By K.B. Tindal
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
What an amazing year of hip hop it was for 2013, it feels like it was just a few weeks ago when the year started, but now the year has ended. Hip hop is in more places, geographically, than ever before and there are more stars than ever. Still, the regular players were in the mix, along with some veteran comebacks.
A semi-comeback of 2013 was J. Cole, who was noticeably missing in 2012. He returned with Born Sinner, his sophomore album and he immediately took over radio with his “Power Trip” single with Miguel. The music video was definitely a nightmare version of LL Cool J’s “Hey Lover.”
J. Cole had a major impact on the year with the Born Sinner album, as it was the most-complete album of the year. At a time when rappers relied on stunts for album attention, J. Cole delivered what the people wanted, good and entertaining rap music. His year was big, as J. Cole brought TLC back for his “Crooked Smile” single that also owned radio and now “She Knows” is doing well.
Only months before Born Sinner, many questioned if J. Cole would be able to do it again. As 2013 is down to its final seven days, the general consensus is that J. Cole has indeed done it again. With that being said, in terms of exposure, commercial success, and critical success, J. Cole put out what is the album of the year in Born Sinner.
Watch “Power Trip” by J. Cole ft. Miguel below:
Watch “Crooked Smile” by J. Cole ft. TLC below:
Watch J. Cole’s performance on “Late Show with David Letterman below:
Follow K.B. Tindal on Twitter @KBTindal.
