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.
Dollar and a Dream II
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey, I got a dollar and a dream
That's all a nigga got
So if it's 'bout that cream
Then I'm all up in the spot
I got a dollar and a dream
Just a dollar and a dream
Cole
Walk with a nigga, I give you my pain
So much on my mind I wonder how it fit in my brain
Scattered thoughts, dark secrets lead me to a blacker heart
Life can't get any worse, Stevie with his glasses off
'Cause I still don't see hope, lookin' for a quick fix
When everyone I see is broke, get lost in weed smoke
Knowing it make it worse, thoughts roam uncontrollably
Barely trustin' niggas, over a decade they been knowin' me
Shit, life at the bottom, nobody but God got 'em
They say he wouldn't leave me yet I'm fallin' like it's Autumn
Tell me, what do you do just when you're on your last dollar
And the stress of this mess you're in can make your ass holla?
Do you fold, grow bitter and grow cold?
No longer fightin' now the only thing you grow is old
Or do you flip that fuckin' dollar to a dream?
Whether a scholar or a fiend, watch a pawn become a king
Cole!
Young nigga with his jeans low
Nice guy just got a mean flow
Never seen rich but he's seen po'
Mr. Dolla and a Dream in case you ain't know
That's all a nigga got
So if it's 'bout that cream
Then I'm all up in the spot
I got a dollar and a dream
Just a dollar and a dream
Yeah, armed and ready, you niggas strung out, you spaghetti
Your paper, confetti, small time, y'all on one, I'm on mine
You logged off 'cause I'm online, small talk from small minds
I wanna buy the mall but there ain't shit in this small town
This where I get my dough
My niggas make sure that money right and then I rip the show
I run the town they tried to call me underground
I spun around like, you wish
Homie my backpack Louis, now watch just how I do this
I got the nerds rappin' hard shit, dummies rappin' smart shit
Mozart meets Humphrey Bogart with this from the heart shit
Play your part, life is but a dream for me
I get a flash of nightmares where niggas scheme on me
It's hard to see my enemies, who infiltrated my team?
I take a step back and notice that things ain't what they seem
That's when a nigga refocus, yeah I turn on them high beams
I got that red dot waitin', I'm wastin' your whole regime
I wish a nigga would, boy you can't out-smart me
I let you feel like you the shit, but boy you can't out-fart me
You never, have it, I know you want what I got
But nigga you ain't me, but you are what I'm not
And that's a phony ass, lonely ass, Cole is what you know me as
But we far from homies, if you know my mama, you know me
If you don't then well I'm sorry, you should get to know Kay
Man she been workin' too hard, I should send her a bouquet
My goal this year is a real one, gonna stack a million
And as soon as I do, mama that 9 to 5 is through
And I know I ain't been callin', but I'm thinkin' 'bout you
And all the shit that you been through
My girl and then my brother too
'Cause this life get hard on this road, yeah it's true
I don't never tell you how much I be stressin', but I do
But I suck it up for who? My fans, and my mans
Who probably never ever had this type of lifestyle in they plans
Hoppin' in and out of vans, on the buses, on the planes
Gettin' brain from a bitch and thinkin' "God damn, what's her name?"
Sometimes I just shake my head and tell myself this is a shame
And then my other side kick in like "Bitch don't be so fuckin' lame"
Dang, what a life, another day, another night
At times this shit is all blurry, pray and hope that God heard me
Just for those praying for me, man I know that y'all worry
But I ain't never failed and you can bet I never will
Cole!
Young nigga with his jeans low
Nice guy just got a mean flow
Never seen rich but he's seen po'
Mr. Dolla and a Dream in case you ain't know
That's all a nigga got
So if it's 'bout that cream
Then I'm all up in the spot
I got a dollar and a dream
Just a dollar and a dream
Hey
'Cause nigga that's life, and trust me I'm livin'
Look what a nigga made out the shit that I was given
Look what a nigga made out
Look what a nigga made out
Got a dollar and a dream
Three
"Dollar and A Dream II" is a song by J. Cole, an artist known for his introspective and personal lyrics. The song is a reflection on his own journey as an aspiring rapper trying to make it big in the music industry. The first verse of the song talks about the struggles he's faced growing up and chasing his dreams. He discusses his financial struggles, his insecurities, and the difficult decisions he's had to make. He also mentions the people who have supported him along the way, including his mother, fans, and friends. Throughout the song, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance and the willingness to make sacrifices in order to achieve one's goals.
In the second verse, J. Cole talks about his success and how it has changed his life. He discusses the sacrifices he's made and the pressure he feels to keep succeeding. He also reflects on his own mortality and how he wants to make the most of his life while he can. The song ends with J. Cole reminding listeners that he is grateful for everything he has, despite the challenges he's faced. He encourages his fans to keep chasing their dreams and not give up, emphasizing that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, I got a dollar and a dream
I have very little, but I have hope and ambition
That's all a nigga got
I am very poor and don't have much
So if it's 'bout that cream
If there's money to be made
Then I'm all up in the spot
I'm there trying to earn it
Walk with a nigga, I give you my pain
Join me and I will share my struggles with you
So much on my mind I wonder how it fit in my brain
I have a lot weighing on me
Scattered thoughts, dark secrets lead me to a blacker heart
My thoughts and secrets have led me to a dark place
Life can't get any worse, Stevie with his glasses off
Things cannot possibly get worse
'Cause I still don't see hope, lookin' for a quick fix
I'm still struggling and searching for a way out
When everyone I see is broke, get lost in weed smoke
People around me are also struggling, so I turn to drugs to cope
Knowing it make it worse, thoughts roam uncontrollably
I know it's not helping but I can't control my thoughts
Barely trustin' niggas, over a decade they been knowin' me
I don't really trust anyone, even people I've known for a long time
Shit, life at the bottom, nobody but God got 'em
I'm at rock bottom and only God can help me
They say he wouldn't leave me yet I'm fallin' like it's Autumn
Even though I believe in God, I still feel like I'm falling apart
Tell me, what do you do just when you're on your last dollar
What do you do when you have nothing left
And the stress of this mess you're in can make your ass holla?
And the stress of your situation can make you feel like giving up?
Do you fold, grow bitter and grow cold?
Do you give up and become negative?
No longer fightin' now the only thing you grow is old
You stop fighting and just get older
Or do you flip that fuckin' dollar to a dream?
Or do you turn your situation around and make something of yourself?
Whether a scholar or a fiend, watch a pawn become a king
Regardless of your background, you can succeed and become powerful
Young nigga with his jeans low
A young man with low jeans
Nice guy just got a mean flow
A good person with impressive rapping talent
Never seen rich but he's seen po'
Never experienced wealth but knows poverty
Mr. Dolla and a Dream in case you ain't know
My name is Mr. Dolla and a Dream
Armed and ready, you niggas strung out, you spaghetti
I'm prepared for anything, unlike you weaklings
Your paper, confetti, small time, y'all on one, I'm on mine
Your money is worthless, you're small-scale, while I am focused and successful
You logged off 'cause I'm online, small talk from small minds
You gave up because I am still strong and successful, and I don't have time for your petty gossip
I wanna buy the mall but there ain't shit in this small town
I want to achieve great things, but my surroundings are limiting me
This where I get my dough
This is where I earn my money
My niggas make sure that money right and then I rip the show
My crew handles the money, I just focus on performing
I run the town they tried to call me underground
I am successful but some still try to act like I'm underground
I spun around like, you wish
I prove them wrong
Homie my backpack Louis, now watch just how I do this
I have a Louis Vuitton backpack, and I'm going to show off
I got the nerds rappin' hard shit, dummies rappin' smart shit
I have diverse fans, some with impressive intellectual capacity and others with raw talent
Mozart meets Humphrey Bogart with this from the heart shit
My music combines raw emotion and classic style
Play your part, life is but a dream for me
Do your part in my success, as I live my dream
I get a flash of nightmares where niggas scheme on me
I have moments of fear and vulnerability, where I worry about people plotting against me
It's hard to see my enemies, who infiltrated my team?
It's difficult to spot people who may be trying to sabotage me
I take a step back and notice that things ain't what they seem
I sometimes need to remove myself to see the fuller picture
That's when a nigga refocus, yeah I turn on them high beams
I refocus and become more vigilant
I got that red dot waitin', I'm wastin' your whole regime
I have a plan to take down my enemies
I wish a nigga would, boy you can't out-smart me
I dare someone to try and outsmart me
I let you feel like you the shit, but boy you can't out-fart me
I may let someone feel good, but I am still in control
You never, have it, I know you want what I got
You never had what it takes, and you envy me
But nigga you ain't me, but you are what I'm not
You may not be me, but you lack what I have
And that's a phony ass, lonely ass, Cole is what you know me as
You only know me as Cole, a successful artist, but my life is more complex than that
But we far from homies, if you know my mama, you know me
We aren't friends, but if you know my family, you know me well
If you don't then well I'm sorry, you should get to know Kay
If you don't know my family, you should get to know them, especially my mom
Man she been workin' too hard, I should send her a bouquet
My mom deserves appreciation for her hard work, so I want to buy her flowers
My goal this year is a real one, gonna stack a million
My goal this year is to earn one million dollars
And as soon as I do, mama that 9 to 5 is through
Once I achieve my goal, I can support my mom and she won't have to work a 9 to 5 job
And I know I ain't been callin', but I'm thinkin' 'bout you
I know I haven't kept in touch, but I'm still thinking of you
And all the shit that you been through
And all the difficult experiences you've had to endure
My girl and then my brother too
My girlfriend and my brother have also been through tough times
'Cause this life get hard on this road, yeah it's true
This lifestyle can be very difficult and challenging on the road
I don't never tell you how much I be stressin', but I do
I don't always express how much I'm stressing, but I am
But I suck it up for who? My fans, and my mans
But I endure it for my fans and my crew
Who probably never ever had this type of lifestyle in they plans
They probably never imagined this type of lifestyle for themselves
Hoppin' in and out of vans, on the buses, on the planes
Traveling constantly between shows
Gettin' brain from a bitch and thinkin' 'God damn, what's her name?'
Having casual sex and forgetting the other person's name
Sometimes I just shake my head and tell myself this is a shame
Sometimes I'm disappointed in my own behavior
And then my other side kick in like 'Bitch don't be so fuckin' lame'
But then my other side tells me to stop being so critical of myself
Dang, what a life, another day, another night
What a life, always on the go
At times this shit is all blurry, pray and hope that God heard me
Sometimes my life feels confused and I turn to prayer
Just for those praying for me, man I know that y'all worry
I am aware that people are praying for me and care about my well-being
But I ain't never failed and you can bet I never will
I have never failed and I am determined to keep succeeding
Hey
'Cause nigga that's life, and trust me I'm livin'
This is just how life goes, but I'm still living it to the fullest
Look what a nigga made out the shit that I was given
Look at what I've achieved despite my difficult circumstances
Got a dollar and a dream
I started with almost nothing
Three
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERMAINE L. COLE, CANEI FINCH, JUST HUSTLE, JOVAN WOODS, RONALD GILMORE, RONALD EUGENE GILMORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michel Reddog
Verse 1]
Aye, I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
Niggas hating but I love them even though they trying to scheme
But I'm past that, a nigga's stock is rising like the Nasdaq
They say I’m the future but yet I’m giving niggas flashbacks
Of better days when you ain't have to settle for whatever played
I represent the struggle nigga, I say what they never say
Whenever they spit that bullshit they spitting
This that pulpit, I’m hitting niggas with the gospel
Hostile with them hoes, I got a dollar in my pocket plus a dream
Yeah you laughing my nigga but everything ain't what it seems
What it means to know your momma or your father on that pipe
On that hard white, I’ll tell you what them scars like
I’m speaking through these bars like a nigga in the jail
Tired of sifting through my mail I feel like Cartwright, bills
For real, a nigga ill
Just let me do the talking man I know how niggas feel.
That first verse 🔥🔥🔥
Zarrox
[Intro]
Yeah, aye wassup man? Aye, uh, aye look man, can I- can I get on- can I just get on this bus? All I got is a dollar fifty, I'm just sayin'. I just tryna get- I'm tryna get on the bus, man. I ain't got no mon- all I got is a dollar fifty, I don't got two dollars. Man, fuck you and yo' bus, nigga!
(Yeah)
Hey, hey (Yeah, got a dollar and a dream)
Yeah, yeah
I got a dollar and a dream (Yeah), yeah
I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team (Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey)
Everything ain't what it seems
I got a dollar and a dream, hey (Hey, I'm dreamin')
[Verse 1]
Ayy, ayy, I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems (Uh)
Niggas hating but I love them even though they trying to scheme
But I'm past that (Past that), a nigga's stock is rising like the Nasdaq (Uh-huh)
They say I’m the future but yet I’m giving niggas flashbacks
Of better days when you ain't have to settle for whatever played
I represent the struggle, nigga, I say what they never say
Whenever they spit that bullshit they spittin'
This that pulpit, I’m hittin' niggas with the gospel (And the lord said)
Hostile with them hoes, I got a dollar in my pocket plus a dream
Yeah you laughing my nigga but everything ain't what it seems
What it means to know your mama or your father on that pipe
On that hard white, I’ll tell you what them scars like
I’m speaking through these bars like a nigga in the jail
Tired of siftin' through my mail, I feel like Cartwright, bills (Bills and bills and bills)
For real, a nigga ill
Just let me do the talkin', man, I know how niggas feel
[Chorus]
I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
(God damn, nigga. These motherfuckin' bill collectors, man)
I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
(Can't even God damn turn on my phone without these nigga ringin' me up)
I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems
(They tryna call me from different numbers and shit. Tryna- tryna fool me, nigga. I'm Lil Cole, nigga!)
Yeah, got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems, yeah
[Verse 2]
I got a dolla and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seem
Every lady ain't no ho and every bitch ain't no queen
Every nigga ain't no dog and every nigga ain't no king (Uh-huh)
Shit be happening for a reason, everything is everything
Every nigga can't dunk, some white man can jump (Haha)
They shootin' niggas 'fore they even tell 'em put their hands up
Crooked cops got a nigga scared to drive
Probably thinkin' that I’m slangin', man, I see it in their eyes
But inside of my pocket is a dollar, plus a dream
Yeah, you swear your girl is faithful; everything ain't what it seems
See, I seen how she glance and looked away like she want it
I ain't sayin' I'ma fuck her, but I could if I wanted
Know it hurts that she flirt with a nigga, this is worse
I bet if I was to hit, man I wouldn’t be the first (Nah)
This is church, this is gospel (And the lord said)
Spit it like I get it from the Bible for your survival
[Hook]
I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems (Yeah, ayy, yeah-yeah-yeah)
Ayy, I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team
Everything ain't what it seems (Uh-uh, uh, uh)
Ayy, I got a dollar and a dream, real niggas on my team (Wait 'til I get my money ri- hehehehe)
Everything ain't what it seem
Yeah, I got a dollar and a dream, yeah, I got a dollar and a dream
(Wait 'til I get my money right, I'm dreamin')
[Verse 3]
Check it
Aye Sallie, I know I ain't been answerin' your calls (Aww, not this bitch, yeah)
But shit, let me explain- (I can explain, I can explain)
It's because times been hard
Been runnin' 'round tryna find a job (I can't get no job)
I hear my phone ringing in the morning, 9 o’clock
And it's you (God damn), can't even front, I press ignore (Yeah)
I still got your letters layin' in my dresser drawer (Haha)
You tellin' me about all the things you did for me (I know, I know, I know, I know)
When I was broke, you sent me dough and that was big for me (I know, I know, big for me)
See you was there every year when I needed you
And you were so quick to give I had to be with you
Remember when I used to call you on your phone line
I knew it was official when my mama cosigned (Haha, yeah)
But in no time, a nigga graduated
I hit the real world, baby girl, I'm sad to say it
But I was usin' you, you gave a nigga major stacks (Major stacks)
And I know in my heart one day that I'm gon' pay you back
I got a dollar and a dream
[Outro]
I'll pay you back. Look, can we- can we set up some type of payment plan or somethin'? Like, you know what I'm sayin'? Like, you know? I just graduated six months ago so you know, times is kinda- times is kinda hard, baby. I- I just- can I just pay you like a lil' bit right now and then I pay you- I pay you the rest next- next month when I get paid. Can I just do somethin' like that? I gotta- I'm not even gon' lie to you, I don't, I don't really have it right now. I gotta pay how much? Five thousand dol- Aw, nigga is you crazy? Bitch you lucky I even answered the phone, I shouldn't have even picked up this motherfucker, I s- Look, what's ya- what's ya name? Can I- can I speak to a manager? You are the manager? Look, look can I speak to yo' manager? Who's- who owns this motherfucker? Let me talk to the owner! God damn it, I ain't- y'all niggas crazy... hahaha
Field Lomax
This mixtape changed my life. Literally was blasting Drake , Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy ect. Back in 09 in High School. Downloaded 'The Warm Up' by accident looking for Drake's tape online. By the end of the week there was nothing else I wanted to listen to. This tape put me on to actual Hip Hop, started researching the greats / underground rappers and discovered better music. All because of this one tape..and this track will forever be my shit!
I Love Chicago
Same thing happened to me. I use to get him and drake confused and then I went on YouTube to find out more about him. I found who dat and then he later put out Friday night lights. He been growing ever since.
Francisco Lopez
Man broo you ain't lyin real recognize real, ain't fo everybody
herfvourite
It’s like we lived the same life bruh. I was dating a chick from NYC and she put me on to j Cole and I was like WTF is this! This is fire! Then I discovered what hip hop was. The nostalgia I get when the piano keys start going is insane.
Field Lomax
@herfvourite my nigga 💯
IG: Playglenthomas
This story is golden. Im glad to hear it bro
TPAB GKMC
the best version out of all three
Tosin Adekanye
absolutely
COMMONSENSE804
Right
chiara english
agreed