Every year, there’s always one.

In 2001, it was Eminem. In 2010, Nicki Minaj. Last year, it was Kendrick Lamar.

No matter the beat, no matter the expectations, the King of Features is sure to deliver. Whether it’s through creative execution, unique flow control, or bar-to-bar storytelling, a new King of Features makes themselves apparent every year. They take the driver’s seat of every song and don’t let up from the first bar to the last.

If you’ve heard any of J. Cole’s features this year, it’s clear that he was head and shoulders above any competition in 2018. Frequently criticized for corny and fake deep lyrics, Cole’s made it his mission to prove that he has more depth than he lets on. He’s gone full scorched earth on every track he’s been featured on. He’s hungry, to prove himself to the world. So far, he seems to be doing an amicable job.

Of course, this isn’t to say that others didn’t deliver memorable features this year. Artists like Kendrick Lamar soared far and high above the average, delivering some of this year’s best verses. Having said that, none have been able to match the winning streak Cole has had this year with features. He’s appeared on over a dozen tracks, bringing organic, creative approaches to every verse and every beat.

Don’t believe us? Here are five examples of Cole at his absolute best in 2018:

Jay Rock – OSOM feat. J. Cole

OSOM – Outta sight, outta mind. On Jay Rock’s standout album Redemption, Cole’s verse is the furthest thing from OSOM. He immediately takes the spotlight and delivers one of the strongest examples of flow control this year has seen. At this point, it’s like cruise control for Cole. He makes it seem so easy, and yet, the proof is in the obscene amount of detail he puts into his commanding verse on OSOM.

2. Off Deez – JID feat. J. Cole

On this heavy, trunk-rattling beat, J. Cole once again takes over the song after an unbelievably impressive verse from JID. He frequently switches from fast to slow flow control, relaxing against the beat before diving in with machine-gun speed. The lyrics take a backseat to Cole’s supernatural flow. If you’re looking to enjoy a song for its raw, unfiltered energy, Off Deez is the song you need.

3. Trippy – Anderson .Paak feat. J. Cole

Like the book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give J. Cole a Feature, he’s gonna want to seize the spotlight. On Trippy, he does just that, stealing all the shine from Anderson .Paak on his own track. Here, Cole spins a story of missed connections and lost love, hoping to reconnect with a girl he once loved when he was younger. He closes out his verse vowing to never break the bond they share, cementing Trippy as one of his best storytelling verses he’s released this year.

4. My Boy – Wale feat. J. Cole

It’s hard to believe that My Boy is a freestyle. Cole’s verse sounds polished and practiced, as if he’d been planning to drop a bomb for a while. While Wale’s verse is impressive, it doesn’t come close to Cole’s mastery of the beat. A true freestyle requires rappers to work the beat to their advantage as they think on their feet. J. Cole does both with ease, continuing his conquest for the best feature of 2018 without any real opposition.

5. Pretty Little Fears – 6lack feat. J. Cole

Cole’s versatility on a beat is put to the test on 6lack’s Pretty Little Fears, a laid-back, slow, and somber tune about failed relationships. When Cole jumps on, he paints a lurid, detailed picture of his relationship with his wife. He switches the entire emotion of the song, changing its sad undertones to an optimistic look at love. This is a song of redemption, of learning from ones’ past transgressions and growing. J. Cole’s storytelling shines brightest on Pretty Little Fears, making it one of the greatest guest verses this year has to offer.

Honorable Mentions: Shea Butter Baby – Creed II Soundtrack, Say Na – Moneybagg Yo, Tribe – Bas, Boblo Boat – Royce Da 5’9″

It shouldn’t be a surprise to the average J. Cole fan that he’s earned the title of King of Features. Since 2014 Forest Hills Drive, the North Carolina rapper has been polishing and perfecting every facet of his craft. What’s interesting to note is how quickly he’s been able to seize the spotlight on every track he’s jumped on this year. No matter the stakes, he’s always able to deliver a memorable verse that leaves you wondering what else Cole has in store.

With that being said, enjoy the crown, J. Cole. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table in 2019.