By Anthony Trocchi

Middle Child is the newest instalment in J. Cole’s discography and personally one of my favourites. Throughout the track, Cole can be seen rapping about his differences from other current rappers, as well as drug abuse in the rap game. In the lines “I do not snort powder, I might take a sip/I might hit the blunt, but I’m liable to trip/I ain’t poppin’ no pill, but you do as you wish.” Cole suggests that while he himself doesn’t participate in drugs commonly used by other rappers, he understands the addiction and doesn’t necessarily care or judge someone for what they do. In terms of the name of the track, Cole is referring to his place in the current state of hip hop. Cole doesn’t necessarily associate himself with the younger or older generation but rather sees himself in between. His production value and beats usually appeal more to younger hip hop fans, while his lyricism and message is often more appreciated by old hip hop heads. He suggests this in the lines “To the OGs, I’m thankin’ you now/Was watchin’ you when you was pavin’ the ground/I copied your cadence, I mirrored your style”

In terms of the actual sound of the album, the beat steals the show. Produced by T – Minus the sampled trumpet sounds repeated throughout the song create a glorious sound which blend well with T- Minus use of high hats. Cole also uses various flows to create an overall hard hitting track, which he has always done so masterfully.