There is an overwhelming dilemma that rears its ugly head every time J. Cole resurfaces with new material. Hip-Hop tends to divide its fans more than any other genre due to its ever-changing nature. What sounds appropriate and acceptable now, will seem like a distant memory in just a year or so. Cole's been around for quite some time now but has always looked out of place.

We were first introduced to Jermaine in 2007 with the release of his mixtape The Come Up. Now think about what occupied your ears during that time and please don't lie. Be real with yourself. Ringtones of Soulja Boy's "Crank that" were ramped. T-Pain's "Buy you a drank" was a banger that furthered captured the flashy, frivolous, big spending tone of the 2000's. Not necessarily the right time for a kid from Fayetteville to share his humble stories as a tool to teach--especially with Lil Wayne at the helm.

The decade came to a close with the swift rise of Drake who captivated everyone with his versatility. Unfortunately, most conveniently looked over the fact Cole produced and wrote all his music. That's versatility if I've seen one, but without a machine and visible cosign behind him Cole was at a disadvantage facing off against Drake. Yes, he signed to Roc Nation, but you almost never saw Jay Z standing next to him. That's not how HOV operates. Regardless, he captivated hearts and built an honest following organically.

Oh, If you are wondering why Cole was pitted against Drake its because two vulnerable light-skinned rappers have to be enemies. Sorry, I don't make up the rules, just pass them along.

The beginning of the decade showed how abruptly taste in hip-hop change. Wiz Khalifa's Kush and OJ in 2010 catapulted him and smokers everywhere into stratosphere they've never reached. I mean seriously, how many tatted up smokers did we see on worldstarhiphop daily? Too many to count, trust me I tried. Simultaneously the next generation of trap stars was on their way after Gucci Mane, TI, Jeezy and others trap influencers had solidified the brand. Chief Keef's "I don't like" in 2012 told us that and took the nation by a swarm. Meanwhile, Cole released his highly acclaimed mixtape Friday Night lights and his first studio album in those two years. However, those two waves he was up against were so momentous and eye-popping his chances were slim to overcome.

I didn't even mention that a 5'6 lyrical mastermind from Compton was on his way. A wordsmith with legends vouching on his behalf at that. Another storm for Cole to weather.

Cole has never had a chance to have his moment. I say this is in no way to disparage the accolades he's accumulated over the years, but that's a separate discussion that has no place here. Hip Hop's competitive nature is relentless, complex and waits for no one no matter how vital their message may be. That's what he's fought against the most--time. KOD felt like Cole finally pushed back against this constant stigma that his style lacks energy or a particular ingredient that would give it that extra spice. So in response, he cooked up something that would appease the latest tastebuds with messages sprinkled throughout the project. Chess move for the critics.

Nobody has to like Cole that's not the message here. But understand his career has shown just how fickle listeners and consumers can be. It sounds so weird to say for a veteran like himself--but maybe his time is now. The moment we genuinely sit and comprehend what he brings to the table. If not now then when? Ten or twenty years from now? Like he said in "The cut off"--time will tell.