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.
p u n c h i n ' . t h e . c l o c k
J. Cole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ain't nothing I want more
I ain't c-
I told you, when I first came here, I said, "I ain't come here to waste my time"
I came here
They gave us a chance to get in, like we asked for
And that's, that's what we here to do
(Yeah, nigga, 26)
(Straight up)
But I, I said, "You, you know what I'm here for"
Back on top, punchin' the clock, clutchin' sanity
I got more cribs than Habitat for Humanity
Shit profound, we propagating more profanity
Paid off collections from recollections of calamity (oh shit, look, that nigga gonna shoot)
The shit pop off, I learned to duck under the canopy (oh shit, run, nigga, run)
'Til it cool off, they murked a nigga right in front of me
Told him to come off his chain for tryna floss
Died over a cross just like the start of Christianity
When I was a boy, the teacher often reprimanded me (Jermaine)
Thought it was toys, it was a Glock this nigga handed me
I busted the trees, was barely strong enough to squeeze
Bullets traveled through leaves, it probably killed somebody randomly
Ran in the crib and played it off amongst the family
Nightmare scenes, the police finally apprehended me
Woke up screamin', seen a demon had his hand on me
Still sport the scar on my arm from where he branded me
Like a Que Dog, my niggas burnin' with the mute off
Loud pack smoke through the cracks, I catch a contact
Triggerin' a paranoid mindset, now I'm back
Teeterin' between enlightened and insanity
Now that I'm rich, I feel nobody understandin' me
All I can do is cut the mic on, holler at you
Can't let the fame scare me off from speaking candidly
All them niggas is so Kane, they started singin' like Danity
Now I'm left here, paid like I planned to be, damn
A lot of times, those situations are, um, are handled way before the time comes
In the summer, I think when you truly prepare yourself, and
With training and conditioning, and things like that
When you cheat yourself, you fail in those moments
You know, you crash, and when you really put the time in and
Whether people see it, or whether people know it or not
You know, it always come to light
In the song "p u n c h i n ' . t h e . c l o c k", J. Cole takes us through a journey of his life, from his struggles in his early days to his present-day status as a successful artist. He talks about his past where he had to face severe issues like crime, poverty and racism, being handed a Glock by a teacher when he was barely old enough to understand the consequences of the actions he was involved in.
He then talks about his rise to the top, referencing his multiple homes and successes in the music industry, but admits that he still struggles to feel understood by those around him despite the fame and fortune he has garnered. The song ends with J. Cole reflecting on the importance of hard work and preparation, suggesting that he is a big believer in the idea that success comes to those who put in the effort.
Overall, "p u n c h i n ' . t h e . c l o c k" is a reflection on J. Cole's journey to success, from his gritty street beginnings to the luxurious life he lives now. It is an honest portrayal of the struggles that come with fame and fortune and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
It ain't nothing I want more
There's nothing I want more than success.
Ain't nothing I want more
I am absolutely determined to succeed.
I ain't c-
I am not afraid of putting in the hard work.
I told you, when I first came here, I said, "I ain't come here to waste my time"
From the start, I have always been focused on making the most of my opportunities.
I came here
I am here to do everything I can to succeed.
They gave us a chance to get in, like we asked for
We have been given an opportunity to succeed, just as we hoped for.
And that's, that's what we here to do
Our goal is to make the most of this opportunity and achieve success.
(Yeah, nigga, 26)
I am 26 years old and ready to take on the world.
The job still ain't done
I have achieved a lot, but there is still more work to be done.
(Straight up)
I'm being honest and straightforward about my goals.
But I, I said, "You, you know what I'm here for"
I am here to succeed and make a name for myself in this industry.
Back on top, punchin' the clock, clutchin' sanity
I am back on top of my game, working hard and trying to keep my sanity intact.
I got more cribs than Habitat for Humanity
I have become quite successful, owning more properties than the well-known housing charity.
Shit profound, we propagating more profanity
Our music is powerful and meaningful, even though it includes explicit lyrics.
Paid off collections from recollections of calamity (oh shit, look, that nigga gonna shoot)
I've been able to pay off my debts through my painful memories of past tragedies. (Suddenly, someone is about to open fire.)
The shit pop off, I learned to duck under the canopy (oh shit, run, nigga, run)
When things get dangerous, I've learned to take cover quickly. (Again, someone tries to shoot.)
'Til it cool off, they murked a nigga right in front of me
I had to wait until the danger had passed, but unfortunately someone was killed right in front of me in the meantime.
Told him to come off his chain for tryna floss
The person was killed just because he was wearing jewelry and trying to show off.
Died over a cross just like the start of Christianity
The victim was killed over a simple piece of jewelry, just as Jesus was crucified for a religious symbol.
When I was a boy, the teacher often reprimanded me (Jermaine)
As a child, I was often told off by teachers for being difficult. (Jermaine is the artist's real name.)
Thought it was toys, it was a Glock this nigga handed me
I thought I was being given toys to play with, but in reality, I was handed a gun.
I busted the trees, was barely strong enough to squeeze
I fired the gun, but I was so young that I could hardly grip it tightly enough.
Bullets traveled through leaves, it probably killed somebody randomly
The bullet I fired may have hit someone unknown to me, with fatal consequences.
Ran in the crib and played it off amongst the family
I ran back home and pretended that nothing had happened, keeping the incident a secret from my family.
Nightmare scenes, the police finally apprehended me
I had nightmares about the incident for a long time, and eventually the police caught up with me.
Woke up screamin', seen a demon had his hand on me
I still have nightmares about the incident, imagining a demon holding me responsible.
Still sport the scar on my arm from where he branded me
I have a permanent scar from a mark that was burned into my arm, perhaps as a form of punishment.
Like a Que Dog, my niggas burnin' with the mute off
Just like members of the fraternity the Omega Psi Phi, my friends and colleagues are passionate and expressive.
Loud pack smoke through the cracks, I catch a contact
Smoke from nearby marijuana use seeps into my space, affecting me even though I don't partake.
Triggerin' a paranoid mindset, now I'm back
The drugs and paranoia that come with fame have affected my mindset lately.
Teeterin' between enlightened and insanity
I'm experiencing a mental struggle between feeling wise and being on the verge of losing my mind.
Now that I'm rich, I feel nobody understandin' me
I have become wealthy, but I feel like nobody really knows or understands me anymore.
All I can do is cut the mic on, holler at you
The only way I can express myself is through my music, speaking directly to my listeners.
Can't let the fame scare me off from speaking candidly
Even though I feel isolated by my fame, I have to keep speaking honestly and truthfully through my music.
All them niggas is so Kane, they started singin' like Danity
Other famous people have become so mainstream and commercial that they have lost their edge and authenticity.
Now I'm left here, paid like I planned to be, damn
Despite everything, I have achieved success and wealth, just like I always intended.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jermaine Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JGrimesOfficial
your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥
im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹
make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥
👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M
BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK
@JGrimesOfficial
your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥
im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹
make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥
👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M
BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK
@JGrimesOfficial
your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥
im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹
make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥
👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M
BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK
@JGrimesOfficial
your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥
im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹
make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥
👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M
BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK
@JGrimesOfficial
your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥
im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹
make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥
👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M
BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK
@JGrimesOfficial
your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥
im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹
make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥
👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M
BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK
@JGrimesOfficial
your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥
im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹
make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥
👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M
BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK
@Bewar24
Man…the way that he raps, I won’t cap, shits insanity…
But not mentally, no, lyrically..how advanced is he..
It’s like he knows how to write
and puts every word in its right
Position so it can sound tight
In every single rap that he
Blesses us with!
Jermaine Lamarr Cole…you, my good sir, you and your music, is firre!! 🔥🔥
@JGrimesOfficial
your reading this, ok look im not gonna lie, you hate that one self promoter guy, but I honestly believe I’m the notorious BIG reincarnated, if not then biggie and pac are my spirit guides on my left and right, and. I think I’m going to become the greatest rapper of THIS ERA, Sure I might kinda suck at the moment but that won’t stop me, roast my music or praise it, for my confidence knows no bounds, enough of these trash rappers thinking they’re music is anything but regurgitated garbage that all sounds the same, how bout a mediocre rapper that’s self aware and doesn’t take anything seriously and mocks the industry and has fun amongs the chaos ? i would appreciate the feedback and harsh criticism along the way though 🙏✌️🔥
im an australian rapper that was rejected by my nation and will get back at them through these malicious rhymes 🤙👹
make sure to roast my OTHER songs too, 🙏🔥
👇👇👇👇
https://youtu.be/kPhL0Lq4I6M
BTW I MADE A STAR WARS DISS TRACK
@DamianLillard
Shoutout to Cole for the love! Ain’t nothin I want more...
@isaacsias2035
Shoutout to you haha
@bucksfan6312
Goat Dame. I beg you to leave your garbage team. Come to the bucks
@guyharris3323
You’re pretty good at basketball Dame
@Gta-pn4yl
Yall should collab!🔥
@NOAHZKI
🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼lets get it in 7 dame
@alwayscreatingio
these videos in the middle of NYC are refreshing
@liluziisthegoat977
TY Dollar $ign is better than J Cole
@philipbenhardb.velasco369
Plus it ain’t only the pretty part, it’s the true city he showin
@ivyrich2777
90s vibez