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.
Hold it Down
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm glad you said listened when I said that I miss us
I just wanna put you in Prada and ice your wrist up
Said you only give it you don't know how to get love
Baby Let me show you
Fuck everybody that played you them niggas old news
And I'm as real as it gets and I won't hoe you
She insecure about herself girl that's the old you I already told you
You the only one I want you should believe that
You said you want a real nigga I could be that
My heart cold you should really bring the heat back a nigga really need that
Baby girl I need somebody
Need you right beside me
Tell me that you got me
And I'm gon hold it down for you
Show me
I'm gon always treat you like a trophy
I love to hear your voice when you hold me
Baby get on top and ride it slowly you know me
And if I went away would u really hold me down ?
Do you only love me when nobody else around ?
And I wanna change your name girl I'm liking how it sound
Ima beat it like a boxer we can go a couple rounds
Like ooo
We get nasty every time we watching Hulu
Who got the keys to my heart baby you do
You my one and only baby I ain't tryna screw you
And you said that you ain't feeling like yourself they tried to screw you
And my vision so bright it could light up a room
You could be my bride baby girl I'll be your groom
Legs high up in the sky call it sex on the moon
Play this song wit some candles baby we can set the mood
Cause I got what you need
Yeah I'm a savage I'm a slow stroke king
Wanna hear you scream my name back to back while you cream
And you act like you surprise baby I'm not what it seems
Yeah you know I got the cash you ain't never finna use me
Starting rubbing on your booty with my thumb all on your coochie
You could be Savage baby i won't treat you like a hoochie
With your 10 white toes love the way you rock them Gucci's
And I'm gon always love you and it ain't nobody stopping us
I could be to Quincy baby you could be my Monica
You a freak I love the way you blow the dick like a harmonica
Everybody like to hate baby they don't really rock wit us no
You ask me how I see that
You the only one I want you should believe that
You said you want a real nigga I could be that
My heart cold you should really bring the heat back a nigga really need that
Baby girl I need somebody
Need you right beside me
Tell me that you got me
And I'm gon hold it down for you
Show me
I'm gon always treat you like a trophy
I love to hear your voice when you hold me
Baby get on top and ride it slowly you know me
In J. Cole's song Hold It Down, the lyrics express both admiration and gratitude for a woman's love, along with sensual desire. Cole reflects on the challenges of his personality and recognizes the difficulty it takes to love him. He expresses gratitude towards the woman for sticking around despite his flaws. Cole also reassures her that he will treat her like a queen by buying her expensive things and always holding her down. He acknowledges that she has been hurt before, but that he will always believe in her and support her. Throughout the song, Cole shows his vulnerability and appreciation for the woman.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of trust and loyalty, with Cole questioning whether she would hold him down if he were to be gone or if she only loves him when they are together. He wants to change her name, demonstrating his desire to make the relationship official and exclusive to only them. Cole also shows his sexually-charged side, expressing his desire to be intimate with her and making sure she is fully satisfied.
Overall, Hold It Down is a love song that showcases Cole's emotional depth and sensitivity while still maintaining his confident and seductive persona.
Line by Line Meaning
Loving me ain't easy I'm just glad you won't give up
It is difficult to love me but I appreciate that you haven't given up on me
I'm glad you said listened when I said that I miss us
I'm grateful that you listened when I expressed my longing for our relationship
I just wanna put you in Prada and ice your wrist up
I want to spoil you with luxury items and expensive jewelry
Said you only give it you don't know how to get love
You have been giving love but haven't received it in return
Baby Let me show you
Let me demonstrate to you how to receive love
Fuck everybody that played you them niggas old news
Ignore those who have hurt you in the past, they are irrelevant now
And I'm as real as it gets and I won't hoe you
I am honest and won't treat you like a prostitute
She insecure about herself girl that's the old you I already told you
Your insecurities don't define you, I have already told you this before
You ask me how I see that
You're wondering how I can see through your insecurities
You the only one I want you should believe that
You should believe that you are the only person I desire
You said you want a real nigga I could be that
You expressed a desire for a genuine man and I can fulfill that role
My heart cold you should really bring the heat back a nigga really need that
My heart is currently cold, but I need your love to warm it up again
Baby girl I need somebody
I need someone special in my life
Need you right beside me
I want you to be my partner and support system
Tell me that you got me
Assure me that you have my back
And I'm gon hold it down for you
I will always be there for you and support you
Show me
Demonstrate your love and commitment to me
I'm gon always treat you like a trophy
I will always cherish and value you like a prized possession
I love to hear your voice when you hold me
The sound of your voice is soothing when you hold me
Baby get on top and ride it slowly you know me
Engage in sexual activity with me and take your time, because you know how I like it
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Jeremiah Jamison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LEGENDARY TCM
Hold it down
If you need to holla at me don't hesitate to call
It ain't a problem
I can be there
I ride for
Lie for you
I know you'd do the same
I would die for you
So hold me down
When the times is hard I'll be around
So hold it down
And it don't matter how far
I'll be around
(I hold it down)
❤️💎
Josue Ortiz
If my heart stop pumping tomorrow don't feel no sorrow
'Cause life is hard mentally
And everything is meant to be
Sometimes I ask myself if I was gone who would remember me?
It's hard to tell
Oh well, sit back and sip this Hennessey
Now lately it's been hard to tell my friends part from my enemies
'Cause plenty niggas show me love but in their hearts they envy me
Why?
I'm just a nigga from around the way
Told my mama I'd make it happen and I found a way
Pour out some liquor for my niggas at the crossroads
And may the Lord give guidance to the lost souls
I know that deep inside these niggas know there's more to life
Than macking hoes and stacking dough
Man I'm sorta like a nigga who done seen greener grass
So when they think they balling like the dream team
My nigga I done seen meaner cash
And I'm trying to get
Follow me nigga I'm on the prowl
Headed to the top
You watching me nigga?
Then hold it down
[Chorus]
Hold it down
If you need to holla at me don't hesitate to call
It ain't a problem
I can be there
I ride for
Lie for you
I know you'd do the same
I would die for you
So hold me down
When the times is hard I'll be around
So hold it down
And it don't matter how far
I'll be around
(I hold it down)
[Verse 2]
You was my nigga from the younger days
We grew up
I went to school, you went the other way
But still my brother man
I'm sitting reminiscing on
All of them bitches we was tripping over, kissing on
Or at the skating rink
We trying to bag some new hoes
And if I needed gear you'd let me hold your new clothes
And vice-a-versa man
But now that life is worser man
A nigga slow caking
I'm broke trying to chase a dream
You just got probation
And I'm stressed
Your little sister pregnant
What's next?
Oh shit, my mama doing drugs
At times it's hard to feel blessed
In this madness
I holla at my nigga in the sadness
Remember when your mama tried to beat you with that bat?
Shit, remember your chick Nina?
Man that ass was the fattest
Remember my crush on Sabrina?
Yo she's still the baddest
I'm just glad that I can holla at you
It's been a while
Until the next time I hear from you
Aye, hold it down
[Chorus]
Hold it down
If you need to holla at me don't hesitate to call
It ain't a problem
I can be there
I ride for
Lie for you
I know you'd do the same
I would die for you
So hold it down
When the times is hard I'll be around
So hold me down
And it don't matter how far
I'll be around
(I hold it down)
[Verse 3]
These is tough times baby
But we'll make it through
You know I'm headed for the top
I swear I'm taking you
Just hold a nigga down through this bad weather
The rain falling
Ain't balling but I have better
A woman with an ass and a strong mind
It's been a long time
Sometimes you on your bullshit
Sometime I'm on mine
Will I have a hard time to stay committed?
Or do I only want your voice moaning when I hit it?
Man only God knows
I know deep in your heart you don't want me to be no star though
There's groupies after every show
You scared I'm fucking every hoe
And girl I ain't 'gon lie and say I won't
'Cause shit you never know
But may the Lord give me strength
I love you more than anything
The future mother of my kids
The love is real
And if we ever part, God forbid
I love you still
So when I'm on the road don't trip
You know I'm down for you
Keep it tight and don't slip
And hold it down for me
[Chorus]
Hold it down
If you need to holla at me don't hesitate to call
It ain't a problem
I can be there
I ride for
Lie for you
I know you'd do the same
I would die for you
And hold me down
When the times is hard I'll be around
So hold me down
And it don't matter how far
I'll be around
(I hold it down) [x3]
Jolie Sana
Talking]
[Verse 1]
If my heart stop pumping tomorrow don't feel no sorrow
'Cause life is hard mentally
And everything is meant to be
Sometimes I ask myself if I was gone who would remember me?
It's hard to tell
Oh well, sit back and sip this Hennessey
Now lately it's been hard to tell my friends part from my enemies
'Cause plenty niggas show me love but in their hearts they envy me
Why?
I'm just a nigga from around the way
Told my mama I'd make it happen and I found a way
Pour out some liquor for my niggas at the crossroads
And may the Lord give guidance to the lost souls
I know that deep inside these niggas know there's more to life
Than macking hoes and stacking dough
Man I'm sorta like a nigga who done seen greener grass
So when they think they balling like the dream team
My nigga I done seen meaner cash
And I'm trying to get
Follow me nigga I'm on the prowl
Headed to the top
You watching me nigga?
Then hold it down
[Chorus]
Hold it down
If you need to holla at me don't hesitate to call
It ain't a problem
I can be there
I ride for
Lie for you
I know you'd do the same
I would die for you
So hold me down
When the times is hard I'll be around
So hold it down
And it don't matter how far
I'll be around
(I hold it down)
[Verse 2]
You was my nigga from the younger days
We grew up
I went to school, you went the other way
But still my brother man
I'm sitting reminiscing on
All of them bitches we was tripping over, kissing on
Or at the skating rink
We trying to bag some new hoes
And if I needed gear you'd let me hold your new clothes
And vice-a-versa man
But now that life is worser man
A nigga slow caking
I'm broke trying to chase a dream
You just got probation
And I'm stressed
Your little sister pregnant
What's next?
Oh shit, my mama doing drugs
At times it's hard to feel blessed
In this madness
I holla at my nigga in the sadness
Remember when your mama tried to beat you with that bat?
Shit, remember your chick Nina?
Man that ass was the fattest
Remember my crush on Sabrina?
Yo she's still the baddest
I'm just glad that I can holla at you
It's been a while
Until the next time I hear from you
Aye, hold it down
[Chorus]
Hold it down
If you need to holla at me don't hesitate to call
It ain't a problem
I can be there
I ride for
Lie for you
I know you'd do the same
I would die for you
So hold it down
When the times is hard I'll be around
So hold me down
And it don't matter how far
I'll be around
(I hold it down)
[Verse 3]
These is tough times baby
But we'll make it through
You know I'm headed for the top
I swear I'm taking you
Just hold a nigga down through this bad weather
The rain falling
Ain't balling but I have better
A woman with an ass and a strong mind
It's been a long time
Sometimes you on your bullshit
Sometime I'm on mine
Will I have a hard time to stay committed?
Or do I only want your voice moaning when I hit it?
Man only God knows
I know deep in your heart you don't want me to be no star though
There's groupies after every show
You scared I'm fucking every hoe
And girl I ain't 'gon lie and say I won't
'Cause shit you never know
But may the Lord give me strength
I love you more than anything
The future mother of my kids
The love is real
And if we ever part, God forbid
I love you still
So when I'm on the road don't trip
You know I'm down for you
Keep it tight and don't slip
And hold it down for me
[Chorus]
Hold it down
If you need to holla at me don't hesitate to call
It ain't a problem
I can be there
I ride for
Lie for you
I know you'd do the same
I would die for you
And hold me down
When the times is hard I'll be around
So hold me down
And it don't matter how far
I'll be around
(I hold it down) [x3]
Lindiwe Zulu
It’s 2022 and we still hold it down. ❤️
MXsouthafrica
Ngempela! This tape got me through so much🔥🔥🎶
sserwadda Derrick
I’m holding it down too
Matt Deezy
My people 💯
Sizwe Lekoba
Let's add 2023 to that
Maserati Harris
3023
Hatem Elmassri
3rd verse still gives me goosebumps in 2021. Can’t even say I miss the old Cole cause he’s still real af
Dominic Bowie
Ong this hole song still hits listening to it for the first time after 3 years or not revisiting the warm up, the coke up and Friday night lights.
Cole is still real asf but I miss the old cole too when he was hungry asf preaching relatable soul touching shit that makes you think bro. Nothing anyone drops is like these mix tapes imo. I used to bump these tapes religiously back in like 2016-2019
Ray Zen
When he dies.. They gonna say he was the best... But we already know he is the best right now....
James Arellano
Yaaaasss!!! Frfr tho