Hip hop artist J. Cole released his third studio-album on Tuesday with Forest Hills Drive. The Roc Nation product named the album after his childhood home, attempting not to break ties with past and hometown.  The LP comes after an alright performance in his previous album Born Sinner.

It’s evident Cole is more emotionally invested  in Forest Hills Drive than his previous two albums; taking fans through a step-by-step of his life from childhood to present.

Cole could not have had a stronger start, proclaiming himself the God of rap in January 28th. Similar to Kendrick Lamar in Control, J. Cole calls out multiple rival artists–including Kendrick and Drake–in a song thats smooth beat and accompanying choir vocals nearly overshadow Cole’s shameless self-confidence.

January 28th is succeeded by what could be one of the better songs of the album.

Wet Dreamz, while it could come off as uncomfortable at first, is a work of art. Cole describes the confusing times of his teenage years in a song that will have you repeating its catchy hook as you stroll down the hall.

The journey of Cole’s past continues through the next tracks: 03′ Adolescence, A Tale of Two Citiez, and Fire Squad. These songs explain his troubles with moving to New York and proving he could make it in the rap business. He specifically addresses his problem with white artists “stealing” black music; calling out multiple successful white rappers and even the late Elvis Presley.

“Same thing that my n***a Elvis did with Rock n Roll / Justin Timberlake, Eminem, and then Macklemore / While silly n****s argue over who gon snatch the crown / Look around my n***a white people have snatched the sound.”

Cole then proceeds to the time when his career would soon take off with St. Tropez, a refreshing song that consists of literally zero swear words (Trust me, I made sure).  This relaxing track that makes you want to take off your shoes and kick back in a recliner is followed up by two bangers in G.O.M.D. and–my personal favorite–No Role Modelz.

G.O.M.D. comes with a fast beat which Cole handles well. He goes hard in this one, mocking club songs and mainstream hip hop conformists with his hook. Meanwhile, Role Modelz could very well be the best track J.Cole has produced. The track is highlighted by a hook and bridge that will send chills down your spine, various references to Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire, and a hilarious quote by George W. Bush for the interlude.

“Fool me one time shame on you / Fool me twice, can’t put the blame on you / Fool me three times, f*** the peace signs / Load the chopper, let it rain on you.”

Nearing the present in his story, Cole reflects on his failed love life and on the wrong decisions he’s made so far in Hello and Apparently. Even as J.Cole closes in on his final tracks, he continues to flaunt new talents with his fantastic wordplay.

All things considered, Forest Hills Drive is a typical J.Cole album that is in no way a failure, but not a top-tier production either. Cole continues to hang in the balance, not breaking through to the level that hip hop fans so desire from the 29-year-old. This being said, Jermaine Cole’s execution is improving and  his fan-base is still alive. Which is good enough…for now at least.