If ever there was an album that actually warranted an apology for the wait of its’ release, Cole World: The Sideline Story was it. Impatience grew feverishly through hip-hop admirers for J. Cole‘s debut album to drop. Long awaited, “9/27” finally came and [among preliminary reports] the album flew off digital and retail shelves across the globe. I took the last couple of days to really get a feel for the album. At my desk. In the car. On a run.

In its’ entirety the album is the complete package. Authentic. Just what the hip-hop industry needs right now! Cole World: The Sideline Story chronicles the struggle of a young man striving to achieve his ultimate goal, and reaping the preliminary fruits of his labor. Achieving the American Dream if you will. Features from Jay-Z, Drake, and Trey Songz among others add that much more to a work that was already the real deal. Cole World.