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 – 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.
Cole Summer
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This right here is not a preview
I need to let it go, yeah
[Verse:]
Now this right here is not a preview
Of what the album goin' to bring you, or nothing like that
Sharing things I think quietly, with those that admire me
I wear my heart up on my sleeve, and I, bleed for you
Cookin' beats hoping' to reach like [?] warned you
When I release, trust if you think my shit is weak
When you see me on the street, then speak, I refund you
This sample was yellin' "loop me!", Ms. Hill please don't sue me
Cause I ain't one of these rappers out here frontin' like he got it, nigga
I ain't fuckin' got it, nigga...
Throwing thousands in the strip club with Drizzy
Difference is I'm through four, he's throwing fifty
Lord, forgive me
Bitches saying, "you a rappin' nigga, ain't you s'pose to tip more?"
I don't see no pussy, baby, ain't you s'pose to strip more?
Confessions of a cheap-ass nigga,
But I finally put my Momma in that E class, nigga
And I told her quit her job,
Oh, hold your horses,
If my next album flops it's back to the post office
Both of us, shit
They're saying that's a real possibility...
The thought alone is killing me...
[Hook:]
I think I need to let it go
I need to let it go
Cause nothing even matters...
[Verse 2:]
Anticipating rain, I can't make the same mistakes again
Them 90's niggas raped the game
And left us with a battered and bruised bitch, with a few kids
The pussy loose, but the truth is I love her, though
She ain't perfect, but who is?
Hoes saying "Cole, you is" don't be silly, ma
Cause really I am just a born sinner the opposite of a winner
Cole summer, I predict another winter
Cause I'm finna, drop knowledge like a five-per-center
Fuck the build-a-bird, niggas showing God sent ya
Rhyme with the skill, as if Nas when to
College on scholarship met 'pac and said "I'm down with ya!"
And when the wasn't writing rhymes they fucking lined sisters
Puffin' on swishers, what's up Milan?
Everytime I drop I get the net poppin' like Lebron swishes
Kay told me kill ya, and I gotta respect my Mom's wishes
When I let go this how my mind switches
No looking back, don't even want to see my prom pictures
Pardon the rhyme scheme, I guess I'm long winded
Let me switch it now,
Back to Hell's kitchen now,
Up in Hova office like, he's the fucking principal
Put me in with Stargate, that shit was like detention now
Just tellin' my story so dissin' ain't my intention now
Drop a couple hits and all the dumbies pay attention now
A shame when you learn the ins and outs of the game
Reminisce on little Jermaine, in the south
Rappin' out loud, with all the niggas that's cool to you
Just to realize that all them niggas was foolin' you
And they ain't who they said they was
Talk about the streets but, nigga
That ain't really where they was
Acting just like there they were
But who am I to judge?
That's neither here or there
Just know I know, my nigga
I just like being aware
If I had one wish, I would fuck Tia and Tamera,
At the same time, and put name tags on they titties so I don’t get they name wrong
Screamin' "Game on"
Like Wayne's World, that just came on
I'm rambling now
5 days to finish the album, I'm scramblin' now
Took a break from sampling now,
Just to say a few words to this bitch named Summer
June will make four years since I gave you my number
"The Warm Up" dropped, I got hot, you called it a classic
And Jay dropped "Autotune", you wanted him back, shit
Play my position, the whole while still wishin'
A year later Drake put his key in your ignition
And I told my fellas,
I dropped "Friday Night Lights" in the winter just to make her jealous,
Wanted to drop the album in the summer but the label didn't think that they could sell it,
Recoup the first week, I think it ain't shit they can tell us
Do you agree?
It's been a long time coming this thing between you and me...
I can't let it go...
[Hook:]
[Outro:]
June 25th. Born Sinner. Bitch.
J. Cole's song Cole Summer starts with a disclaimer that the lyrics are not just a preview, which means the rapper is about to drop some intense truths. The song shows J. Cole's skill in storytelling as he reflects on his journey in the music industry. Cole picks up from where MTV Diaries left off, sharing his inner feelings and thoughts, making fans that admire him feel like they are a part of his creative genius. He shows his vulnerability by letting fans know he wears his heart on his sleeve, and he's willing to bleed for them. Cole Summer serves as an interlude to his fourth studio album Born Sinner. He reflects on his art and shows his strong work ethic, saying when he releases his work, fans should trust that it's good enough. Cole shares that he is not fronting by throwing money around or acting like he is richer than he is. He talks about conforming to the rap industry’s stereotype of how a rapper should behave and how that has affected him. J Cole talks about the ladies' knock and how he had to economize to make a living; otherwise, his mom would still be working. J Cole confesses his deepest fears and anxiety of failing, despite all his accomplishments. He mentions that he will have to return to the post office, i.e., his former job, if things do not work out.
In verse 2, the music icon talks about how the industry has been ruined by the rap stars of the '90s. He shares his love for the rap industry and the challenges in ensuring that the music remains relevant. J Cole reflects on how the industry has changed and how he plans to keep things fresh with his work. He reflects on meeting popular rapper Tupac and reminiscences about his past struggles, like when he was 'that boy from the South rapping out loud.' J Cole talks about the fame and how it can create a sense of disconnection between artists and their fans. Additionally, he shares his longing to be aware of everything that goes on in the entertainment industry around him; he realizes that awareness is vital in the game.
Line by Line Meaning
This right here is not a preview
This is not a glimpse of what the album will bring
I need to let it go, yeah
I need to release these thoughts and emotions
Now this right here is not a preview
This is not a teaser for what's to come
Of what the album goin' to bring you, or nothing like that
It's not a representation of the album's content
Sharing things I think quietly, with those that admire me
Expressing my inner thoughts to my loyal supporters
Remember mtv Diaries? This something like that
Similar to the documentary series where I reveal my personal experiences
I wear my heart up on my sleeve, and I, bleed for you
I'm transparent and vulnerable, giving my all for my fans
Cookin' beats hoping' to reach like [?] warned you
Creating music in the hope that it resonates with listeners
When I release, trust if you think my shit is weak
If you find my music underwhelming
When you see me on the street, then speak, I refund you
Let me know in person, and I'll give you a refund
This sample was yellin' "loop me!", Ms. Hill please don't sue me
Using a sample, hoping Lauryn Hill won't sue for copyright
Cause I ain't one of these rappers out here frontin' like he got it, nigga
I'm not pretending to be someone I'm not
I ain't fuckin' got it, nigga...
I don't have the wealth or success that some other rappers claim
Throwing thousands in the strip club with Drizzy
Spending large sums of money at strip clubs with Drake
Difference is I'm through four, he's throwing fifty
Comparing the amount of money we spend at the strip club
Lord, forgive me
Asking for forgiveness for my actions
Bitches saying, "you a rappin' nigga, ain't you s'pose to tip more?"
Criticism for not tipping more
I don't see no pussy, baby, ain't you s'pose to strip more?
Explaining why I don't tip as much
Confessions of a cheap-ass nigga,
Acknowledging my frugality
But I finally put my Momma in that E class, nigga
I've upgraded my mom's car to a Mercedes E class
And I told her quit her job,
Encouraging my mom to retire
Oh, hold your horses,
Wait a moment
If my next album flops it's back to the post office
If my album fails, I may have to return to a regular job
Both of us, shit
Both of us would face disappointment
They're saying that's a real possibility...
People believe that my album may not succeed
The thought alone is killing me...
Just thinking about that possibility is distressing
I think I need to let it go
I should try to release these worries
Cause nothing even matters...
It's all insignificant in the grand scheme
Anticipating rain, I can't make the same mistakes again
Expecting challenges, I must avoid repeating past errors
Them 90's niggas raped the game
Referring to the dominance of 90's hip-hop artists
And left us with a battered and bruised bitch, with a few kids
Leaving the genre in a weakened state
The pussy loose, but the truth is I love her, though
Despite the flaws, I still have love for hip-hop
She ain't perfect, but who is?
Recognizing that nothing is flawless
Hoes saying "Cole, you is" don't be silly, ma
Dismissing women who claim I'm perfect
Cause really I am just a born sinner the opposite of a winner
Acknowledging my flaws and shortcomings
Cole summer, I predict another winter
Expecting more difficult times ahead
Cause I'm finna, drop knowledge like a five-per-center
Preparing to share wisdom like a member of the Nation of Gods and Earths
Fuck the build-a-bird, niggas showing God sent ya
Disregarding those who claim to be chosen by a higher power
Rhyme with the skill, as if Nas when to
Rapping with the same skill as Nas
College on scholarship met 'pac and said "I'm down with ya!"
Attending college on a scholarship and becoming friends with Tupac
And when the wasn't writing rhymes they fucking lined sisters
Engaging in promiscuous activities when not focused on music
Puffin' on swishers, what's up Milan?
Smoking cigars and greeting someone named Milan
Everytime I drop I get the net poppin' like Lebron swishes
Generating online buzz similar to LeBron James' basketball shots
Kay told me kill ya, and I gotta respect my Mom's wishes
Referring to someone named Kay who wants me to succeed
When I let go this how my mind switches
Sharing my mindset when I release music
No looking back, don't even want to see my prom pictures
Moving forward and leaving the past behind
Pardon the rhyme scheme, I guess I'm long winded
Apologizing for the complex rhyme pattern
Let me switch it now,
Changing the topic
Back to Hell's kitchen now,
Returning to the metaphorical place of struggle
Up in Hova office like, he's the fucking principal
Being in Jay-Z's office, seeing him as a figure of authority
Put me in with Stargate, that shit was like detention now
Working with the production team Stargate felt like being in detention
Just tellin' my story so dissin' ain't my intention now
Simply sharing my experiences, not seeking conflict
Drop a couple hits and all the dumbies pay attention now
Receiving attention and respect after releasing successful songs
A shame when you learn the ins and outs of the game
Realizing the dark side of the music industry
Reminisce on little Jermaine, in the south
Reflecting on my younger self in North Carolina
Rappin' out loud, with all the niggas that's cool to you
Rapping alongside friends who used to be supportive
Just to realize that all them niggas was foolin' you
Discovering that those friends were deceiving me
And they ain't who they said they was
They were not the people they claimed to be
Talk about the streets but, nigga
Claiming to be involved in street life, but
That ain't really where they was
They weren't actually part of that lifestyle
Acting just like there they were
Putting on a facade
But who am I to judge?
Recognizing my own limitations
That's neither here or there
Not important in this context
Just know I know, my nigga
I'm aware of the truth
I just like being aware
I value being informed
If I had one wish, I would fuck Tia and Tamera,
Expressing a sexual desire for Tia and Tamera Mowry
At the same time, and put name tags on they titties so I don’t get they name wrong
Wanting to engage in a threesome, but avoid mixing up their names
Screamin' "Game on"
Getting psyched and ready for competition
Like Wayne's World, that just came on
Reminding me of the movie Wayne's World
I'm rambling now
Going off on a tangent
5 days to finish the album, I'm scramblin' now
Feeling rushed to complete the album in just five days
Took a break from sampling now,
Pausing the use of samples in my music
Just to say a few words to this bitch named Summer
Switching focus to addressing a person named Summer
June will make four years since I gave you my number
It's been four years since I first connected with Summer
"The Warm Up" dropped, I got hot, you called it a classic
When I released "The Warm Up" mixtape, you praised it as a masterpiece
And Jay dropped "Autotune", you wanted him back, shit
When Jay-Z released "D.O.A." criticizing auto-tune, you wanted him to return to his old style
Play my position the whole while still wishin'
Staying loyal to my role in the industry while yearning for success
A year later Drake put his key in your ignition
Drake achieved success with you
And I told my fellas,
I informed my friends
I dropped "Friday Night Lights" in the winter just to make her jealous,
I released "Friday Night Lights" mixtape in winter to provoke jealousy
Wanted to drop the album in the summer but the label didn't think that they could sell it,
I planned to release the album in summer, but the label doubted its commercial viability
Recoup the first week, I think it ain't shit they can tell us
If the album earns back its expenses in the first week, we'll prove them wrong
Do you agree?
Do you understand my perspective?
It's been a long time coming this thing between you and me...
Our relationship has faced numerous challenges
I can't let it go...
I can't move on from it
June 25th. Born Sinner. Bitch.
The release date and title of my upcoming album
Contributed by Katherine V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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