Cole takes shots throughout the album that don’t directly seem related or to be addressing Kendrick (until the end) but instead address us as a whole: there is no one better than him. First track in and you can already tell he’s HUNGRY.
Something Cole’s proved many times before, but seemingly backs up this statement in a way he’s never done prior: there really is no one better than him.
“I worked the whole winter to take over summer/ They late to the party ’cause they over slumber.”
Working completely silently, Cole dropped the EP “Might Delete Later,” without any warning first thing on April 5th. Just months ago he created an Instagram account under the name “Might Delete Later.” Though the account served as a sneak peek for what was to come they provided not even the slightest clue as to when it might drop.
Throughout the EP he steers away from his usual storytelling and anthems that defy and test the system while giving hope to those who started similarly to where he had, and instead spends 43 minutes putting everyone in their rightful place. Writing straight heat and displaying how far he’s come since letting Nas down, Cole feeds into this. Though he’s known for sharp lyrics, he takes the focus off of a bigger picture. He’s proved his storytelling abilities, he’s checked every imaginable box – excellent voice, captivating lyrics, intricate rhyming schemes that avoid becoming overly obscure or outdated – and now seems to emphasize solely how high up he is. Still bringing forth his insane skill at creating hooks, and inventive use of structure.
On the “Might Delete Later” Instagram account, we’ve been seeing for month Cole experiment once more with beats. The fact that he wants to resume producing beats is admirable. Someone in his position may follow in the footsteps of many other rap producers by amassing a large stable of up-and-coming producers, then taking advantage of them to just add his name and tweak it here or there. He is from the real school where he aspires to succeed on his own.
Skipping towards the end of the album sits “Trae The Truth in Ibizia.” In this song, he asks if he’s changed and claims he hopes he hasn’t stayed the same. But since his first ever mix-tape “The Come UP,” we’ve seen a very consistent Jermaine. One who was never big on following “trends” until now. Most know Cole as a very humble person and possibly the last to brag or boast, but with this EP he solidifies his nasty bars and wants everyone to know he’s still hungry.
If anything, it seems Cole’s already proved he can tell a story that goes beyond music – with songs like “Sideline Story” or “Javari” that in my opinion hold much more significance – and now strives to check drill off his list on his way out. We’re seeing a nasty Cole that not usually shown, outside of lyrics here and there that present as more of a humble brag.
The final track in the album addresses Kendrick directly, entitled “7 Minute Diss.” Possibly putting everyone in their place for the last time before “The Fall Off.”
“I got a phone call, they say that somebody dissing / You want some attention, it come with extensions/ He still doing shows but fell off like ‘The Simpsons’,” Cole raps before referencing Kendrick’s five-part “The Heart” series.
“He averaging a hard verse like every 30 months or somethin’.”
“If he wouldn’t dissin’ we wouldn’t be discussing him.”
“Pricey,” a joint effort with Dreamville protégé Ari Lennox, Gucci Mane, and Young Dro, opens the album. The songs “H.Y.B.” and “Stealth Mode,” which feature Central Cee, are Cole’s regular partner Bas. Collaborating with long-time partner they bing back that authentic feel just near the middle of the EP- as the two started making music together in 2007 – with “H.Y.B,” but he does something completely different in including Central Cee.
Other tracks like “Crocodile Tearz,” “Stealth Mode” Ready 24′,” feature aggressively good beats, and displays Cole’s detection.
Although he officially revealed Born Sinner two months in advance of both the January and June release dates, his longest rollout was three weeks for FHD. But I don’t believe it has been any longer than that since then. So expect “The Fall Off” soon.
