Cole World: The Sideline Story

Cole World: The Sideline Story
Cole World: The Sideline Story
Studio album by J. Cole
Released September 27, 2011
Recorded 2007–2011
Genre Hip hop
Length 60:00
Label Roc Nation, Columbia
Producer J. Cole (also exec.) Jay-Z (co-exec.) No I.D., Brian Kidd, The University, L&X Music, Canei Finch, Ron Gilmore
J. Cole chronology
Friday Night Lights
(2010)		 Cole World: The Sideline Story
(2011)
Singles from Cole World: The Sideline Story
  1. "Work Out"
    Released: June 15, 2011
  2. "Can't Get Enough"
    Released: August 30, 2011
  3. "Nobody's Perfect"
    Released: TBA 2011

Cole World: The Sideline Story is the debut studio album of German-American rapper J. Cole. The album was released on September 27, 2011 under Roc Nation with distribution from Sony Music.[1] The album is his first studio release, following three successful mix tapes. Production was handled mainly by Cole himself, with some production from high-profile producer No I.D.. It includes features from Trey Songz, Drake, Missy Elliott and his mentor Jay-Z. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart with 218,000 units sold in the first week following its release.[2]

Contents

Background

J. Cole said several of the tracks are songs he held onto before he was signed. He said they were too good to give away on mix tapes.[3] J. Cole stated that he had 16 tracks on the album, 12 of which he has produced himself. He also revealed that he would not release a pre-album mixtape like he previously stated. Instead, every Sunday until the album he released songs that did not make the album. The bundles of songs released are called Any Given Sundays.[4] J. Cole has said that the reason for the subtitle "The Sideline Story" is because he feels since being signed to Jay-Z it has been like someone being on the sidelines for their favorite basketball team, and they're just waiting until the coach puts them in. On May 3, 2011 J. Cole stated on Twitter, "All singles done. Album ridiculous. Title Perfect. Music incredible. Thank you for your patience. Let's change the game."[5] On June 21, 2011 Cole tweeted, "Cole World: The Sideline Story", the album's title. He then tweeted "9/27," the release date.[6] The Cole World: World Tour began on August 23rd in Vancouver.[7] The album's cover art was designed by Alex Haldi for Bestest Asbestos.

Recording and production

The album includes production from J. Cole himself, Brian Kidd, No I.D. and L&X Music[8][9][10] J. Cole wants his fans to expect a different sound, while he speaks about topics that have never been included in mainstream hip hop music before. [1] The Source magazine said that Cole's "evolution as a producer solely enhances the product"[11] and that "Outside of co-production from No I.D., this album is all Cole at his rawest.J Cole said the production on the song "Lost Ones" was influenced by music artist Alex Gilbert."This album also features live Orchestra and Musical Sections arranged and produced by Larrance Dopson of 1500 or nothin. [11] During the final moments of working on his album, when Cole had lost hope for his dream collaboration with Jay-Z, he explained to Vibe how the collaboration came to fruition, "He was in L.A. and I got [there] that day around the VMAs or whatever. He actually pushed back the mastering, we went to mastering with no Jay-Z verse. I was like 'oh okay cool, I guess he can’t do it.' They were mastering the last song, and this is such a Jay-Z move, he called in and stopped the mastering and pushed it back like a week. Only he can do that."[12]

Singles and album cuts

The album's first intended single was "Who Dat". Released on June 8th, 2010, it was produced by Cole and Elite. The song failed to garner J. Cole the attention needed to drop a major label debut, the song was thought not to have made the final cut due to the song being released sixteen months prior to the album's release and its lackluster performance on the charts: however, the song appears as a bonus track on the iTunes edition as well as Daddy's Little Girl. J. Cole explained he kept the song on the album and included it as a bonus track because "[it] connects the past two years to everything." In honor of the second anniversary of his highly acclaimed mixtape The Warm Up Cole released "Work Out" on June 15, 2011. [13] [14][15] The song, produced by Cole himself, samples "The New Workout Plan" by Kanye West and interpolates "Straight Up" by Paula Abdul.[16][17] The second single, "Can't Get Enough" originally leaked on the internet on July 26, 2011. Produced by Brian Kidd and featuring Trey Songz, the song was officially released on August 30, 2011. The song samples "Paulette" as performed by Balla et ses Balladins. "Mr. Nice Watch", featuring Jay-Z, will be released to urban radio on October 4.[18]

At a listening session in New York City, hosted by J. Cole, he previewed the album to a select few, including Insanul Ahmed of Complex.[19] At the listening session it was revealed "In the Morning" featuring Drake off his Friday Night Lights mixtape will appear on the album. Cole defended this decision saying, he felt the song never got the push it deserved, and he wanted it to reach more people.[20] Another song that was previously released on another project The Warm Up, was "Lights Please". Cole explained this song was the track that won over his manager Mark Pitt and Jay-Z.[21] The interlude, was revealed to be a quick skit where Cole talks about the day he found out Jay-Z wanted to sign him. As soon as Cole got the good news he was pulled over and ended up spending the night in jail for parking violations. Even so, he explains that it was “the easiest time ever” because he knew success was coming around the corner.[22] The track "Rise and Shine" opens with a sample from the documentary, Backstage where Jay-Z is talking about finding that one great artist that he’ll sign.[23] "Dollar and a Dream III" was revealed, the third in the "Dollar and a Dream series" following the two from his first two mixtapes. In an interview with VIBE Cole admitted that he originally wanted Jay-Z to appear on the song "God's Gift" rather than "Mr. Nice Watch." He continued saying, "Everything worked out, I’m a true believer that everything happens for a reason. Like, when he did that, it made way more sense than my song. It’s a bigger record, a more universal record. Being the hip-hop nerd that I am, I would have loved to hear Jay-Z on that ["God's Gift"] beat. But really, I’m fine on that song alone."[12] J. Cole released "Mr. Nice Watch" featuring Jay-Z, himself through the internet, for promotional purposes, on September 14, 2011. The song contains elements of Dubstep and Electronica.[24][25] Despite not being released as a single, "Mr. Nice Watch" debuted on the U.S. Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at number eighty-seven on the week of October 1, 2011.[26] Two days before the album's release, J. Cole released a music video for the bonus track, "Daddy's Little Girl". On October 25th, J. Cole released a three-year old never-before seen music video for the track, "Lost Ones".

On October 24, J. Cole confirmed his next single would be "Nobody's Perfect" featuring Missy Elliot.[27]

Reception

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source Rating
Allmusic 4/5 stars[28]
Robert Christgau (B+) [29]
Entertainment Weekly (B+)[30]
Los Angeles Times 2.5/4 stars[31]
Pitchfork Media (6.1/10)[32]
PopMatters (7/10)[33]
Rolling Stone 3.5/5 stars[34]
Slant Magazine 3/5 stars[35]
Spin (8/10)[36]
XXL 4/5 stars(XL)[37]

Cole World: The Sideline Story received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted mean rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 75, based on 20 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews".[38] Brad Wete of Entertainment Weekly praised the album and wrote that it "is a well-rounded effort, and deeper than most..".[39] Mikael Wood of Los Angeles Times gave the album a mixed review, commenting that "J. Cole’s early-onset veteran status also saps some of the energy you’d hope to hear on a debut.", but also commended J. Cole on the "satisfying confidence with which J. Cole delivers his rhymes."[31] David Jeffries of Allmusic stated, "Take a couple listens, let it sink in, and then discover that Cole World is one hell of a debut."[40] Rolling Stone's Jody Rosen commented that the album "Cole is brainier than most mainstream MCs but too flashy for the underground" adding that "the melodrama feels rote; the rhymes hit the mark but the stories leave you cold."[41] Matthew Cole of Slant Magazine complimented the album, saying that "the only thing Cole World really wants for is the kind of out-of-the-park highlight that would pull the whole album together."[42] Adam Fleishcer of XXL Magazine mentioned Cole's high expectations, stating that "But it’s these same factors that have positioned J. Cole’s major label debut, Cole World: The Sideline Story, in an uphill battle against expectations.", and praising J. Cole, stating "Cole’s DIY methods—producing the bulk of the album, enlisting limited guests—are admirable if, at times, restrictive." [43] Kazeem Famuyide of "The Source gave the album a positive review, stating that "All in all, Cole World: The Sideline Story has more bright spots than lowlights and serves as a solid debut..". [44]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 218,000 copies in it's first week.[2] As of November 9, 2011, the album has currently sold 370,000 copies in the United States.[45]

Track listing

No. Title Producer(s) Length
1. "Intro"   E.W.P 1:23
2. "Dollar and a Dream III"   The University, J. Cole (co.), Canei Finch (add.), Ron Gilmore (add.) 4:43
3. "Can't Get Enough" (featuring Trey Songz) Brian Kidd 3:46
4. "Lights Please"   J. Cole 3:28
5. "Interlude"   J. Cole 1:40
6. "Sideline Story"   J. Cole 3:58
7. "Mr. Nice Watch" (featuring Jay-Z) J. Cole 3:58
8. "Cole World"   J. Cole 3:05
9. "In the Morning" (featuring Drake) L&X Music 3:54
10. "Lost Ones"   J. Cole 4:24
11. "Nobody's Perfect" (featuring Missy Elliott) J. Cole 3:11
12. "Never Told"   No I.D. 3:32
13. "Rise and Shine"   J. Cole 4:35
14. "God's Gift"   J. Cole 3:33
15. "Breakdown"   J. Cole 4:45
16. "Work Out" (Bonus Track) J. Cole 3:55

 • (co.) designates co-producer
 • (add.) designates additional production

Sample credits
  • "Dollar and a Dream III" contains a sample of "Darkness of the Unknown" as composed by Yoko Shimomura (from the Kingdom Hearts II Original Soundtrack).
  • "Can't Get Enough" contains a sample of "Paulette" as performed by Balla et ses Balladins.
  • "Lights Please" contains a sample of "Theme From the Planets" as composed by Dexter Wansel.
  • "Sideline Story" contains an interpolation of "The World Is a Place" as performed by Rhythm.
  • "In the Morning" interpolates "Can I Get A" by Jay-Z
  • "Nobody's Perfect" contains an interpolation of "Think" as performed by Curtis Mayfield.
  • "Rise and Shine" contains a sample of "Arise, Shine" as performed by Greg Dykes and The Synanon Choir.
  • "God's Gift" contains a sample of "Francisco" as performed by Milton Nascimento.
  • "Breakdown" contains a sample of "Bells" as performed by Eero Koivistoinen and interpolates "Breakdown as performed by Mariah Carey featuring Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.
  • "Work Out" contains a sample of "The New Workout Plan" as performed by Kanye West and interpolates "Straight Up" as performed by Paula Abdul.
  • "Who Dat" contains a sample of "Godofallofus" as performed by New Hope and interpolates "SpottieOttieDopalicious" as performed by OutKast.

[46]

Personnel

  • Executive producers: Carter Administration, Mark Pitts, and J. Cole
  • A&R: Ibriham Hammad and Rich Kleiman
  • A&R Coordination: Julius Garcia and Sharde Simpson
  • A&R Operations: Damien Alexander
  • Mastered by: Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound Mastering (New York, NY)
  • Management: Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts for ByStorm Management
  • U.S. Marketing: Liz Hausle and Chaka Pilgrim
  • International Marketing: Natalya Davis
  • Media Relations & Publicity: Jana Fleishman
  • Art Direction & Graphic Design: Alex Haldi for Bestest Asbestos
  • J. Cole Legal: Kenny Meiselas
  • Roc Nation Legal: Jennifer Justice
  • Photography: Leann Mueller

Charts

Chart positions

Chart (2011) Peak
position
Australian Albums Chart[47] 52
Canadian Albums Chart 4
New Zealand Albums Chart[48] 36
UK Albums Chart 25
US Billboard 200[2] 1
US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums[2] 1

References

  1. ^ a b "J. Cole Announces Album Title, Release Date". Rap-Up.com. 2011-06-21. http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/21/j-cole-announces-album-title-release-date/. 
  2. ^ a b c d Caulfield, Keith (October 5, 2011). "J. Cole Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200, Blink-182 Snags No. 2". Billboard (Prometheus Global Media). http://www.billboard.com/news/j-cole-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-blink-1005384552.story#/news/j-cole-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-blink-1005384552.story. Retrieved October 5, 2011. 
  3. ^ "J. Cole Builds On Jay-Z Co-Sign To Be 'Hottest Breakthrough MCs Of 2010'". MTV. 2010-06-30. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1642816/20100630/cole_j.jhtml. 
  4. ^ "Any Given Sunday". Sony Music. 2011-08-01. https://www.jcolemusic.com/us/news/any-given-sunday. 
  5. ^ Cole, Jermaine (May 3, 2011). "Twitter / @JColeNC: All singles done. Album ri ..". Twitter. http://twitter.com/#!/JColeNC/status/65554185390800896. Retrieved July 06, 2011. 
  6. ^ "J. Cole Announces Album Title, Release Date". Rap-Up. http://www.rap-up.com/2011/06/21/j-cole-announces-album-title-release-date/. Retrieved July 06, 2011. 
  7. ^ "J. Cole Announces Album Title, Release Date". Dream Villain. http://www.dreamvillain.net/?p=162. Retrieved August 18, 2011. 
  8. ^ Koroma, Salima (30 June 2010). "J. Cole Says Debut Due For October Release". HipHopDX.com. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11609/title.j-cole-says-debut-due-for-october-release. Retrieved 9 August 2010. 
  9. ^ Roberts, Steven (6 May 2010). "J. Cole Eyeing August For Debut's Release". MTV.com. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1638513/20100505/jcole.jhtml. Retrieved 9 August 2010. 
  10. ^ "J. Cole Confirms Trey Songz Single, Still Lacks A Release Date". HipHopDX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.13607/title.j-cole-confirms-trey-songz-single-still-lacks-a-release-date. 
  11. ^ a b "The Source - Album Preview: Cole World: The Sideline Story". thesource.com. 18 August 2011. http://www.thesource.com/articles/88194/Album-Preview:-Cole-World:-The-Sideline-Story?thesource-prod=5b6qlab9f4i5vborvoga94dva3. Retrieved 10 August 2011. 
  12. ^ a b "V Exclusive: J. Cole On His Jay-Z Collaboration 'Mr. Nice Watch'". vibe.com. 14 September 2011. http://www.vibe.com/posts/v-exclusive-j-cole-his-jay-z-collaboration-mr-nice-watch-everything-worked-out. Retrieved 14 September 2011. 
  13. ^ {{cite web|url=[http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/j-cole-delivers-the-first-single-work-out-off-his-upcoming-debut-album/
  14. ^ J. Cole Debuts His First Single “Work Out”, Off His Upcoming Debut Album] MissInfo.tv
  15. ^ Admin (June 16, 2011). "New Music: J. Cole – Work Out". Adwiin-Music. http://adwiin-music.com/2011/06/16/new-music-j-cole-work-out/. Retrieved July 10, 2011. 
  16. ^ J. Cole's Work Out sample of Kanye West's The New Workout Plan WhoSampled
  17. ^ J. Cole's Work Out sample of Paula Abdul's Straight Up WhoSampled
  18. ^ "Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates |". Allaccess.com. http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
  19. ^ Album Preview: J. Cole "Cole World: The Sideline Story" Complex
  20. ^ Album Preview: J. Cole "Cole World: The Sideline Story" Complex
  21. ^ Album Preview: J. Cole "Cole World: The Sideline Story" Complex
  22. ^ Album Preview: J. Cole "Cole World: The Sideline Story" Complex
  23. ^ Album Preview: J. Cole "Cole World: The Sideline Story" Complex
  24. ^ New Music: J. Cole - Mr. Nice Watch (Feat. Jay-Z)" Adwiin-Music
  25. ^ Tweet 113847287129702400. Twitter.
  26. ^ "Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs and Singles Charts". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100#/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs?order=gainer. 
  27. ^ "J. Cole Says His Sophomore Album Will Arrive In June 2012". http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17358/title.j-cole-says-his-sophomore-album-will-arrive-in-june-2012. 
  28. ^ Jeffries, David (2011-09-27). "Cole World: The Sideline Story - J. Cole". AllMusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/cole-world-the-sideline-story-r2257837. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
  29. ^ "Cole World: The Sideline Story review - J. Cole Review". MSN.com. 2011-11-04. http://social.entertainment.msn.com/music/blogs/expert-witness-blogpost.aspx?post=f106b4eb-aa50-43f5-a23c-e063a4da393a. Retrieved 2011-11-04. 
  30. ^ Reviewed by Brad Wete (2011-09-22). "Cole World: The Sideline Story review - J. Cole Review | Music Reviews and News". EW.com. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20530272,00.html. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
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  32. ^ Greene, Jayson (2011-09-30). "J. Cole: Cole World: The Sideline Story | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. http://www.pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15879-j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story/. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
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  34. ^ By Jody Rosen (2011-09-27). "Cole World: The Sideline Story | Album Reviews". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/cole-world-the-sideline-story-20110927. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
  35. ^ "J. Cole: Cole World: The Sideline Story | Music Review". Slant Magazine. http://slantmagazine.com/music/review/j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story/2627. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
  36. ^ Mlynar, Phillip (2011-09-27). "J. Cole, 'Cole World: The Sideline Story' (Roc Nation)". SPIN.com. http://www.spin.com/reviews/j-cole-cole-world-sideline-story-roc-nation/. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
  37. ^ "J. Cole, Cole World: The Sideline Story". Xxlmag.Com. 2011-10-14. http://www.xxlmag.com/reviews/2011/09/j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story/. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
  38. ^ "Cole World: The Sideline Story Reviews, Ratings, Credits, and More at Metacritic". Metacritic.com. http://www.metacritic.com/music/cole-world-the-sideline-story. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
  39. ^ Wete, Brad (September 22, 2011). "Cole World: The Sideline Story". Entertainment Weekly. Time Warner. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20530272,00.html. Retrieved 2011-09-22. 
  40. ^ Jeffries, David (2011-09-29). "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/cole-world-the-sideline-story-r2257837/review. Retrieved 2011-09-29. 
  41. ^ Rosen, Jody (September 27, 2011). "Cole World: The Sideline Story". Rolling Stone. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/cole-world-the-sideline-story-20110927. Retrieved 2011-09-27. 
  42. ^ Cole, Matthew (September 27, 2011). "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}". Slant Magazine. http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story/2627. Retrieved 2011-09-27. 
  43. ^ Flesicher, Adam (September 27, 2011). "J. Cole, Cole World: The Sideline Story". XXL Magazine. http://www.xxlmag.com/reviews/2011/09/j-cole-cole-world-the-sideline-story/. Retrieved 2011-09-27. 
  44. ^ Famuyide, Kazeem (September 29, 2011). "Review: J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story". The Source. http://www.thesource.com/articles/94710/Review%3A-J.-Cole---Cole-World%3A-The-Sideline-Story/140/Music?thesource-prod=suhisfdk85egqkhmeia1fav9c6. Retrieved 2011-09-29. 
  45. ^ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.17538/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-11-6-2011
  46. ^ "J. Cole Unveils Tracklist For "Cole World: The Sideline Story," Features Jay-Z, Drake & More". HipHopDX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.16645/title.j-cole-unveils-tracklist-for-cole-world-the-sideline-story-features-jay-z-drake-more. 
  47. ^ "Chartifacts - Week Commencing: 10th October 2011". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on October 11, 2011. http://webcitation.org/62LiSSq6e. Retrieved October 11, 2011. 
  48. ^ "RIANZ". RIANZ. http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp. Retrieved 2011-10-20. 
v · J. Cole
Discography
Studio albums
Cole World: The Sideline Story
Mixtapes
The Come Up · The Warm Up · Friday Night Lights
Singles
"Who Dat" · "Work Out" · "Can't Get Enough"
Featured singles
"All I Want Is You" · "Feel Love" · "Bad Girls Club" · "Trouble" · "Only Wanna Give It to You" · "Party" (Remix)
Related articles
Roc Nation · Jay-Z

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