Source: Artwork
It’s hard not to rush into this collaborative project and not expect a new version of J.Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive. It’s same thinking fans had when Kanye West dropped G.O.O.D Music’s Cruel Summer or when Chance The Rapper dropped The Social Experiment & Donnie Trumpet’s Surf. Just like these two projects, Dreamville’s new album Revenge Of The Dreamers II needs to be treated for what it is and not seen as “J.Cole Project”.
The 9-track release is more of a showcase of what the Dreamville label can offer and uses J.Cole’s name to help push these artists into the spotlight. Dreamville signees J.Cole, Cozz, Bas, Omen, Ari Lennox and Lute all contribute at least one song to this album while also offering a helping hand in collaborations too. Corry C and The Social Experiment’s Donnie Trumpet also feature on this short album.
However, J.Cole is all over this record with two tracks, ‘Folgers Crystals‘ and ‘Caged Bird‘; the two songs sound like they were made for 2014 Forest Hills Drive, but didn’t make the cut as they share the albums distinct sound and mood. Cole also jumps on Bas‘ track ‘Night Job‘ that has an atmospheric sound that could easily fit on Drake’s If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late album; but unfortunately for Bas, J.Cole completely dominates the track with a couple of fast and aggressive verses.
The Dreamville team share the vision of east-coast inspired flows and beats and this is especially evident in Lute’s ‘Still Slummin‘ and Cozz’s ‘Grow‘ featuring Corry C. However, there’s some variety with Bas’ track ‘Housewives‘ and Cozz’s track ‘Tabs‘ featuring Bas, that have the rapid sounds of high-hats, but nothing too abstract from the overall feel.
Revenge Of The Dreams II continues where the first edition in 2014 left off. The release includes some quality music to keep fans hungry for J.Cole’s next release (possibly a joint album with Kendrick Lamar in February) while fans become familiarised with some old and new faces from the Dreamville family.
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