Rapper and producer J. Cole’s seventh and possibly final studio album, The Fall-Off, looks at the evolution of his career.

The first album of the two-record set, called Disk 29, focuses on his return home at 29 years old and being a successful rapper, which seemed to be a miracle to him at the time. The second album, called Disk 39, is similar, but shares the experience of going home 10 years later at 39 years old, this time with more self-awareness and peace.

Cole’s reasoning for the title is that he feels that every rapper will fall off over time. Evidently this is expected to be his last album, and it finishes his story as a rapper. Cole’s first album, The Come Up, was composed by him as an aspiring artist at only 19 years old and kicked off his career. 

Cole is a well known storyteller and lyricist who takes time perfecting his songs. The album has 24 tracks and is over 1 hour and 40 minutes long. The first 12 tracks are from Disk 29, and the second 12 are from Disk 39. 

One of the earlier songs on Disk 29, “Bunce Road Blues,” has a relaxing beat that is accompanied by Future’s vocals. Though the lyrics contrast with the beat, they work together well. The singer Tems is a very good selection for this song specifically as her vocals are soothing. With production from The Alchemist, this song is very well crafted. 

“Drum and Bass” speaks more about Cole’s experience with his return home, communicating with people of his past, and remembering that even though he is successful, these people cared for him when he was on the rise. “The Let Out” is more acoustic and strings based, with guitar and bass in the background. Cole’s chorus is also catchy.

Disk 39 starts off with “39 Intro,” which has great acoustics as well as synths. The beat switch on it using gunshots into Cole’s verse is genius. He talks about how people view him, and how he has found inner peace and doesn’t care what people have to say about him. 

“The Villest” incorporates lyrics from OutKast in his chorus, and he has done this before. He ends off the album with “Ocean Way,” which could be his last song ever. Overall it is very fitting and a good way to wrap up his career. 

This album is not only a testament to Cole’s greatness, but tells an important story – his story. He is one of the most down-to-earth rappers of this generation, and he is often overlooked. He is currently driving around and going on a “Trunk Sale Tour,” in which he is selling physical copies of The Fall-Off, as another sort of full circle moment.