J. Cole - Lost Ones
The video is out for easily one of my favorite tracks on Cole World. I listened to this song over and over again when it first leaked — I think I actually like the demo version better than the one that made it on to the album. The changes are extremely slight, but he sounded a little less polished, a little more pained, and just so raw throughout, which was perfect for this song. Cole’s gift of narration is gripping even when I can’t, uh, directly relate to his subject matter (though really, we all know I’m as hood as they come… in the suburbs.) “Lights Please” and “Problems” are also winners and demonstrate his style well.
As a gleeful word nerd and registered logophile, I think I was bound to appreciate good rap (which probably culminates in my Word of the Day subscriptions to both Dictionary.com and Urban Dictionary). The fact that rappers can give a vivid glimpse into their worlds through rhyme, turns of phrase, and inflection is impressive, and for Cole, an overdue testament to his talent.
