American rapper J. Cole released his seventh studio album, "The Fall Off," on February 6, 2026. The project marks his first full-length release since "The Off-Season" in 2021 and is presented as a double album with 24 tracks.
The album arrived via Dreamville Records and Interscope Records, available on major streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. It features guest appearances from artists such as Future, Tems, Burna Boy, Erykah Badu, and Westside Gunn.
Billed as Cole's final studio album, "The Fall Off" has been anticipated for nearly a decade since its initial tease. The release date, 2/6/26, nods to "2-6," a nickname for Cumberland County, North Carolina, including Cole's hometown of Fayetteville.
Album Details and Tracklist
"The Fall Off" is structured as a double album, divided into two discs labeled "Disc 29" and "Disc 39." Each disc contains 11 main tracks plus a bonus, totaling 24 songs with a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes.
The tracklist for Disc 29 is as follows:
- 29 Intro
- Two Six
- SAFETY
- Run A Train (feat. Future)
- Poor Thang
- Legacy
- Bunce Road Blues (feat. Future & Tems)
- WHO TF IZ U
- Drum n Bass
- The Let Out
- Bombs in the Ville/Hit the Gas
- Lonely At The Top (Bonus)
Disc 39 includes:
- 39 Intro
- The Fall-Off is Inevitable
- The Villest
- Old Dog
- Life Sentence
- The Man Above
- Biggie & Pac
- Disc 2 (Track 2)
- WHO TF IZ U
- Drum n Bass
- The Let Out
- Bombs in the Ville/Hit the Gas (Bonus)
Several tracks reference Fayetteville landmarks, such as "Bunce Road Blues," tying into Cole's roots.
Features and Production Credits
Guest features add variety to the album. Future appears on "Run A Train" and "Bunce Road Blues," the latter also including Tems. Burna Boy contributes to tracks, aligning with reports from Nigerian media outlets. Erykah Badu and Westside Gunn provide additional vocals on select songs.
Production involves multiple contributors. J. Cole handles much of the production himself, with credits including T-Minus, Wu10, Powers Pleasant, and others. Executive producers are J. Cole, Ibrahim "IB" Hamad, T-Minus, and the Dreamville team.
Tracks like "Bunce Road Blues" interpolate elements from Usher's "Nice & Slow." The album showcases a mix of styles, including acoustic elements, drum and bass influences, and storytelling raps.
Background and Concept
Cole first mentioned "The Fall Off" in 2018, building anticipation through teasers and checklists. The concept revolves around two periods in Cole's life: ages 29 and 39, representing trips back to Fayetteville.
Disc 29 reflects life after "Born Sinner," leading into "2014 Forest Hills Drive." Disc 39 explores more recent personal growth. Cole described it as a "double album made with intentions to be my last."
The album follows a January 2026 trailer announcement and a birthday EP, "Birthday Blizzard '26." Listening parties were held in Fayetteville and other locations.
When and Where It Happened
The album dropped worldwide on streaming services at midnight Eastern Time on February 6, 2026, which is 9 p.m. Pacific Time on February 5. No specific physical location ties to the release, but its themes center on Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Who Is Involved
J. Cole, born Jermaine Lamarr Cole in 1985, is the primary artist. The Fayetteville native and Grammy winner executive produced alongside manager Ibrahim Hamad and producer T-Minus.
Featured artists include Atlanta rapper Future, Nigerian singer Tems, Nigerian artist Burna Boy, soul singer Erykah Badu, and Buffalo rapper Westside Gunn. Production team members like DZL, OMEN, and Sucuki contributed beats.
Why It Matters
"The Fall Off" positions itself as Cole's career capstone, bridging his debut "The Come Up" to his current status in hip-hop. It arrives amid a competitive release weekend with music from Zayn, Tame Impala, Jennie, and others.
The album's length and experimentation highlight Cole's evolution, incorporating storytelling from perspectives like Biggie and Tupac on "Biggie & Pac." Its release underscores Cole's influence in rap, with themes of legacy and reflection resonating in the genre.
Fan and Critic Reactions
Initial reactions on social media are mixed. Some fans praise the storytelling and production, calling it "elite-level Cole." Others note it feels "bloated" with 24 tracks and lacks innovation compared to past works.
One listener described it as "archetypal J. Cole" but criticized the hooks and length. Positive feedback highlights risks with new styles that "paid off well." Ratings range from 6/10 to 8/10 in early reviews.
Notable mentions include NBA player Naz Reid's name-drop on "The Man Above." Fans express satisfaction overall, with some hoping it's not truly his last.
What Happens Next
Cole has indicated "The Fall Off" is his final album, potentially shifting focus to production, Dreamville projects, or other ventures. No tours or follow-ups have been announced.
Chart performance will be watched closely, competing with releases like Taylor Swift's "Opalite." Industry sources speculate on sales and streaming numbers, but no projections are confirmed.
The album's impact on Cole's legacy remains to unfold as more listeners engage.
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