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Highlight “Neighbours” reflects on the mentality of the white elite of America, the inherent racism that can quickly rear its ugly head and, particularly in light of recent events, lead to more threatening situations. There are also reflections on the social forces driving racial relations in modern America. However, the album is also laced with autobiographical details of Cole’s life, as he himself recently became a father, and more broadly it could be taken to be the narrative of so many young black people living around the world. It charts his decisions to run the streets and sell drugs (“Immortal”), the conflicting desire to provide and care for his girlfriend and daughter (“She’s Mine”) and the anxieties and fears that he won’t be around to do just this (“4 Your Eyez Only”). The album acts as a loose telling of the life and times of James McMillan Jr, a childhood friend of Cole’s (whose name was changed for privacy), who was shot dead, leaving behind a young daughter and had asked Cole to tell his story in the event he died. Throughout the album, there are fantastic examples of his long lauded lyrical and songwriting prowess, driven by social outrage and emotional investment and pulled together by an often compelling narrative. Sonically, the thick drum lines and rolling hi-hats are a fusion of new and old aesthetics, with Cole putting a foot in each camp a student of old school hip-hop but a product of modern times. The stark graphic storytelling is absorbing, packed with rhetorical questions and social insight and reflection. Above the snarling snaps of “Immortal” this feels very much a reality.
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Indeed, much of 4 Your Eyez Only feels like Cole’s pitch for spokesman of a generation, the voice of the young, isolated and exasperated. This suggests why so many fans have taken to him so keenly, particularly in a genre famed for its larger than life characters and bravado. It presents Jermaine Cole as a humble, grounded man, inquisitive in nature, grateful for his success and invested in making positive change. Notably, the two songs featured in last week’s documentary, “Everybody Gotta Die” and “False Prophets (Be Like This).” Cole also omits his own name (and any others) as executive producer or other credits.4 Your Eyez Only was previewed by a 40-minute documentary, filmed at the Electric Lady Studios in New York during the album recording sessions, which provides some insight into the creative process behind the record. Cole’s Eyez Documentary Gives The First Taste Of Music From His New Album (Video) Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive Is The 1st Rap Album In 25 Years To Reach 2X Platinum With No Guests The artwork and 10 tracks, as confirmed by Dreamville on social media: While Dreamville artists such as Bas, Cozz, and Omen are distributed through Interscope, the label’s founder was previously backed through Columbia/Sony Records. The effort will be released through Dreamville/Roc Nation, and distributed by Interscope Records. That album was the first Rap effort in 25 years to achieve double-platinum status without guests. Based on the rear album artwork insert, it appears that like 2014 Forest Hills Drive (released two years to the day before 4.Y.E.O.), there are no guests. This week’s 4 Your Eyez Only (December 9) will be a 10-track effort, as originally reported after a pre-order posted. Cole album was announced, fans have more information.