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.
Head Bussa
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now do I roll up, get higher?
Or po' up, get tired?
Do I roll up, get higher?
Or po' up, get tired?
[Verse:]
Okay, I'm back on a mission
Got loans out the ass
What you know 'bout my past?
I was so late for class
Hit the probate, get trashed
Fell asleep off the Henny
Back in '08 I crashed
With my foot on the gas
Thank the Lord I'm still here
No insurance so now I'm racin' home on first gear
On that morn' I shed tears
Asking what I'm doing here
I should be rich, I'm sick, it's like I got the fuckin' flu in here
But yet I'm just chillin' like I'm back on the yard
My niggas say I'm the truth and when I rap they applaud
That what was my Unsigned Hype like in the back of The Source
It's like I'm tryna get the head, but she's just jackin' me off
I needed more
Had to earn stripes, no Adidas store
Put my feet on floor
Borrow money from mi amor
Just to cop a microphone, the same one that put me on tour
She held you down, now you out here fuckin' 'round
[Hook: J. Cole]
Now this is for my broke niggas, rich niggas (What?)
Gold diggers, Crys sippers (What?)
Cold nigga, flow sicker (What?)
Muthafucka, I'm a fuckin' head bussa go
Coming down on the strip looking in the whip
Parking lot pimp enough game to be sold
Learn from me, fuck bitches, burn money
Someone told me boy you got your whole life to get old
But errthing glitter ain't gold
The grass ain't greener I've been told
She told me, you want your cake and eat it too
I said its cake, that's what your supposed to do
[Verse 2:]
Ok my granny just died, but I'm too broke to go
And she askin my fears but she too close to know
Got trust issues I'm trying, where it come from? Don't know
I just block out the pain, blow the fuck up get dough
See I thought that would help me, it turns out its worse now
My girl want her first child, my label won't work out
My mama don't see me unless I'm on tv, I pray she don't break down
She strong but she need me
They killed Saddam, now I wonder who's sane
How you balance being Batman, Bruce Wayne?
Old chick callin', but I'm onto new thangs
She still a dime, but I always lose change
Young Simba, went from bottom of the food chain to a few chains
In a new Range
She tellin' me so much has happened
Would've thought you changed
We ain't fuck in nine months its safe to say I'm due man
[Hook:]
In J. Cole's song "Head Bussa," he is contemplating whether he should smoke or drink to cope with the pressures of life. The lyrics depict his struggles with college tuition, loans, and his past mistakes. He talks about being late for class and partying during his college days. Despite his struggles, J. Cole remains confident in his abilities and his music. He mentions receiving positive feedback from Unsigned Hype and his friends. The lyrics also touch on the topic of relationships, trust issues, and responsibilities, such as taking care of his mother and girlfriend's desire for a child.
The hook of the song expresses solidarity with anyone who is navigating the struggles of life, whether they are rich or poor, a gold digger or a crys sipper. J. Cole's message is that everyone has their struggles, but they should not let them defeat them.
The song "Head Bussa" was originally released on J. Cole's mixtape "The Come Up" in 2007. It was later included on his 2010 mixtape "Friday Night Lights." The song features a sample of the song "Get Out of My Life, Woman" by Lee Dorsey.
Line by Line Meaning
Now do I roll up, get higher?
Should I smoke marijuana to get high?
Or po' up, get tired?
Should I drink cough syrup to get intoxicated?
Okay, I'm back on a mission
I'm determined to accomplish my goals.
To pay my tuition
To pay my college fees.
Got loans out the ass
I have a lot of student loans to repay.
What you know 'bout my past?
Do you know anything about my background?
I was so late for class
I used to be tardy for my classes.
Hit the probate, get trashed
I used to get drunk at school parties.
Fell asleep off the Henny
I got drunk off Hennessy and passed out.
Back in '08 I crashed
I got into a car accident in 2008.
Thank the Lord I'm still here
I'm grateful to be alive.
No insurance so now I'm racin' home on first gear
I don't have car insurance, so I'm driving very slowly and carefully.
On that morn' I shed tears
I cried that morning.
Asking what I'm doing here
I questioned my life's purpose.
I should be rich, I'm sick, it's like I got the fuckin' flu in here
I feel like I should be wealthy, but instead, I'm struggling financially.
But yet I'm just chillin' like I'm back on the yard
I'm relaxed and comfortable like I'm back in my schoolyard days.
My niggas say I'm the truth and when I rap they applaud
My friends think I'm a talented rapper and show their admiration when I perform.
It's like I'm tryna get the head, but she's just jackin' me off
I'm trying to achieve success, but it's like I'm not making any progress.
I needed more
I needed to accomplish more in life.
Had to earn stripes, no Adidas store
I had to earn my place in life without the help of others.
Put my feet on floor
I woke up and started my day.
Borrow money from mi amor
I borrowed money from my significant other.
Just to cop a microphone, the same one that put me on tour
I spent the borrowed money on buying a microphone that helped me to go on tour.
She held you down, now you out here fuckin' 'round
My significant other supported me, but now I'm not being faithful to her.
Gold diggers, Crys sippers (What?)
I'm addressing people who are materialistic and like to drink alcohol.
Cold nigga, flow sicker (What?)
I am a talented rapper with a unique style.
Muthafucka, I'm a fuckin' head bussa go
I'm a skilled rapper that can blow people's minds.
Coming down on the strip looking in the whip
I'm driving down the street and observing the cars.
Parking lot pimp enough game to be sold
I'm skilled enough to sell my talent to others.
Learn from me, fuck bitches, burn money
I'm sharing some advice to ignore women and just spend money.
Someone told me boy you got your whole life to get old
Someone told me that I have plenty of time to grow older and experience life.
But errthing glitter ain't gold
Not everything that appears grand is worthwhile.
The grass ain't greener I've been told
I've heard that things are not always better on the other side.
She told me, you want your cake and eat it too
A woman once told me that I desire two opposing things.
I said its cake, that's what your supposed to do
I said that's what you're supposed to do when you have cake.
Ok my granny just died, but I'm too broke to go
I received news about my grandmother's death but can't afford to attend her funeral.
And she askin my fears but she too close to know
People are asking me what I'm afraid of, but they are too close to understand my struggles.
Got trust issues I'm trying, where it come from? Don't know
I have trust issues but don't know why.
I just block out the pain, blow the fuck up get dough
I'm trying to ignore my emotional pain and become successful.
See I thought that would help me, it turns out its worse now
I thought success would help me, but it only made things worse.
My girl want her first child, my label won't work out
My girlfriend wants to start a family, but my career is not going well.
My mama don't see me unless I'm on tv, I pray she don't break down
My mother only sees me on TV, and I'm afraid that it makes her sad.
She strong but she need me
My mother is strong, but she relies on me.
They killed Saddam, now I wonder who's sane
After Saddam Hussein's death, I'll recognize who is truly sane.
How you balance being Batman, Bruce Wayne?
How do you manage two opposing roles like Batman and Bruce Wayne?
Old chick callin', but I'm onto new thangs
My old girlfriend is trying to get back with me, but I'm focused on new opportunities.
She still a dime, but I always lose change
My old girlfriend is still attractive, but I can't seem to hold on to her.
Young Simba, went from bottom of the food chain to a few chains
I was once at the bottom of society but now have a few possessions of value.
In a new Range
I'm driving a new Range Rover.
She tellin' me so much has happened
A woman is sharing with me how much has changed since we last spoke.
Would've thought you changed
She thought I would have changed more since we last met.
We ain't fuck in nine months its safe to say I'm due man
It's been nine months since we had sex, and it's time for us to do it again.
Contributed by Christopher T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@ninukanemithasampayo1447
Head Bussa"
[Intro: J.Cole]
Now do I roll up, get higher?
Or po' up, get tired?
Do I roll up, get higher?
Or po' up, get tired?
[Verse 1:]
Okay, I'm back on a mission
To pay my tuition
Got loans out the ass
What you know 'bout my past?
I was so late for class
Hit the probate, get trashed
Fell asleep off the Henny
Back in '08 I crashed
With my foot on the gas
Thank the Lord I'm still here
No insurance so now I'm racin' home on first gear
On that morn' I shed tears
Asking what I'm doing here
I should be rich, I'm sick, it's like I got the fuckin' flu in here
But yet I'm just chillin' like I'm back on the yard
My niggas say I'm the truth and when I rap they applaud
That what was my Unsigned Hype like in the back of The Source
It's like I'm tryna get the head, but she's just jackin' me off
I needed more
Had to earn stripes, no Adidas store
Put my feet on floor
Borrow money from mi amor
Just to cop a microphone, the same one that put me on tour
She held you down, now you out here fuckin' 'round
[Hook: J. Cole]
Now this is for my broke niggas, rich niggas (What?)
Gold diggers, Crys sippers (What?)
Cold nigga, flow sicker (What?)
Muthafucka, I'm a fuckin' head bussa go
Coming down on the strip liqour in the whip
Parking lot pimp enough game to be sold
Learn from me, fuck bitches, burn money
Someone told me boy you got your whole life to get old
But errthing that glitter ain't gold
The grass ain't greener I've been told
She told me, boy you want your cake and eat it too
I said it's cake, that's what your supposed to do
[Verse 2:]
Ok my granny just died, but I'm too broke to go
And she askin my fears but she too close to know
Got trust issues I'm trying, where it come from? Don't know
I just block out the pain, blow the fuck up get dough
See I thought that would help me, it turns out it's worse now
My girl want her first child, my label won't work out
My mama don't see me unless I'm on tv, I pray she don't break down
She strong but she need me
They killed Saddam, now I wonder who's sane
How you balance being Batman, Bruce Wayne?
Old chick callin', but I'm onto new thangs
She still a dime, but I always lose change
Young Simba, went from bottom of the food chain to a few chains
In a new Range
She tellin' me so much has happened
Would've thought you changed
We ain't fuck in nine months it's safe to say I'm due man
[Hook]
@UWF312
This will always be my favorite J Cole song. The beat is so underrated and his delivery and flow is just the icing on the cake.
@CtGJuie23
This song and Sideline Story are my 2 favorite J. Cole songs
@holyaura9317
J cole's music never gets boring man I fucking love this song. The beat for head bussa is to good
@beleiveyoucan6399
Holy Aura faaaam too good
@RJ-zm5pj
"They killed Sadam, now I wonder who sane, how you handle being Batman, Bruce Wayne? Old chick calling, but I'm onto new thangs, she's still a dime, but I always lose change..." Love J. Cole man... #2014ForestsHillsDrive #ColeWorld
@whyumad2843
Cole been my fav rapper and has always been underrated
@spicyshizz2850
RJ balance * not handle
@neelashiya5943
He interpolated this line from 2Pac's song all out, in that song Pac says "I'm similar to Saddam, sometimes I feel like Hussein ( who's sane )
@panthersfantre
Will never forget this song. Still bumping in 2023. First heard it in college
@Jalenciagaaa
My Goat. Cole’s music is so relatable & motivating, & deep that it hits home. Will forever appreciate all the times Cole got me through hard times 💯