Is “Forbidden Fruit,” J. Cole’s Collab With Kendrick Lamar, As Dope As Expected? (Listen) Posted by Danielle Harling on 06/07/13 | Filed under J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar

With the leak of J. Cole's sophomore album, "Born Sinner," we're finally treated to Cole's highly-anticipated collab with Kendrick Lamar. Right off the bat, I should probably tell you that the record, titled "Forbidden Fruit," doesn't feature a verse from Kendrick. He merely lends his assistance on the song's hook. I'll wait while you wipe your tears...

That fact alone might let some listeners down, but fact of the matter is "Forbidden Fruit" is a worthy addition to "Born Sinner." Cole is on fire lyrically as he comments on facing off against Kanye West on June 17, becoming one of the greats in the game and more. All the while incorporating the occasional Adam & Even reference.

Like A Tribe Called Quest's "Electric Relaxation," "Forbidden Fruit" also samples Ronnie Foster's "Mystic Brew." "Electric Relaxation" is easily one of my favorite songs, but I'm not sure how I feel about "Forbidden Fruit" sampling the same song A Tribe Called Quest sampled. It's like every time I hear "Forbidden Fruit," "Electric Relaxation" is going to subconsciously play in the back of my head. Maybe that's a good thing, maybe it isn't.

Despite a few minor gripes here and there, I would say yes, "Forbidden Fruit" is as dope as expected.

UPDATE: "Born Sinner" is now officially streaming right here.