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.
Rise and Shine
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hey dummy, this no accident, all of this was designed
Took my time, crept from behind
And I opened up your blinds, rise and shine
Cole World, same nigga used to drive around with yo girl
In my mama's Civic, now I'm out here tryna get it
I ain't like you lame ass niggas, boy I spit it how I live it
So when you see me in the streets, man I ain't got a mimic
I ain't got a gimmick, I just flow and niggas went nuts for
The boy that set fire to the booth
In a game full of liars it turns out that I'm the truth
Some say that rap's alive, it turns out that I'm the proof
'Cause the ones y'all thought would save the day can't even tie my boots
The ones y'all thought could hang with me can't even tie my noose
Let these words be my bullets nigga, I don't rhyme I shoot
Bang
Before I wake
I pray to the Lord, my soul to take
My soul to take, my soul to take, my soul to take
Lord I been dreamin' bout the paper, get rich 'fore I see my life caper
Hope my mama get to see Jamaica before she meet her maker
Our hoop was never good enough to ever be a Laker
But these words I record got me ballin', Jordan
More than a rapper this a natural disaster
Boy, I'm meaner than Katrina mixed with Gina
"Shut up, Cole!", this is for my niggas back home
Homes, waddup Bo?
This is for them bitches that played me, waddup ho?
No I ain't mad, it's sad, you went from bad to real bad
Two kids that don't even know they real dad
Real sad, baby girl I wish you still had it
Then maybe you could get a taste of livin' Villematic
It's Cole still at it, y'all be talkin' 'bout the same shit
Than how I feel about it, mama was a real addict
That's why I don't respect that lyin' ass white shit you talkin'
Cole plannin' funerals, you might fit the coffin
Before I wake
I pray to the Lord, my soul to take
My soul to take, my soul to take, my soul to take
Get on your job lil man, this ain't Saturday
We in two different lanes, you can't navigate
We in two different games, you playin' patty cake
Brother you're lame, you're Shane Battier
You out of shape, my mind run a mile a minute
The sky's the limit, I'm so high, I'm divin' in it
My rides is tinted, my knob's gettin' slobbed up in it
She hollerin' God, man you would've thought that God was in it
But it's just a nigga God invented
The best out, foolish pride'll make you not admit it
Well if this shit ain't fire nigga, why you noddin' with it?
The hate in your blood can't stop your soul from vibin' with it
Now you all conflicted 'cause my flows is wicked
And my hoes is thicker and all of yours is pickin' me
'Cause they know a star when they see a star, nigga
Ain't even got to fuck him to know he a raw nigga
I got her in my bedroom, but cheer up, nigga
You saved so many hoes, you a hero nigga
Medal of honor, I'm feelin' on top like Pac
When he slept with Madonna
Hey, this is death before dishonor
Get arrested and forget to tell my mama
She got enough to stress about
My nigga gonna get me out
Then we hit the club with the thugs and the liquors
No criminal record but I'm makin' criminal records
Isn't it ironic? Isn't it iconic?
Jacket so expensive you wouldn't even try on it
But it fit me perfect, I purchase it if I want it
The city on my shoulder, so no girl, you can't cry on it
When you make a list of the greatest aye, am I on it?
Maybe not yet but bitch I got the clock set
It goes tick-tock, game on lock
Sun gon' shine but the rain won't stop
Oh no
If I should die before I wake
I pray to the Lord, my soul to take
My soul to take, my soul to take
The song "Rise and Shine" by J. Cole is a self-aggrandizing track where the rapper boasts of his talent and success. He proclaims that nothing came as an accident; all his triumphs were intentional and strategically planned. Cole refers to himself as the truth surpassing all those lying in the game. He calls out his competitors, stating that they're not even comparable because they can't even tie his shoelaces. He admits to having struggled in the past, for being a dreamer who wished to become rich before facing any issues.
Cole also uses the song as a platform to express his views on real-life issues. He highlights the plight of neglected children, particularly those who don't even know who their fathers are. He also speaks about wanting to make it big before his mother passes away and hoping she gets to see Jamaica before doing so. Towards the end, he takes an indirect swipe at his haters, telling them that his success is a true reflection of his talent, and he doesn't need any gimmicks or fake images to elevate himself.
Overall, "Rise and Shine" is a song that encapsulates J. Cole's complex personality and profound thoughts about life, relationships, and success.
Line by Line Meaning
Like we always do at this time, Cole blowin' your mind
J. Cole is back and ready to blow your mind with his new song.
Hey dummy, this no accident, all of this was designed
This song was intentionally designed to grab your attention and make you think about J. Cole's lyrics.
Took my time, crept from behind
J. Cole took his time in creating this song and is now ready to reveal it to the world.
And I opened up your blinds, rise and shine
J. Cole is encouraging listeners to wake up and pay attention to what's going on in the world.
Cole World, same nigga used to drive around with yo girl
J. Cole came from humble beginnings and used to drive around with girls in his mom's car.
In my mama's Civic, now I'm out here tryna get it
J. Cole is now focused on his career and success and is determined to make it big.
I ain't like you lame ass niggas, boy I spit it how I live it
So when you see me in the streets, man I ain't got a mimic
J. Cole is authentic and always stays true to himself, unlike other rappers who are just trying to copy others.
'Cause I ain't got an image to uphold, this real shit
I ain't got a gimmick, I just flow and niggas went nuts for
J. Cole doesn't have to rely on gimmicks or a fake persona to make it in the music industry, he is successful because of his authentic talent.
The boy that set fire to the booth
In a game full of liars it turns out that I'm the truth
J. Cole is the real deal and is an honest rapper in an industry filled with fakes and liars.
'Cause the ones y'all thought would save the day can't even tie my boots
The ones y'all thought could hang with me can't even tie my noose
J. Cole is confident in his abilities and knows that he is better than his competition, even those who were previously thought to be better than him.
Let these words be my bullets nigga, I don't rhyme I shoot
Bang
J. Cole's lyrics are powerful and meaningful, and he is not afraid to use them as a weapon to speak out against injustice.
Before I wake
I pray to the Lord, my soul to take
My soul to take, my soul to take, my soul to take
J. Cole acknowledges his mortality and prays to God to take his soul if he should die before he wakes.
Lord I been dreamin' bout the paper, get rich 'fore I see my life caper
Hope my mama get to see Jamaica before she meet her maker
J. Cole wants to become wealthy before he dies, and hopes that his mother can fulfill her dream of visiting Jamaica before she passes away.
Our hoop was never good enough to ever be a Laker
But these words I record got me ballin', Jordan
Although J. Cole was not good enough to play for the L.A. Lakers, his music career has made him successful, like Michael Jordan in basketball.
More than a rapper this a natural disaster
Boy, I'm meaner than Katrina mixed with Gina
Shut up, Cole!, this is for my niggas back home
J. Cole is more than just a rapper, he is a force to be reckoned with, more powerful than a natural disaster. He is speaking out for his friends and family back home, despite critics telling him to be quiet.
Homes, waddup Bo?
This is for them bitches that played me, waddup ho?
No I ain't mad, it's sad, you went from bad to real bad
Two kids that don't even know they real dad
J. Cole is calling out the women who have wronged him in the past, but is also acknowledging the sadness of their situation and the impact it has on their children.
Real sad, baby girl I wish you still had it
Then maybe you could get a taste of livin' Villematic
It's Cole still at it, y'all be talkin' 'bout the same shit
Than how I feel about it, mama was a real addict
J. Cole wishes that the women who have wronged him could see the success he has achieved, and is determined to rise above the rest of the industry that is focused on the same topics. He knows the struggles of addiction because of his own mother's addiction problems.
That's why I don't respect that lyin' ass white shit you talkin'
Cole plannin' funerals, you might fit the coffin
J. Cole has no patience for fake rappers who talk about things they haven't experienced. He is not afraid of death and is not afraid to speak out against those who are not genuine.
Get on your job lil man, this ain't Saturday
We in two different lanes, you can't navigate
We in two different games, you playin' patty cake
Brother you're lame, you're Shane Battier
J. Cole is calling out other rappers who are not as serious about their craft as he is. He is in a different league, and those who can't keep up are like basketball player Shane Battier who is considered not as talented as others.
You out of shape, my mind run a mile a minute
The sky's the limit, I'm so high, I'm divin' in it
My rides is tinted, my knob's gettin' slobbed up in it
She hollerin' God, man you would've thought that God was in it
J. Cole's mind is constantly racing with ideas and possibilities. He is reaching for the sky and living life to the fullest. He describes his car as being luxurious and the girl he is with as being completely enamored with him.
But it's just a nigga God invented
The best out, foolish pride'll make you not admit it
J. Cole knows that he is talented, but also acknowledges that he is just a human being like everyone else. He wants to be recognized as the best, but knows that pride can get in the way of that recognition.
Well if this shit ain't fire nigga, why you noddin' with it?
The hate in your blood can't stop your soul from vibin' with it
Now you all conflicted 'cause my flows is wicked
And my hoes is thicker and all of yours is pickin' me
J. Cole knows that his music is good, and anyone who tries to deny it is lying to themselves. Even those who hate him can't help but be drawn in by his flow and beats. He knows that his female fans prefer him over his competition, causing conflicts between rivals.
'Cause they know a star when they see a star, nigga
Ain't even got to fuck him to know he a raw nigga
I got her in my bedroom, but cheer up, nigga
You saved so many hoes, you a hero nigga
J. Cole's female fans know talent when they see it, and don't need to sleep with him to know that he is a star. He acknowledges his promiscuity but gives himself a pat on the back for also being a savior to girls with no other way out.
Medal of honor, I'm feelin' on top like Pac
When he slept with Madonna
Hey, this is death before dishonor
J. Cole is at the top of his game and feels untouchable, like Tupac when he was with Madonna. He would rather die than be humiliated or dishonored.
Get arrested and forget to tell my mama
She got enough to stress about
My nigga gonna get me out
J. Cole is willing to take risks but is also aware that he has loved ones who would be affected by his actions. He trusts his friends to help him out of any legal trouble he may get into.
Then we hit the club with the thugs and the liquors
No criminal record but I'm makin' criminal records
J. Cole lives a wild and dangerous lifestyle, but manages to stay out of trouble with the law. However, his music is controversial and can be seen as 'criminal' in nature.
Isn't it ironic? Isn't it iconic?
Jacket so expensive you wouldn't even try on it
But it fit me perfect, I purchase it if I want it
J. Cole sees the irony in the materialistic and superficial nature of the music industry. He is not afraid to splurge on himself and buy expensive items, but knows that this is not what truly makes him happy.
The city on my shoulder, so no girl, you can't cry on it
When you make a list of the greatest aye, am I on it?
Maybe not yet but bitch I got the clock set
It goes tick-tock, game on lock
J. Cole carries the weight of his hometown on his shoulders, and does not need anyone else to support him. He is aware of his talent and potential to be one of the greatest rappers of all time, if he continues to work hard and focus. He is in control of his career.
Sun gon' shine but the rain won't stop
Oh no
If I should die before I wake
My soul to take, my soul to take
J. Cole is aware that life has its ups and downs, but he is determined to make the most of it. He is unafraid of death, but still prays for God to take his soul if he should die before he wakes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JERMAINE A. COLE, JERMAINE L. COLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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