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.
My Life
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lately, I just wanna show up and body some shit, yeah, yeah
Always been a lil' mathematician, lately it's cash I'm gettin'
Got me losin' count of these bags, I've been movin' too fast
Hard times don't last, 'member when cops harrassed
Talkin' out my ass, boy, you ain't shit but a bitch with a badge
All my life (all my life)
All this time (all this time)
Never thought I would make it out (never thought I'd make it out)
They couldn't break me, they couldn't break me (no, no)
They couldn't take me, they couldn't take me (no)
All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)
I decided I had to finish, but the media called me a menace
I done sat with the mayor and politicians, I'm tryna change the image
You can't blame my past no more, I come from the trenches
Some said I'd never be a superstar, but I know I'm different (no, no, no)
I'm The Voice, but the system ain't give me a choice
Know some people that's still on deploy
I know a felon who tryna get FOID
Child support your only support
For a visit, I'm goin' through courts
Went to jail, they was chainin' me up
And you know that I'm famous as fuck
See how you gon' joke about stimulus?
But they really had came in the clutch
I know some kids wanna hurt they self
Stop tryna take drugs, I refer to myself
Tryna better myself, tryna better my health but
All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)
All this time (all this time)
Never thought I would make it out (never thought I'd make it out)
They couldn't break me, they couldn't break me (no, no)
They couldn't take me, they couldn't take me (no)
All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down) (yeah)
First-generation ghetto nigga
Cole world, hello niggas
Made it out the city with my head on straight
Niggas keep shootin' up the lead out
Young Jordan Peele, gotta get out
'Cause the shit that I spit out
Is a cheat code like I'm facin' a RICO, how a nigga put a hit out
And another one, and, and another one
I got like a hundred of 'em
'Bout to lap niggas so they think they ahead of me, but I'm really in front of them
Now some of them fumblin' they bags
Fuckin' up the little crumbs that they had
A reminder to humble yourself, this shit could be gone in an instant
Me, I'm runnin' long distance
All pistons firin'
I be stuck between maybe retirin'
And feelin' like I'm just not hittin' my prime
These days seein' rappers be dyin'
Way before they even gettin' they shine
I never even heard of lil' buddy
'Til somebody murdered lil' buddy
Now I'm on the phone, searchin' lil' buddy name
Got to playin' his tunes, all day in my room
Thinkin', "Damn, this shit wicked, to get they names buzzin'
Some niggas just gotta go lay in a tomb"
And media thirsty for clicks, I got a new rule
If you ain't never posted a rapper when he was alive
You can't post about him after he get hit
It's simple, it's the principle
On any tempo, I'm invincible
Don't even rap, I just vent to you
I rather that than an interview
Most days
Fuck 'em all like I'm goin' through a ho phase
Young nigga shoot out the whip like road rage
I pray all of my dawgs stay so paid
And the only thing that kill 'em is old age
All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)
All this time (all this time)
Never thought I would make it out (never thought I'd make it out)
They couldn't break me, they couldn't break me (no, no)
They couldn't take me, they couldn't take me (no)
All my life (all my life)
They been tryin' to keep me down (they been tryin' to keep me down)
J. Cole's song "My Life" is an ode to living life on your own terms, despite the pain and struggles that come with it. In the lyrics, he speaks to the importance of authenticity and being true to oneself, even when it's difficult. The line "through the pain and through all that rain, found myself which is truly sane" is a powerful reminder that sometimes our lowest moments can lead us to our highest selves. The chorus emphasizes this message with the repeating phrase "I'm living my life, it's more than alright," driving home the idea that living fully and authentically is the ultimate goal.
Additionally, the verse where J. Cole references Nipsey Hussle's life as a marathon is a tribute to the late rapper's legacy of hard work and perseverance. J. Cole speaks to his own work ethic as well, saying he stays in his bag from morning till dawn, showing that he recognizes the importance of putting in time and effort to achieve his goals.
Overall, "My Life" is an uplifting and empowering song, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves and live their lives to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Through the pain and through all that rain
Despite facing difficulties and challenges in life
Found myself which is truly sane
I discovered my true self and achieved clarity of mind
Everyday you gotta always be you
Be yourself and don't pretend to be someone else
Don't hate on me playa do what you do
Don't criticize me, just focus on doing your own thing
All these racks on me
I have a lot of money
Look at my money mama can you see
I'm flaunting my wealth to impress others
Yeah I meditate everyday
I practice daily meditation for inner peace
When it come to my goals I don't even play
I'm serious about achieving my goals and don't waste time
I don't even play, I don't even play
I don't engage in meaningless activities or distractions
Time to make bands on this fine day
I'm determined to make a lot of money today
Crazy how you can outgrow a friend
It's surprising how people can grow apart over time
No hate at all it's just love that I send
I feel no negativity towards them, just positive vibes
All this is telling me that I'm really growin'
These experiences are showing me that I'm maturing
All the hard work man it's really showin'
My efforts are paying off and it's evident
Man it's really wild how it's all showin'
I'm amazed by how my progress is manifested
Now I'm in the booth just spittin' and flowin'
I'm currently recording music and expressing myself
I'm living my life
I'm enjoying and experiencing my existence
It's more than alright
It's better than just okay or satisfactory
I'm in my bag from morning till night
I'm focused and productive throughout the day
I'm living my life and I'm living it right
I'm living according to my personal values and principles
You know what imma do I'm about to take flight
I'm about to soar to new heights and achieve my dreams
Yeah I learned from Nipsey life's ah marathon
I'm inspired by Nipsey Hussle's approach to life as a long-term journey
And I stay in my bag from morning till dawn
I remain focused and motivated throughout the day and night
I'm always busy that's how I roll
I'm constantly occupied with various tasks and responsibilities
Man I need clones like Naruto
I wish I had multiple copies of myself to handle all my work
You can really do what you want to
You have the freedom and ability to pursue your desires
And blowin' a bag is what I really wanna do
I want to spend a lot of money on things I enjoy
I'm enlightened just like the Buddha
I'm knowledgeable and spiritually aware like Buddha
I'm vibin' out in Chattanooga
I'm relaxing and enjoying my time in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Look within and you can find that peace
To find inner peace, you must search within yourself
Man you see that car I bought it no lease
I purchased that car without financing, it's fully paid for
Look within and you can find that how
You can find how to achieve inner peace by introspection
Man the time to do it is always now
Don't procrastinate, the best time to start is now
Yeah every morning I wake up in bliss
I wake up feeling happy and content every day
Man all these diamonds up on my wrist
I'm wearing a lot of expensive jewelry
Vibin' out with my fam on the lake
I'm having a great time with my family on the lake
Got no time if your energy fake
I don't have time for fake or negative people
Pullin' up in my wraith
I'm arriving in my luxury car
Put most my cash up in my safe
I store most of my money in a safe
I always find gratitude
I consistently experience feelings of appreciation and thankfulness
Your life is based on your attitude
Your mindset determines the quality of your life
I'll always smile
I choose to be happy and positive
Always got style
I have a unique and appealing fashion sense
Last time I've been it's awhile
It's been a long time since the last time I did something
Had to go though that pain to grow
I had to experience pain and hardship to develop and mature
Man all that pain is the is the reason I flow
My experiences of pain and struggle inspire my music and creativity
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Durk D Banks, Gamal Lewis, Jermaine Cole, Lukasz Gottwald, Rocco Valdes, Ryan Ogren, Theron Makiel Thomas
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Zarroxius
[Intro: J. Cole]
Oh, you came there, God
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, Lord
No matter how, no matter how long it take, yeah
No matter how long it take, nigga
Oh, God, yeah
You better be
[Verse 1: J. Cole]
Spiralin' up, just like a rich nigga staircase (Spiral up)
No fly zone, please stay the fuck out my airspace (Out my face)
Niggas say things behind backs that they wouldn't dare say (Dare say)
Know it's on sight when I see you, I'm workin' at Squarespace
Yeah, top of the mornin', I know that you thought I was dormant
Woke up early from shots that were swarmin'
A block full of opps, now the cops in an orbit
Guess somebody got popped, now thеy knockin' on doors
Tryna find an informant but I ain't see Nathan
I'm mindin' my business as God is my witness
No weapon gon' prospеr that’s formin' against me
Nigga, I'm starvin', immensely
Know when I'm done with these songs, you gon' miss me
Ja Morant, I'm on my Grizzly
You niggas just cubs but no, not the ones in the big leagues
After The Fall Off, I promise I'm comin' to sellin' out Wrigley's
Nigga, I'm just a product of poverty, full of narcotics to profit off quickly
My family tree got a history of users that struggle with demons
Not really the hustler instincts
Therefore, often, my pockets was empty
So while some of my partners was servin' up rocks on the corners, the project assemblies
Me, I was startin' to envy, wanna be on the top where it's plenty
Wanna be in the spot like where every bitch want me like Rihanna droppin' new Fenty
What I see in the sky, the 'Ville is the ceilin', can't reach up too high, evidently
Nah, shit, I can't reach up too high, evidently
Never seen no one drivin' a Bentley
I can't be out here moppin' up Wendy's
[Chorus: Morray, J. Cole, Morray & J. Cole]
My life is all I have
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
And I done made it out the struggle, don't judge me
What you sayin' now won't budge me
'Cause where I come from (Come from), so often (So often)
People you grow up with layin' in a coffin
But I done made it through the pain and strife
It's my time now, my world, my life, my life
[Verse 2: 21 Savage]
Say what? The stuff that I've seen got me traumatized
I let the K go when Johnny died
Swangin' that muhfucka' side to side
We don't participate, ain't with that squashin' shit, all we believe in is homicide
I got a good heart, so I send teddy bears every time we make they mommas cry
I pray that my past ain't ahead of me (21)
When I'm in love, I love heavily (On God)
If you betray me, you dead to me (21)
I disrespect you respectfully (Straight up)
I got some partners who left this Earth
Maybe the pain made a better me (On God)
Just know that they secrets is kept with me (On God)
I feel like the streets is in debt with me (Straight up)
I gave my heart away to all the dawg hoes 'cause that's who accepted me (21)
I blame my pops for that shit 'cause if he didn't fail, he could've corrected me (21)
Give all the props to my momma 'cause no matter what, she always protected me (On God)
I promise you, it ain't no checkin' me (On God)
Jump in the water, get wet with me (Straight up, 21, 21)
You want my money or wanna have sex with me?
Can't let the opps or the law get the best of me
I get to answerin', you get to testin' me
I see chicken, you niggas is breast to me
Planted a seed but it ain't a sesame
Can't let you niggas or bitches grow next to me
[Chorus: Morray, J. Cole, Morray & J. Cole]
My life is all I have
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
And I done made it out the struggle, don't judge me
What you sayin' now won't budge me
'Cause where I come from (Come from), so often (So often)
People you grow up with layin' in a coffin
But I done made it through the pain and strife
It's my time now, my world, my life, my life
@luisjuiz1089
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
(Oh, Lord)
(No matter how, no matter how long it take, yeah)
No matter how long it take, nigga
(Oh, Lord, oh, yeah)
(You better be)
Spiralin' up, just like a rich nigga staircase (staircase)
No fly zone, please stay the fuck out my airspace (out my face)
Niggas say things behind backs that they wouldn't dare say (dare say)
Know it's on sight when I see you, I'm workin' at Squarespace
Yeah, top of the mornin', I know that you thought I was dormant
Woke up early from shots that were swarmin'
A block full of opps, now the cops in an orbit
Guess somebody got popped, now they knockin' on doors
Tryna find an informant but I ain't see Nathan
I'm mindin' my business as God is my witness
No weapon gon' prosper that's formin' against me
Nigga, I'm starvin', immensely
Know when I'm done with these songs, you gon' miss me
Ja Morant, I'm on my Grizzly
You niggas just cubs but no, not the ones in the big leagues
After The Fall Off, I promise I'm comin' and sellin' out Wrigley's
Nigga, I'm just a product of poverty, full of narcotics to profit off quickly
My family tree got a history of users that struggle with demons
Not really the hustler instincts
Therefore, often, my pockets was empty
So while some of my partners was servin' up rocks on the corners, the project assemblies
Me, I was startin' to envy, wanna be on the top where it's plenty
Wanna be in the spot like where every bitch want me like Rihanna droppin' new Fenty
What I see in the sky, the 'Ville is the ceilin', can't reach up too high, evidently
Nah, shit, I can't reach up too high, evidently
Never seen no one drivin' a Bentley
I can't be out here moppin' up Wendy's
My life is all I have
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
And I done made it out the struggle, don't judge me
What you're sayin' now won't budge me
'Cause where I come from (come from), so often (so often)
People you grow up with layin' in a coffin
But I done made it through the pain and strife
It's my time now, my world, my life, my life
Say what? The stuff that I've seen got me traumatized
I let the K go when Johnny died
Swangin' that muhfucka' side to side
We don't participate, ain't with that squashin' shit, all we believe in is homicides
I got a good heart, so I send teddy bears every time we make they mamas cry
I pray that my past ain't ahead of me (21)
When I'm in love, I love heavily (on God)
If you betray me, you dead to me (21)
I disrespect you respectfully (straight up)
I got some partners who left this Earth
Maybe the pain made a better me (on God)
Just know that they secrets is kept with them (on God)
I feel like the streets is in debt with me (straight up)
I gave my heart away to all the dawg hoes 'cause that's who accepted me (21)
I blame my pops for that shit 'cause if he didn't fail, he could've corrected me (21)
Give all the props to my mama 'cause no matter what, she always protected me (on God)
I promise you, it ain't no checkin' me (on God)
Jump in the water, get wet with me (straight up, 21, 21)
You want my money or wanna have sex with me?
Can't let the opps or the law get the best of me
I get to answerin', you get to textin' me
I see chicken, you niggas is breast to me
Planted a seed but it ain't a sesame
Can't let you niggas or bitches grow next to me
My life is all I have
My rhymes, my pen, my pad
And I done made it out the struggle, don't judge me
What you're sayin' now won't budge me
'Cause where I come from (come from), so often (so often)
People you grow up with layin' in a coffin
But I done made it through the pain and strife
It's my time now, my world, my life, my life
@morrayda1
m y . l i f e 🙏🏾
@teardaground
GOATEDDDDDDD
@nicolaslopez5131
You did yo thing king 👑
@trendsettakev7359
That’s you on here singing the chorus?
@abhinandukanil3415
Killed the hook🔥🔥
@ericford608
🔥
@yorhahoudini4531
"I blame my pop's for that shit cause if he didn't fail he coulda corrected me" 21 really evolved like crazy
@noedominguez6503
It ain't his final form but It's really only when he hop with
J. Cole, otherwise he reverts to his first form... lol
@thqi_gz1739
I thought he said fall not fail
@lasantajones9703
Hell yeah he had str8 jewels in his verse if u listen. I have his verse on repeat