On Friday, May 14, the legendary and always conscious rapper J. Cole dropped what we believe is to be one of his last projects. The full-length album is titled The Off-Season and looks to be a countdown to the star’s farewell.
The Beginning Of The End?
As J. Cole claims in his mini documentary about the project, he is putting his all into this album. Why? So that he can look back and say that he put everything he had into his rap career. If you know about J. Cole, you know that when he says he’s giving us his best, you have to be ready to hear some insane flows and even better beats.
We had a previous taste of what is packed into the album with “interlude.” The song caught some off guard hearing J. Cole take a new approach in the mixing and mastering of his voice. Regardless, when said he is giving this his all, that calls for going out of your comfort zone to discover new, better sounds.
That better sounds he worked to get was found on his first solo studio project since 2018’s KOD. The leader of Dreamville records also had a compilation album with all of his artists titled Revenge Of The Dreamers III. It showcased some of that newfound style.
J. Cole definitely shows no signs of having old cobwebs on this new album. Although, as longtime fans know, we are not sure if this project fits the bill as his best work.
With so much hype around the announcement of his retirement, Cole fans are wondering how much longer we have left to hear him speak on what is real. As well as what we know and love.
Where Is J. Cole Headed After The Off-Season?
In December 2020, J. Cole posted on his Instagram the blue print for what his retirement tour would look like. Starting with The Off-Season, Cole has three projects lined up, with the other two being It’s A Boy and The Fall Off.
As far as timing goes, we have no idea when the next two albums will drop. One thing is for sure, though: they will be bittersweet.
Also, as J. Cole nears the end of his rap career (and as he reaches the highest of heights), its time for him to go onto other things.
The rapper has reportedly signed a deal with Basketball Africa League’s Rwanda’s Patriots per NBA insider Shams Charania. He is expected to play at least three, and up to seven, games next season with team. This is another dream come true for the basketball fanatic… and who knows? This may lead to huge, new opportunities for him down the road.
In the meantime, check out J. Cole’s mini-documentary on the process for this new, closing album.
