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.
The Climb Back
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Which is more important?
Getting or letting go?
You can do anything, anything you can do (You can do anything)
You can do anything, anything you can do (You can do anything)
Everything come back around full circle
Why do lies sound pleasant but the truth hurtful?
But how long will it take 'fore you smile?
This is that come back to life shit
My niggas pick me up and we gon′ light the city up
As if the sun had the night shift
And paint the town red
For my nigga found dead too soon (Bitch, I'm back out-)
Yeah
To the left of that decimal, I need seven figures to play the joint
Turn up your decibels, peep how I decimate a joint
Check out my projects like them workers that Section 8 appoints
And you'll see how I flipped, like exclamation points
My niggas shoot first as if they never played the point, more two guards
Enough straps to fill four U-Hauls
More death than World War II caused
Around these parts, we pour the brown just to drown these thoughts
Of black corpses in county morgues, Lord, those images hauntin′
I ain′t been asleep yet, it's ten in the mornin′
I'm sendin′ a warnin', a problem with me is like the BET Hip-Hop Awards
I′m startin' to see you niggas don't want it
I′m sick of this flauntin′, from niggas I know for sho' ain′t got mo' dough than Cole
Trash rappers, ass backwards, tryna go toe to toe
We laugh at ya, staff strapped up on top the totem pole, to blast at ya
Bass masters, look how they tote a pole
Gotta know the ropes and the protocol
Or they gon′ for sho blow your clothes half off like a promo code
Made a lil' tune called "Foldin Clothes", and a nigga still ain′t known to fold under pressure
Well, you know what Cole do, make a diamond, they just rhymin'
Me, I'm quotin′ gold
One phone call get you canceled like a homophobe
In this PC culture, address me as the G.O.A.T.
Like they call Chief Keef Sosa, in my sectional like a fuckin′ three piece sofa
I'm known as the chosen one
Another dead body lay frozen, that′s how it go sometimes
When niggas weighin' coke and not the pros and cons
Well, I ain′t with that sleepin' underground like a gopher, so I go for mines
Everything come back around full circle
Why do lies sound pleasant but the truth hurtful (Yeah)
Everybody gotta cry once in a while
But how long will it take ′fore you smile?
This is that come back to life shit
My niggas pick me up and we gon' light the city up
As if the sun had the night shift
And paint the town red for my nigga found dead too soon
Now I know why they call it blue moon (Yeah)
Survival at all costs, everyday niggas get logged off
Bodies get hauled off
Passin' a funeral procession while holdin′ my breath in the car, I thought
At times, it be feelin′ the devil be winnin' but do that mean God lost?
Just got off the phone with my nigga, he back in the kennel, my dog lost
I brought him ′round close to me before but he
Became addicted to clout and all the hoes we'd meet
I slowly peeped jealousy on his breath, whenever he spoke to me
Like on the low, he feelin′ like in my shoes is where he supposed to be
I tried to ignore the signs, but there in the back of my mind, it felt
Like lettin' a nigga come sleep on your couch and he eatin′ up all yo' groceries
My nigga repeated this quote to me, I felt its potency
Said, "Most of these niggas gon' hang themselves, just give ′em the rope and see"
Shit, I heeded that, and what got showed to me
Was screamin′ that, some niggas you gotta leave 'em back
Unfortunately we seen the trap
Niggas be on that demon clock resultantly
They fiend to clap as often as the Genius app misquotin′ me, uh
Meanwhile, I see that yo' diamonds is glistenin′
I'm glad that you shinin′ but need I remind you my niggas is dimin' and nickelin'?
Scrapin′ up whatever coin they can find, the pettiest crime they committin′ it
Just to get by for a limited time, the steepest of mountains they tryna climb
I'm here tryna find the derivative
You niggas don′t feel me, you see the clout
You don't see the real me
If I was sick, you niggas wouldn′t heal me
That's why I′m healin' myself, gettin' in tune with my God
Slowly revealin′ myself, buildin′ my wealth
A nigga touch mine, I'ma kill ′em myself, trust me
Everything come back around full circle
Why do lies sound pleasant but the truth hurtful?
Everybody gotta cry once in a while
But how long will it take 'fore you smile?
This is that come back to life shit
My niggas pick me up and we gon′ light the city up
As if the sun had the night shift
And paint the town red for my nigga found dead too soon
Now I know why they call it blue moon (Yeah)
Bitch, I'm back outside, nigga
I′m back outside
I'm back outside
Bitch, I'm back outside
Everybody mentions suicide prevention
Man, they even made a hotline
To call up when there′s tension
But I got a question
What about a fuckin′ homicide?
Need a number for my niggas to call
Whenever there's a urge to get triggers involved
Need a number for my niggas to call
Whenever there′s a urge to get triggers involved
In "The Climb Back," J. Cole reflects on various themes such as personal growth, fame, truth versus lies, resilience, and the struggles faced by his community. The lyrics explore the importance of introspection, staying true to oneself, and the obstacles one must overcome to achieve personal success.
The opening lines, "Are you doin' this work to facilitate growth or to become famous? Which is more important? Getting or letting go?" pose a thought-provoking question. Cole challenges listeners to examine their motivations and whether their pursuit of fame aligns with their personal growth and fulfillment.
The lines, "Everything come back around full circle. Why do lies sound pleasant but the truth hurtful?" reflect on the cyclical nature of life and the paradox of lies being appealing while the truth can be painful. It serves as a commentary on the complexities of human nature and the difficulty in accepting uncomfortable truths.
The following lines touch on vulnerability and resilience, indicating that everyone experiences hardships and sadness, but the question remains: how long will it take before one can find happiness and genuine smiles again? Cole uses vivid imagery of coming back to life and lighting up the city with his friends, perhaps symbolizing a rejuvenation of spirit after facing adversity.
The second verse delves into social commentary and personal experiences. Cole highlights the stark contrast between the commercialized rap industry, where artists flaunt their wealth and engage in petty beef, and his own humble and grounded approach to music. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, staying true to oneself, and not succumbing to trends or pressures.
The verse continues to address societal issues such as violence and the objectification of women. Cole criticizes the glorification of drugs and violence in rap lyrics and acknowledges the consequences they have for his community. He shares his commitment to navigate these challenges and strive for success without compromising his values.
The final verse takes on a more introspective tone. Cole examines his own struggles with fame and the pressures it brings. He confronts feelings of loneliness and the realization that not everyone in his circle has his best interests at heart. He reflects on the importance of self-healing and growth, acknowledging that no one else can truly understand or support him like he can himself.
The closing lines bring attention to societal shortcomings and the lack of resources for addressing the root causes of violence. Cole questions why there are suicide prevention hotlines but not enough support for those who may be inclined towards violence. It is a call for more comprehensive methods to address the issues faced by his community and a plea for understanding and empathy.
Overall, "The Climb Back" demonstrates J. Cole's introspective and insightful lyrical approach, as he navigates the complexities of fame, personal growth, societal challenges, and the resilience needed to overcome them.
Writer(s): Jermaine L Cole, Gary Bailey, Maximilian Axelrod, Montie Bailey
Contributed by Owen M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@duartelapa9027
[Intro]
Are you doin' this work to facilitate growth or to become famous?
Which is more important?
Getting or letting go?
You can do anything, anything you can do (You can do anything)
You can do anything, anything you can do (You can do anything)
[Chorus]
Everything come back around full circle
Why do lies sound pleasant, but the truth hurtful?
Everybody gotta cry once in a while
But how long will it take 'fore you smile?
This is that come-back-to-life shit
My niggas pick me up and we gon' light the city up as if the sun had the night shift
And paint the town red for my nigga found dead too soon (Bitch, I'm back out...)
[Verse 1]
Yeah
To the left of that decimal, I need seven figures to play the joint
Turn up your decibels, peep how I decimate a joint
Check out my projects like them workers that Section 8 appoints
And you'll see how I flipped like exclamation points
My niggas shoot first as if they never played the point, more two guards
Enough straps to fill four U-Hauls
More death than World War II caused
Around these parts we pour the brown just to drown these thoughts
Of black corpses in county morgues, Lord, those images hauntin'
I ain't been asleep yet, it's ten in the mornin'
I'm sendin' a warnin', a problem with me is like the BET Hip-Hop Awards
I'm startin' to see you niggas don't want it
I'm sick of this flauntin', from niggas I know for sure ain't got mo' dough than Cole
Trash rappers, ass backwards, tryna go toe-to-toe
We laugh at ya, staff strapped up on top the totem pole to blast at ya
Bassmasters, look how they tote a pole
Gotta know the ropes and the protocol
Or they gon' for sure blow your clothes half off like a promo code
Made a lil' tune called "Foldin Clothes," and a nigga still ain't known to fold under pressure
Well, you know what Cole do
Make a diamond, they just rhymin', me, I'm quotin' gold
One phone call get you canceled like a homophobe in this PC culture
Address me as the G.O.A.T. like they call Chief Keef Sosa
In my sectional like a fuckin' three-piece sofa
I'm known as the chosen one
Another dead body lay frozen, that's how it go sometimes
When niggas weighin' coke and not the pros and cons
Well, I ain't with that sleepin' underground like a gopher, so I go for mines
[Chorus]
Everything come back around full circle (Nigga, gotta go for mines)
Why do lies sound pleasant, but the truth hurtful? (Yeah)
Everybody gotta cry once in a while
But how long will it take 'fore you smile?
This is that come-back-to-life shit
My niggas pick me up and we gon' light the city up as if the sun had the night shift
And paint the town red for my nigga found dead too soon
Now I know why they call it blue moon (Yeah)
[Verse 2]
Survival at all costs, every day, niggas get logged off
Bodies get hauled off
Passin' a funeral procession while holdin' my breath in the car, I thought
At times, it be feelin' the devil be winnin' but do that mean God lost?
Just got off the phone with my nigga, he back in the kennel, my dog lost
I brought him 'round close to me before but he
Became addicted to clout and all the hoes we'd meet
I slowly peeped jealousy on his breath whenever he spoke to me
Like on the low, he feelin' that in my shoes is where he supposed to be
I tried to ignore the signs, but they're in the back of my mind
It felt like lettin' a nigga come sleep on your couch and he eatin' up all yo' groceries
My nigga repeated this quote to me, I felt its potency
Said, "Most of these niggas gon' hang themselves, just give 'em the rope and see"
Shit, I heeded that, and what got showed to me
Was screamin' that, some niggas, you gotta leave 'em back
Unfortunately we seen the trap
Niggas be on that demon clock resultantly
They fiend to clap as often as the Genius app misquotin' me, uh
Meanwhile, I see that yo' diamonds is glistenin'
I'm glad that you shinin', but need I remind you my niggas is dimin' and nickelin'?
Scrapin' up whatever coin they can find, the pettiest crime, they committin' it
Just to get by for a limited time, the steepest of mountains, they tryin' to climb
I'm here tryna find the derivative, you niggas don't feel me
You see the clout, you don't see the real me
If I was sick, you niggas wouldn't heal me
Therefore I'm healin' myself, gettin' in tune with my God
Slowly revealin' myself, buildin' my wealth
A nigga touch mine, I'ma kill 'em myself, trust me
[Chorus]
Everything come back around full circle
Why do lies sound pleasant, but the truth hurtful?
Everybody gotta cry once in a while
But how long will it take 'fore you smile?
This is that come-back-to-life shit
My niggas pick me up and we gon' light the city up as if the sun had the night shift
And paint the town red for my nigga found dead too soon
Now I know why they call it blue moon (Yeah)
[Outro]
Bitch, I'm back outside, nigga
I'm back outside
I'm back outside
I'm back outside
Everybody mentions suicide prevention
Man, they even made a hotline
To call up when there's tension, but I got a question
What about a fuckin' homicide?
Need a number for my niggas to call
Whenever there's a urge to get triggers involved
Need a number for my niggas to call
Whenever there's a urge to get triggers involved
@NoLifeShaq
REAL COLE FANS HERE EARLY!
@nickbettendorf4447
YESSIR
@fijikun
I see the reaction to this one
@dark_wraith4784
NO LIFEE GANG
@ragnarlothbrok4117
Finish dat man finish dat AYYY
@dark_wraith4784
Hope u recording ya reaction rn I expect a vid tonight big bro
@tobi807
Fully written and produced by Cole. This man is built different
@pikasa438
Oh yes he is 💪
@mikeellis7359
Written yes, produced No,, He had many producers on this... still a classic though.
@_.mayanicole
@emes yup