By Odeisel
We all root for the underdog, especially when it comes to choosing who got next in the game of Hip-Hop. 50 Cent is living proof of that. There are so many people who would like to see the underdog J.Cole shine brighter than the chosen one Drake (they’re linked, get over it). There’s only one problem: Cole is on deck with the Jiggaman and those Roc Nation albums don’t seem to ever release.
Cole is the people’s champ, and his insistence on being a self-made man is commendable. His latest track “Disgusting,” delivered after his announcement that his Cole World album is completed, is a spare-produced number that questions the originality of rappers. The main problem is that the track is littered with clichés and middling lyricism that is way beneath his established talent level.
There are many lazy lines throughout the song (ass clapping…round of applause, I told her recognize…Smiff N Wessun, priors like Richard, we the shit no flushing) and on a song that takes rappers to task for originality, his “n***a that’s disgusting” line is delivered very Kanye-like. “Not another line about how life’s a bitch,” notes an exasperated Cole, rightfully calling out that played-out allegory. Unfortunately, lines like “you know how I know I’m the shit, because I’m clogging up the toilet” diminish that critique.
There are so many of these items in the rhyme that I’m going to give him a way out and say it’s on purpose. But the problem with parody is that the wink of an eye should be readily apparent. The playful head nod is missing from Cole’s delivery.
“Disgusting” is not the true measure of this kid’s talent. He’s better than this. But the longer his album remains out of the spotlight, the more likely his momentum and support from the people will waver. Then that Cole World will become a very cold one. Keep pushing young man. But push harder than this.
J.Cole -“Disgusting”
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Reading the article made me not want to hear the song. Toilet and shit references makes me think of middle school kids jokes.