MUSIC
J COLE
FOREST HILLS DRIVE
I
t’s no secret Cole has had an identity
crisis with his career with the dynamics
of ‘The Hit Maker’ vs. ‘The Truth Teller’
fighting for appeal. However, it’s safe
to say Forest Hills Drive has killed all
doubt about his identity in the game. And
Cole has us concluding that truth wins
over everything (even in new age hip hop).
Forest Hills Drive (FHD) is reminiscent
of the old school greats such as Talib
Kweli and Yasin Bey.With the audacious
singles ‘Apparently’ and the self-produced
‘G.O.M.D’ it’s no wonder FHD sold 375,
000 in its first week of release.
serves a brutal purpose and it’s clear he’s
serving us what’s important to him. As
controversial as he might get, rapping
about the racial hierarchy in the industry
and the misunderstood elements of Rap
(Something about Iggy Azealia) –He brings
it back so it’s suitable for Sunday chilling…
In my opinion, this makes it the best Cole
World experience yet. Forget the dramatic
elements of ‘art’ in Hip Hop and forget
‘chart toppers’ - we love FHD for its
passion, simplicity and honesty.
BY LEBOHANG MORAKE
Finding out that the 13 track album
supplies no features for distraction was
indeed a welcomed surprise. Every song
C h r i s b row n
x
A
s the exorbitantly priced Chris
Brown concert draws near, IMBO
thought it fitting to review his
latestoffering ‘X’. All soyou can
make an informed decision on whether or
not to break the bank to see this musical
virtuoso.
The title track X is reminiscent of the easy
listening, toe-tapping sound that Brown is
known for. In a song he exclaims, “if you’re
only as good as the company you keep,
Imma blame you for what they say about
me.” This is a great song with words that
should resonate with many, not excluding
Brown’s ex-lover, Rihanna.
The album is brimming with awesome
collaborations from great artists such as
Jhene Aiko, Brandy and R-Kelly to name
a few. Tracks such as ‘Stereotype’ and
‘Drunk Texting’ will speak to the heart of
the newly single. And R-Kelly fans will be
thoroughly entertained by ‘Drown In It’
- filled with the kind of crude lyrics and
sexy sound we’ve come to expect from
this Music Royale.
Giving it to you straight: This album won’t
change your life… But don’t be surprised
when you find yourself singing along after
only a matter of minutes.
BY NOBUSI MAQUBELA
157
IMBO/ ISSUE 32/ '14