The Off-Season
by J. Cole
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 158 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 158
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 158
  3. Negative: 10 out of 158
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Jarrett
    May 19, 2021
    10
    Man idk what album these critics are listening to. This is a classic rap album from top to bottom. And I’m not even the biggest Cole fan. Just giving credit where it is absolutely due. The raping is phenomenal. Best I’ve heard on a commercial rap project since DAMN. Production is modern yet still fees nostalgic. Very difficult balance but they pulled it off. Track list is short andMan idk what album these critics are listening to. This is a classic rap album from top to bottom. And I’m not even the biggest Cole fan. Just giving credit where it is absolutely due. The raping is phenomenal. Best I’ve heard on a commercial rap project since DAMN. Production is modern yet still fees nostalgic. Very difficult balance but they pulled it off. Track list is short and sweet which keeps the album focused and concise. There is literally not one skip on this project. There is literally something here for everyone. If you not feeling this you don’t know hip-hop, period. These publications need to stop letting journalists who are not Hip-Hop enthusiasts. It’s damaging to the culture.… Expand
  2. OmgitsMario
    May 18, 2021
    10
    This was a 12/12 honestly. KOD got boring quick, but I can tell this easily has replayability up and down the tracklist. The punchlines and different flows throughout the album and the switch ups even mid-song just show Cole’s pen game has never been better. This solidifies his standing as one of the rap GOATs, alongside Kendrick.
  3. AUtiger314
    May 24, 2021
    10
    The most exciting and consistent J Cole album I have ever heard, he’s never been at a higher level. Absolutely incredible display of lyrical dexterity over perhaps the best production he’s had in his career to date.
  4. awb5401
    May 18, 2021
    9
    Quite possibly the best album of Cole's career. Definitely the most consistent. You can tell from the first song that we're getting a different J. Cole on this album compared to the past few years. He ditches the half-baked concept narratives of his past couple albums and instead just focuses on doing what he does best—delivering outstanding bars. You can tell that Cole took his timeQuite possibly the best album of Cole's career. Definitely the most consistent. You can tell from the first song that we're getting a different J. Cole on this album compared to the past few years. He ditches the half-baked concept narratives of his past couple albums and instead just focuses on doing what he does best—delivering outstanding bars. You can tell that Cole took his time perfecting his flows and lyrics for this album and had fun making it. Production is top-tier, and the return of featured artists is a breath of fresh air too. Who knew, on paper, that Lil Baby could hold his own on a song with Cole? Best hip-hop album of 2021 so far, and will likely still be in the conversation once the year is over.… Expand
  5. KingMaclean
    May 18, 2021
    10
    I personally believe it’s one of his best projects. I’ve had it on repeat since it’s release and on this album, Cole really found his groove and didn’t disappoint.
  6. S-S-G
    May 19, 2021
    9
    Absolutely worth the hype. It's one of his best albums and the punchlines and metaphors on this album were great, with 0 misses. However songs like 100 mil. and pride is the devil felt a little basic. Overall a great album.
  7. MediaExpert
    May 19, 2021
    10
    This is probably the best album of J Coles career. Cole expands his sound on this album more than any other of his career. Lyrical this album is different from other cole album being the album has less of a concept and sounds more like a mixtape. There are still tracks like close and let go my hand that give you that classic j cole story telling but also you have tracks like punching theThis is probably the best album of J Coles career. Cole expands his sound on this album more than any other of his career. Lyrical this album is different from other cole album being the album has less of a concept and sounds more like a mixtape. There are still tracks like close and let go my hand that give you that classic j cole story telling but also you have tracks like punching the clock applying pressure 95 that are very bar driven. If you are a fan of punchlines and wordplay then you are gonna love this album.… Expand
  8. Ajaxin
    May 19, 2021
    9
    This Project is by far his best work lyrically bar-for-bar. 11 out of 12 tracks are enjoyable, 100 Mil is the only song that is worth skipping imo.
    Close, The Climb Back, Hunger on the Hillside and Amari are amazing and among his greatest songs.
  9. daclutch65
    May 20, 2021
    10
    I remember being a Big Cole fan back in 2010 his first 3 mixtapes were fire but then on his albums he just didn't seem to rap with that same passion. His music was much more mainstream with a few good storytelling songs on every album. This album is the first since his mixtapes that he has rapped with this much hunger. There were a lot of wayne Esque punchlines and still had a few songsI remember being a Big Cole fan back in 2010 his first 3 mixtapes were fire but then on his albums he just didn't seem to rap with that same passion. His music was much more mainstream with a few good storytelling songs on every album. This album is the first since his mixtapes that he has rapped with this much hunger. There were a lot of wayne Esque punchlines and still had a few songs with the classic j cole storytelling. but the biggest difference between this album and j coles past albums is the production. J cole sound has expanded a lot and you can tell working with different producer really pushed him to expand his range vocally rap and singing wise. Cole went 12/12 imo. Favorite Tracks - Let go my hand, hunger on hillside. amari, 95 sound… Expand
  10. Mumbichishimba
    May 20, 2021
    10
    The hype for his newest album, 'The Off-Season', reached astronomical heights. Fortunately for fans, they did not have to wait long, and the North Carolina rapper did not disappoint." .
  11. 0dinanwa
    May 21, 2021
    10
    This was a very fun first listen. J. Cole sounds hungrier than he's ever been in any of his previous album. A week later and i still can't find my self skipping any track.
  12. Christianpip
    May 19, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Classic best Cole album to date not one skip worthy track! Cole’s flows are on point and the song my life 21 savage holds his own on the track of the album definitely 2021 album of the year… Expand
  13. Randyt
    May 19, 2021
    10
    Hated it first listen but it grew on me. Classic project and definitely J. Cole’s best work.
  14. Justanotherdude
    Aug 7, 2021
    1
    Eh. It’s pretty trash. Lil baby feature was pretty shocking and ruined one of the only good tracks on the album. Tired of Cole’s repetitive, conscious and humble rap-persona which he wears. Brags about being humble. Lol.
  15. 94SupremePosse
    May 18, 2021
    5
    A record that seems to come and go, in one ear and out the other. It doesn't push any boundaries and doesn't seem to show any regression either. Seems to fit the tag "run of the mill" quite well.
  16. GamePlayer77
    May 25, 2021
    7
    J. Cole brings to 2021 an LP with solid production and lyrics, one of his best projects yet.

    FAV TRACK: p r i d e . i s . t h e . d e v i l
    LEAST FAV TRACK: a p p l y i n g . p r e s s u r e
  17. 214ofwgkta
    May 19, 2021
    0
    When it comes to "conscious hip-hop", Cole is definitely the most overrated. Simple metaphors and wordplay will have you falling asleep. It's great if you need a nap.
  18. bartewing
    Aug 29, 2021
    7
    Musically strong but inconsistent album with some excellent tracks (95 South, My Life, Hungar on The Hillside), lyrically spotty, and repetitive (are you worth 100 mil or are you going broke? which is it?) yet as I write that these lines hit me hard "Christ went to heaven at 33, and so did Pimp C and so did Nipsey"
  19. MusicGuyMack
    May 19, 2021
    7
    Well-produced and ably performed, "The Off-Season" will undoubtedly please Cole World denizens (and maybe even win a few new converts) and admittedly improves considerably in the second half after a questionable opening but is severely hobbled by lyrics that too often settle for the same dime-a-dozen braggadocio that drags down so many of its fellows and therefore never quite seems toWell-produced and ably performed, "The Off-Season" will undoubtedly please Cole World denizens (and maybe even win a few new converts) and admittedly improves considerably in the second half after a questionable opening but is severely hobbled by lyrics that too often settle for the same dime-a-dozen braggadocio that drags down so many of its fellows and therefore never quite seems to reach the lofty heights it's clearly reaching for.… Expand
  20. hausoflilluis
    Jun 22, 2021
    8
    From start to finish, Jermaine Lamarr Cole blesses the ears of those who approach his particular Hip-Hop. It was he who marked a generation of thinkers within the American youth, allowing the questioning of various issues from their environment, such as drug abuse or police impunity. J. Cole did it again. There is no way to detest this new awakening, necessary before the TikTok culture,From start to finish, Jermaine Lamarr Cole blesses the ears of those who approach his particular Hip-Hop. It was he who marked a generation of thinkers within the American youth, allowing the questioning of various issues from their environment, such as drug abuse or police impunity. J. Cole did it again. There is no way to detest this new awakening, necessary before the TikTok culture, which is stunting a large part of the world's population; a virus beyond COVID-19 itself. Hopefully, Cole can make himself known beyond Anglo-Saxon territory, since all his works are worthy of being analyzed by academics in musicology.

    fav tracks: “m y . l i f e”, “1 0 0 . m i l”, "i n t e r l u d e", "c l o s e" & “l e t . g o . m y . h a n d”
    KEY-TRACK: “9 5 . s o u t h”    … Expand
  21. Tariq610
    Jun 5, 2021
    10
    10/10 album for sure. No skip song at all, every one of songs is a banger. classic rap album from top to bottom. And I’m not even the biggest Cole fan
  22. AzzyJ13
    Jun 10, 2021
    8
    Overall a pretty good album, not Cole's best but I would say still good overall. It has Great tracks such as Interlude and My life, however not one that will be remembered when he is brought up in 5 years due to his more successful work before it.
  23. derrik1197
    Oct 6, 2021
    10
    Genuinely a breathe of fresh air in the lyrical rap lane. I really love all of Cole’s work but I love the change up and I love that he’s still hungry at this stage it’s really inspiring. He still keeps stuff for the old fans while making music for newer fans. Songs like close, hunger on hillside, and let go my hand are Cole in his bag. 100 mil, 95 south, the climb back, interlude, Amari,Genuinely a breathe of fresh air in the lyrical rap lane. I really love all of Cole’s work but I love the change up and I love that he’s still hungry at this stage it’s really inspiring. He still keeps stuff for the old fans while making music for newer fans. Songs like close, hunger on hillside, and let go my hand are Cole in his bag. 100 mil, 95 south, the climb back, interlude, Amari, applying pressure, and punching the clock are all him experimenting and it really works. With either melodic flows or an emphasis on punchlines and technical rapping. This is also the first Cole album without a narrative or “conscious” album. Features from Bas are amazing love to see him experimenting as well sounds great. 21 savage has a great performance and they’re such a great duo. Lil Baby continues to make a huge name for himself with a great feature along with a great song. Not a single skip on this album I can say I hope you all enjoy as well and if you don’t that’s okay.… Expand
  24. CriticCrehan
    May 27, 2021
    8
    Damn it was actually quite good. J Cole isn't a go-to artist for me but this is a solid album. My only real complaint is Lil Baby. Why?
  25. MetacriticOnur
    Aug 19, 2021
    8
    excellent
    [ ek-suh-luhnt ]

    adjective
    possessing outstanding quality or superior merit; remarkably good.
  26. JohnBasco
    May 26, 2021
    10
    A certified classic. Your favorite rapper loves this album more than most commercial rap albums in the last decade. Cole reached new peaks with melody, song-making, beat production and selection, and rapping. His cadence and delivery are unmatched currently, breath control is the best maybe ever, and his flows and pockets he finds on these beats are perfect. This album is 12 songs, noA certified classic. Your favorite rapper loves this album more than most commercial rap albums in the last decade. Cole reached new peaks with melody, song-making, beat production and selection, and rapping. His cadence and delivery are unmatched currently, breath control is the best maybe ever, and his flows and pockets he finds on these beats are perfect. This album is 12 songs, no skits and no skips. No way any hip-hop fan would not like this album. Critics simply know nothing about hip-hop culture and what makes a classic rap album. They'd probably give Doggystyle a 7/10… Expand
  27. MrCephas3000
    Jun 11, 2021
    10
    What an album! This album is deceptive, it's low key amazing and is a classic because there are no skippable songs, the lyrics are incredible, intelligent and self aware, the beats are soulful, but sounds new and J Cole basically kills it. I've listened to all his albums and Offseason is the most cohesive and sonically pleasing of his catalog. The album is short, has strong mass appealWhat an album! This album is deceptive, it's low key amazing and is a classic because there are no skippable songs, the lyrics are incredible, intelligent and self aware, the beats are soulful, but sounds new and J Cole basically kills it. I've listened to all his albums and Offseason is the most cohesive and sonically pleasing of his catalog. The album is short, has strong mass appeal without watering itself down, each song brief and is similar to the Grammy Award winning King's Disease in that regard. His flow is remarkable and as diverse 21 flavors. All the features are strong and on point. Over the years, I've been more of a Kendrick fan, but this album won me over as it's been locked on repeat. Great artists show their genius by taking great themes and concepts and making them seem simple and basic, J cole excels at that here. The Off Season displays what a gifted and talented rapper/true artist looks like. I'm not sure what the critics are looking for and why the struggle to recognize and give credit to albums like this. If you know hip hop and what makes it special then you will recognize this album is nearly flawless. How does this man have $100MM in net worth and still rhyme with such skill and passion?? I would be late to the studio and fall off. It's too soon to weigh this against long standing classics, but in the Cole/Drake/Kendrick era, this probably ranks just below DAMN as the best album of the decade. It's definitely J Cole's best and a must listen. This album requires a minimum of 10 listens to mine all the goodness, don't sell yourself short by being over critical, J Cole is a true lyrical master. 9.9/10… Expand
  28. RIPtoTheSmoke
    Jul 16, 2021
    9
    Easily one of the best projects this year, right behind Tyler's album and Pop smoke's album.
  29. DOCDR3AM
    Jul 16, 2021
    8
    Even though it doesn't represent the old and missed j cole style I've been waiting for it's definitely an album to be remembered by. Lyrical appealing solos are what this album has lots. The entering songs are getting you prepared for the next ones. It definitely has a certain flow it follows throughout the album. The only thing that doesn't make up my mind is the plurality of differentEven though it doesn't represent the old and missed j cole style I've been waiting for it's definitely an album to be remembered by. Lyrical appealing solos are what this album has lots. The entering songs are getting you prepared for the next ones. It definitely has a certain flow it follows throughout the album. The only thing that doesn't make up my mind is the plurality of different artists that don't represent j cole and as normal doesn't fit his album.… Expand
  30. EvanKilter
    Apr 5, 2022
    9
    Aside from some minor blemishes, Cole is on full victory lap before what I can only hope is a home-run. 9.3/10 least favorite song is hunger on hillside, not a bad song just not fitting in my eyes.
  31. asdf123k
    Sep 18, 2021
    8
    Despite being The Off-Season, J. Cole spits out raps more fiercer than I've ever heard him.
  32. MuddyTuba
    Sep 3, 2021
    8
    Great album but I just wanted more the whole time. That's just me being greedy but it just felt like it ended too soon.
  33. cerv007
    Sep 5, 2021
    9
    Almost a no-skip album. Except 100 mil, every song is a banger. with strong hooks, and verses as well
  34. Izzy8919
    Sep 7, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great album. Strong all the way. No skip plus still has strong story telling and delivery skills… Expand
  35. tishbueno
    Oct 3, 2021
    8
    Has everything to become a rap classic. Starting with a explosion that is 9 5 . s o u t h, the album delivers everything I've missed on hip-hop. Easily an 8/10.
  36. Johnsmtih
    Dec 3, 2021
    10
    Timeless project one of coles many albums that show he is one of this generations best
  37. CordRafael
    Feb 17, 2022
    8
    realmente muito bom se vc ta lendo isso aq e so encheção de linguiça pq eu so qro deixar as avaliações no meu perfil
  38. garfield7081
    Mar 25, 2022
    6
    while j. cole's expert production is still prominent, it feels as if he focuses more on a mainstream style that doesn't work for everyone.

    best song: hunger on hillside

    worst song: applying preasure
  39. Joffnatic
    May 27, 2022
    6
    I don't get it. J. Cole does not impress me on this one, and I was expecting something great after watching the documentary and the process behind the making of this album, but there's not really any significant on this that will push the genre forward at all. It's decent at best, and I somewhat enjoyed it, however grew tired of it very quickly. Morray does a great job though.
  40. JARI22
    May 16, 2022
    9
    1. Good
    2. Good
    3. Good
    4. Good
    5. Good
    6. Good
    7. Good
    8. Good
    etc

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2021

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. RapReviews.com
    Jul 13, 2021
    75
    There’s a very real, dare I say relatable feel to Cole’s music that “The Off Season” continues to highlight. Unfortunately, it’s a few songs short of being a great album as Cole experiments with some different styles of production that aren’t always successful. Cole’s nearly-man mentality produces a nearly-great album.
    Read full review
  2. HipHopDX
    Jun 3, 2021
    76
    Despite the casualness of everything, The Off-Season still earns buckets from the level of microphone craftsmanship he’s developed for himself and the melodies it brings.
    Read full review
  3. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 1, 2021
    74
    His performance on The Off-Season will have hip-hop oldheads smiling, nodding, reminiscing on days of old. ... The lack of any poignant through-line either sonically or thematically will have bespectacled journalists shaking their heads and talking about how Kendrick does it better.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »