One of the best attributes that an artist or band can have is the ability to perform better live. It’s different for each band. Some incorporate more instrumental parts to show off their ridiculous skill; some change the lyrics; some perform with more passion; some just know how to perform. 

Listening to live albums can change your perspective of a band. Sometimes you hear the bass a little bit louder and you realize that you never heard that part of the song before. You are able to hear what lyrics the singer puts the most emphasis on. For me, live performances are so much more than just songs being performed. When Jimi Hendrix sang “Star Spangled Banner” at Woodstock, it was more than just a performance. The audience will remember that specific moment and what they felt when they heard the iconic performance in person. J. Cole’s live album is also a lasting memory for the 8,000 people that saw his performance in his hometown.

J. Cole’s album, “Forest Hills Drive: Live from Fayetteville, NC,” is comprised of the music from J. Cole’s HBO documentary, “J. Cole Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming.” J. Cole put on a concert in his hometown of Fayetteville. His purpose in performing there was to show the residents of his hometown that they could leave their homes and make something great out of themselves. 

This performance is an ode to the friends and family that he left in Fayetteville. His song “Apparently” is about his remorse for leaving his mom in Fayetteville to pursue rap; he thanks her for believing in him and supporting him even though he left her. When he performs this song during the performance, he sings it to his mom and you can see and hear the gratitude.

For the concert, J. Cole performed his album “2014 Forest Hills Drive” and had special appearances from Drake, Big Sean, and Jay Z. The  guests were kept secret and the audience collectively lost their minds when they saw the guests appear on stage for the encore. Drake performed first and performed many of his famous songs, but when he sang “Back to Back,” he debuted a new verse.

Cole ended his Forest Hills tour with his homecoming in Fayetteville. He put “the Ville” on the map and continues to be an inspiration to many young kids in Fayetteville and beyond. J. Cole’s appreciation for where he comes from is evident in his songs and even more evident in this performance. “No Role Modelz” explains how J. Cole grew up with no male role model in his life, but he did not need one. He became a Grammy-nominated rapper without a father figure. Cole is an honest rapper who wants to encourage generations beneath him to make a name for themselves outside of a small town.