Tell Em
J-Soul Lyrics

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Looking through my story views
So I know who knows what I'm up to
Gettin' used to my ego bruised
Outside don't care, inside fuck you
Want me Jo-Koy, but I refuse
'Cause all these typecasts ain't that fun dude
Beauty ain't the same as truth
One you run from, one you run to

Fuck around and make a brand new hit
Maybe I just might
Broke rules since I was a kid
Like watching Nick at Nite
Yo, I got the drive, but still call for lifts
I was just five, when I found my gifts
Learned to improvise, so I can write like this
Shoutout to the homies at Bindlestiff
I know I'm making my own path
But when will it be my turn
When will it be my turn
When will it be my turn
I really hate these hashtags
I'll go viral on my own terms
Viral on my own terms
Viral on my own
To the ones that are known now
Looking for a showdown
Tell 'em that I got next
To the ones that are tired
Tryna share their fire
Tell 'em that I got next
To the cutie that I just seen
Dating her dude since fifteen
Tell 'em that I got next
Ya
Tell 'em that I got next
Ya
Tell 'em that I got
To the one I'm obsessed with
Getting over exes
Tell 'em that I got next
To all of my day ones
Even the lates ones
Tell 'em that I got next
To the one in the mirror
It's getting clearer
Tell 'em that I got next
Ya
Tell 'em that I got next
Ya
Tell 'em that I got
Next verse always better than the last
Can't progress if you stuck to the past
But, I'mma keep it real
Sometimes its way too hard to heal
Can't fault you
That's why when I write my tunes
I write from scars and not my wounds
I'm Gemini but Pisces Moon
We'll all come up and give back soon
But, if I'm being honest,
I can be the fakest
I'll dap you up in person
But I'm thinking you won't make it
If that line got you thinkin'
This 'bout you in this song
I hope you step yo shit up
So you can prove me wrong
I know I'm making my own path
But when will it be my turn
When will it be my turn
When will it be my turn
I fucking hate these hashtags
I'll go viral on my own terms
Viral on my own terms
Viral on my own
To the ones that are known now
Looking for a showdown
Tell 'em that I got next
To the ones that are tired
Tryna share their fire
Tell 'em that I got next
To the cutie that I just seen
Dating her dude since fifteen
Tell 'em that I got next
Ya
Tell 'em that I got next
Ya
Tell 'em that I got
To the one I'm obsessed with
Getting over exes
Tell 'em that I got next
To all of my day ones
Even the lates ones
Tell 'em that I got next
To the one in the mirror
It's getting clearer
Tell 'em that I got next
Ya
Tell 'em that I got next

Ya
Tell 'em that I got

Overall Meaning

In "Tell Em" by J-Soul, the artist reflects on his journey and aspirations in the music industry. He starts by acknowledging that he is aware of who is following his story and keeping tabs on his activities. Despite facing setbacks and ego bruising, he remains unfazed by external judgment, expressing a confident attitude of not caring about what others think. He refuses to conform to stereotypes and rejects offers that compromise his artistic vision.

The song highlights the artist's dedication and drive to create his own path in the music industry. He reminisces about his childhood and how he broke rules from a young age, even comparing his rebellious spirit to watching late-night shows on Nickelodeon. J-Soul credits his improvisational skills for his ability to write impactful lyrics and acknowledges the influence and support of his friends at Bindlestiff, possibly a reference to a community or organization that has helped him along the way.

The chorus of the song expresses his frustration with the current state of social media and the pressure to go viral. J-Soul desires to achieve success on his own terms, not by conforming to popular hashtags or trends. He asserts that he has next in line for recognition and challenges those who may doubt his abilities or overlook his talent.

Overall, "Tell Em" is a self-reflective track that showcases J-Soul's determination to carve his own path in the music industry, his refusal to conform to stereotypes, and his yearning for recognition on his own terms.

Line by Line Meaning

Looking through my story views
Observing who is viewing my social media stories to understand who knows about my activities

So I know who knows what I'm up to
Gaining awareness of which individuals are aware of my current actions and endeavors

Gettin' used to my ego bruised
Becoming accustomed to the feeling of my self-esteem being damaged or hurt

Outside don't care, inside fuck you
Though I may seem unaffected externally, internally I express a strong disregard for others' opinions or judgments

Want me Jo-Koy, but I refuse
Some desire me to be like Jo-Koy, a comedian, but I reject conforming to their expectations

'Cause all these typecasts ain't that fun dude
I find no enjoyment in conforming to labels and stereotypes imposed upon me

Beauty ain't the same as truth
The concept of attractiveness does not equate to authenticity or genuineness

One you run from, one you run to
There are instances where one may seek to escape from a particular aspect, while another is pursued

Fuck around and make a brand new hit
Engaging in the possibility of creating a fresh and successful piece of work

Maybe I just might
Perhaps there is a chance that I will indeed achieve this

Broke rules since I was a kid
I have been defying norms and regulations since my childhood

Like watching Nick at Nite
Similar to how one enjoys watching Nick at Nite, I also derive pleasure from breaking conventions

Yo, I got the drive, but still call for lifts
Despite having the determination and ambition, I sometimes rely on others for transportation

I was just five, when I found my gifts
At a young age of five, I discovered and recognized my talents

Learned to improvise, so I can write like this
Developed the ability to adapt and be creative, allowing me to compose in this manner

Shoutout to the homies at Bindlestiff
Expressing gratitude and acknowledgement to my friends at Bindlestiff for their support

I really hate these hashtags
I genuinely dislike the use of hashtags

I'll go viral on my own terms
I prefer to achieve viral success on my own conditions and methods

To the ones that are known now
Referring to the individuals who are currently recognized or in the spotlight

Looking for a showdown
Seeking a confrontation or competition with them

Tell 'em that I got next
Informing them that I am next in line or have the potential to surpass their achievements

To the ones that are tired
Addressing those who are weary or fatigued

Tryna share their fire
Attempting to spread their passion and inspiration

Tell 'em that I got next
Letting them know that I am ready to succeed them in their endeavors

To the cutie that I just seen
Dedicating this message to the attractive person I recently encountered

Dating her dude since fifteen
Being in a relationship with the person she has been involved with since the age of fifteen

Ya
An expression used to affirm or agree

Tell 'em that I got next
Conveying the message that I am prepared to take their place or succeed them

To the one I'm obsessed with
Referring to the person I am infatuated or deeply fascinated with

Getting over exes
In the process of moving on from past romantic relationships

To all of my day ones
Acknowledging and addressing my long-time friends and loyal companions

Even the lates ones
Including even those friends who joined my journey later in life

To the one in the mirror
Speaking to myself, my own reflection in the mirror

It's getting clearer
Becoming more evident and understandable

Tell 'em that I got next
Conveying the message that I am ready to take the next step or seize the opportunity

Next verse always better than the last
The following section of the song is consistently superior to the previous one

Can't progress if you stuck to the past
One cannot move forward or advance if they remain fixated on the past

But, I'mma keep it real
However, I will remain authentic and genuine

Sometimes its way too hard to heal
Occasionally, the process of recovery and healing becomes exceedingly challenging

Can't fault you
I cannot blame or criticize you

That's why when I write my tunes
This explains the reason why I infuse my music with personal experiences

I write from scars and not my wounds
When crafting lyrics, I draw inspiration from my healed wounds instead of fresh pain

I'm Gemini but Pisces Moon
In astrology, I have a Gemini sun sign but possess a Pisces moon sign

We'll all come up and give back soon
In due time, we will all achieve success and contribute positively to others

But, if I'm being honest,
However, if I am speaking truthfully

I can be the fakest
I must admit, there are occasions where I can exhibit inauthentic behavior

I'll dap you up in person
While physically greeting you with a handshake or fist bump

But I'm thinking you won't make it
Internally, I question your ability to succeed or accomplish your goals

If that line got you thinkin'
If these lyrics have prompted you to contemplate

This 'bout you in this song
That it is referencing you specifically in this particular song

I hope you step yo shit up
I desire for you to improve and elevate your performance or efforts

So you can prove me wrong
Through surpassing my expectations, you have the opportunity to contradict my beliefs