Today turned out to be bigger than expected. J Cole dropped his album, and let me just say I am simply blown away. We’ve known for a while that he isn’t like most rappers, but the growth, and overall quality level is just out of this world.

For the first time, he featured artists on his album, and they fit so perfectly. Verses from a personal favorite (Lil Baby) and one from someone I have kept my eye on (21 Savage), lets just say I was in for a real treat, and they delivered. From a lyrical aspect, this album puts things into a different perspective. It makes you think about choices made, possible outcomes, and so many more different life altering things. This album is simply labeled as a classic.

Nicki Minaj went on a week long “promo” if you will, hinting at dropping something today. From a series of naked pics, to glam shots, which she looks amazing, and tweeting about “Fractions“. All of this, just to release her mixtape “Beam Me Up Scotty” to music platforms. She added 3 songs to it. Let’s just call it what it is, underwhelming.

The mixtape included 3 new songs on it, and to be honest all of them could’ve been kept. They lack replay value. If you ask me, she got bodied by her younger self. The original mixtape is better than all the noise she put on those songs. She had a feature with Wayne and Drake, which for me, Wayne had the weakest verse. If you compare Wayne to himself about 10 years ago, it’s clear he’s declined. But if you compare him to his peers like Kanye, Jay Z and other GOATS…. he should probably stay out of the booth. Nicki and Drake both gave solid verses, but nothing spectacular. The other 2 new songs, they were just….they could’ve been kept in the vault.

21 Savage released an EP in support for the newest installment of SAW, “Sprial“. Not much to say, it’s 21. Nothing to write home about.

Migos is also back. They released the first single from Culture 3. Straightenin is the title. The song shows lack of growth. Same sound as before. The song is making no noise, and I imagine they might’ve struck some sort of deal to perform it as part of Khaled’s Billboard Music Awards set next week. I’ve always said, these musicians have to really take stock in the reality of who they are. If the failure of their solo music wasn’t a clear indication, this flop single should be. They’ve had a fun run, but the general public has moved past that sound.