For this song, Cole recruits Cam'ron, who provides narration at numerous points throughout the song.
Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz’s 2000 track, “Put Yo Hood Up,” is used as the song’s outro.
When asked who did the instrumentation:
"Coleman. People think it’s the “u don’t know sample”. It’s actually all original instrumentation. I created the composition by using live strings, a horn section, baby grand piano, Hammond b3, 60’s style bass, and vocal adlibs. Reguardless I think it’s cool people think it’s a “sample”. 🦅🥷"
- Coleman via Genius
“9 5 . s o u t h” debuted at #8 on the Hot 100 during the week ending May 29, 2021, and was certified gold by the RIAA on March 8, 2022.
9 5 . s o u t h
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let's keep it tall, y'all ain't fuckin' with my man
And don't check your watch, you know the time
Cole World, Killa Cam, niggas is fuckin' finished (yeah)
This shit too easy for me now
Nigga, Cole been goin' plat' since back when CDs was around
What you sold, I tripled that, I can't believe these fuckin' clowns
If I'm bettin' on myself, then I'll completely double down
If you hated on a nigga, please don't greet me with a pound
I be stayin' out the way, but if the beef do come around
Could put a M right on your head, you Luigi brother now
Trace my steps all in this game, you could see we cover ground
Back and forth from NC to New York when Jeezy had the crown
Vivid memories, niggas start to squeeze, we duckin' down
So many shells left on the ground, it make the Easter Bunny proud
I get up, dust my clothes off, sleep is the cousin of death
No plans to doze off, the streets, it don't come with a ref
I never sold soft, just creeped where the hustlers crept
And got they O's off, you reach, niggas uppin' like Steph
To blow your nose off, gesundheit, and then resume flight
As if it never happened, shit we witnessed full of so much sickness
Angels sheddin' tears in Heaven, word to Eric Clapton
Off this clever rapping, bitch, my pockets gon' forever fatten
They gon' forever fatten
See, we tried to tell niggas
They act like they don't even fuckin' speak English
Bitch, my pen to the paper's lethal
I'm sendin' 'em straight to meet the
The nigga that made them peep the reaper
Creepin' on ya, the scent of failure reekin' on ya
Check your genitalia, pussy-niggas bleedin' on yourself
Fuckin' with Cole is bold, but it's impedin' on your health
All yo' niggas eatin' off your wealth
All my niggas feedin' all they selves, and it feels swell
Krispy Kreme dreams, sometime my dawgs wanna kill twelve (uh)
'Cause they steady harassin'
We seen dilemmas like Nelly and Kelly that end in the deadliest fashion
My young niggas nutty, they blastin'
Bullets be hummin' like Cudi but one of yo' hoodies Spaghetti-O splashin'
All over the driveway, y'all talkin' all sideways
Shots poppin' off, y'all laid down
Cops chalkin' off y'all legs now
(Shit) God watchin', "Hey, Yahweh"
My niggas looked up to the sky like we sendin' 'em y'all way (y'all way)
We sendin''em y'all way (y'all way)
That's what the fuck I'm talkin' 'bout
Y'all see what the fuck goin' on out here
Killa, Harlem
I-95 shit, Carolina, 2-6, stand up, nigga
Put your hood up
Put your hood up
Put your hood up
Put your hood up
Put your clique up
Put your clique up
Put your clique up
Put your clique up
Represent your shit, motherfucker
Represent your shit, motherfucker
Represent your clique, motherfucker
Represent your clique, motherfucker
If you scared to throw it up, get the fuck out the club
If you scared to throw it up, get the fuck out the club
In J. Cole's song "9 5 . s o u t h," he talks about his success in the music industry and how he has surpassed fellow artists. Cole mentions that he has been going platinum since back when CDs were around and has tripled the sales of those who try to come for him. He states that people celebrate when someone who has released a thirty-song album reaches only a hundred-thousand sales, but that doesn't impress him. He also talks about his past and how he and his friends would duck down and run when they heard gunshots, leaving enough shells on the ground to make the Easter Bunny proud.
Cole reflects on his success and the risks he had taken to achieve it. He mentions that although people speak about how great he is, he can always do better, and he tries to stay awake and alert to the pitfalls that may lie ahead. He highlights the danger of being associated with him and how certain individuals, unaware of this, may be exposing themselves to danger by being friends with him. Cole also makes references to other famous songs such as Nelly and Kelly Rowland's "Dilemma" and Kid Cudi's music while also telling people to represent their hood and be proud of their connections.
Overall, J. Cole portrays his confidence in his skills and his success while also recognizing that his achievements have led to a more dangerous lifestyle. He encourages individuals to be proud of their connections and not be afraid to claim their affiliations.
Line by Line Meaning
Killa, it's The Off-Season
J. Cole is starting a new era, and he is unstoppable.
Let's keep it tall, y'all ain't fuckin' with my man
No one can compare themselves to J. Cole's unparalleled success.
And don't check your watch, you know the time
It's J. Cole's prime time, and he is unstoppable.
Cole World, Killa Cam, niggas is fuckin' finished (yeah)
J. Cole and Killa Cam are calling other rappers out, saying none of them can compete with their success.
This shit too easy for me now
J. Cole's success has become effortless.
Nigga, Cole been goin' plat' since back when CDs was around
J. Cole has been flourishing in the music industry for a long time.
What you sold, I tripled that, I can't believe these fuckin' clowns
J. Cole is mocking other rappers that can't even come close to his level of success.
Look how everybody clappin' when your thirty-song album do a measly hundred thou'
J. Cole thinks that other rappers over value their mediocre album sales.
If I'm bettin' on myself, then I'll completely double down
J. Cole has faith in his own talent and isn't hesitant to bet on himself.
If you hated on a nigga, please don't greet me with a pound
J. Cole doesn't want to receive fake respect from those that have doubted him in the past.
I be stayin' out the way, but if the beef do come around
J. Cole tries to avoid conflict, but he can handle it if necessary.
Could put a M right on your head, you Luigi brother now
J. Cole can put a target on someone's head if they mess with him.
Trace my steps all in this game, you could see we cover ground
J. Cole has made significant progress and success in the music industry.
Back and forth from NC to New York when Jeezy had the crown
J. Cole has been traveling and making music in different cities.
Vivid memories, niggas start to squeeze, we duckin' down
J. Cole has been in dangerous situations before.
So many shells left on the ground, it make the Easter Bunny proud
J. Cole witnessed gun violence where the shells were scattered.
I get up, dust my clothes off, sleep is the cousin of death
J. Cole believes that rest and laziness can lead to death in the music industry.
No plans to doze off, the streets, it don't come with a ref
J. Cole is determined and always ready, even when the situation is unpredictable.
I never sold soft, just creeped where the hustlers crept
J. Cole has always been focused and stayed true to himself.
And got they O's off, you reach, niggas uppin' like Steph
J. Cole has been successful without selling out his authenticity.
To blow your nose off, gesundheit, and then resume flight
J. Cole will eliminate anyone who tries to bring him down and continue with his success.
As if it never happened, shit we witnessed full of so much sickness
J. Cole has seen some messed up things, but he keeps on going.
Angels sheddin' tears in Heaven, word to Eric Clapton
J. Cole believes that his music can move people to tears, like Eric Clapton's music does.
Off this clever rapping, bitch, my pockets gon' forever fatten
J. Cole will continue to make money from his successful rap career.
They gon' forever fatten
J. Cole's wallet will be heavy forever.
See, we tried to tell niggas
J. Cole has been trying to warn others about his greatness.
They act like they don't even fuckin' speak English
Others refuse to acknowledge J. Cole's undeniable talent.
Bitch, my pen to the paper's lethal
J. Cole's writing skills are unmatched.
I'm sendin' 'em straight to meet the
J. Cole's words are so powerful that they can lead people to the afterlife.
The nigga that made them peep the reaper
J. Cole's lyrics are so deep, they make people reflect on life and death.
Creepin' on ya, the scent of failure reekin' on ya
J. Cole can sense and smell others' failure.
Check your genitalia, pussy-niggas bleedin' on yourself
J. Cole is mocking other rappers who can't handle the pressure.
Fuckin' with Cole is bold, but it's impedin' on your health
Disrespecting J. Cole can lead to disastrous consequences.
All yo' niggas eatin' off your wealth
Other rappers' friends are benefiting off their success.
All my niggas feedin' all they selves, and it feels swell
J. Cole's team is self-sufficient and proud of it.
Krispy Kreme dreams, sometime my dawgs wanna kill twelve (uh)
J. Cole and his team are striving for extreme success, even if it means breaking the law.
'Cause they steady harassin'
Police make it difficult for J. Cole and his team to succeed.
We seen dilemmas like Nelly and Kelly that end in the deadliest fashion
J. Cole has seen other music collaborations crumble and end horribly.
My young niggas nutty, they blastin'
J. Cole's team members are unpredictable and dangerous.
Bullets be hummin' like Cudi but one of yo' hoodies Spaghetti-O splashin'
J. Cole's team is skilled with firearms and can take down anyone.
All over the driveway, y'all talkin' all sideways
J. Cole's team will leave a bloody mess and silence those who underrate them.
Shots poppin' off, y'all laid down
J. Cole and his team will bring anyone to the ground with their guns blazing.
Cops chalkin' off y'all legs now
J. Cole and his team will leave a trail of bodies that police will have to investigate.
God watchin', "Hey, Yahweh"
J. Cole knows that even God is watching and knows what he's capable of.
My niggas looked up to the sky like we sendin' 'em y'all way (y'all way)
J. Cole and his team will send anyone who tries to mess with them to the afterlife.
That's what the fuck I'm talkin' 'bout
J. Cole is unapologetically himself and won't allow anyone to bring him or his team down.
Y'all see what the fuck goin' on out here
Everyone can see J. Cole and his team's dominance and success.
Killa, Harlem
J. Cole adds a shoutout to Killa and Harlem.
I-95 shit, Carolina, 2-6, stand up, nigga
J. Cole shows his love for his home state, North Carolina, and gives a shoutout to the people from there.
Put your hood up
J. Cole is encouraging listeners to represent where they're from and to be proud of it.
Put your clique up
J. Cole is encouraging listeners to represent their group of friends, and to be proud of it.
Represent your shit, motherfucker
J. Cole is urging listeners to take pride in where they're from and their group of friends.
If you scared to throw it up, get the fuck out the club
J. Cole doesn't want anyone in the club who won't represent their team or their hometown.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Jermaine Cole, Jonathan Smith, Maneesh Bidaye, Matthew Jehu Samuels, Sammie Norris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MohitRakhade
[Intro: Cam'ron & J. Cole]
Killa, it's The Off-Season
Let's keep it tall, y'all ain't fuckin' with my man
And don't check your watch, you know the time
Cole World, Killa Cam, niggas is fuckin' finished (Yeah)
[Verse 1: J. Cole]
This shit too easy for me now
Nigga, Cole been goin' plat' since back when CDs was around
What you sold, I triple that, I can't believe these fuckin' clowns
Look how everybody clappin'
When your thirty-song album do a measly hundred thou'
If I'm bettin' on myself, then I'll completely double down
If you hated on a nigga, please don't greet me with a pound
I be stayin' out the way, but if the beef do come around
Could put a M right on your head, you Luigi brother now
Trace my steps all in this game, you could see we cover ground
Back and forth from NC to New York when Jeezy had the crown
Vivid memories, niggas start to squeeze, we duckin' down
So many shells left on the ground, it make the Easter Bunny proud
I get up, dust my clothes off, sleep is the cousin of death
No plans to doze off, the streets, it don't come with a ref
I never sold soft, just creeped where the hustlers crept
And got they O's off, you reach, niggas uppin' like Steph
To blow your nose off, gesundheit, and then resume flight
As if it never happened, shit we witnessed full of so much sickness
Angels sheddin' tears in Heaven, word to Eric Clapton
Off this clever rapping, bitch, my pockets gon' forever fatten
[Bridge: J. Cole & Cam'ron]
They gon' forever fatten
See, we tried to tell niggas, they act like they don't fuckin' speak English
(Start, start, start)
[Verse 2: J. Cole]
Bitch, my pen to the paper's lethal
I'm sendin' 'em straight to meet the-
The nigga that made them peep the reaper
Creepin' on ya, the scent of failure reakin' on ya
Check your genitalia, pussy niggas bleedin' on yourself
Fuckin' with Cole is bold, but it's impedin' on your health
All your niggas eatin' off your wealth
All my niggas feedin' all theyselves, and it feels swell
Krispy Kreme dreams, sometimes my dawgs wanna kill 12 (Uh)
'Cause they said they harassin'
We seen dilemmas like Nelly and Kelly
That end in the deadliest fashion
My young niggas nutty, they blastin'
Bullets be hummin' like Cudi, but one of your hoodies Spaghetti-O splashin'
All over the driveway, y'all talkin' all sideways
Shots poppin' off y'all, laid down, cops choppin' off y'all legs now
(Shit) God's watchin', "Hey, Yahweh"
My niggas looked up to the sky like we sendin' it y'all way
We sendin' it y'all way
[Outro: Cam'ron]
That's what the fuck I'm talkin' 'bout
Y'all see what the fuck goin' on out here
I-95 shit, Carolina, 2-6, stand up, nigga
[Sample Outro]
Put your hood up
Put your hood up
Put your hood up
Put your clique up
Put your clique up
Put your clique up
Put your clique up
Represent your shit, motherfucker
Represent your shit, motherfucker
Represent your clique, motherfucker
Represent your clique, motherfucker
If you scared to throw it up, get the fuck out the club
If you scared to throw it up, get the fuck out the club
@alwayscreatingio
Return of Simba
@zamirgopackgo6817
Return of Mid Cole
@adrianhernandez5473
Mufasa
@veinsbeats7021
https://youtu.be/QYgICEKrZwg
@veinsbeats7021
Check out this beat
@keithlewis9053
But there isn't nothing but self love tonight G
@NitinRandhawa
The King is Back 👑
@anshumandash1304
get to doing ur magic king
@mohammedalshehabi253
Seeesssh
@amitrawat1798
Hey