Rap Life is home to hip-hop’s heavy hitters and its vanguard—the songs that speak to the moment and define the culture today. This week, that means new music from the pride of Fayetteville, North Carolina, J. Cole. “cLOUDs,” like a lot of his most beloved work, is both self-reflective and talent-affirming, Cole sounding as hungry as he ever was for respect as a lyricist: “I’m Spike Lee of the audio, back in my barrio/Parties got shot up, so I built up on my cardio/Dodge shells, collect coins like I’m Mario/But this is not a gaming experience, I’m serious, n****a.” Listen to “cLOUDs” on Rap Life, and if you hear something you like, add it to your library.