Grade: A-
Up-and-coming rapper J. Cole displays why Jay-Z signed him as the first artist on the Roc Nation label with his debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story.” Cole combines two of his most catchy songs from past mixtapes, “Lights Please” and “In the Morning (ft. Drake),” with the much deeper tones of songs like “Lost Ones,” where Cole tackles the difficulties of a couple’s unplanned pregnancy. Sprinkled alongside his solo tracks are appealing features with Trey Songz and Missy Elliott. The only thing missing is a more upbeat single, but the melodic and relaxed vibes behind many of his songs highlight the clever lyricism of the future star who graduated magna cum laude. One thing’s clear: if it’s not Cole’s world, it will be soon.