lol. I’m pretty sure he just hates to get views. No idea how he gets so many views cause his opinions and “upity” attitude are trash.

[@Za1naa]

@@aaronboone8097 perfect analogy: “Skip Bayless” 😂🤣

[@yungfaucet7299]

Why are y'all so mad that someone does not enjoy an album. Music is fln subjective sometimes it just doesn't hit fkn crybaby's lmao

[@iamsuperior4087]

he gotta rap gud to please some of us

[@dd9059]

The real is back The ville is back Flow bananas here Peel this back

[@chrswlf2657]

And what you find is, your highness, can paint a picture that’s vivid enough to cure blindness.

[@donovan30]

every j cole comment section in a nutshell^

[@dilegos7386]

Carolina’s, finest

[@aidenlippert7682]

@@dilegos7386 You knew that already , and turned to the greatest, I proved that already

[@BxJames]

@@aidenlippert7682 and if you would like, I’ll do it twice

[@marclevy1804]

Hunger on Hillside is probably my fav song on the album. What a way to end the album.

[@seregostmcoc]

Totally blew me away the first time I listened to it.

[@devingiles887]

Facts

[@chumdrum5188]

The chorus at the end was spine chilling

[@isaacmwaba3261]

Best song no cap

[@JaxXx340]

Big faxxxx

[@cheesypizzajokes]

This album was weird for me. After the first listen, I was COMPLETELY underwhelmed, but after the 3rd and 4th listens, the tracks started making much more sense and sounding better both lyrically and sonically, and now I absolutely love it (although still not as good as forest hills hehehe)!

[@dylanbrown3555]

I felt the same way. I think that’s what happens when you have preconceived expectations of what the music should sound like. I think this taught me to listen more objectively and let cole just express himself in any way he can. He exemplified many different cadences and flows and also means of wordplay that was outstanding. He said it himself how difficult it is for him to put substance into something in a world so used to instant gratification. Shit like this grows on you.

[@BasedSly30]

Ur first instinct was right it’s not that good but it’s not trash either... it was supposed to be coles best work sadly he’ll never pass FHD

[@fadibokinno3465]

Forst hills 10/10 Off session 10/10

[@poopfacepop]

Ye bruh pride is the devil go so hard what was he sayin

[@jaypr2236]

For me the first listen was the best.

[@elijahgreen2350]

Shawn ain’t a hater but he’ll never give Cole the props he deserves, it is what it is aha

[@spirituallyconscious7774]

Album was just ok

[@elijahgreen2350]

@@spirituallyconscious7774 agree to disagree.

[@crazyaerodactyl5875]

Probably will be the best album this year unless kendrick drops a amazing album

[@kenmoops7547]

Shawn loves Cole though, always gives him praise and props. There's whole videos as to why Shawn enjoys Cole Shawn has even said Cole is his favourite voice in HipHop

[@ronniebonbino5328]

@@kenmoops7547 cap

[@graceful9921]

Time Stamps 1:04 95 South 2:39 amari 3:34 My Life 5:47 Applying Pressure 7:20 Punchin The Clock 7:48 100 mil 9:06 Pride is the Devil 10:00 Let Go My Hand Interlude - Skipped The Climb Back - Skipped 11:28 Close 14:09 Hunger On Hillside

[@goblinswim9841]

appreciate you

[@danielferrer7552]

The best

[@AnthonyTX2024]

You dropped this 👑

[@tjrw1620]

Good looks

[@kosisoonwordi8455]

Shawn be like: “idk what this track is about” Then progresses to talk about what he thinks the track is about

[@BrothaJaybo]

Fr and he makes these grand statements about something he’s listened to one time lmao

[@hereandthere8157]

I think he shows this cause he’s trying to grasp something. Ya’know? Like he doesn’t have the full picture so he then proceeds to retrace the words he just heard and have something come out. He then puts it out but with little confidence cause he’s not too sure about it.

[@skankhunt-bd4zv]

I notice for certain rappers he aint crazy about he will nitpick lines and criticize their subject matter, Like for example I fuck with Denzel Curry, But his last album ZUU wasn't all that IMO, And I thought this new Cole joint was great compared to it, But Shawn being a big Curry fan was totally vibing with that album, And the lyrics on it were mostly freestyles talking about where he's from, Things that happened to him growing up. Shawn didnt question it, He just went with it cause Denzel sound good. Fair. But here Cole puts out this album and talks about where he's from and things that happened to him, And Shawn ain't even nod his head, Just sitting there looking bored & Is soo busy trying to dissect his lyrics to find any significance to it that can validate anything Cole says as interesting material, Meanwhile soon as 21 or Baby come in with there verse, He's rocking with it all the sudden, Like what immediately makes them more interesting than Cole that you go from sitting still bored to movin around vibing lol

[@atmbcito]

@@skankhunt-bd4zv you act like shawn ain't nod his head once but he was really trying to like the album on first listen, and you can tell, especially before the album.

[@hereandthere8157]

@@skankhunt-bd4zv maybe because of the way curry say things, dude’s raspy and almost angry voice is very different to coles chill and laidback voice, does that mean that cole can’t go in that mode? No, but when he does the subject matter isn’t what he’s looking for. It’s a bit weird to compare to curry and cole especially about someone’s opinion about them because he ain’t thinking about that. Shawn will always bring up these comparisons when it comes to mind like “man, person could’ve done something better” because he’s sees it that way. It’s also possible to change what you will see in artists. Remember when he LIKED wlr, dude didn’t like carti at all before that album, now he is listening to some songs of that album and adjusted his opinion on carti from having no potential to having something he could work with. I ain’t saying Shawn is 100% right, but some criticism can be reasonable and honestly worth noting. But you could always disagree with it and just enjoy the music that cole dropped ain’t nobody stopping you.

[@wildedreams519]

Pride is the Devil is peak of this album. Seeing this man glaze over such a fire song is all I need to see.

[@jeremycunningham6008]

he only said he didn’t like the beat. cole and lil baby killed it but the beat is pretty mid honestly

[@Ysnchris]

@@jeremycunningham6008 nah idk the song was good 🤷🏾‍♂️ beat and all were a perfect fit

[@asher2102]

@@jeremycunningham6008 the beat could’ve had more variation, but I honestly don’t think it was that bad of a beat. I’ve heard way worse beats on Cole albums

[@chagrin6919]

@@jeremycunningham6008 the beat is sampled from can't decide by amine, and amine did really good on that track. It's not the beat's fault.

[@noahtawil8793]

@@chagrin6919 they both use the same sample, he didn’t sample Aminé, but i feel like the song does sound a little worse if you already listened to the Aminé track. Either way theres a lot of better tracks on the album like climb back, punchin the clock and applying pressure

[@kloukk]

Cole: spits crazy for straight minute 21: i pray my past ain't ahead of me Shawn: OMG 😱😳 Cole got bodied on his own track

[@migs909]

he’s high key a j cole hater. probably bumpin this whole album rn tho

[@andim6322]

Cuz it's true

[@kadeerkhan9802]

I mean that's not what happened. Plus 21 savage verse was ear sex

[@TheDanyabale2]

bro he’s trying so hard to not give credit 😭😭😂😂

[@yaboiiunclephil1552]

@@andim6322 21 savage had a good verse but it wasnt great “you niggas is breastin me?”

[@Stockthehistorian]

21 savage feature gave me goosebumps 🥵

[@abe_world]

you mean goosebumps?

[@Joecarter72]

Hell yeaa I bumped that shit in the car on Max volume

[@suffermore1576]

edited

[@navysammy2411]

The man just continues to improve tbh. Imagine 10 years from now when we look back and see his improvement over the years👏🏾

[@KOLBYreal]

Yea I was jus chilling and I did exactly what Akademiks did and jus jumped up like HOLD UP. Loved the surprise features.

[@blah6067]

Cole flowing over the violins on hunger on hillside was fucking beautiful, shit had me feeling like I could walk through a wall.

[@safespacewithyaboige]

LITERALLY

[@d.k.4217]

THANK YOU! Idk why more people aren’t talking bout that one. Literally hit me like a damn truck. Like I took the shit personal. 💯

[@MrShinyArceus]

Felt like classic Kanye to me with the delivery of "hours" , "cowards", and "power". Loved it!

[@ethan1937]

yeah that was my favorite... i agreed with a few songs sounding "plastic". That was not one of them. Very special song

[@danielcordova9540]

That shit has made me feel motivated as hell lately

[@DaquanTDS]

Morray chorus was so fire on My Life and Shawn ain’t say nun bout it...

[@paultrillsap2796]

Miss when Shawn would just vibe with the album like that 4yeo reaction rather than try to critique or not enjoy the great moments in this album

[@michaelkaytv6135]

Fam I know this was really bad he's losing his touch

[@kefkapalazzo1]

@@michaelkaytv6135 maybe you’re just a hurt fan who can’t accept dissenting opinions about j cole?

[@babygoat5221]

@@kefkapalazzo1 did you watch the video? He literally tried his hardest not to enjoy each song. If you a hater or not u can’t deny this album has quality songs

[@kefkapalazzo1]

@@babygoat5221 lmao that’s how you feel bro

[@kellogg4228]

@@babygoat5221 this album a 10/10 j cole ain’t my favorite rapper I like carti😂😂😂

[@swiftxmiles]

21 Savage is really becoming a goat in the rap community

[@joshuanelson8952]

Relax

[@victora2488]

@@joshuanelson8952 nah he spittin

[@mysteriousgamer8941]

LMAO xD, although he's gotten better than before but he's still trash xD.

[@isena3401]

True and idc what anybody says i am > i was is a legendary album . A lot still my top 1 from 2018.

[@walking7023]

@@mysteriousgamer8941 “XD”

[@zaidhusami4396]

"migos dropped a song....i dont care." -shawn 2021

[@DREiPowah]

Shame cuz straightenin is actually more ENTERTAINING than a lot of tracks on the off season imo

[@cristiang3655]

@@DREiPowah i respect your opinion, but nah

[@lilblanco7318]

Harem Boi naw dud ur trippin

[@hunchovari]

@@DREiPowah ngl tht Nicki,Wayne and drake songs better than the offseason

[@que851]

If you dont like this album your priorities aren’t straight

[@Decemburrrrrr]

Hunger on Hillside is goated. Might be my fav cole song now

[@jackhenry8678]

the violin or whatever it is in the background its so beautiful

[@bonutaychamploo6334]

Without a doubt

[@crs6356]

MASTERPIECE

[@Noadvantage246]

Close is insane, that's probably my favorite off the album

[@joshuachavez5704]

this one and let go my hand

[@thedefeatedpurpose9772]

The Cole and baby transition was the coldest thing on the albumn.

[@mubarak4158]

Right and he didn’t even put it in the vid 🥲

[@virtualboy3596]

So the Michael B Jordan bar is a little confusing, but I’m pretty sure it’s a reference to the drake leak “Lucky Lefty” where drake says if MBJ calls your girls phone she gonna leave you

[@kingchris7519]

That's not what he asked. It wasn't fitting to the song and was just thrown in there. The song had no direction, smh

[@virtualboy3596]

@@kingchris7519 okay? I was just adding context to the bar man relax

[@jehwhite1582]

@@virtualboy3596 man was coming for your head LMAO

[@elijahgavin6706]

@@kingchris7519 preach

[@MaxwellAyo]

@@kingchris7519 Lol, the bars about loyalty had no direction? Okay

[@keontedennis7872]

"put an m on ya head you luigi brother now'' melon gon tear this shit up bro

[@jeetpatel7491]

i thought we were in for some bs after hearing that, luckily he mostly saved it

[@depressedeaglesfan4842]

That wasnt even a weak bar but it felt like an awkward way to open the album

[@DREiPowah]

@@kabeperry6356 nobody sayin that shit 💀

[@erboch7124]

LMAOOOOOO

[@justinmour6928]

i’m dead lmao. but nahhh that bar was fire! “put an m (million dollar hit) on ya head you Luigi brother now” is fire bro

[@BigManJaiden]

this album is gonna age so well i’m calling it

[@bakhtiyarguseinov9402]

It’s only been a few days but I already like it more than I did before, I feel like it will age well too

[@bakhtiyarguseinov9402]

It’s only been a few days but I already like it more than I did before, I feel like it will age well too

[@jacobgraves8352]

Lol it ain't get no plays from anyone but die hard fans im just telling you don't get triggered at me. Yall hype the dude up to much when we listen and it's just not relatable we get annoyed

[@BigManJaiden]

@@jacobgraves8352 i didnt even hype him up though i just said its gonna age well, i dont even like him that much...

[@yaboiiunclephil1552]

@@jacobgraves8352 It doesnt get plays from anyone but die hard fans yet 4 songs were topping the charts first week of release. Cole fans can be crazy but Cole haters live in complete denial of reality

[@mikhael.cole3052]

This album is a very well wrap-up to his mixtape journey like the warm up, the come up, Friday night lights etc. I think he wanted to close that journey and something bigger is coming like the FallOFF

[@DanMcP]

I always liked how Shawn wasn’t afraid to share his own opinion without worrying about people’s responses. For me Cole is a great rapper from the warm up all the way up to the off season I feel that he solidified himself with the greats and he not just “good” like Shawn said.

[@N-Khal]

He's great but his last few albums have been meh

[@LH-wd7mc]

He can’t make albums though

[@TrojanBOY90]

Idk I just think people are extra critical of J Cole... because everyone else likes him... he gets the same thing Drake does

[@drewskieb7743]

@@TrojanBOY90 Drake and Kendrick believe it or not

[@ronnypooky]

@@N-Khal i hope you're only talking about KOD.

[@kosisoonwordi8455]

I don’t get it Shawn said in the interlude that he just wanted to hear cole rap, that’s what he did was rap, people say he is too boring when all he does is reflect and talk about deeper stuff, but now they want him to be deeper, I love Cole I would say it’s a 10/10 but nothing can be perfect, but I just enjoyed hearing him rap like this, it’s been a minute since I heard him just spazz out

[@isiahblaise5245]

Touching deep topics is not the same as actually rapping about it in a nuanced way. To me, Cole is a masterful storyteller but fails to really dive deep into the intricacies. That's why I like Forrest hill drive and 4 your eyes only since he dives into that part of his talent.

[@ragex5412]

it’s called “nit-picking just to be different” and for them to sound “cultured”. Nothing will be good for them. That’s the agenda.

[@impacc4182]

@@ragex5412 “nitpicking to be different and for them to sound cultured” my nigga you deserve an award bro🤦🏿‍♂️I been saying this for the longest these people just say anything and act like they know what they talking about but in reality they’re just sad trolls that can’t even be a fraction as creative as the people they’re criticizing 😂

[@ragex5412]

@@impacc4182 yup, these reactors arse so pretentious to the point of being corny.

[@ragex5412]

@@NostalgicHearts see you missed the point, He gave you stories in last 4 albums. he’s just rapping now. bet you said lst time that all he do is story telling. nothing will satisfy you. the album is exactly for you

[@jussaygt1009]

Tbh this project had the opposite effect on me, I thought this project was kinda meh when I first heard it, but then in the car last week I was wit a friend and we shuffle played this album and “let go my hand” came on and I INSTANTLY became drawn in. Which is funny because in the song he says how things don’t always connect as soon as u press play and that was my relationship with this song specifically. After letting the whole album play out it felt like I was listening to something different entirely, idk why. but I love this project.

[@vazan7442]

when 21 came out of nowhere i was so fucking happy that song is so good the lines are so good

[@shrjv2189]

i think let go my hand is easily the best track. the sample and what he’s saying is just so great

[@bullit4170]

Best track by a long shot

[@96flows73]

Crazy instrumental as well.

[@andreaninosajdak3475]

Yep definitely

[@wevibe4029]

For sure

[@neeko2827]

Agreed, plus there’s no auto tune in his voice for that one which is what I like to hear

[@titosantana4713]

I think this album fits the name very well. It's akin to what an NBA player would do in the offseason, practice different part of their game before the season starts. In this sense J, cole throws together versions of rap music and shows that he is a complete player(rapper). From telling stories to trap music to straight-up bars.

[@jadeemh.1663]

You seem like the only one who gets it

[@ffarrarff]

I felt the same way shawn did at first. It doesn't sound like a cole album and it's a shock. THEN it hit me why he called it the off season. It's meant to show you all the work he's put in and how he can dominate the rap game no matter what the style or flow is.

[@Sirleones]

I really loved the honesty from this video, I’m a big fan of Cole but I fully respect the aspects brought up to explain his craft

[@vitaminl2234]

you know u early when the time stamp dude ain’t here yet

[@boyifyouboomeimaboobooonyall]

he commented a minute after you 😂

[@Nate34]

“Imma put an M on your head you’re Luigi brother now” 😫

[@NeefahNee]

Hey the Mallory Bro’s sent me, they were talking on their podcast and Terrance mentioned how dope your j cole review was, so of course I had to check it out, & it is dope🔥, New subbie btw ❤️

[@b-rye223]

Damn I can’t believe you wasn’t fucking with Punching the clock. That verse was crazy

[@dinevro]

Facts, that was deff one of the hardest songs

[@LoveeNy1]

One of my favs on the album

[@KinGAdil019]

The MBJ line on “100 mil” is referring to some lines in a Drake leak, “Lucky lefty”, when he says “ Michael B. Jordan call you right now, you answerin' Even if you got a man that love you, you scandalous You gon' take the chance and shit You know that relationship is probably in shambles And you know you a fan of his Know if he gon' bring you to Miami, you scramblin' And pack all your luggage, get on the plane and land in it”

[@johnny9]

damn, that's crazy

[@KinGAdil019]

@@johnny9 yea I went crazy when I heard Col say it

[@masharzard968]

Shawn u don’t understand how thirsty i was for this reaction😩😩😩

[@vitaminl2234]

quenched

[@prodbyzee1746]

Had to refill my lotion and shit no cap

[@darrel6724]

I’ve been feeling fo this

[@suffermore1576]

ah

[@organic6778]

absolutely marved

[@YOLOMASTER63]

This whole album is more like a message he’s giving us letting us know what he’s equipped with after all this time and showing us what he’s capable of after the off-season

[@james5147]

This album is amazing, and even better on full volume

[@AmaniMills]

I bet shawn bumping this whole album right now, fronting for KZbin😭😭😭

[@nglz]

he’d have more supporters if he faked it and acted like he liked it lmfao... you trippin

[@chronopheonix589]

@@nglz I think he just likes to look elitist .

[@damarkomoore5236]

@@chronopheonix589 yeah this dudes so lame u can tell he a simp 😂

[@leviathan3630]

Y'all really so insecure you think he's faking his entire opinion

[@damarkomoore5236]

@@leviathan3630 no his opinion ain’t his tho it’s a premeditated one by elitists lol he literally didn’t even give this album a listen for what it was and instead kept wanting some kendrick type of bs when this is cole not kendrick like wth that’s disrespectful ash a awful review not even cause he didn’t like it, but cause he went in wanting not to which is lame ash music ain’t that serious

[@Aphexia]

Ngl I’d never think of the possibility of 21 and Lil Baby might’ve actually gone toe to toe with Cole on his own track

[@gc0837]

Specially baby

[@EclecticoIconoclasta]

Lil Baby is the most concious rapper of the 2 babys.

[@MusicEnthusiast2011]

But they didn’t...

[@skankhunt-bd4zv]

@@MusicEnthusiast2011 Right? Like why Shawn sitting still looking hella bored when Cole is going off then soon as 21 or Baby come in he's bouncing around vibing like it's way better, While compared to Cole what are they saying that's anymore intresting than what Cole's talking about? Lol

[@JD-cp1lc]

@@skankhunt-bd4zv at their best they don’t go toe to toe nor do they on these tracks but they sounded well together bc it was really only small verse bursts and more of a production thing than rap. Lyrically Cole was better than both on those tracks but he was fs holding back on them. He didn’t wanna go off for no reason

[@joshstalteri944]

Album was great first listens was good and the the more I’ve listened to it the more I like it, the album moves up every time I listen to it. Also I feel like the album still has a theme even though people are saying it sounds like I mixtape.

[@toby2861]

Appreciate your critiques. They're well articulated and seem genuine. Although I feel very different from parts of your overall opinion - I still appreciate the personal insight. Agree with you on the limitations his ultra relatability (The fact that he appears as just an everyday guy, observing) possesses on the abstract creativity of the content. Kinda like Non-fiction novels, as powerful as they can be - they'll never take your imagination as far as fiction would. Not to say one is better than the other, it's just preference that splits the opinion at the end of it all. For myself. I don't mind either and Cole has come a long way with music, methodically. So I'm pretty proud of this record and I happen to love most of the instrumentals so that helped a lot. P.S: Drake my favourite artist ever but I happen to find him around the same time I found Cole and Kendrick so I'm big fan of all of them fortunately.

[@kardo3341]

The thing about this album that it shows the same hungry warm-up friday night light j cole that made us fall in love with his music. Truly, a great album, and it only for the start of the upcoming albums this year from kendrick and drake as well

[@asmitsingh6389]

Bro looks like he’s being forced to listen to these albums. He really don’t like anything.

[@gie3973]

It just honestly wasn't that impressive.

[@SPACECOWBOY705]

@@gie3973 you can't have your own opinion on a JCole album bro shut up!!!!

[@chagrin6919]

J Cole fans when someone doesn't like his mid music:

[@MrSPIDEY21]

@@SPACECOWBOY705 album was ass

[@asmitsingh6389]

@@gie3973 I’m not that huge of a fan but it clearly looks like he’s reacting on pre-formed opinions of him. Like he just sat through 100 mil’ blankly without even attempting to listen to it. You gotta give the album a fair listen at least.

[@Alchemy77]

17:23 i believe cole showed more of his rap spirit on this album than he has in awhile. This album was packed with bars and he had high energy all through out the project. As far as cole being relatable, i think thats why most people really enjoy listening to him.

[@joseyantinjr8909]

This man is the only person I’ve seen so far who doesn’t like some songs this whole album is amazing no skips whatsoever

[@mylan_p]

cole is way more capable than what he shows tho. if he were to make an album that was sonically consistent and had a very solid and well executed concept, he’d have so much more of a legacy. but decent beats and some clever bars here and there are really all he brings to the table

[@MiamiHeat20840]

@@mylan_p why you expecting shit when you listen to music?

[@DarrellBubb]

@@MiamiHeat20840 Nothing wrong with having an expectation from an artiste with a discography

[@mylan_p]

@@MiamiHeat20840 i don't even know what you're asking with that question lmao. how do you NOT have expectations of certain artists? all i'm saying is i think he's destined for more considering his talent and i wanna see that side of him

[@dylanbrown3555]

@@mylan_p so if you want him to have a sonically consistent album, you essentially want him to be one dimensional? And if he had made an album like that, you would have also critiqued him that he embezzled his craft enough because he only makes THIS type of music. The man has achieved all of the things that y’all said he hasn’t. Y’all are not listening and are approaching his music with preconceived notions JUST like this nigga reacting to the video.

[@jacknelson5640]

Needed a JID verse I was sad he didn’t have one😔

[@qdontae6]

Right 🥺

[@Bionimetic]

Fall Off maybe? Would be a good time as JID would release his new album by then and with the hype on Off Season more people would be lead to JID which would be well deserved by now.

[@kennedykilgore5313]

SAME 🥺

[@James-vy5jg]

That shit sad

[@luminouskiwi1104]

Hopefully JID will have Cole featured in his next project

[@tropicaljay7814]

J Cole finally got some features 🙏🏾

[@ivt0]

As someone completely outside of the rap/hiphop culture, just someone watching through reactions of a dope album i found out about, this dude really comes of as the kind of dude who tries super hard to prove themselves through critiquing others. Every time hes says the songs are boring and lack emotions and especially in the end where he tries to use big word to sound smart when he says things like j cole doesnt have a good persona and that hes too relatable to be exciting and that he wants to hear less thoughtful more hype stuff just flaunting and shit like dafuq? This guy really just misses alot of what cole is saying, like when he even tries to sum of what the song is about he reveals just how shallow his comprehension is, like he misses what almost everyother reactor has picked up on and ive literally just browsed youtube for the last two days watching reactions to different songs on the album as well as complete reviews.

[@robjones3287]

7/10 hella bars on that joint. I don’t know if it has much replay value for me personally but that’s just me

[@ericaltenburg]

21 and Baby features were unexpected but greatly appreciated

[@azc56]

Not really 21 was in the off season documentary

[@ericaltenburg]

@@azc56 I didn’t watch the documentary prior to the release so it was a nice lil surprise

[@c-fink]

I love listening to Shawns views and opinions about j Cole. He brings up some good points, but overall I don’t think he truly understands who Jermaine Cole is. To understand the significance of this album you’d have to know a lot of his old music. “The Come Up”, “The Warm Up”, and “Friday Night Lights” are so important to the see the growth and story of his life. The Off-Season is another part of this story. I love how a few of the songs are reflections to his past, and some are completely new parts of Cole we’ve never seen. I mean he got out of his comfort zone and put lil baby and 21 on his album. And you know he doesn’t care about the sales or plays, he just wanted to try something new. Even though I’m not a big fan of auto tune Cole, I completely respect him for trying it. I also don’t think it’s fair to judge this album solely by itself. The previous works I mentioned before are important, but also the fact that this album is a prequel for the fall off. I love how his career is one giant story of his dreams and passions. He made his dream of rapping come true, but he’s still chasing his basketball dream. I think a lot of people missed this part. Overall I really enjoyed this album and what he brought. I don’t think he could’ve done much more in this project. But that does mean I’m expecting him to follow up with some heat on “The Fall Off”. If I judged this album by itself I would either give it a 7.5 or an 8. But knowing all of his music and what this adds to his life story I would give it an 8.5 or a 9. It doesn’t come close to FHD which is a 10, but not every album can be a 10.

[@BoLuke]

Great insight 💯

[@simulatedheartbreak]

That’s not the point though. He was harsh but It’s really a stretch to say that there’s a pretence required to enjoy the body of art, knowing it can make you appreciate it more sure but it can’t be the driving force or what’s missing per say in ones experience. That’s not how music is. And realistically you don’t know Jermaine cole either you just have an outside perspective on him. Just how I feel though

[@atmbcito]

@@simulatedheartbreak no thats pretty much facts tho

[@c-fink]

@@simulatedheartbreak I think you’re missing my point. His previous works add to the enjoyment of listening to the off season like you said. If you don’t know his old music well, then you won’t appreciate this one as much. Like if you watched Star Wars episode 8 without watching any of the previous movies. You may enjoy the movie, but you wouldn’t appreciate it as much because you didn’t see what it took to get to that point. I think it would be fair to judge an album like kod just by itself. But you have to realize the importance of how this album fits into his story of his life. I also think it’s important to see the album how the artist intended. The more you know about him, then the more references you’ll notice in his lyrics. Maybe I just like him too much, but in my eyes he’s the goat. Overall amazing human being, lyricist, producer, and now basketball player 😂

[@smackd1870]

Well said.

[@Kdot1337]

Just an opinion to what u said at the end, I feel like what makes J.Cole's music so special is any average person can relate to him which ultimately builds this bond. That is why I always go back to his music. Despite all his success, he still remains humble and doesn't flex about how many cars, houses or bitches he got.

[@carb0rg]

I was feeling under the weather and your "this infant spitting" line genuinely made me feel happy man.Just wanted to say that.

[@johnquattlebaum2035]

21s artist growth is insane. This mixtape was great to me with a lot of solid songs. Are Cole and 21 the new dynamic duo 🥶

[@jacobwooten6893]

Shawn likes to be the smartest in the room, but when Cole’s here it’s just not possible...

[@eastonbradshaw5441]

Fax. Shits just goin over his head

[@mystymos3614]

Yeah yall buggin like crazy lmao here we go with the stan shit. Cole dont say shit thats extra deep he still makin rihanna fenti bars. Half baked ass nigga

[@colbygf1]

y’all literally act like j cole is god😭😭😭😭😭

[@eastonbradshaw5441]

@@mystymos3614 name a rapper that does what he does. If your telling me that C L O S E, or Pride is the devil, hunger on the hill had no deeper meaning to it then you just don’t have intellect to know what he’s talking about.

[@murk4552]

@@eastonbradshaw5441 you guys are living memes of when Patrick Star puts on glasses. If anything Cole says goes over your head, Forrest Gump is probably your childhood hero bro.

[@frankensteinx5378]

everything after 14:45 is pretty good. A very good review. Cole would really appreciate this man

[@333seads-_-9]

i feel like J cole has succeed in what he was aiming at. kod feels like a prototype to his current sound.🥶🥀

[@mnif001]

21 really snapped on his verse. His growth as an artist is amazing.

[@MaxwellAyo]

A bit surprised by some of the opinions Shawn had on this project tbh, feel like this is the most confident J Cole has ever sounded on a project, and I could feel the hunger throughout it's runtime. No rating though? Guess we're getting a final thoughts then?👀

[@KKB45]

I can tell he didn't have expectations like usual in the beginning.

[@jennetics00]

It’s weird cuz I feel like this album sounds different from KOD but Cole didn’t really bring anything new to the table or do anything drastically different besides a few things and the features.

[@jennetics00]

Like Cole did just enough for me to be able to tell the two albums from apart other than the covers but he’s still rapping the same and singing the same and that’s fine I just wasn’t the biggest fan of KOD and so based on only 2 full listens so far I’m not really feeling this one either. Now 4yeo is different because it’s more of a mood album that you almost have to listen to from start to finish other than immortal, neighbors, and maybe déjà vu, but other than that I don’t really go back to that album. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad album besides folding clothes and she’s mine pt 1 and pt 2, I get what he was going for and it’s important to the concept of the album but I’m honestly never going to listen to those songs unless I’m listening to the full album. Cole is good and I can see why people say he’s top 10 and even top 5 but he’s not for me but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter what I think he’s still talented and has and audience while he’s got 100 mill in the bank so good for him and good for dreamville I’m just not the biggest fan.

[@MaxwellAyo]

@@jennetics00 I will have to humbly disagree with you on him not doing anything differently. I understand your comments on 4YEO and KOD. But Cole is rapping better, his wordplay is better, beat choices are way better than KOD imo, just his approach is better. He's varying his style more, trying out new sounds. He also sounds more confident, spittin more like an accomplished artist, like someone that knows he is top 3. He's making a point. So saying Cole didn't bring anything new to the table on Off Season compared to KOD, I guess my question would be what are you looking for from Cole? What is the new thing you want Cole to bring to the table? A deeply conceptual album like TPAB?

[@arkansasceltic]

@@MaxwellAyo Bro me & you have the same questions. Like I really want to know what people are looking for from Cole, like he sounded hungry & inspired throughout this whole album to me

[@johndiaz5075]

I think this album is great. I’m definitely playing 9/12 songs on repeat or in the gym because the other 3 I’ve already listen to

[@chicagomadebj]

If we’re being honest this is the only album review we were waiting for ngl🤷🏽‍♂️

[@mangisunam3329]

Puff Diddly line: For those who don't know. After Kendrick dropped the control verse. Puff wasn't pleased with the "king of New York" line. So when Cole and Kendrick were out at a club. Diddy was drunk there and tried to pour his drink on Kendrick's head. Cole intervened and told him to stop and Diddy layed his hands on Cole and both their crews had a stand off until Cole and Kendrick eventually left.

[@tree4124]

Puff diddly 💀💀💀💀

[@2feettotheground]

Kendrick’s discography shits diarrhea all over Notorious BIG’s career

[@mangisunam3329]

@@2feettotheground Kd? That u cuh? WE FOUND HIS KZbin BURNER

[@iqbalhussein5434]

While I do enjoy the off season, I can’t act like I wasn’t left waiting for more. 21 savage and lil baby were definitely welcome. Additional comments: The off season feels more like a mixtape than an album. This only makes me even more excited for The Fall Off 7/10 Best track: m y l i f e Edit: Most of these tracks have grown on me quite a lot since release

[@robertburks9676]

I would give it an 8 because of every song in my opinion is high quality and you can’t say that for every album

[@robertburks9676]

@@sabeeh1652 it’s gonna be his last album if I’m correct

[@recommendedforyou5775]

@@robertburks9676 You are correct.

[@jcjgaming3386]

My first listen: I felt surprised by the flow of jcole. It was weird and kind of different. Some songs didn’t hit quite hard and I didn’t really give it a fair listen. My second listen however: man the word play, the story, the meaning, and the beat. It flows like butter. I broke down the lyrics and started slowly falling in love slowly. Now: shit I can’t pick my favorite song outta that album. One day I’m feeling My Life. The next day it’s 100 mill .. , amari , and the hunger on hillside. Those are definitely my favorite. It’s a masterpiece in terms of rap pure playlist. It’s everything cole said it was gonna be. I give the album a good 8/10 it’s definitely a mixtape but judging from the title of the album “the off season” there’s more to come.

[@iqbalhussein5434]

@@robertburks9676 some tracks were just ok imo. Those misses are what really bogs this project down

[@marioskgm]

How tf did u skip the outro part of hunger on hillside like it never happened, bro that was the highlight of the album

[@PopularNobody]

When I started the album and the first voice I heard was Cam I knew the album was going to be solid as fuck.

[@landodiaz5517]

This album is so weird with me. I heard it once all the way through on a walk already but I’m not gonna over play it. For some reason it dosent give me a “I must replay this” I like when Cole takes me somewhere. 2014 Forest Hills Drive, 4YEO, K.O.D, he takes you for a ride while lecturing you **kinda like an acid trip** but this I just felt like he yelled at me and I was like “I understand” and just went on with my day. Also I felt like this was “JCole Type Beats the Album”

[@richardmartinez5040]

This and kod felt like I got to the end and went “is that all?”. This one is a lil more fair bc it feels more like a mixtape approach though

[@richardmartinez5040]

@DISH GAMING thats what I thought at first but he announced and marketed it as an album. The only time he referred to it as a mixtape was during the release of Song of the Year. Definitely feels like one though

[@jaydeegreat88]

I felt the same way ngl

[@joshuapineda394]

@@richardmartinez5040 Kod does not fit in the same category with this, kod had a way more clearer direction in what it was trying to achieve

[@giffordoppatumis5631]

Felt the exact same way

[@jacksonhedges855]

That pride is the Devil beat got me stroking

[@tropicaljay7814]

Whole album got me rock solid fr

[@sarsfien8625]

Ayo???

[@anishpatel3118]

stroking WHAT

[@CountinCaskets]

@@tropicaljay7814 Bro???

[@hugohuston]

@@tropicaljay7814 📸📸 caught you

[@Jaidavirocks]

ik it's an unpopular opinion but after a month of the album being out i am in full agreement with shawns final thoughts. Despite enjoying it on first listen there just isn't enough to take away from the tracks that makes me want to re-listen. I think for most artists this would be okay but where Cole is at in his career he needs to be leaving more of a mark with what he is saying which we all know his is capable of. interesting to see what his next body of work will sound like though.

[@kelvinarnold5458]

I love this album. But I really enjoyed your input I'm happy to be subscribed to this page. ☺

[@marclevy1804]

The production in this album is honestly INSANE

[@cioccolato2124]

really? thought it was his worst prod since 2012

[@bks5493]

No it is not.

[@laranja5678]

@@bks5493 you have a Page on ig?

[@N-Khal]

I wish he went back to his old style production that he had in Forest Hills Drive. The beats were really boring.

[@bks5493]

@@laranja5678 yea why?

[@LocallyConstantDuck]

This feels like a collection of tracks more so than an album if that makes sense. They are all individually good, but I was hoping for a more cohesive project. Hopefully Shawn’s theory is right and there is something more substantial coming down the line.

[@maverickontop9073]

Considering it’s titled The Off Season, I do think it’s a project where he’s experimenting a bit and showing off his skill set where we get a truly full fledged project down the road (The Fall Off). I really enjoyed this project for what it was but I wish it wasn’t called a album and didn’t have this crazy rollout to it when it’s really a B-project. Basically it’s Cole’s Untitled Unmastered in a sense.

[@mysteriousgamer8941]

he's saving that for fall off most likely.

[@gwensosa10]

@@maverickontop9073 I agree, it should be called a mixtape

[@jfraz1992]

@@maverickontop9073 none of his past 3 albums didn’t have crazy rollouts, he been dropping albums without promo since 2014 forest hill drive

[@RomeDCarlo]

Cohesive rap albums died when streaming became the dominant listening format, everything is a collection of songs these days

[@marving4653]

Was waiting all day for this

[@lukelawrence3468]

On Lucky Lefty (unreleased Drake), he says "Michael B. Jordan call you right now, you answerin'". Kind of related to the Cole bar on 100 mil, right?

[@jamesnjonjo4092]

👀 Wasn't Cole and Drake in a ghost together. And didn't Cole mention Drake on middle child lol

[@pehellotsotetsi1022]

That line was about Lori Harvey

[@ladjack3978]

Morray on the hook of My Life was perfect bruh

[@mjwalker3098]

smoothest hook of this year...

[@ehiobanor]

" he tryna have the college campuses going off." as a college student... when i heard the breakdown i was like... oh yea it's up next semester lmaoooo

[@arturz6453]

Its been 3 years since the first time im watchin u, and i'm just realized that u have some dope ass tattoos, damn

[@a_rapidly_deflating_mattress]

Random question but where'd you get them milk bottle glasses bruh? I'm feeling them

[@semmutalindwa4615]

Remember this is just the warm up to The Fall Off

[@mysteriousgamer8941]

it's highly unlikely fall off comes out this yr, it'd be nice though.

[@InfamousAWJ]

@@mysteriousgamer8941 No one said that tho.

[@kingchris7519]

The fall off gonna be mid too foh

[@392lu]

@@kingchris7519 Lmaoo bro this shit was mid and i fw cole, never gonna be another warm up or fnl

[@392lu]

@Jesus Pernia nah i been fw the warm up and fnl some of his best work , don’t mean i gotta dickride just cause he dropped new shit really ain’t nun special lol

[@georget6549]

It is growing on me every time I listen to it

[@BlackStarrTurnsHeel]

I love J Cole's new album. "Let Go Of My Hand" touched my soul.

[@TheClanFollows]

I’m glad you said “what” to the chicken breast line too 😂