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KOD
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KOD Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 321 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length release for the North Carolina rap artist feature tracks about addiction and rap culture.
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KOD
[Intro] Go, go, go Go, go, go Go, go, go Go, go, go [Chorus] This is what you call a flip Ten keys from a quarter brick Bentley from his mama's... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. HipHopDX
    Apr 23, 2018
    92
    J. Cole has a gift in turning tears into teaching tools and KOD is a concise, leather-bound audiobook of invaluable life direction goals.
  2. XXL
    May 4, 2018
    80
    While there are moments where Cole comes off more as a condescending high school principal than earnest older brother, KOD is an overall strong effort that connects of emotional trauma, mental health stigma in the Black community and the real problem of drug glorification.
  3. Exclaim
    May 29, 2018
    80
    Though it's no surprise that Cole's consciousness leads the album, his unabashed statements regarding the direction of rap music and its current megastars are gutsy.
  4. Spin
    Apr 23, 2018
    70
    It’s a commendable effort, with Cole putting himself in a creative territory to respond to critics, peers and progeny. His messages are timely despite the fact that they continue, rather than conclude, a larger conversation.
  5. AllMusic
    May 7, 2018
    70
    As the value of Cole's witticisms, and the intellect required to decrypt full meaning of his verses, continues to be debated, the increased strength in his clear-cut writing evinces promise of greater work ahead.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Apr 25, 2018
    70
    His thematic consistency can be hard to stomach, especially since his tracks are stripped down, with minimal melody and the spotlight focused on his harsh, truth-telling words. Such dogged persistence that makes K.O.D. a magnetizing albeit difficult listen.
  7. Sputnikmusic
    Apr 24, 2018
    40
    J. Cole’s raps, but KOD sounds like someone who is either unfamiliar with drug abuse, or is completely unsympathetic to the dynamics of drug abuse in America.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 52
  3. Negative: 1 out of 52
  1. saad_munir
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Not as catcy as 2014FHD but the lyrical content is so dense and relatable. Definitely one of his best albums.
  2. DamonAubergine
    Oct 26, 2018
    10
    KOD is an extremely thought-provoking and, at points, tear inducing, story telling album. Each song relates to each other in concept, andKOD is an extremely thought-provoking and, at points, tear inducing, story telling album. Each song relates to each other in concept, and flows very well throughout the whole album. With the exception of Kevin's Heart and Brackets, the whole album is a masterpiece in song writing and delivery.

    J Cole continues to be one of the best Hip Hop artists of this generation and will continue to rise to the top as time goes on. KOD is an album that will propel him to even greater heights for the future.    … Expand
  4. kanye2
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    Dope album... much better than garbage TLOP by Coonye...fck KTT though. Kanye West/Trump stans are cancer.
  5. Siza
    May 13, 2018
    8
    J. Cole gives his honest perspective on how drugs has affected the hip hop community's message and the people in his personal life. J. ColeJ. Cole gives his honest perspective on how drugs has affected the hip hop community's message and the people in his personal life. J. Cole rises as an introspective artist, clearly defined by his own lane and through his level of detail gives us noteworthy discussion starter topics.
    The only flaw this album has is not translating the addiction process through his alter ego kiLL edward. J. Cole could have taken us through the addiction process as edward, then through his eyes make us realize Cole is making him go towards the direction of extinction, which in all honesty was the entire point Cole was trying to translate in this album.
    Worst decision(s) for the album:
    (1) adding Motiv8 in the tracklist.
    (2) Noting "Once An Addict" as just an interlude.
    Motiv8 shares the same idea ATM and BRACKETS does, however it underestimates the tone that these two powerful songs delivered successfully. Once An Addict plays a vital part in the album, insight is actually gained from this track to where J. Cole comes from, these demons were not encountered during his career but have always been with him his entire life. This makes Cole relatable and he finally turns the spotlight from his accomplishments to his upbringing.    … Expand
  6. thedaywalker
    Apr 24, 2018
    8
    I really like this album. It is really his most thought out album. Not his best by no means, but his most ambitious project without a doubt.I really like this album. It is really his most thought out album. Not his best by no means, but his most ambitious project without a doubt. First half of the album seems experiemental, like Cole is just testing the waters, but in tracks like FRIENDS, Window pain, 1985, Once an Addict, i can hear probably the best Cole i´ve ever heard.

    Top songs
    KOD, ATM, Window Pain, 1985, FRIENDS,    … Expand
  7. fifi3
    Jul 28, 2019
    7
    The album is a really easy listen - fast paced with great lyrical ability showcased. My main issue with this album is Cole trying to stick toThe album is a really easy listen - fast paced with great lyrical ability showcased. My main issue with this album is Cole trying to stick to a pretty ambitious, complicated concept (K.O.D.) while kind of only dancing around the surface of it - only mentioning a solution briefly on a "meditation verse." On 4YEO, the lack of polish around a concept was more excusable given it was a new creative direction, but here I just felt Cole should have just went into his lane again that he is more comfortable in. Still, it was a solid album with a meaningful message.… Expand
  8. chickensusu
    Feb 24, 2021
    3
    J Cole boring af on solo albums 3/10
    J Cole boring af on solo albums 3/10
    J Cole boring af on solo albums 3/10

See all 52 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Most Discussed Album of 2018
14
#14 Most Shared Album of 2018

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