Me, I’m like a young Simba, I can’t wait to be the King…witness the dream!
It’s been 5 years since Jermaine Cole from Fayetteville, North Carolina dropped “The Warm Up“. As a follow up to his previous project, “The Come Up” (2007), Cole released his 2009 mixtape to a larger audience after being signed to Jay Z’s RocNation record label. The Warm Up caught fire and since then J.Cole has easily been and continues to be one of the most talented rappers in the game. But, Cole isn’t just a rapper. This man is a lyricist and a producer. He has made most of the beats to his own work and has contributed to a handful of other artists and projects (Kendrick Lamar – HiiiPower).
Reminiscent of the Queens native and living legend; Nas, J.Cole garnered a huge buzz due to his lyrical ability, flow, delivery and subject matter. The college graduate delivered an engaging and emotionally charged mixtape combined with the raw lyrics. To celebrate the five year anniversary of The Warm Up, we walk you through some of the standout tracks (which is a really difficult task – I mean, every track is solid through and through) and share the letter Cole wrote to the fans.
The first track that we feel really stands out on the mixtape is Grown Simba. Produced by Mr. Cole World himself, Grown Simba picks up where Simba from The Come Up left off. The beat is powerful and the lyrics are on point.
LISTEN: Grown Simba
Another standout track is Dead Presidents II. It’s one thing to cover a classic once but in order to prove his naysayers wrong, Cole does it again. Click play to hear him deliver – again.
LISTEN: Dead Presidents II
Let’s take a break for a minute. A “Water Break” if you will. J. Cole displays his freestyle skill and shows us why he’s a top notch emcee. This is something a bunch of rappers can’t and won’t do anymore. Check it out below.
LISTEN: Water Break Interlude
The last track we’re going to highlight is the bonus track – “Losing My Balance”. Produced again by Cole, the soulful sample really drives home the emotionally charged lyrics and subject matter.
LISTEN: Losing My Balance
It’s important to note that this sample list doesn’t do the entire project justice. Rather, it’s intended to give new and existing fans and J.Cole listeners a glimpse (back) into the mixtape that propelled J.Cole into his current position as a bright artist with an even brighter future in the game. His most recent album “Born Sinner”, which was his sophomore major label effort, was recognized as one of the best albums of 2013. J.Cole is one of the leaders of the new school and we’re excited to see what he does next. Do yourself a favour and listen to The Warm Up – celebrate good hip hop.
A letter from Cole.
