J. Cole is one of the most skilled storytellers of this generation. Although he doesn't always showcase the lyrical complexity of a Kendrick Lamar, Cole knows how to write poignant, thought-provoking, palatable songs. Sometimes there is genius, power, and intricacy in perceived "simplicity."
4 Your Eyez Only is a sonic film (although, note, this list is not comprised of songs off his newest release). The album is guided by the narrative of a fictitious drug-dealing father trying to remain hopeful and dream-driven, but institutionally destined for suicide, murder, prison, or hell - if God does truly exist.
Today, in celebration of vivid, layered, purposeful stories being broadcasted by one of hip-hop's most visible artists, we chronicle some of J. Cole's best story-telling moments over the years.
"The Storm"
"The Storm" was J. Cole’s first song ever recorded-- back when he was going by the moniker The Therapist. Cole wrote and produced "The Storm" in 2001, at just 15 years old. Although "The Storm" is raw, unpolished, and somewhat cliché, the song’s poetical vividness laid the blueprint for Cole’s storytelling dexterity.
"Lights Please"
"Lights Please" is the story that convinced Jay-Z he needed to sign Cole.
In the song Cole finds himself dating a girl who isn’t interested in the woes, injustices, or tragedies plaguing our communities. Her lack of societal engagement frustrates Cole, but Cole complacently falls victim to hooking up with her because she provides comfort, hope, and peace of mind. Although on the surface level this song is about Cole’s relationship with a women, it holds a deeper metaphorical meanings for Cole’s relationship with the game.
"Lost Ones"
"Lost Ones" is debatably J. Cole’s most powerful, emotional, and captivating story. "Lost Ones" refers to all the babies never born due to abortion, or all the kids who grew up without the stability and guidance of two loving parents.
In the first verse Cole raps from the perspective of a man who impregnated a woman, which leads to a series of questions and self-doubt. Cole then raps in the second verse from the woman’s perspective, insinuating manipulation, and how easy it is for a man to flee from a pregnancy because he doesn’t have the burden of the baby. Finally, in the third verse Cole raps back-and-forth from both perspectives, simulating an argument, before the man finally realizes that if he abandons the baby he’s no better than his father.
"Breakdown"
"Breakdown" includes a few different tales-- the first depicts a real life interaction Cole had with his estranged father-- however all instances incite a reason to breakdown.
Cole grew up in a trailer park in North Carolina before moving to 2014 Forest Hills Drive. Cole’s family consisted off his mother, his brother, and his mom’s manipulative and dishonest boyfriend. In his adolescent life Cole never second-guessed the instability of his family or the distance of his father. Geographical poverty tends to normalize disadvantaged standards of living; therefore, Cole never questioned his family dynamics. Now, after interacting with his father, all of Cole’s subconscious pain over the mistakes he's made in his life surfaces. He realizes a true father figure could have helped him avoid the adversities inherent in being a young black man.
"Breakdown" continues with a story about a relationship between an incarcerated man and his girlfriend. His girlfriend on the outside tries to remain faithful, but her loneliness and embarrassment over dating an imprisoned man begins to plant seeds of doubt in her mind.
"Crunch Time"
Truth be told, any song off Truly Yours could have made this list, but "Crunch Time" is the most unique.
The first verse is about a broke drug dealer who has aspirations of going to college and starting a family, but was ultimately forced to sell drugs for money. He “understands that you make your own bed, but who supplied the cheats with these cheap ass threads?“
Once he began selling drugs he got caught up in the fast life and lost track of his dreams. Now, he begrudgingly lives a life of crime, even though he claims "survival my only crime."
The second verse is about a struggle rapper working an uninspiring 9-5 job. Writing rhymes is a source of fulfillment for this character, but his hope begins to dwindle as nobody believes in his vision. Nevertheless, he decides he would rather fail while following his dreams than be the character in the first verse-- another minority unfairly victimized by the War on Drugs.
"3 Wishes"
"3 Wishes" finds J. Cole reflecting on the lives of those close to him, and how he'd like to facilitate their change-- if only he had three wishes from a genie.
The song begins with, “I grew up with killers, I didn’t know they were killers." News publications consistently dehumanize young black men by labeling them "criminals" without consideration to their circumstances, mental health, or the manipulatively oppressive criminal justice system.
Among the situations Cole wants to change, he shares the story of his friend who grew up in a tumultuous home, and spent the night at Cole’s house for a "break from reality." Ultimately, Cole’s friend grows defeated and tired of never having material things, and eventually compromises his college aspirations to sell drugs. Cole knows his friend has a good heart, so when the news dismisses him as another born killer, Cole responds with "but he my nigga." His last wish? "Free my nigga."
"Let Nas Down"
"Let Nas Down"
"Let Nas Down" chronicles the creation of Cole's mainstream single "Work Out" and how it disappointed most Cole fans, including Nas.
"Let Nas Down" begins with Cole rapping lyrics from "Nas Is Like," to properly illustrate Cole's adoration for Nas, but it also serves as a perfect precursor for his story.
"As far as rap go, it's only natural, I explain my plateau, and also what defines my name."
Cole reflects on how he used to hang Nas raps on his walls. This memory provides a visual for the story, but also demonstrates that Cole has always prioritized the lyrical integrity of hip-hop. Cole then explains how he had to reluctantly compromise his lyrical standards to release his first album, and if anyone could empathize it should be Nas-- he was forced to do the same in his career, and Cole is simultaneously hurt by the hypocrisy of Nas judging his single, and upset that he disappointed his idol. However, as we know, Nas eventually responded with "Made Nas Proud."
"Wet Dreamz"
"Wet Dreamz" is a vulgar and crude concept. Yet, despite the sexual connotations of the record, Cole is able to write and produce "Wet Dreamz" in a way that preserves the innocence of two adolescents losing their virginity.
"Wet Dreamz" paints a very vivid picture in the listener's mind – not necessarily of Cole’s story, but still a very personal story for the listener. Ultimately, the relatability of the lyrics, the candor of the content, and bounce of the sample makes "Wet Dreamz" one of J. Cole's most popular songs.
"03 Adolescence"
At the crackling of the sample, a dark curtain falls over one of J. Cole's most impassioned stories.
The first verse encompasses Cole’s material desires, insecurities, and lack of confidence in pursuit of a beautiful girl. None of these flaws were present in Cole’s younger mind, but as Cole delves deeper into the real world, society has conditioned him to have these wants and self-doubts.
As the song progresses, the allure of material items becomes irresistible. Cole begins driving his mom’s car because "the appeal is too ill to refrain."
He then tells a story of himself asking his foolishly-admired friend how to sell drugs to get money. Cole’s friend responds by explaining that he temporarily has money, but his material items are a facade that hides the pain of his fragmented family. Cole has a stark realization that his priorities are array, and that he should be grateful for the unconditional love of his mother. Although the visualizations of glamorous gear has tempted him in the past, Cole subtly learns that love is all he needs to be happy and confident, and to prove to the beautiful girl in his city that he’s "the illest nigga alive."
"The Autograph"
"The Autograph" documents J. Cole's rise to stardom. Cole describes how he's had career triumphs and relationship pitfalls, but both are unavoidable when you are chasing the glamour of fame - the vanity of an autograph.