Cole initially gained recognition as a rapper following the release of his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in early 2007 in which he also founded his record label Dreamville with label president Ibrahim Hamad. Intent on further pursuing a solo career as a rapper, he went on to release two additional mixtapes The Warm Up in 2009 and Friday Night Lights in 2010, after signing to Jay Z's Roc Nation imprint in 2009.
Cole released his debut studio album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, on September 27, 2011, which included the lead single "Work out". It debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, and was soon certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In June 18, 2013, Cole released his second studio album Born Sinner. Born Sinner sold 297,000 copies in its first week of release, and peaked at number one in it's third week of release. The album received mostly positive reviews from critics. On September 15, 2020, Born Sinner was certified double platinum. The album was supported by the lead single Power Trip with R&B artist Miguel, which was released on February 14.
On December 9, 2014, Cole, released his third studio album "2014 Forest Hills Drive". It was also the first album in 25 years at that time that went 3 times platinum with absolutely no features. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling 353,000 copies in its first week and was certified platinum on March 31, 2015. The latter earned him his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Rap Album. The album was later accompanied by two documentaries "J. Cole: Road to Homecoming" in the period of December 16, 2015 โ January 9, 2016 & "Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming" on January 9, 2016.
On 9 December, 2016, Cole released his fourth studio album "4 Your Eyez Only". The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart with 492,000 album-equivalent units, of which 363,000 were pure album sales, becoming Cole's fourth number one album. On January 12, 2017, the album was certified gold and certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on April 7, 2017.
On April 20, 2018 Cole released his 5th studio album "KOD", after he revealed the album name two days after and held a couple listening sessions. The album featured his new alter ego kiLL edward under which he released the single "Tidal Wave (just a little reference)" on April 18th, 2018, 2 days before releasing KOD. The album was recieved with positive reviews from critics and debuted atop the US Billboard 200, selling 397,000 album-equivalent units in its first week (174,000 coming from pure sales), earning Cole his fifth consecutive number-one album in the country. The album broke several streaming records at the time of the release. On December 5, 2018 the album was certified platinum.
Cole released a 2 song EP called "Lewis Street" on July 22, 2020, which included the single "The Climb Back", which would later be featured on his 6th studio album. On May 7, 2021, Cole released the lead single "Interlude" one week before releasing his 6th studio album. Cole's 6th studio album "The Off-Season" was released on May 14, 2021. The album sold 282,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and would earn Cole his sixth consecutive number-one album in the country. 4 of the 12 songs debuted on the top ten on the US Billboard Hot 100, with the song "My Life" featuring 21 Savage & Morray peaking at number 2.
Self-taught on piano, Cole also acts as a producer alongside his hip hop career, producing singles for artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Janet Jackson, as well as handling the majority of the production in his own projects. He has also developed other ventures, including Dreamville Records, as well as non-profit organization the Dreamville Foundation. In January 2015, Cole decided to house single mothers rent-free in his childhood home in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
2Face
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But its all a nigga got so its about that green
And im all up in that spot
Hey
Yeah the mental state of a young black genius conflicted
The fast life I done seen on the screen is addictive
Money and clothes I done dreamed about
Ey tell me am I wrong for visualizing material shit I never had?
Waving gats instead of flags, the American Dream
Why do we cling to the villains?
Knowing they kill 'em
My niggas high enough to swing from the ceiling
Ink from the pen spilling on my notebook
Filled with dreams, this is my hope book
Still the screams from little girls shot and killed fill my head on the daily
At times I question God can you blame me? They can't tame me!
My voice screech through the street..I'm a beast on em!
Oh no he will not fold, you will not see a crease on him!
He will not slip or lose his grip, they got them cleats on him!
But never will he run unless you call police on him
One time, two times, three times
Sometimes I scrap sometimes Im throwin up the peace sign
Its two sides to a nigga though
I said Its two sides to a nigga yo
Ay look sometimes I'm feeling high
Then I'm feeling low
Lord will I die will I survive let a nigga know
You say you know me but what side did you get to know?
Its two sides to a nigga yo yo yo
Yeah some pussy niggas pulled out on me and my mans
Wasn't for the pistol we drop em right where he stands
But still we never ran, foolish pride made us stand right there
Not understanding we could lose our life there
And then it hit us, thinking bout the close calls from long distance
Ugh as lil niggas in the Ville we was trippin
Type of nosy ass niggas to watching the fight until its over
They ran when the gats came out, I moved closer
Foolish what was I thinking? wasn't trying to be cool, its
Just the thrill of the danger get so filled up with anger
When a stranger get to violating
He sleeping on me wide awake, bitch I'll annihilate him
I'm tired of waiting on my ticket out this mothafucka
Hope they don't kill me before I get up out this mothafucka
I gotta go
Now can I be that nigga I thought I was? I gotta know
Will I make it like I thought I would? I gotta blow
One time, two times, three times
Sometimes I scrap sometimes Im throwin up the peace sign
Its two sides to a nigga though
I said Its two sides to a nigga yo
Ay look sometimes I'm feeling high
Then I'm feeling low
Lord will I die will I survive let a nigga know
You say you know me but what side did you get to know?
Its two sides to a nigga yo yo yo
Yeah I seen heaven, seen hell
The two faces of the Ville
One side dreams, the other sides real
One side schemes, the other side deals
What the pain brings another mother cry still
Why the fuck am I here God?
That nigga died why the fuck am I still alive?
I feel ashamed cause the good Lord done brought all this success to me
And all I seem to focus on is all this stress on me
Bless homie we breathin
Cold world got me sneezing
Wrote this when I was broke so hey I guess we even
Though it blows fighting demons trying to stop from bustin semen
In an unfamiliar bitch I know my niggas feel this shit
How could I fuck her raw? And I just met the ho
My dick took over it ain't never felt this wet before
Im stressing in my mind but its way to late to stop it
Mate this shit so bad, I had a condom in my pocket
Lets change the topic
Before I go berserk
I'm so alert, riding down 95
Naw I ain't finna to go to work
I'm headed back home ain't staying that long
I'm chasing dreams shawty im paying back loans
I'm paying dues that a nigga paying tax on
Im tryna blow like a nigga playing saxophone
I'm playing daddy to another niggas daughter
Don't worry even Jesus never saw his real father
It don't bother me at all though
Yeah say it don't bother me at all
They got me thinking bout my mom though
Man I can't wait to sing this song I be like, I be like
Hey don't cry hey ohh no
We ain't gotta worry bout the money no more
We ain't gotta worry bout how them bill get paid
We ain't gotta worry how the meals get fed
Hey don't cry hey ohh no
We ain't gotta worry bout the money no more
We ain't gotta worry bout how them bill get paid
We ain't gotta worry how the meals get fed
Hey Hey Hey
The song "2Face" by J. Cole explores the duality of the human mind that struggles to balance materialistic desires and social pressures against moral values and a conscience. The opening lines of the song convey his struggle with poverty and the pursuit of wealth. However, he also grapples with a deeper conflict, the choice between propagating the American dream - through waving guns instead of flags- or upholding moral values that condemn violence. J. Cole recognizes the danger of toxic role models and the lure of the gangster culture but also acknowledges the attraction of fast cars, girls, and money.
Throughout the song, J. Cole confronts his inner demons and questions his conscience as he tries to navigate his way through his dreams, aspirations, pain, and daily challenges. He raps about his foolishness and past mistakes and regrets sleeping with a woman out of wedlock. Ultimately, he concludes that despite his struggles, he has faith in himself, his talent, and his dreams. The song ends with a positive note that encourages people to keep believing in themselves and chasing their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey I got a dolla and a dream
I have very little money and big aspirations
But its all a nigga got so its about that green
Since I have so little, I'm focused on making money
And im all up in that spot
I'm fully immersed in this lifestyle
Yeah the mental state of a young black genius conflicted
As a talented young black individual, I am torn between different thoughts and emotions
The fast life I done seen on the screen is addictive
The glamorous life I've witnessed on screens has become alluring and addictive
Money and clothes I done dreamed about
I've always dreamt of wealth and expensive clothes
And all the hoes that I fiend about
I constantly desire and fantasize about women
Ey tell me am I wrong for visualizing material shit I never had?
Is it unfair for me to imagine possessing things I've never had?
Waving gats instead of flags, the American Dream
Rather than celebrating the idealized 'American Dream,' I find myself resorting to violence
Why do we cling to the villains?
Why are we drawn to and admire those who are in the wrong?
Knowing they kill 'em
Being aware that these villains take lives
My niggas high enough to swing from the ceiling
My friends are heavily intoxicated or drugged
Ink from the pen spilling on my notebook
My thoughts and ideas are flowing onto the pages of my notebook
Filled with dreams, this is my hope book
These pages are filled with my dreams and aspirations, serving as a source of hope
Still the screams from little girls shot and killed fill my head on the daily
I can't escape the haunting thoughts of young girls being victims of gun violence
At times I question God can you blame me? They can't tame me!
I sometimes doubt and question God. Can you blame me for feeling this way? They can't control or subdue me!
My voice screech through the street..I'ma beast on em!
My voice echoes loudly through the streets, showing my dominance and strength
Oh no he will not fold, you will not see a crease on him!
I will not surrender or back down, there won't be any signs of weakness
He will not slip or lose his grip, they got them cleats on him!
I won't falter or be weakened, even with the obstacles coming at me
But never will he run unless you call police on him
I won't run away unless the police are chasing me
One time, two times, three times
Multiple occasions, repeatedly
Sometimes I scrap sometimes Im throwin up the peace sign
Sometimes I engage in fights, other times I choose to show peace
Its two sides to a nigga though
There are two different aspects to my personality
I said Its two sides to a nigga yo
I'm emphasizing that I have dualities
Ay look sometimes I'm feeling high
There are times when I feel euphoric or elevated
Then I'm feeling low
But at other times, I feel down or depressed
Lord will I die will I survive let a nigga know
I'm uncertain about my fate, will I live or perish? I seek clarity
You say you know me but what side did you get to know?
You claim to understand me, but have you truly experienced both sides of me?
Yeah some pussy niggas pulled out on me and my mans
Some cowardly individuals threatened me and my friends with guns
Wasn't for the pistol we drop em right where he stands
If it wasn't for our own weapons, we would have retaliated and eliminated them immediately
But still we never ran, foolish pride made us stand right there
Despite the danger, our pride prevented us from fleeing and compelled us to hold our ground
Not understanding we could lose our life there
We failed to comprehend that we were putting our lives at risk
And then it hit us, thinking bout the close calls from long distance
And then we realized, reflecting on the near misses from the past
Ugh as lil niggas in the Ville we was trippin
As young people in our neighborhood, we were foolish and getting into trouble
Type of nosy ass niggas to watching the fight until its over
We were the kind of kids who would eagerly watch a fight until its conclusion
They ran when the gats came out, I moved closer
When the guns were pulled, they ran away, but I bravely approached the situation
Foolish what was I thinking? wasn't trying to be cool, its
In hindsight, my actions were foolish. I wasn't trying to impress anyone, it's just
Just the thrill of the danger get so filled up with anger
I was simply attracted to the adrenaline rush of danger and fueled by anger
When a stranger get to violating
When a stranger starts crossing boundaries
He sleeping on me wide awake, bitch I'll annihilate him
He underestimates me, but I'm fully focused and capable of destroying him
I'm tired of waiting on my ticket out this mothafucka
I'm fed up with waiting for my opportunity to escape this difficult situation
Hope they don't kill me before I get up out this mothafucka
I hope I don't die before I have a chance to leave this dangerous place
I gotta go
I need to leave
Now can I be that nigga I thought I was? I gotta know
Can I become the person I once believed I could be? I need to find out
Will I make it like I thought I would? I gotta blow
Will I achieve the success I always imagined? I need to make it happen
Yeah I seen heaven, seen hell
I have witnessed both extreme happiness and extreme suffering
The two faces of the Ville
These contrasting experiences represent the two sides of my hometown
One side dreams, the other sides real
One side of the town is full of aspirations and dreams, while the other side deals with harsh reality
One side schemes, the other side deals
One side plans and plots, while the other side engages in illegal activities
What the pain brings another mother cry still
The consequences of pain and suffering cause another mother to shed tears
Why the fuck am I here God?
Why am I still alive, God?
That nigga died why the fuck am I still alive?
Someone else lost their life, so why am I fortunate enough to still be alive?
I feel ashamed cause the good Lord done brought all this success to me
I feel guilty because God has blessed me with so much success
And all I seem to focus on is all this stress on me
Despite my blessings, I'm consumed by the stress and burdens in my life
Bless homie we breathin
We're blessed because we're still alive and breathing
Cold world got me sneezing
This harsh reality makes me feel uncomfortable, like I'm constantly sneezing
Wrote this when I was broke so hey I guess we even
I wrote this song when I was financially struggling, so I suppose we're even now
Though it blows fighting demons trying to stop from bustin semen
Although it's difficult, I'm fighting my inner demons and trying not to engage in reckless sexual behavior
In an unfamiliar bitch I know my niggas feel this shit
Having casual sex with someone I don't really know, and I know my friends can relate to this situation
How could I fuck her raw? And I just met the ho
Why did I have unprotected sex with her? I just met this woman
My dick took over it ain't never felt this wet before
My sexual desires and impulses overpowered my better judgment, as she excited me like never before
Im stressing in my mind but its way too late to stop it
I'm feeling anxious and worried in my mind, but it's too late to change what has already happened
Mate this shit so bad, I had a condom in my pocket
This situation is so regrettable, I even had a condom with me, but failed to use it
Lets change the topic
Let's switch to a different subject
Before I go berserk
Before I lose control of my emotions and act irrationally
I'm so alert, riding down 95
I am extremely cautious and vigilant as I drive down the highway
Naw I ain't finna to go to work
No, I'm not going to my job
I'm headed back home ain't staying that long
I'm returning to my hometown and not planning to stay away for too long
I'm chasing dreams shawty im paying back loans
I am pursuing my dreams, but it requires me to repay debts
I'm paying dues that a nigga paying tax on
I am facing the consequences and responsibilities that come with paying my debts and taxes
Im tryna blow like a nigga playing saxophone
I'm aiming for great success, like a musician playing a saxophone with impressive skill
I'm playing daddy to another niggas daughter
I'm taking on the role of a father figure to someone else's daughter
Don't worry even Jesus never saw his real father
Don't worry, even Jesus Christ didn't have a relationship with his biological father
It don't bother me at all though
But it doesn't affect me emotionally
Yeah say it don't bother me at all
Yes, I'm insisting that it doesn't bother me whatsoever
They got me thinking bout my mom though
However, it does make me think about my own mother
Man I can't wait to sing this song I be like, I be like
I'm eager to perform and sing this song, I feel like...
Hey don't cry hey ohh no
Don't cry, please, oh no
We ain't gotta worry bout the money no more
We don't have to worry about money anymore
We ain't gotta worry bout how them bill get paid
We don't have to stress about how the bills will be paid
We ain't gotta worry how the meals get fed
We don't have to worry about where our meals will come from
Hey don't cry hey ohh no
Don't cry, please, oh no
We ain't gotta worry bout the money no more
We don't have to worry about money anymore
We ain't gotta worry bout how them bill get paid
We don't have to stress about how the bills will be paid
We ain't gotta worry how the meals get fed
We don't have to worry about where our meals will come from
Hey Hey Hey
Hey! Hey! Hey!
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Reginald Perry, Jermaine Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TJace50
This is lowkey J Cole's best song in his entire music career, and most fans don't even know it
@jakegetscake4672
I know mane throw it up and Kenny lofton are the shit
@TheBruntje
TJace50 Real talk when i first started listening to Cole 5 or 6 years ago, this song made me a fan !
@portolaeverlastingmusicpub528
+TJace50 Real-I Raps About Depression & The Struggle Titled "Rodents" https://soundcloud.com/mlp-brobro/where-im-from-cover-real-i #BeastMode #Zaytoven #CoverSong #SoundCloud
@Dom2K
+TJace50 It's definitely one of em.
@Ilovechicago100
I so agree๐๐ฉ
@AILIT1
I think I'm gonna comment under this comment every time I come back to listen to this song. Maybe.. Been coming back for years. 2024 now and it still bangs. I'm glad Cole made it like he thought he would.
@indigoknives
Don't worry even Jesus never saw his real father... hardest line I've heard from Cole ever
@Hot33333333
Agreed
@jamallean8258
+Stephen White ^^^