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.
Revenge Of The Dreamers
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got my shades over this
The whole skyline of the city's right in front of my face, yeah
I'm in the zone this year, it's all fire nigga check my attire
Your worst fear is confirmed, your reign at the top expires this year
No application, I'm hired this year
This a dedication to that bitch who slashed my nigga tires, oh yeah
Came up on a good nigga, he ain't have a clue about you
Tried to tell that nigga, don't trust that bitch as far as you can smell her, nigga
But you live and you learn
On these road to riches niggas bound to miss a few turns
Don't let the bridges that you cross turn into bridges you burn
You're bound to miss a few turns
Don't let the bridges that you, fuck it you don't hear me
Look, ayo, I walk along this long harbor of life and sit on the piers
Reflect on my pain and shit on my fears
Should I feel an ounce of guilt that I outdid all my peers?
Or write my name in the sky and show them niggas I'm here?
This one is for the history books, picture me shook or failin'
This is revenge of the dreamer
Misery took a million of my niggas' hopes from 'em, don't even know some 'em
No more, the coke numbed 'em, no suicide notes from 'em
They killin' theyselves, slowly killin' they cells
Five iPhones dropped, my nigga still in the cell
He said he found God, shit, I doubt it, to each his own
Whatever keeps you strong to get up out it, we need you home
Cause see a war's goin' on outside, I 'bout cried
When that boy that the cops shot died, my mouth wide open from shock
Sick and tired of hopin' it'll stop
This pen the only hope that I got, I open up shop, and break out
Got what you want, I got what you need
My heart on my sleeve, watch me bleed, I break out!
Dreamville is the team, my team iller than fiends
And ye' ain't real as you seem, and we can tell, nigga
Fuck what you think, cause if your shit don't stink
Nigga my shit won't sink, cause it can't, I break out!
I gotta break the fuck up outta here
Dreamville is the team, my team iller than fiends
And ye' ain't real as you seem, and we can tell, nigga
War stories, got tour stories
Pop four whores on the top floor stories
Niggas know, every verse is worth a brick of blow
Just a seven figure nigga got the game in figure four
I know at times I'm hypocritical, you niggas dig it though
I fuck until my dick be sore, leave bitches walkin' pigeon toe and break out!
On to the next bitch, homie
Your new chick, that's my ex-bitch, homie, in fact I'm still logged in her Netflix, homie
Just make sure she cook you breakfast, homie
Her bacon slimmin' but her eggs get runny, funny
So many bombs, you'd think Flex get money, from me
Cole world but my neck get sunny
Now I don't fuck around with hoes from reality shows
Or blow up dolls, cause I don't like havin' sex with dummies, love me
No disrespect meant, honey, this just a compilation of my observations
While trapped in this God-forsaken nation
Shit, but since we makin' conversation
I've been thinkin' me and you would make a bangin' combination
I know that you mad, I know what I said
But my dick be arguin' with my head, are you with the bed?
Well if so let's break out!
Got what you want, I got what you need
My heart on my sleeve, watch me bleed, I break out!
Dreamville is the team, my team iller than fiends
And ye' ain't real as you seem, and we can tell, nigga
Fuck what you think, cause if your shit don't stink
Nigga my shit won't sink, cause it can't, I break out!
I gotta break the fuck up outta here
Dreamville is the team, my team iller than fiends
And ye' ain't real as you seem, and we can tell, nigga
In J. Cole’s song “Revenge of the Dreamers,” he opens with a line about his nose running and shades covering his face. This can be interpreted as him trying to shield himself from the pain he feels. He speaks about being in the zone, and how his reign at the top will be confirmed this year. He mentions how he found out about a girl who eventually cheated on his friend, but his friend refused to listen to him. He acknowledges how people are bound to miss a few turns in life, but it’s important not to let the bridges you cross turn into bridges you burn. He then talks about how he reflects on his life and has feelings of guilt for outdoing his peers.
Cole seems to be reflecting on his journey to success both professionally and personally. He references the war happening outside, and how he’s sick and tired of hoping it’ll stop. He recognizes that people are killing themselves and need help from their loved ones to get out of that cycle. The repeating chorus about breaking out suggests that he’s trying to break free from something that’s holding him back or causing him pain. In the outro, he references his observations about women and acknowledges his hypocrisy at times. He wonders if the girl he’s with is angry with him but says that his body is arguing with his mind, and he’s following his body to break out.
Line by Line Meaning
Na, na, na, na, my nose runnin'
I'm congested and it's distracting me.
Got my shades over this
Trying to conceal my eyes and emotions.
The whole skyline of the city's right in front of my face, yeah
I'm in the moment, taking in the city's vistas.
I'm in the zone this year, it's all fire nigga check my attire
I am hyper-focused and ready to prove myself this year - just look at my outfit.
Your worst fear is confirmed, your reign at the top expires this year
You should be scared because I'm taking over this year.
No application, I'm hired this year
I didn't need to apply or interview, I'm simply a winner this year.
This a dedication to that bitch who slashed my nigga tires, oh yeah
This song is dedicated to the person who harmed my friend's property.
Came up on a good nigga, he ain't have a clue about you
You fooled a good man but I always knew your true nature.
But you live and you learn
Mistakes can be the best teachers.
On these road to riches niggas bound to miss a few turns
It's inevitable that there will be setbacks on the path to success.
Don't let the bridges that you cross turn into bridges you burn
Remember the people you meet on your journey and don't burn those bridges.
You're bound to miss a few turns
Don't be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes - it happens to everyone.
Look, ayo, I walk along this long harbor of life and sit on the piers
I contemplate the ups and downs of life and take it all in.
Reflect on my pain and shit on my fears
I confront my fears and the pain they cause me.
This one is for the history books, picture me shook or failin'
This song will be remembered in history, and I won't let it be a failure.
This is revenge of the dreamer
This is a triumph for those who dared to dream.
Misery took a million of my niggas' hopes from 'em, don't even know some 'em
Many have lost their hope and I don't even know all of them.
They killin' theyselves, slowly killin' they cells
Some are destroying themselves and their bodies.
Five iPhones dropped, my nigga still in the cell
My friend is still incarcerated despite having five phones.
He said he found God, shit, I doubt it, to each his own
My friend claims he found religion, but I have my doubts, but I respect his beliefs.
Whatever keeps you strong to get up out it, we need you home
We want you to come home and will support you in whatever way possible.
Cause see a war's goin' on outside, I 'bout cried
The violence and chaos in the world is heartbreaking.
When that boy that the cops shot died, my mouth wide open from shock
The senseless brutality of police shootings is shocking and disturbing.
Sick and tired of hopin' it'll stop
I'm exhausted from hoping for change and seeing no results.
This pen the only hope that I got, I open up shop, and break out
Writing is my only way to make a difference, so I'll keep at it until I succeed.
Dreamville is the team, my team iller than fiends
My Dreamville team is incredibly talented and driven.
And ye' ain't real as you seem, and we can tell, nigga
Others may claim to be great but we know the truth.
Fuck what you think, cause if your shit don't stink
I don't care what you think if you're not being honest with yourself.
Nigga my shit won't sink, cause it can't, I break out!
I'm confident in my abilities and won't be held back.
War stories, got tour stories
I have stories of both the horrors of war and the experiences of a touring musician.
Pop four whores on the top floor stories
I have wild stories about sleeping with multiple women on the top floor.
Every verse is worth a brick of blow
Each line I write is valuable, even worth the price of a brick of cocaine.
Just a seven figure nigga got the game in figure four
I have millions and have the game of life locked down.
Now I don't fuck around with hoes from reality shows
I've learned not to get involved with women from reality TV.
Or blow up dolls, cause I don't like havin' sex with dummies, love me
I'm not interested in sex with objects, I want a real connection with a person.
No disrespect meant, honey, this just a compilation of my observations
I'm not trying to be disrespectful, just sharing my perspective.
While trapped in this God-forsaken nation
Despite being stuck in this tough world, I will speak my truth.
Shit, but since we makin' conversation
Since we're talking, let's talk frankly.
I've been thinkin' me and you would make a bangin' combination
I think we could create something incredible together.
I know that you mad, I know what I said
I understand that my words have upset you.
But my dick be arguin' with my head, are you with the bed?
My sexual urges sometimes cloud my judgment, but are you interested in sleeping with me?
Well if so let's break out!
If you're interested, let's leave and have some fun.
Got what you want, I got what you need
I have what you're looking for.
My heart on my sleeve, watch me bleed, I break out!
I'm being vulnerable and putting myself out there, ready to succeed.
Dreamville is the team, my team iller than fiends
My Dreamville team is incredibly talented and driven.
And ye' ain't real as you seem, and we can tell, nigga
Others may claim to be great, but we know the truth.
Fuck what you think, cause if your shit don't stink
I don't care what you think if you're not being honest with yourself.
Nigga my shit won't sink, cause it can't, I break out!
I'm confident in my abilities and won't be held back.
I gotta break the fuck up outta here
I need to move on and find my own success.
Dreamville is the team, my team iller than fiends
My Dreamville team is incredibly talented and driven.
And ye' ain't real as you seem, and we can tell, nigga
Others may claim to be great, but we know the truth.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@coppliable
'War stories, got tour stories
Pop four whores on the top floor stories
Niggas know, every verse is worth a brick of blow
Just a seven figure nigga got the game in figure four
I know at times I'm hypocritical, you niggas dig it though
I fuck until my dick be sore,
Leave bitches walkin' pigeon toe and break out!
On to the next bitch, homie
Your new chick, that's my ex-bitch, homie,
In fact I'm still logged in her Netflix, homie
Just make sure she cook you breakfast, homie
Her bacon slimmin' but her eggs get runny, funny'
10/10
@victormsalano5965
Anyone back in 2024🔥🔥
@la_4143
This where all the Cole true fans be at..
@wandileluvuyo1542
💯🔥🔥
@cheerioss-9121
you ain’t even know about this song 10 years ago shut up nigga
@Tyrisanders
🔥🔥🤣
@SirCharlzZz
Cmon bro don’t play dumb you know we here
@kidslovecartoons1408
I remember bumping this with my dad I was rapping along with it. Rest well pops I miss you daily 🙏🏽
@LimerGDrem
🕯🕯🕊
@ruisilva3317
Bless you mate, good song for even better memories
@Savege_1437
This play for him