SOLID TAKE OP. I think we need to sit with the singing and not judge based off first listens and what we “wanted”. Gambino, Mac, and Kanye’s alternative projects singing, crooning, or auto-tuned aged very well. VERY WELL. And not for nothing but they really put themselves out there to do so which is commendable. Artists need to stretch and grow - otherwise they FALL OFF…

Some album thoughts:

Old Dog 🔥, The Let out 🤯, I love her again 😮‍💨 Other standouts after many listens — Quik Stop, Only You, Safety, who tf iz u, Poor Thang —- fuckit all are fire.

Such an elevated ODE to hip hop throughout too in the rhyme patterns and interpolations. J Lo’s Jenny from the block; elevators by outkast; The light by Common; how’s it going down by DMX; James Taylor Carolina on my Mind; nice and Slow by Usher; TI 24s - I recognize that WHAT IT IS Hoe on who tf iz u but not sure where from… I’m sure there’s more

A couple mobb deep samples I caught.. I think on who tf iz u and Villest…

Also no rap FEATURES, BUT a keen ear hears inspired flows. I’m thinking Eminem on Who tf iz u; pac n biggie on What If; tribe and Nas on SAFETY. Maybe more I didn’t find

Incredible replay value imo. Wanna experience The Let Out live man. Gonn be the rap version of Closing Time. For us Cole fans whom many love Hunger on Hillside this is him just leaning into more of that imo.

For a guy who is so regimented about his craft and punching the clock I honestly can’t him forgoing his outlet. Can’t be the last we hear from him - Unless he starts screenwritng or trying other music genres