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J. Cole
The Fall-Off
8/10
Reviewed By: Jewels Alexandria
(3 Minute Read)
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There are many journalists I admire and strive to be like—sort of. But one who stands out right now is rap analyst James Francis. Before The Fall-Off dropped, James shared his expectations for how the world would respond to the eight-year project. He said people would never be as excited listening to it as they were waiting for it, and I couldn’t agree more. The wait is usually more fulfilling.
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​However, with The Fall-Off, that wasn’t the case. J. Cole truly lived up to the promise. This double-disc project is so musically rich that it’s hard to put into words.
I took the weekend off from social media to fully digest the project without the noise of my favorite journalists’ opinions and everyone else’s commentary. I wanted to feel what it was like in the ’90s—when you went to the store to cop an album, placed it in your tape or CD deck, and just listened. Judgment was left to people who truly cherished music, not just artists. What I learned is that this is a much more beautiful way to consume music.
I sometimes find myself influenced by other people’s interpretations before I can even form my own, unknowingly—and sometimes that even fuels my articles. But with this approach, I was able to like and dislike songs from my own perspective.
It’s not a bad thing to be influenced by others; it helps bring understanding in ways I couldn’t reach on my own. Still, I wanted this experience for myself. This project felt especially personal, as I’m a huge Cole fan. With that being said, here are my thoughts.
I didn’t fully understand the Disc 29 and Disc 39 explanation Cole gave prior to the release. I expected it to be more straightforward based on how he described it, but I don’t quite see it yet. This may be where my peers can help. There are also some tracks I felt could have been left off entirely—The Let Out and Legacy, for example—but those tracks may simply not have been for me.
Storytelling
J. Cole’s ability to vividly paint pictures through words is something that can only be learned through long nights of studying the craft. I love how he pays homage to those who have influenced him. The track I Love Her Again strikes a chord in a music lover’s heart that only a true enthusiast can understand. I remember hearing I Used to Love H.E.R as a child and only fully understanding it as an adult.
Then there’s SAFETY, which is so boom-bap hip-hop that I can’t wait to hear it all summer. Quick Stop stands out as well, where Cole reflects on staying connected to real-life struggles and remembering why his music resonates on so many levels. That track feels more like watching a movie than listening to a song. It’s moments like these—so emotionally driven and heartfelt—that give me goosebumps.
Rap
We don’t get albums like this often anymore. His display of wordplay, flow, and pure focus on skill feels unmatched. This section doesn’t need much explanation—it requires you to sit with the album and listen word for word.
Production
The Fall-Off makes us fall in love not just with the beats, but with the words as well. Too often, it feels like content no longer matters as long as the beat hits. Cole gives us both. The samples throughout the album reflect his love for rap, his influences, and his roots.
I’ve never cared much for gossip or irrelevant nonsense. Cole’s personal life is his own—what matters is the music, and he hasn’t forgotten that. This project represents passion, discipline, and resilience, a craft that sometimes gets lost in the chase for money, awards, and clout. I appreciate this album for the patience and hard work poured into it.​
This is only a first-weekend listen, and my opinion is sure to change with time as I give it a thorough listen. But as of now, this album feels like a work of art that will age beautifully.
Favorites:
SAFETY
Poor Thang
Old Dog
I Love Her Again
Quick Stop
February 9, 2026