RETRO REVIEW: J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar - They Ready

About a year ago, DJ Khaled released an album called "Kiss The Ring." I still do not understand Khaled's purpose on this Earth, but for some reason he likes to stamp his name across music that he played no real role in creating. The song "They Ready," featuring the crew I like to call the "Y.I.C.," is one of those tracks. The beat was crafted solely by J. Cole, and the other rappers who have verses on the song besides himself are Kendrick Lamar and Big K.R.I.T. So there's a clear reason why I left Khaled's name out of the title. They say artists would be nothing without DJ's, but it goes both ways. Even though the song sounds Khaled-esque, there's no real reason he should receive any credit for this song.

And that's where I will begin; this song is unbelievably average. When you see any combination of the likes of K.R.I.T., K. Dot, and Cole together on anything, expectations are naturally through the roof. In their young careers, these three have proven they have what it takes to consistently bring true music lovers high quality projects time and time again. It's a shame to see this song as part of their resume's. It's not terrible, but there's something about how the beat tries to mesh with each of their styles that is just a little off. In all honesty, it sounds like Cole, K.R.I.T., and Kendrick lowered their own standards to appeal to DJ Khaled's crowd. The result is a very forgettable record (hence the reason you've probably never heard of it until now).

Listen for yourself and let us know what you think.

J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T., Kendrick Lamar - They Ready
Twitter: @BestInTheMix @TwonJonson