At its best, “Born Sinner” is a snarling yet contemplative grab for legitimacy best personified by the aforementioned “Villuminati”. Sonically Cole sets the mood with ominous bass lines and brooding beats, laying the foundation for something “way darker this time” as he puts it on the introduction track “Villuminati”. Born Sinner is Cole’s melancholy sophomore album that is based upon his sense of bewilderment and depression he experienced prior to his debut album. While he’s not a virtuoso at either, the culmination of these two should guarantee a top spot with his peers. Similarly, his attention to detail in his production, including picking the right samples and structuring soaring melody (“She Knowz”) makes him one of the best beat makers in the game. Cole’s workman like approach to similes, metaphors and a raspy Nas-inspired flow is commendable (“Mo Money”). His music never invites the drama and creativity of Kendrick Lamar. However, Cole never seems to be at ease playing the heartthrob as eagerly as Drake does. Cole boasts a gold plaque for his debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story”, a platinum plaque for the leading single “Work Out”, respect from his peers and a fanatically loyal fan base.
Cole is no doubt a considerable star in his own right. This unintentional one-upmanship by the Toronto native seems to have cast a shadow over J.
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