KOD
by J. Cole
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 321 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 248 out of 321
  2. Mixed: 56 out of 321
  3. Negative: 17 out of 321
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  1. draediamond
    Apr 23, 2018
    7
    It's a good album no doubt but J Cole misses a chance to make it great. I would specifically give it a 7.5. The album is portrayed by J Cole and the interludes/samples he uses as an album with much depth but Cole's lyrics don't dig deep enough. He definitely has his moments of depth but it's not consistent. It's definitely a beautiful album but there's more than a surface and J ColeIt's a good album no doubt but J Cole misses a chance to make it great. I would specifically give it a 7.5. The album is portrayed by J Cole and the interludes/samples he uses as an album with much depth but Cole's lyrics don't dig deep enough. He definitely has his moments of depth but it's not consistent. It's definitely a beautiful album but there's more than a surface and J Cole doesn't perfect the depths as well as the surface. There are countless highlights on this album and the production is top notch.… Expand
  2. switch_cat_mac
    Apr 26, 2018
    8
    Thank you for this album J Cole. I was totally not a J Cole fan before 4/20 but this album made me one... great album to sit back and smoke a fat blunt to.

    ... Which, ironically, is what this album is trying to get us not to do, it seems. J Cole has laced this thing with hard-hitting trap banger beats and trendy cadences that make this thing work on a purely recreational level; ATM and    Thank you for this album J Cole. I was totally not a J Cole fan before 4/20 but this album made me one... great album to sit back and smoke a fat blunt to.

    ... Which, ironically, is what this album is trying to get us not to do, it seems. J Cole has laced this thing with hard-hitting trap banger beats and trendy cadences that make this thing work on a purely recreational level; ATM and KOD are perfect turn up songs, The Cut Off is a great smoking song. And yet his lyrics are never content; he's always interrogating, always digging to the underside of what he's talking about, which seems to be drugs and addiction of all different kinds, from lean to money to sex to marijuana.

    Of course we are used to hearing such beats and such subject matter together. Just peruse the charts at any point over the last 2-3 years, and anything with a heavy kick and a bop will have the same lyrical content: rampant, glorified drug use, explicit sexual fantasies and a (un)healthy dose of myopia and nihilism. I can only thing of one other example where the instrumentation said 'it's a trap' but the lyrics said 'i'm working on it,' and that's Kendrick Lamar's DAMN.

    I think it's somewhat unfair to compare KOD to DAMN because it feels like too much of a cliche in 2018, but there are admittedly a lot of similarities. J Cole is pitching his vocals up and down to create hooks and bridges in a way that is very similar to Kendrick, see songs The Cut Off and Motiv8 for example. Lyrically, both MCs are talking in the language of the zeitgeist--drugs, sex, hedonism, depression--but using these things to critique instead of glorify. Both seem to be rapping about these things from an inhabited perspective, like an expert narrator or character actor rather than a participant.

    But he does it better than Kendrick, I think. I love this album. As someone struggling with all kinds of addictions, I think J Cole absolutely nails it. J Cole depicts drugs as the last resort for the unloved, a lover for those that have no one else. Addicts use to wipe away the pain and loneliness. And he shows how for an addict, everything becomes a drug--money, sex, relationships. The addict is fully aware of all this and yet powerless to stop any of it. And yet, J Cole doesn't judge--he doesn't ridicule or moralize. He approaches with compassion and a tenderness I haven't really seen in a mainstream rap album in... like, ever. He realizes that people only use to solve a problem, and the problem is they don't feel love.

    There is of course a whole racial element to this album, and the connection between drug use and poverty and racism. These themes become particularly apparent on the back half of the album. I don't think I'm qualified to speak on this part of the album... but Once an Addict is one of my favorite songs on the album. I really feel the pain when I listen to this song, and a specific dreariness and hopelessness that I can't quite place.

    Finally the album closer... 4/20/2018 may be the day that mumble rap died, and J Cole killed it. I don't know any kid who listens to this track and says anything other than... "yeah, fair, makes sense."

    I will be listening to this album for a quite a while, I think. Thanks Jermaine.    … Expand
  3. RITH15
    Apr 23, 2018
    9
    In J. Cole's fifth album, he fine-tunes his lyrics and switches his flow to that of the more modern trap style (triplets) and delivers a great conceptual album. There are many highlights on this album that makes it easy to listen to (KOD, ATM, Photograph) and at the same time, delivers a great message. J. Cole also experiments with his voice and flow more, creating an alter ego (kiLLIn J. Cole's fifth album, he fine-tunes his lyrics and switches his flow to that of the more modern trap style (triplets) and delivers a great conceptual album. There are many highlights on this album that makes it easy to listen to (KOD, ATM, Photograph) and at the same time, delivers a great message. J. Cole also experiments with his voice and flow more, creating an alter ego (kiLL Edward). Overall, great album, highly recommend!… Expand
  4. noahbrackenbury
    Apr 25, 2018
    8
    "My highest moments come from telling all the saddest stories", rapped J. Cole on 2016 single "False Prophets". On April 20th, 2018, J. Cole delivers and ascends higher in the rap sphere with KOD, a 12-track 42-minute album detailing his experiences dealing with pain and the black condition. Cole is known for his lyricism, storytelling flow, and his dedication to the craft of hip hop; he"My highest moments come from telling all the saddest stories", rapped J. Cole on 2016 single "False Prophets". On April 20th, 2018, J. Cole delivers and ascends higher in the rap sphere with KOD, a 12-track 42-minute album detailing his experiences dealing with pain and the black condition. Cole is known for his lyricism, storytelling flow, and his dedication to the craft of hip hop; he produces a large portion of his own beats and has shied away from the trend of hip hop music crossing over into mainstream pop markets. Perhaps most evident of his mastery of his craft and his seclusion from the music industry is the recurrent phrase "Double platinum, no features", referring to how J. Cole has sold several million copies of both 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014) and 4 Your Eyez Only (2016) with no guest appearances, a staple of current rap albums. KOD strengthens this trend for J. Cole, with only his alter ego kiLL edward "featuring" on two tracks, and with the album completely upending the charts of streaming services in its first week. The theme of the album is succinctly stated by the recurring phrase, "Life can bring much pain. There are many ways to deal with this pain. Choose wisely."

    The title track, "KOD", appears right after the smooth jazz intro and bleeds energy, setting the scene for the uptempo, frantic, triplet-driven style that permeates half this album. Later songs like "ATM" and "Motiv8" also feature this percussion and bass-heavy staccato sound, with more aggressive and irritated verses from Cole. These verses discuss the philosophical pitfalls of excessive vices like drugs, sex, and money, a theme which is equally represented by the slower, story-driven tracks like "Kevin's Heart", "Once an Addict - Interlude", and "Friends". Cole mixes these messages with authentic commentary on the black experience in America, noting how the inequality that black people face contributes to the use of these vices and further pain results from them, referencing specifically his mother's alcoholism, the infidelity of famous celebrities, the government's misuse of tax dollars, and popular black figures promoting excessive drug usage. Cole said himself that the album's title stands for three things: Kids on Drugs (a national epidemic that Cole addresses), King Overdosed (a self-given moniker for a past version of Cole discussed in his lyrics), and Kill Our Demons (after Cole addresses these issues and vices on the album, he emphasizes the need to heal and move forward). Another highlight and buzzed-about track is the extra cut "1985 - Intro to "The Fall Off"", a half-diss/half-advice track aimed to the new age of rappers, specifically some who have dissed and questioned Cole recently.

    Cole is mature in his message and expert in his delivery. While he further establishes himself as a rap legend, he also focuses more heavily on societal issues through this project, emerging sounding like more of a father figure. This new album is missing the lighthearted cuts like "Wet Dreamz" and "Foldin Clothes" that always colored his previous projects, which makes this project more densely negative and difficult to digest, but perhaps shows Cole's focus on being his best self in the long term. The production on this album isn't astounding or groundbreaking, but is steadily fantastic throughout, and showcases a combination of hip hop flavors that is certainly unique: aggressive but carnally gorgeous like a tiger. Cole's talent as a lyricist, rapper, and producer is still wildly evident on KOD, and like he prophesized on "False Prophets", he is emerging wiser and closer to his magnum opus moment: "I hear my old **** and know I can top it."    … Expand
  5. fwtll636
    May 13, 2018
    8
    On J. Cole's fifth release 'KOD', he shows off his impressive lyrical skills and funky beats yet forgets to tie everything together. For an album about drug addiction, it has almost nothing to do with drug addiction; but he did write 12 individually impressive songs.
  6. funkyhomosapien
    Apr 24, 2018
    8
    Better than 4YEO. Good production, great rapping from Cole and good concept. Favorite tracks: KOD, 1985, Window Pain, Brackets, ATM, Friends, Once an Addict, The Cut Off.
  7. ILoveRap
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    This is J. Cole’s best album lyrically. This album is well put together, the beats are on 100 and the satire he carries out is splendid. Cole fans will definitely enjoy this one. I certainly did. This will probably go down as a personal classic once it grows in me. I love how he is growing as an artist and he’s really solidified himself as a legend.
  8. walden54
    Apr 24, 2018
    9
    Kids on Drugs / King OverDos / Kill Our Demons
    Like usual J cole stands as a flip side to the hip-hop and rap scene, one of the only rappers that deliver relevant and purposeful Texts in an eloquent style that seems border intellectual. And regardless if it's performed on expensive production, experimental jazz or minimal beat the message never fails to penetrate. KOD is no exception to    Kids on Drugs / King OverDos / Kill Our Demons
    Like usual J cole stands as a flip side to the hip-hop and rap scene, one of the only rappers that deliver relevant and purposeful Texts in an eloquent style that seems border intellectual. And regardless if it's performed on expensive production, experimental jazz or minimal beat the message never fails to penetrate. KOD is no exception to the rule; This record is the antipode of rap's excess culture a culture that glorifies drugs and Material longing, and a meditation on drugs and drug abuse with a political bracket. It's also a critic of Americas Opioid crisis and the dépersonnalisation and standardization of love, pain, and feelings. We find J Cole reprimanding the misuse of medications by doctors and people with lines such as "Meditate, meditate, meditate, meditate/Don't medicate, medicate, don't medicate, medicate." or **** did you expect, you can blame it on condition/Blame it on crack, you can blame it on the system". however this critic is full of sympathy and sincerity, it feels more like a personal catharsis rather than a preach. Add to it J.Coles pristinely faultless and flawless flow restyles and remolds after each song making the message resonate deeper in you, delivered on an experimental trap that he made me connect to this sound for the first time and showing the mumble rappers how true rap is done.    … Expand
  9. joedorben
    Dec 16, 2018
    4
    Incredibly mediocre album. In a broader scope, it seemed to be an attempt at examining drug use/addiction, and its causes, particularly its roots in mental health issues. However, this concept is very messily executed, Cole injects various other entirely unrelated musings about the state of love and the world at large in the digital age, as well as wonderings about where his tax dollarsIncredibly mediocre album. In a broader scope, it seemed to be an attempt at examining drug use/addiction, and its causes, particularly its roots in mental health issues. However, this concept is very messily executed, Cole injects various other entirely unrelated musings about the state of love and the world at large in the digital age, as well as wonderings about where his tax dollars go, among other tangents. Thus, the project comes off as very loose and weakly conceptualized, giving off the feeling that the listener is being subjected to the work of a technically skilled, rapper with savior complex and a vague concept in mind who just let his ADHD run wild throughout the creation process. KOD jumps from supposedly deep and faintly introspective trap imitations that come with the works: booming 808s, repetitive hooks, drug, money, and sex-related lyrical themes, that play at some great depth, which, unfortunately, Cole is never really able to realize, to tracks that overtly rebuke drug abuse and exploring its bases, to tracks tackling the current state of rap in the mainstream, to tracks that contribute next to nothing to the otherwise apparent "quest" Cole went out on in releasing this project, which undoubtedly ties in with its release date (4/20). Past the lyrical and conceptual inconsistencies of KOD, though, it is also marred by its lackluster, bland production and the altogether irritating KiLL Edward (Cole's new Madlib-Quasimoto, Mac Miller-Delusional Thomas style, helium/pitch-shift infused alter ego) "features" on The "Cut Off" and "Friends". This album also has several tracks that while not necessarily bad, are mostly forgettable and nondescript, such as "KOD", "Kevin's Heart", and "Brackets", and "ATM", one of the better tracks, is only really marginally better than them. The tracks "Motiv8" and "Photograph" are the only two decidedly bad tracks, but the only real, true highlights, "1985", "Window Pain", and "Once An Addict", don't do enough on their own to outweigh the rest of the album's mediocrity and, for lack of a better term, conceptual sloppiness. In the end, Cole's solution to the addiction epidemic, which he relays in the pre-chorus to "Friends", is "medicate, don't meditate". Yes, he builds up and dedicates an entire album to addressing one of the most pressing issues of the past 20 years, and his call-to-action, his great declaration, intended to save the mentally ill from the allure of drug abuse, is a generic saying that realistically will barely be of use to anyone who is on the verge of turning to drugs. Overall, while Cole is well-intentioned and does manage to hit on a good point or two, in his aim to comprehensively tackle drug abuse and its glorification in hip hop, as well as the "dime-a-dozen", simplistic new wave rap (trap) scene, Cole misses big, with an album that is, by-and-large an insipid, banal half-baked, trip through the woes of addiction, SoundCloud rap, the reality of falling in love online, the pitfalls of social media, taxes, and wherever else Cole's unfocused, restless mind will take it.… Expand
  10. Dawoud
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    A much needed album at this point in Hip Hop. A lot of Hip Hop nowadays is sending the wrong message, so it's good to have someone of the caliber of Cole going against the popular wave of drugs and calling it out. The production is nice. He gives you a little bit of every vibe. Might be my favourite album of J. Cole.
  11. 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.
  12. TheFreeman148
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    What a great album. Has a serious message with a consistent tone. Easily his best
  13. 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. 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,
  14. EduardoMaulaz
    Apr 23, 2018
    9
    Not his best album, I think 2014 Forest Hills Drive is better. But the message of KOD is good and there are a lot of songs that we can listen many times and they have a good message. J. Cole has this ability to do conscious music with a simple language, I appreciate that. At this moment, Jermaine is one of the hottest rappers right now so I think he need to confront yourself and go out ofNot his best album, I think 2014 Forest Hills Drive is better. But the message of KOD is good and there are a lot of songs that we can listen many times and they have a good message. J. Cole has this ability to do conscious music with a simple language, I appreciate that. At this moment, Jermaine is one of the hottest rappers right now so I think he need to confront yourself and go out of your comfort zone.
    The only think I can criticize is the "no features" thing, he can do good songs with others artist and he proved that, but he still to take this meme seriously. "kILL edward", he's alter ego doesn't work on the songs "The Cut off" and "FRIENDS", I think I'll like more that songs with an other artist doing this participation, or at least Cole with his own voice.
    But overall, I think it's a good project and it'll be one of the best os the year. Just wait.    … Expand
  15. realareebyrn
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Every message is ever so relevant, the production (primarily handled by J Cole himself) is extremely smooth, and he never strays away from the topic at hand. The final track isn't a diss, it's more so a warning and a piece of guidance. Everything from digital social media love, cheating temptations, tax brackets and budgets, to drug addictions and alternatives to dealing with the pain,Every message is ever so relevant, the production (primarily handled by J Cole himself) is extremely smooth, and he never strays away from the topic at hand. The final track isn't a diss, it's more so a warning and a piece of guidance. Everything from digital social media love, cheating temptations, tax brackets and budgets, to drug addictions and alternatives to dealing with the pain, Cole really shines in subject matter.

    This album, being conscious rap with no features, no promotion (J Cole only announced it 4 days before its release), it's amazing to see it performing better than Drake's Views album on the day 1 streaming and sales performance metrics. Usually these music streaming records are won by pop music artists such as Drake, Beyonce, Adele and the like. But seeing J Cole prevail, with a lyrical and conscious project, is amazing to see.

    This is the album that every other rapper feared to make, and Cole discussed things that artists never discuss. This is his most cohesive and well-crafted project to date, and it deserves a 10.    … Expand
  16. amrit
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Amazing album. From start to ending. The lyrics, production, subject matter. I would say this is coles best album to date and has made me a bigger fan who is now closer to his music.
  17. davisreid
    Apr 23, 2018
    10
    Cole experiments with vocal modulation and finds a way to create a project that feels diverse and layered while once again featuring no other artists. KOD starts with records that seem to mimic today's "new-age" hip-hop, while the last 5 tracks showcase Cole at his best, storytelling and sending messages (although sometimes on the nose) that are insightful and current.
  18. Realsonofisfada
    Apr 26, 2018
    10
    Easily the AOTY. The last album I heard this good was the Pulitzer winning DAMN.
    How awesome would it be that he was warming us up on 1985(Intro to the Fall Out) to a collaborative album with Kendrick?
  19. TimW001
    Apr 24, 2018
    7
    Very strong lyrically, and great concepts. Contrasting much of modern hip hop trends. Great songs are: 1985, Kevin's Heart, KOD, and Once and Addict. This album doesn't have anything risky or daring. It is a strait rap album.
  20. erolsabadosh
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    I don't know how J Cole manages to be so consistently brilliant but here we go, another stellar album, and this one's pretty conceptual, very focused and quite hard-hitting with its main theme of addiction. Standout tracks abound; I wouldn't say there are any weak moments here.
  21. Gamemod
    Apr 27, 2018
    5
    I feel mixed about this. While there are good sings there are also bad songs. In my opinion half of the songs are good while half are bad. Kinda split there.
  22. OGHipHopCritic
    Jun 2, 2018
    4
    39 which rounds up to a 4. J Cole made all his fans wait since 4 Your Eyez Only for this album which was announced a week before it was released. However, this was not the Cole album I was waiting. I understand that Cole wanted to address many important issues that affect society today, hence the title Kids On Drugs, however, Cole failed to deliver this in an effective way. Starting with39 which rounds up to a 4. J Cole made all his fans wait since 4 Your Eyez Only for this album which was announced a week before it was released. However, this was not the Cole album I was waiting. I understand that Cole wanted to address many important issues that affect society today, hence the title Kids On Drugs, however, Cole failed to deliver this in an effective way. Starting with the positives, the album cover was very bright, colourful and meaningful which immediately caught my eye. The production, although heavily trap inspired, is filled with lot of decent beats which are tolerable too. However, when it comes to lyrics, the album was poorly made. Cole meant a lot and had a lot to say, however, I don't feel like he delivered this to his highest potential. He tries to adapt that flow that the new-wave rappers use through their trap beats, but this was simply not Cole's style. When I heard Photograph, I thought the beat was alright and his singing was tolerable at the beginning, however, once the album came to the his rapping, he delivers a bar that is scarily similar to that of Ski Mask the Slump God, which makes J Cole sound corny. Also, in this album J Cole drops subtle disses or "words of advice" to new artists in the rap game. However, through his trap inspired beats and flows such as "stealing" Ski Mask The Slump God's Babywipe, the message that J Cole delivered seemed somewhat ironic in nature. Especially in his alleged diss to lil pump in 1985, J Cole did not back his comments up throughout the rest of the album such as ATM, where he repeats the words count it up more than Lil Pump on Gucci Gang. Lil Pump, rightfully deserves to diss J Cole right back, for trying to adapt their new-wave style whilst talking trash about new-wave rappers. The best track was 1985, however, although it sent a good message, it feels like this album could have been written by an A or A+ student in year 10 due to its simplicity, I still cannot understand how people have the audacity to state that this is the greatest diss track of all time. The reason why sales and album charting for this album was very high, is because of the "Stan" like fan base that J Cole has, who would praise even the worst of J Cole which is very similar to Drake. This is also definitely his worst Studio Album by Far.… Expand
  23. kanye2
    Apr 24, 2018
    10
    Dope album... much better than garbage TLOP by Coonye...fck KTT though. Kanye West/Trump stans are cancer.
  24. NeutralMilkH
    Apr 26, 2018
    7
    I wrote this whole track-by-track analysis as to what I liked about this album and what I didn't, and I used up all 5000 characters, but since Metacritic sucks, it didn't submit correctly, so here are the tracks that scored a 7 and above and below
    7 or higher: ATM, Brackets, Once an Addict, Friends, Window Pain, 1985
    6.5 or lower: Intro, KOD, Photograph, The Cut Off, Motiv8, Kevin's    I wrote this whole track-by-track analysis as to what I liked about this album and what I didn't, and I used up all 5000 characters, but since Metacritic sucks, it didn't submit correctly, so here are the tracks that scored a 7 and above and below
    7 or higher: ATM, Brackets, Once an Addict, Friends, Window Pain, 1985
    6.5 or lower: Intro, KOD, Photograph, The Cut Off, Motiv8, Kevin's Heart

    Originally, I scored this album a 6, because the average was 6.45, but since Metacritic is pissing me off today, I'll round it up to a 7, since the last 5 tracks really are that redeeming. To be fair, when I originally rated it a 6 a couple of days ago, I didn't listen to the whole thing... anyway, let it be known that this album will either make you feel indifferent or you'll like it a lot... personally, I'm in the middle. As a person who isn't a fan of J. Cole, I'm excited to hear what he has to come up with in the future.

    Takeaway points of this review:
    1. KOD is fine, (It's not a masterpiece, don't get over dramatic)
    --Favorites: Once an Addict, ATM, 1985 (in that order)
    --Can we just all agree that The Cut Off is the worst track on this album?
    2. Not the best introduction for new J. Cole fans, but not too bad.
    3. Lyrics are mostly good, instrumentation gets better over the course of the album, as do the vocal performances
    4. Inconsistent, but highs are certainly great (but not worthy of being considered classics)
    5. Metacritic doesn't work for ****    … Expand
  25. Connorcox1997
    Feb 23, 2019
    10
    Wow, I was not expecting, J Cole to announce the album a few days before release. J Cole Surprised me with his 5th album KOD. KOD is a dope album. I the beats are dope, the production is great. I definably like J Cole's Story telling, his Flows, and his bars are dope. KOD by not be his best album, but KOD is sure a dope album. I highly recommended it.
  26. 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
  27. Hendo250
    Apr 6, 2021
    8
    this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8 this album is a 8
  28. Tribulations
    Jun 30, 2020
    9
    this album delivers a new cole style inspired by trap and anti-political insights to drug addiction and the overall outlook of coles personal decisions on his love life.
  29. LispectorLTX
    May 5, 2018
    7
    One of the best 2018 projects til now. Even tho J. Cole tried to make something on the same level as Kendrick Lamar and failed, he still got beats for the streets and something that everybody can enjoy it. "KOD" is the album that we can listen to for more than a week repeatedly. Crazy, magnificent and classic, but at the same time confusing and too much commercial; anyway, in the future,One of the best 2018 projects til now. Even tho J. Cole tried to make something on the same level as Kendrick Lamar and failed, he still got beats for the streets and something that everybody can enjoy it. "KOD" is the album that we can listen to for more than a week repeatedly. Crazy, magnificent and classic, but at the same time confusing and too much commercial; anyway, in the future, we will look back and recognize that this will be a classic album.… Expand
  30. MerylRedmayne
    Jun 29, 2018
    7
    J. Cole almost achieves greatness with this for the first time in his career. Almost.
  31. MrMemeister
    May 25, 2018
    5
    J. Cole's 2016 project "4 Your Eyez Only" was, in my opinion, a pretty great effort, featuring very jazzy and psychedelic beats mixed with lyrics concerning social issues in the U.S. "KOD", on the other hand, sees Cole opting for more nocturnal trap instrumentals, and dealing with themes of drug abuse in youths. While these are engaging ideas on paper, "KOD" sadly fails to reach theJ. Cole's 2016 project "4 Your Eyez Only" was, in my opinion, a pretty great effort, featuring very jazzy and psychedelic beats mixed with lyrics concerning social issues in the U.S. "KOD", on the other hand, sees Cole opting for more nocturnal trap instrumentals, and dealing with themes of drug abuse in youths. While these are engaging ideas on paper, "KOD" sadly fails to reach the heights set by his previous albums, already feeling inconsequential in Cole's varied discography. This is in part due to the actual music present. Some of the beats feature very catchy piano loops ("ATM") or a few colorful synths strokes ("Kevin's Heart"), but most sound very muted and washed out, leading to very boring sonic backgrounds. Cole's lyrics and delivery are still varied enough to keep one's attention, but rarely does he explore the topics of this album with as compellingly as expected ("Once an Addict - Interlude" being an exception). Generally, I don't dislike the album, but with a recording period of 2 weeks, I left "KOD' unfortunately feeling underwhelmed.
    Favorites: "KOD", "ATM", "Once an Addict - Interlude", "Window Pain - Outro"
    Least Favorites: "Photograph", "Motiv8", "BRACKETS"    … Expand
  32. 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 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 newThe 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
  33. MacsMusic
    Jun 19, 2018
    8
    It's very rare to see an emphasis on lyrics over beats in the secular rap music world. Even rarer yet, to actually have good, serious messages. "Friends" tells drug-addicts "meditate; don't medicate," "ATM" suggests that money is not the most important thing in the world, and in "Pain" J. Cole earnestly thanks his Creator for his blessings. KOD talks about pain, violence, and real issuesIt's very rare to see an emphasis on lyrics over beats in the secular rap music world. Even rarer yet, to actually have good, serious messages. "Friends" tells drug-addicts "meditate; don't medicate," "ATM" suggests that money is not the most important thing in the world, and in "Pain" J. Cole earnestly thanks his Creator for his blessings. KOD talks about pain, violence, and real issues in a mature way that is very uncommon for most rap albums. It is a rap album that actually has something to say, and it says it well.

    I personally really like the original skeletal, simple-and-subtle production; it works very well with the lyrics and J. Cole's great performance. On KOD, J. Cole raps very well, and it makes the album even better. The only song that really flops in the lyrics department is "KOD," which has fairly unoriginal "I'm awesome-and-better-than-you" lyrics.

    I love KOD's music, lyrics, and rap performance. The title track and a few other less-impressive songs keep it from a higher score.    … Expand
  34. ChrisSoTru
    Dec 18, 2018
    6
    KOD, although supported by a superior J. Cole signature of appropriate flow and lyricism that boasts the luxuries of an artist and the pain of fame, is masked by an awkward transition into trap, abandoning his usually high/low-temp takes on rap with what seems like average tracks. The underlying theme of overcoming addition and inner demons is a lot less emphasized, and is often monotoneKOD, although supported by a superior J. Cole signature of appropriate flow and lyricism that boasts the luxuries of an artist and the pain of fame, is masked by an awkward transition into trap, abandoning his usually high/low-temp takes on rap with what seems like average tracks. The underlying theme of overcoming addition and inner demons is a lot less emphasized, and is often monotone in singles like KOD and ATM. While there are some bright spots, like the intimate Kevin's Heart, and the narrative in Photograph. Not the best project in J. Cole's discography, nor the best album of the year, but it's a solid listen for those affiliated heavily with the hip hop culture.… Expand
  35. StuckInAzkaban
    Apr 28, 2018
    10
    This is a true Hiphop album, created by one of the most skilled storytellers in the game. Thank you J Cole, for this masterpiece.
  36. Raollow
    Apr 27, 2018
    10
    Great Album, Dope beats, amazing lyrics/themes. Get it.Great Album, Dope beats, amazing lyrics/themes. Get it.

    ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    … Expand
  37. joozzua
    May 2, 2018
    8
    It was an album full of great lyricism, rap and with good production. One of the lesser downsides from the album is the fact that there is no feature(s) on the album. It would bring better vocals on the album and a different sound, instead of the alter ego KiLL Edward. The only positive point about KiLL Edward is how the lyrics of the alter ego gets represented in the right way.
  38. ftu
    May 3, 2018
    8
    J Cole delivers his most cohesive album yet, with some impressive instrumentals and vocal performances.
  39. wilksojack14
    May 11, 2018
    7
    KOD is another missed opportunity in J.Cole's discography to release a truly classic hip-hop album. Unlike the autobiographical 2014 Forest Hills Drive, and the subsequent introspective and thoughtful 4 Your Eyez Only, KOD is an album with three central themes and meanings, stitched together with sparse yet smooth and frequently hard-hitting production. The first, "Kill Our Demons" is moreKOD is another missed opportunity in J.Cole's discography to release a truly classic hip-hop album. Unlike the autobiographical 2014 Forest Hills Drive, and the subsequent introspective and thoughtful 4 Your Eyez Only, KOD is an album with three central themes and meanings, stitched together with sparse yet smooth and frequently hard-hitting production. The first, "Kill Our Demons" is more typical of Cole's music in general, as he addresses issues such as infidelity (Kevin's Heart) and, strangely, taxes (Brackets) within society. "King Overdose" represents Cole, both as the "King" of rap, a title he has unashamedly bestowed upon himself time and again, on his more "braggadocious" verses, and his struggles to "Choose wisely" amongst his fame, fortune and struggle, and finally "Kids On Drugs", which presumably refers not only to the issues of addiction faced by the youth of today, but also to the pill-popping, lean sipping generation of rappers emerging in the scene, who he imitates and ridicules throughout, notably on the final track (1985- Intro to The Fall Off), where he addresses Lil Pump's **** J. Cole" meme, as well as giving the new generation a word of advice, with a rap on the knuckles for good measure.

    Overall, Cole's experimentation with production and flow on this album deserves praise, although his alter-ego "KiLL Edward" should probably have been replaced by a few real features, something Cole appears extremely stubborn on currently. The songs flow together nicely, but the fairly empty and raw instrumentation makes for a harder listen than previous projects, whilst lyrically, Cole retains the same level of consistency seen on 4YEO and 2014FHD, albeit lacking a certain energy in his delivery at times. A solid effort, with plenty of high points, but seemingly without the real intent and outside influence to shape a truly exceptional album, meaning that 2014FHD remains his closest shot at creating a real classic. I wish that he had blended this newer, more experimental style with the classic flow and lyricism seen on 2016's "False Prophets" and "Everybody Dies", but it seems that we will have to wait until "The Fall Off" (if it is, indeed, a real project) to see Cole's true potential across an entire album.

    Favourite Track: ATM
    Least Favourite Track: Photograph.    … Expand
  40. 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. 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 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
  41. JosueZea1
    May 24, 2018
    9
    To the surprise of many people, J. Cole announced that he'd be dropping his fifth album, "KOD" 5 days before its release. This album was going to be very important in Cole's discography, being the album to solidify his spot at being at the top tier of rappers. The way I describe "KOD" as is a mix of "2014 Forest Hills Drive" and "4 Your Eyez Only", the last two albums he made. Songs likeTo the surprise of many people, J. Cole announced that he'd be dropping his fifth album, "KOD" 5 days before its release. This album was going to be very important in Cole's discography, being the album to solidify his spot at being at the top tier of rappers. The way I describe "KOD" as is a mix of "2014 Forest Hills Drive" and "4 Your Eyez Only", the last two albums he made. Songs like "ATM", "Motiv8", and "KOD" shows to many that Cole can make songs with mainstream appeal, and other tracks such as "Once an Addict", "Window Pain", and "FRIENDS", shows lyrical excellence, something J. Cole is never short of. Subtle and dark are 2 words to describe the vibe of the album. Something I appreciate J. Cole doing is handling most of the production on his albums. From songs like "BRACKETS" which addresses the topic of taxes, and "Photograph", which is about social media, the difference of topics Cole talks about is extraordinarily amazing, yet the album remains to keep its simplicity. I think that this is some of Cole's best production in an album, each song has a unique vibe. The final track, "1985" is rather strange in my opinion, as in parentheses, it says "intro to the fall off" the name of his next album. I'm not sure as to why he included a song in his next album on this one, but that doesn't take anything away from the track, as it talks about rappers in the new generation, and the lifestyle they choose to have, thinking of nothing but popularity and money, rather than focusing on things more important, like the reputation they have with the public and their impact. Though this album has a lot of high points and positives to talk about, there's two things that I have problems with. My first complaint is the pre chorus on the song "The Cut Off" I don't think it sounded so well, and in my opinion, made the song kind of awkward in a way. He tried to sing on that part, but it didn't come out as well as it could've been. A part like that is where someone else could sing, but not him. My second and final complaint is the repetitiveness some hooks had. On many tracks, he just repeated the same line over and over, and made the hook rather bland at times. Although I had minor problems with this album, that doesn't take the substance of the album away. "KOD" is truly some of J. Cole's best work to date.… Expand
  42. seancoz
    May 27, 2018
    7
    While it has its moments, KOD can be frustrating to listen to from a rap fan’s perspective. Cole constantly misses chances to make it great and it can leave a listener wanting more from him. While the lyrical content is good as always from Cole, minor missteps and a lack of depth hurt this project overall. With great verses on songs like BRACKETS, FRIENDS and 1985 as well as easy listensWhile it has its moments, KOD can be frustrating to listen to from a rap fan’s perspective. Cole constantly misses chances to make it great and it can leave a listener wanting more from him. While the lyrical content is good as always from Cole, minor missteps and a lack of depth hurt this project overall. With great verses on songs like BRACKETS, FRIENDS and 1985 as well as easy listens like ATM and Motiv8, it has its moments and can really be enjoyable. But while other tracks such as Photograph and Kevin’s Heart have meaning, they’re not very smart and while not terrible, definetly don’t help the album. While Cole’s fans and average rap fans will praise this, many others see KOD for what it is, another solid entry from J. Cole where he misses a chance to step onto Rap’s top level alongside Kendrick Lamar… Expand
  43. Hell_Mell12
    Sep 28, 2018
    8
    Very positive recurring theme throughout the album. Although the production on some tracks aren’t favorable, the overall production, structure, message and lyrics make this album great. The project is better received as a collective with each track succeeding the other. It creates an impeccable image for the consumer. The standout tracks are ATM, KOD and Kevin’s Heart.
  44. Brendonh93
    May 31, 2018
    9
    Cole's slapstick comments in general and on the direction of rap makes for good listening as well as making the project his own with no features on the album. Only downside is a few of the instrumentals are a little lackluster but over seen due to the wordplay and direction Cole has taken this album.
  45. C_dot
    Dec 3, 2018
    5
    Upon KOD's first listen, it appears to be one of the best rap projects of the year and for sure destined for critical acclaim. After re-listening to it just a few times, Cole's previous flaws continue to hinder his potential. He talks about some serious topics, but as usual, he is just surface level with these issues. He has corny lines that appear profound but are rather elementary.Upon KOD's first listen, it appears to be one of the best rap projects of the year and for sure destined for critical acclaim. After re-listening to it just a few times, Cole's previous flaws continue to hinder his potential. He talks about some serious topics, but as usual, he is just surface level with these issues. He has corny lines that appear profound but are rather elementary. Little to no replay value.… Expand
  46. kams
    Jun 30, 2018
    8
    Amazing lyrics on this album and some important knowledge and messages spread by J.Cole. Maybe its not as catchy as 2014FHD but still its a very good album.
  47. 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, 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    KOD 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
  48. simoxoxoxo
    Nov 10, 2018
    9
    Cole surprised me again. This album has so much to tell, the important thing here is to catch what the bars really mean. I found it very deep as far as lyricism is concerned, the singles are fire, the more chill songs are just as good.
    This album is not easy to forget once you listen to it a few times.
    For me, it's just history.
  49. PumpedupKicks
    Jan 6, 2019
    9
    Can't Take it When You Die, But you Can't Live Without It...
    Cole's lyricism on tracks such as Kevin's Heart and ATM are very well thought out, are very powerful and do an excellent job in conveying his message. Also, he probably intends to take a dig at the present Xanax-fueled rap industry and it all being about Money and B******. Justin Hunte, a former HipHopDX writer aptly said "KOD    Can't Take it When You Die, But you Can't Live Without It...
    Cole's lyricism on tracks such as Kevin's Heart and ATM are very well thought out, are very powerful and do an excellent job in conveying his message. Also, he probably intends to take a dig at the present Xanax-fueled rap industry and it all being about Money and B******. Justin Hunte, a former HipHopDX writer aptly said "KOD is my album of the year because it targets a generational crisis, and it’s not afraid to take an audience to therapy precisely when it needs it most. Is there anyone else in Hip-Hop willing to sacrifice their cool points to play therapist? If not J. Cole, then who?"    … Expand
  50. Shenossih
    Apr 8, 2020
    10
    Honestly I'm very surprised about how the album is received. No hate on Kendrick cuz I'm his fan, but if Kendrick released the same album, y'all would've called it classic. This album is perfect and it should be a classic. Keep it going Cole. Waiting for "The Fall Off."
  51. DABBINGBOI
    Aug 16, 2021
    6
    i've started listening to J. Cole, after the Off-Season dropped and that was very impressive as an album. This album, KOD, was the next I listened.
    Despite the lyrical content, I thought it was a bit underwhelming. The lyrics go deep into problems, yet not deep enough. BRACKET's second verse was the depth I was hoping would be on most of the album.
    The best songs are ATM, Kevin's heart,    i've started listening to J. Cole, after the Off-Season dropped and that was very impressive as an album. This album, KOD, was the next I listened.
    Despite the lyrical content, I thought it was a bit underwhelming. The lyrics go deep into problems, yet not deep enough. BRACKET's second verse was the depth I was hoping would be on most of the album.
    The best songs are ATM, Kevin's heart, Once an addict and 1985.
    The first of the album is boring, with very stripped down instrumentals, but the second half greatly improves    … Expand
  52. hdcooper
    Apr 11, 2021
    5
    Cole tries to fine-tune his melody, but his delivery alone is not enough to carry an entire album on their own. Especially when he is trying to address a problem as large as "addiction." Nothing Cole says is anything that is inherently unique and makes anyone want to choose an album like this over many others.

    5.0/10

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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.
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