15.
J. Cole
“Wet Dreams” (prod. J. Cole)
2014 Forest Hills Drive
J. Cole has always had a knack for crafting out coming of age records that resonate with fans. It’s the same reason the North Carolina MC has such a loyal fanbase, helping push his surprise album 2014 Forest Hills Drive to platinum status though it had zero high profile guest features. Similar to much of Cole’s catalog, the album was loaded with true-to-life coming of age tales, the standout being the set’s third single, “Wet Dreamz.” Detailing his first sexual experience as an adolescent, the song is probably one of his finest executions of storytelling to date. As personal as it was, the record was still a fixture on radio and is one of the hallmarks of 2014 Forest Hills Drive and the year.