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 โ 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.
Who Dat
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who dat, who dat?
Who dat, who dat?
Hey, who dat, who dat? That nigga you been waitin' for
I mean the shit was all bad just a week ago
Rappers was bullshitting, fuck it I ain't hating though
'Cause now a nigga hot enough to fuck with one of Satan' hoes
Wishing for air conditioning, feeling God was never listening
Now I'm on television, and did I fail to mention?
Your bitch is tired of missionary, boy you failed the mission
Speaking of positions just witness how I elevate it
Real niggas celebrate it, finger fuck whoever hate it
My life accelerated, but had to wait my turn
Then I redecorated, that mean my tables turned
Life live, might as well, only way to learn
Is try and fail, clientele the only way to earn
So if you're selling crack, or if you're selling rap
Make sure it's mean so them fiends keep on coming back
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
So don't worry about my motherfucking name
I got them saying who dat, who dat? Cole World
Who dat, who dat? I got them sayin'
Who dat, who dat? Cole World
Who dat, who dat?
Hey, the mind state of a winner
When you thinking about summertime I'm thinking about the winter
When you thinking about breakfast I'm heating up my dinner
I was plotting this moment back when y'all was riding spinners
Yeah I'm a menace, God as my witness, with this pen I'm insane, yup
Hungry like the nigga who ain't got the taste of fame yet
Clown told me, "Ain't you Roc? But where the fuck your chain at?"
Guess it's something like your girl, nigga it ain't came yet
The man make the chain, chain don't make the man
How many niggas do we know with hella ice but yet they lame?
The cloth from which we came me and them is not the same
It's like we all headed to Spain they took the boat I took the plane, damn
That boy's sick now hoes on his joystick
Heating up like May weather, dog I'm on that Floyd shit
Boy stick to your day job, said you was hot? Well, they lied
Is that your girl? Well, I just G'd her, no A-Rod
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
So don't worry about my motherfucking name
I got them saying who dat, who dat?
Who dat, who dat? I got them sayin'
Who dat, who dat? Cole World
(Now who else want to fuck with Hollywood Cole?)
The little engine that could, this little nigga is good
Rappers claiming they sick, I heal niggas for good
A couple of y'all ain't took a field trip to the hood
And me? I'm fresh prince, I'm Will Smith to the hood
Baby, ain't saying names but we not the same
All the money and the fame don't change the fact that you lame
Might want to grab you a chain, want to tip up your hat
Might want to purchase some game, homey your shit is so wack
I got my finger on the trigger, tell that nigga, "hold that"
Want picture perfect baby you can check the Kodak
Hey, so anything you can do I can do better
And any chick you can screw I can get wetter
I'm young, black, gifted, live my life on the run
Bet your bottom dollar before I'm done
They say that I'm the one, ya nigga I'm the one
I got them saying
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
Who dat, who dat? Bitch I got that flame
So don't worry about my motherfucking name
I got them saying who dat, who dat? Cole World
Who dat, who dat? I got them sayin'
Who dat, who dat? J. Cole
Who dat, who dat? Cole World nigga
Cole World nigga
Dreamville, Cole World nigga
J. Cole
The song "Who Dat" by J. Cole is about the story of his rise to fame and success. In the first verse, J. Cole talks about how he has come a long way from the struggles and challenges he faced in the past. He talks about how rappers were bullshitting and not making any sense, but now he is on top of his game and can even get with one of Satan's hoes. He talks about the struggles he faced, hoping for air conditioning, and feeling like God wasn't listening to him. However, he is now famous and even got the girl he wanted. He is speaking to the positions he has gained and how he has elevated in life. He talks about trying and failing and how it's the only way to earn.
In the second verse, J. Cole talks about being a winner and how he plans for his success even when others are not. He had a vision of his success even when others were still riding spinners. He is hungry and going insane with his pen game. J. Cole also talks about how the chain does not make the man and how money and fame do not change how lame some people can be. He talks about having his finger on the trigger, being able to take better photos, having better women, and being the one to take the lead.
Overall, the song is about J. Cole's journey to success and how he is now one of the best in the rap game. It shows how hard work, persistence, and dedication can lead to success even when it seems impossible.
Line by Line Meaning
Who dat, who dat?
Repeating this phrase to grab the listener's attention and hype them up for the rest of the song.
Hey, who dat, who dat? That nigga you been waitin' for
J. Cole is announcing his arrival and acknowledging that he is the artist people have been waiting for.
I mean the shit was all bad just a week ago
J. Cole reflects on the struggles he faced before his success.
Rappers was bullshitting, fuck it I ain't hating though
Despite the struggle, J. Cole chooses not to hate on other rappers who were not putting in genuine effort.
'Cause now a nigga hot enough to fuck with one of Satan' hoes
J. Cole has become so popular that even Satan's temptations (in the form of women) are no match for him.
And she can't tell the difference, I been through hell conditions
J. Cole has been through tough situations and has become stronger because of it, which makes him more attractive to women.
Wishing for air conditioning, feeling God was never listening
J. Cole felt like his prayers were not being answered, even for something as simple as air conditioning.
Now I'm on television, and did I fail to mention?
J. Cole is now on TV and to clarify earlier statements, he calls attention to his success.
Your bitch is tired of missionary, boy you failed the mission
J. Cole is insinuating that his sexual prowess and unique style is more successful than what other men are doing.
Speaking of positions just witness how I elevate it
J. Cole is elevating not only his sexual encounters, but also his status in the music industry.
Real niggas celebrate it, finger fuck whoever hate it
J. Cole doesn't care about the haters, and he only cares about the support from real fans.
My life accelerated, but had to wait my turn
J. Cole had to wait his turn to achieve the level of success he has now, despite his fast rise.
Then I redecorated, that mean my tables turned
J. Cole now has the power to change his life and environment that used to hold him back.
Life live, might as well, only way to learn
J. Cole encourages listeners to take risks and live life, even if it means learning from failure.
Is try and fail, clientele the only way to earn
J. Cole believes that one must try and fail multiple times to achieve success, and to earn a loyal customer base.
So if you're selling crack, or if you're selling rap
J. Cole acknowledges that there are multiple ways to make money in poverty, either illegally (selling crack) or legally (selling rap).
Make sure it's mean so them fiends keep on coming back
Whether you are selling crack or rap, make sure it's good, so that buyers will keep coming back.
The mind state of a winner
J. Cole is in a winning mindset.
When you thinking about summertime I'm thinking about the winter
J. Cole is always thinking ahead and is always prepared for the next season.
When you thinking about breakfast I'm heating up my dinner
J. Cole is working harder and longer hours than most people - even when others are relaxing, he is working.
I was plotting this moment back when y'all was riding spinners
J. Cole was preparing for his success while others were focused on material things (like rim spinners).
Yeah I'm a menace, God as my witness, with this pen I'm insane, yup
J. Cole has amazing lyrical ability, and he knows it.
Hungry like the nigga who ain't got the taste of fame yet
J. Cole is still hungry for success and is working hard like he hasn't achieved fame yet.
Clown told me, "Ain't you Roc? But where the fuck your chain at?"
Someone mistook J. Cole for another rapper from Roc Nation Records, but J. Cole isn't interested in flashy jewelry (like a chain) to boost his image.
The man make the chain, chain don't make the man
J. Cole doesn't need jewelry to make him who he is - his self-worth lies within himself alone.
How many niggas do we know with hella ice but yet they lame?
J. Cole is questioning the worth of jewelry for rappers - he knows of many rappers with a lot of bling, but lacking in other values and skills.
The cloth from which we came me and them is not the same
J. Cole's upbringing and values are different from some other rappers in the industry.
It's like we all headed to Spain they took the boat I took the plane, damn
Although J. Cole is headed in the same direction as other rappers, he's moving forward way faster than they are.
That boy's sick now hoes on his joystick
J. Cole has attracted attention from women due to his newfound success.
Heating up like May weather, dog I'm on that Floyd shit
J. Cole is as hot as the world-class boxer Floyd Mayweather and is enjoying his success.
Boy stick to your day job, said you was hot? Well, they lied
J. Cole is saying that if other rappers are talented in other areas, they should stick to those areas because they're not as great at rapping as they thought they were.
Is that your girl? Well, I just G'd her, no A-Rod
J. Cole has just slept with someone's girlfriend (who he refers to as a 'G' or gangster) without batting an eye.
The little engine that could, this little nigga is good
J. Cole references the children's book 'The Little Engine That Could' to describe himself - despite his small frame, he's capable of great things.
Rappers claiming they sick, I heal niggas for good
Other rappers claim to be 'sick' or amazing, but J. Cole is the real deal, able to 'heal' other rappers with his masterful rapping skills.
A couple of y'all ain't took a field trip to the hood
Some rappers do not have the background and experiences that J. Cole has from growing up in the hood.
And me? I'm fresh prince, I'm Will Smith to the hood
J. Cole refers to himself as the modern-day Fresh Prince of Bel Air, following in Will Smith's footsteps in terms of popularity and influence.
Baby, ain't saying names but we not the same
J. Cole knows that he is different from others in the rap industry, without calling anyone specifically out.
All the money and the fame don't change the fact that you lame
J. Cole is saying that being rich and famous doesn't automatically make someone cool or interesting - it just means they have money and fame.
Might want to grab you a chain, want to tip up your hat
J. Cole is poking fun at rappers who are following trends without knowing the meaning behind the clothes and accessories they wear.
Might want to purchase some game, homey your shit is so wack
J. Cole suggests that these same rappers need to up their game and improve their rap skills before wearing flashy clothes.
I got my finger on the trigger, tell that nigga, "hold that"
J. Cole is confident in his skills and is not afraid to put rappers in their place if they disrespect him.
Want picture perfect baby you can check the Kodak
J. Cole is saying that he is perfect (like a picture) and can prove it, just like Kodak cameras could take pictures that developed instantly.
Hey, so anything you can do I can do better
J. Cole is saying that he can do anything better than other rappers can, and is challenging them to try for themselves.
And any chick you can screw I can get wetter
J. Cole is saying that he can outdo other rappers in their sexual prowess.
I'm young, black, gifted, live my life on the run
J. Cole is highlighting the positive qualities that make him who he is, like his youth, race, skill, and busy lifestyle.
Bet your bottom dollar before I'm done
J. Cole is confident in his success and promises to keep achieving even more.
They say that I'm the one, ya nigga I'm the one
J. Cole knows that he is the one true rap star, and won't allow anyone to take his place.
Now who else want to fuck with Hollywood Cole?
J. Cole is challenging other rappers to try and take him on - but he knows that they won't be able to.
Cole World nigga
J. Cole is shouting out to his fans and acknowledging his rapidly-expanding fame.
Dreamville, Cole World nigga
J. Cole leaves on a final note that represents his label - Dreamville - and Cole World, or his large number of fans.
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JERMAINE L. COLE, PATRICK BROWN, CLIFF ROBERTSON, ANTHONY PARRINO, ANDRE BENJAMIN, ANTWAN PATTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alhamdleallah
ููุฃููููุจููุง ุฅูููู ุฑูุจููููู ู ููุฃูุณูููู ููุง ูููู ู ูู ููุจููู ุฃูู ููุฃูุชูููููู ู ุงููุนูุฐูุงุจู ุซูู ูู ููุง ุชููุตูุฑูููู
"Turn ye to our Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the Penalty comes on you: after that ye shall not be helped
ููุงุชููุจูุนููุง ุฃูุญูุณููู ู ูุง ุฃููุฒููู ุฅูููููููู ู ููู ุฑููุจููููู ู ููู ููุจููู ุฃูู ููุฃูุชูููููู ู ุงูุนูุฐูุงุจู ุจูุบูุชูุฉู ููุฃููุชูู ู ููุง ุชูุดูุนูุฑูููู
"And follow the best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord, before the Penalty comes on you - of a sudden while ye perceive not
ุฃูู ุชูููููู ููููุณู ููุง ุญูุณูุฑูุชูู ุนููู ู ูุง ููุฑููุทุชู ููู ุฌููุจู ุงูููููู ููุฅูู ูููุชู ููู ููู ุงูุณููุงุฎูุฑูููู
"Lest the soul should (then) say: 'Ah! Woe is me!- In that I neglected (my duty) towards Allah, and was but among those who mocked
ุฃููู ุชูููููู ูููู ุฃูููู ุงูููููู ููุฏูุงููู ูููููุชู ู ููู ุงููู ูุชููููููู
"Or (lest) it should say: 'If only Allah had guided me, I should certainly have been among the righteous
Quran .islam***
@alhamdleallah
ููุฃููููุจููุง ุฅูููู ุฑูุจููููู ู ููุฃูุณูููู ููุง ูููู ู ูู ููุจููู ุฃูู ููุฃูุชูููููู ู ุงููุนูุฐูุงุจู ุซูู ูู ููุง ุชููุตูุฑูููู
"Turn ye to our Lord (in repentance) and bow to His (Will), before the Penalty comes on you: after that ye shall not be helped
ููุงุชููุจูุนููุง ุฃูุญูุณููู ู ูุง ุฃููุฒููู ุฅูููููููู ู ููู ุฑููุจููููู ู ููู ููุจููู ุฃูู ููุฃูุชูููููู ู ุงูุนูุฐูุงุจู ุจูุบูุชูุฉู ููุฃููุชูู ู ููุง ุชูุดูุนูุฑูููู
"And follow the best of (the courses) revealed to you from your Lord, before the Penalty comes on you - of a sudden while ye perceive not
ุฃูู ุชูููููู ููููุณู ููุง ุญูุณูุฑูุชูู ุนููู ู ูุง ููุฑููุทุชู ููู ุฌููุจู ุงูููููู ููุฅูู ูููุชู ููู ููู ุงูุณููุงุฎูุฑูููู
"Lest the soul should (then) say: 'Ah! Woe is me!- In that I neglected (my duty) towards Allah, and was but among those who mocked
ุฃููู ุชูููููู ูููู ุฃูููู ุงูููููู ููุฏูุงููู ูููููุชู ู ููู ุงููู ูุชููููููู
"Or (lest) it should say: 'If only Allah had guided me, I should certainly have been among the righteous
Quran .islam***
@BrydellCocky
This song was dropped ahead of its time. It didnt get the play and love it deserves...
@samanthah315
Agree!
@libraalibaba
F@cts ๐ฏ๐ฏ
@leonghchan
What you mean Cole blew up with this song.
@JeromeProductions
Yeep
@nsrobinhood5300
@Leon Chan exactly lmao
@UrbanNerdBeats
This was the first song I heard from Cole
.....
Definitely wasn't the last๐ฅ
@dimplefreak3484
Me too
@nterra8629
same here man, i heard of him before that but used to play this on repeat
@jefreylp
Me too!! Now he has to put it back on Spotify