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.
Cost Me A Lot
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's cost me a lot
It's cost me a lot
It's cost me a lot
It's cost me a lot
It's cost me a lot
Just one of them days
A Stone Cold Stunna, bitch I'm Steve Austin
Cool as Drew Brees, I'm blowin' a few Gs
Just to hear them hoes say he's awesome
He's awful, yeah remember when ya fronted on me
Pulled up beside me in that big body and stunted on me
Or when the bouncer just announced that it was bottle service only
Then he kicked me out the line, yeah he punted on me
Well look I'm back bitch, back with an attitude
Buyin' out the bar, cause I feel like this the shit I gotta prove
Last year the cashier told me my card was not approved
Now I'm tippin' the server a hundred to show my gratitude
Easy, told you I'd be back baby, I guess you ain't believe me
Now I'm living just like the niggas you see on TV
VIP feeling like this club oughta thank me
I hit the bar just so y'all can see I'm ballin', HD
It's cost me a lot
Big chains, big whips with wood grain
It's cost me a lot
My God, my watch make momma think someone might rob
It's cost me a lot
Fast life and till the gas light
Copped the type of shit you couldn't get at half price
It's cost me a lot
Look but don't touch motherfucker, think twice
It's cost me a lot
Now I don't love no material things
But I'm in love with the feelings they bring
I got em like damn, how, how, how he do that
Damn, how, how, how, how he do that
Now I don't love no material things
But I'm in love with the feelings they bring
I got em like damn, how, how, how he do that
Damn, how, how, how, how he do that
Knee deep in the game, my chain heavy
Somebody get the pilot and ask is the plane ready
To handle all the weight on my shoulders we takin' off
Don't wanna meet Aaliyah but yet I can't take it off
Cause how I'm supposed to shine without the proper bling
Remember when I did a show with Waka Flocka Flame
Felt naked cause the boy rocked about a thousand chains
Guess we rock a lot of ice cause we got a lot of pain
Thats five hundred years of swellin', I'm tryna tell 'em
Jacob the Jeweler is cooler now he a felon
Jay put a stamp on the nigga but wouldn't mail him
If he couldn't sell him, so what that tell him, huh
My chain heavy and my bitches look very thorough
Must be the money like Deion with the Jheri curl
White Range, call that motherfucka Larry Bird
I got em hangin' on every word
It's cost me a lot
Big chains, big whips with wood grain
It's cost me a lot
My God, my watch make momma think someone might rob
It's cost me a lot
Fast life and till the gas light
Copped the type of shit you couldn't get at half price
It's cost me a lot
Look but don't touch motherfucker, think twice
It's cost me a lot
In J. Cole's song Cost Me A Lot, the artist takes on the persona of a wealthy, flashy individual who is living the high life. The repetition of the phrase "It's cost me a lot" suggests that the lifestyle he leads is not just financially expensive, but also comes with a heavy emotional toll. The first verse describes the feeling of wanting to flaunt his wealth and gain recognition from those around him. He mentions a time when he was humiliated at a club for not having enough money for bottle service, but now he feels that he has something to prove. He spends extravagantly on drinks and tips the server generously, hoping to show off his success.
The chorus repeats the phrase "It's cost me a lot" and lists some of the material possessions that he has acquired through his lifestyle. The mention of his "big chains" and "big whips with wood grain" highlights the importance of luxury and status in the culture he is portraying. He also describes the feeling of constantly living life in the fast lane, constantly running on empty until he can refuel at the gas station. Despite the heavy cost of this lifestyle, he is unable to give it up and continues to crave the feeling of validation it brings.
The second verse continues to explore the many pressures and risks that come with living lavishly. He mentions the weight of his heavy chain and the potential danger it could bring. He also references other rappers in the industry who have succumbed to addiction or legal troubles as a result of the high-pressure lifestyle. Still, he is willing to take the risks in order to keep up the appearance of success and power.
Overall, J. Cole's Cost Me A Lot is a commentary on the perils and pitfalls of living a flashy, materialistic lifestyle. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the heavy cost that comes with pursuing wealth and luxury, and the lyrics suggest that this cost goes beyond just financial expenses but also takes a toll on one's emotional and physical well-being.
Line by Line Meaning
What can I do
The situation has left me feeling helpless.
It's cost me a lot
The lifestyle that I portray on a daily basis has cost me a significant amount of money and material possessions.
Just one of them days
This is a day where I feel like displaying my wealth and luxury.
A nigga feel like flossin'
I feel like showing off my material possessions and wealth.
A Stone Cold Stunna, bitch I'm Steve Austin
I am like a professional wrestler known for their showmanship and extravagance.
Cool as Drew Brees, I'm blowin' a few Gs
I am as cool and collected as a famous quarterback while also spending a significant amount of money.
Just to hear them hoes say he's awesome
I am spending money to impress women and receive their admiration.
He's awful, yeah remember when ya fronted on me
I remember when you ignored me or disrespected me in the past despite my current wealth and success.
Pulled up beside me in that big body and stunted on me
You used to show off your large car next to mine to make me feel inferior.
Or when the bouncer just announced that it was bottle service only
I recall being kicked out of a line because I was unable to purchase an expensive bottle service.
Then he kicked me out the line, yeah he punted on me
The bouncer physically removed me from the line and made me feel inferior.
Well look I'm back bitch, back with an attitude
I have returned with a new mindset and more money to spend.
Buyin' out the bar, cause I feel like this the shit I gotta prove
I am spending a lot of money to prove that I am successful and worthy of attention and respect.
Last year the cashier told me my card was not approved
I was embarrassed when a cashier denied my card due to insufficient funds.
Now I'm tippin' the server a hundred to show my gratitude
I am now rewarding the server with a generous tip to show my success and appreciation.
Easy, told you I'd be back baby, I guess you ain't believe me
I previously promised to return wealthy and successful, and you didn't believe me.
Now I'm living just like the niggas you see on TV
I am now living a life similar to what is portrayed on television shows and movies.
VIP feeling like this club oughta thank me
I have spent so much money that I feel entitled to special treatment and recognition.
I hit the bar just so y'all can see I'm ballin', HD
I am displaying my wealth and success by buying expensive drinks at the bar, even to the point of being captured in high definition.
My God, my watch make momma think someone might rob
My watch is so expensive and flashy that it appears dangerous to wear it for fear of being robbed.
Fast life and till the gas light
I am living a fast-paced life and spending money until I am almost out of fuel.
Copped the type of shit you couldn't get at half price
I have purchased high-priced items that are beyond what most people can afford.
Look but don't touch motherfucker, think twice
You can admire my possessions from afar, but do not attempt to touch them or you will face consequences.
Now I don't love no material things
I am stating that I do not have an excessive attachment to my material possessions.
But I'm in love with the feelings they bring
However, I do enjoy the feeling of power and success that comes with owning expensive things.
I got em like damn, how, how, how he do that
Others are amazed by my displays of wealth and success.
Knee deep in the game, my chain heavy
I am fully invested in this lifestyle and my large chain symbolizes this dedication.
Somebody get the pilot and ask is the plane ready
I am ready to fly away and escape from this lifestyle, but I need to ensure that I can bring all of my material possessions with me.
To handle all the weight on my shoulders we takin' off
The weight of my possessions, and the lifestyle that comes with it, is heavy and difficult to bear. I am now moving on and leaving it behind.
Don't wanna meet Aaliyah but yet I can't take it off
I am hesitant to let go of my chain, even though it reminds me of a deceased singer that I don't really want to meet.
Cause how I'm supposed to shine without the proper bling
My ability to stand out and appear successful is reliant on my flashy and expensive accessories.
Remember when I did a show with Waka Flocka Flame
I remember performing with another rapper who is also known for their displays of wealth and success.
Felt naked cause the boy rocked about a thousand chains
I felt self-conscious and underdressed because the other rapper had even more chains and expensive accessories than me.
Guess we rock a lot of ice cause we got a lot of pain
We display our wealth and success through excessive amounts of jewelry and accessories because we are attempting to cover the emotional pain that we may be feeling.
Thats five hundred years of swellin', I'm tryna tell 'em
The history of systemic oppression that has affected our community for hundreds of years is influencing our desire for material possessions.
Jacob the Jeweler is cooler now he a felon
Even the person who provided us with our luxury accessories has been convicted of a crime, but we still desire these items despite their negative impact on others.
Jay put a stamp on the nigga but wouldn't mail him
Even though Jay-Z endorsed this person, he did not send him to the top and he still has to struggle and hustle for success.
If he couldn't sell him, so what that tell him, huh
If even Jay-Z couldn't help this person become successful, then what does that mean for the rest of us trying to make it with our displays of wealth and success?
My bitches look very thorough
The women I associate myself with are attractive and very loyal to me.
White Range, call that motherfucka Larry Bird
My white Range Rover reminds me of the famous basketball player Larry Bird and his jersey number.
I got em hangin' on every word
Others are so impressed by my wealth and lifestyle that they hang onto every word I say.
Lyrics ยฉ DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: James Todd Smith, Derek Simmons, Dallas Austin, Quincy Jones, Willie Baker, Jerry Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Stiq_912
Still the hardest Mixtape ever...
@Stiq_912
Nate still...
@jmanjs07
Fucking fax bro
@victorkalu6836
EVER !!!
@doublexpgaming4193
This and Kush and OJ!!
@FloatyBrain
After Joey Badass
@gilbertorios5934
True J COLE fans still come to this song . #COLEWORLD
@firesquad9005
ayyyy
@kristajahroth1931
Even In 2k17
@ARS_Time_Bomb
Tajah 2aT even 2k18