Fayetteville, North Carolina rapper extraordinaire J. Cole comes back strong with his first new single of 2019, “Middle Child,” co-produced with T-Minus.  

“N***as been countin’ me out / I’m countin’ my bullets, I’m loadin’ my clips / I’m writin’ down names, I’m makin’ a list / I’m checkin’ it twice and I’m getting’ ‘em hit.” Anytime a new J. Cole project or single arrives, it’s kind of a big deal.  After hearing from Cole in 2018 with KOD, it seemed that it might be a ‘minute’ before hearing new music at all. Amazingly, he shocks the world on January 23, 2019 releasing a brand-new single, “Middle Child.” “Middle Child” is co-produced by T-Minus.

Speaking of production, “Middle Child” benefits from its sickness behind the boards. The beat goes hard AF, while the brassy production adds some bite.  This bite is perfect fuel for the fire, as J. Cole drops compelling rhymes, showcasing his consistent, elite flow.  Getting more specific to “Middle Child,” the two most memorable sections of the record are the refrain (a pre-chorus of sorts), as well as the following chorus.  After showing some pop-rap skill on the verses and refrain, Cole shows off even more melodic prowess on the chorus.

“I just poured somethin’ in my cup
I’ve been wantin’ somethin’ I can feel
Promise I am never lettin’ up
Money in your palm don’t make you real
Foot is on they neck, I got ‘em stuck
I’ma give ‘em somethin’ they can feel
If it ain’t ‘bout the squad, don’t give a fuck
Pistol in your hand don’t make you real.”

The chorus is killer, though J. Cole also brings plenty of heat on the verses.  Among topics covered include the incarceration of black males.

Final Thoughts

Once more, J. Cole comes back strong with “Middle Child.” What makes it great? Superb production, compelling rhymes, and maybe most of all, the gift that is J. Cole.  No reason to feel like a middle child after listening to this one.

J. Cole • Middle Child [Single] • Dreamville / Roc Nation • Release: 1.23.19

Photo Credits: Dreamville / Roc Nation