Meditate; not medicate. This is the crux of the message on J Cole’s new album, KOD. The title has three distinct meanings (Kids On Drugs, King Overdose and Kill Our Demons). So, it was only fitting that he released the album on 4/20 (the celebratory date for marijuana smokers). However, he hits the nail on the head for an issue that goes far beyond marijuana. He tackles the idea of our generation turning to different forms of medicine or coping mechanisms for our problems. J Cole’s solution to this dilemma is to face your fears head on.

At just 33 years old, J Cole’s rap delivery is wise beyond his years. There are many interpretations to be had from his potent lyrics here. KOD is so cohesive that it virtually sounds like one long, 42 minute tale. This is not a bad thing though. The bluesy “Intro” that kicks off the album speaks about babies and their two primary feelings: happiness and pain. The latter is the foundation of the album and the rapper’s platform on how we should “choose wisely” when finding ways to deal with our pain. The title track is one of the more upbeat tracks, packed with a melodic hook and boastful rhymes detailing his rise to stardom. “My life is too crazy, no actor could play me”, he says.

J Cole also tackles the current state of romance and dating, through social media on the poignant “Photograph”. In this instance, social media is the addiction of choice. He narrates how love has gone digital and has been reduced to simple posts of pictures. “The Cut Off” is the struggle with giving vengeance to the Lord. He fights the urge to get the revenge he wants for the people that misused him (“I’m dreaming violent. I can’t tolerate disloyalty”).  The only featured artist on KOD is kiLL edward, who appears on “The Cut Off” and “FRIENDS”. The latter is a conversation where J Cole desperately pleads with a close friend to try a healthier alternative to drugs, meditation.

“ATM” and “Motiv8” both address the love of money and how J Cole has been impacted by the gain of it. “Motiv8” is the catchier track of the two, complete with nods to Hip Hop classics “Get Money” and “Knuck If You Buck”. “Kevin’s Heart” speaks about infidelity and compares the use of drugs to cheating on his woman. This is one of the most lyrically layered songs on the album that explores all three meanings of his album’s title. “If I take this cookie now, one day I’ll do the time”. KOD is void of any trap gimmicks or overworked themes of fast cars, women and money. J Cole cleverly touches on these topics, without being cliche.

Ironically, the album’s interludes are just as important (if not more) than the full length tracks. Take “Once an Addict” for instance. The track details his mom using alcohol and Marvin Gaye’s greatest hits to soothe a broken heart. The impact of the song last much longer than the mere 3 minutes and 17 seconds. His pain, confusion and understanding can be felt just like he was right next to you telling the story.

KOD is a lyrically dense warning for us all to confront the demeans in our lives. The eerie “Window Pain” details the influence of drugs on people to create senseless and careless acts. He takes us to church and tells us that we will ultimately reap what we sow. J Cole seems to take subliminal shots at current rap trends on “1985 (Intro to “The Fall Off”). He congratulates gimmicky artists who are making quick money in rap, but questions the substance of it all. He gives a complete hypothetical case of riding popular waves that end in a crash, with a stint on Love and Hip Hop. Oh and that one featured artist, kiLL edward, is actually rumored to be J Cole himself. It’s just another facet to his intricate artistry and proof that he continues to get better with time.