For all of the young African American men who do not beat the stigma that is placed above them since the day they were born into streets that hold more danger than they could ever grasp. This then leads the listener to wonder if the album is truly about a single person, or if is it a metaphor for all of the young African American men who do not make it past 19. Cole’s words that “her daddy was not a bad guy, just caught up in the wrong places” and it is apparently that McMillan wanted nothing except to change for his daughter. Nina, the daughter of McMillan, is hearing J. Cole is telling a story that reflects James McMillan Jr., a friend viciously murdered when Cole was younger.
“My worst fear is one day that you come home from school and see your father face while hearing ’bout tragedy on news I got the strangest feeling your daddy gonna lose his life soon and sadly if you’re listening now it must mean it’s true.” The most chilling lyrics on this album stood out as Nina is brought up again in the title track, “4 Your Eyez Only.” Cole retelling a story about his best friend to the friend’s daughter, Nina, whom was left behind when he was killed. With this in mind, it could be interpreted as J. “Immortal” was the story of the daily obligations this young man sought, and the fourth track, “Ville Mentality,” with the narration of a young girl exclaiming when she gets mad, she wants her dad back. It makes sense, that the reference to the “bells” in the first track were funeral bells. It is an upbeat (possible) retelling of the death of one of Cole’s friends. “Change” is the track that sets the album forward. Cole is talking about is undetermined, but it is apparently that the old, heartfelt J. Cole’s appreciation for loving the women in his life. Cole couldn’t capitalize on what was presented. When a raid was ordered and nothing was found except a recording studio, there was no chance J. The stigma was granted when the neighbors actually reportedly called the police for suspicion of drug-related activities at the house. The issue of racism is touched upon within this song, as the lyrics “The neighbors think I’m selling dope” is repeated throughout.
Cole had purchased a place in North Carolina where it is deemed a “safe haven” for any Dreamville artists and producers. The closest to a true story that can be confirmed is found within the lyrics of “Neighbors” as J. There are several clues, but the fact that the album is featureless provides no direct access into the mind of J.
Cole’s own life, but possibly of a friend or family member. This is what leads many of those in the media to pick this album apart. Death is mentioned several times within these lyrics, but it only seems to be the beginning. The story starts off with a 17-year-old boy in the streets of a place unsaid, trying to make it out of the hood in which he was raised. “Immortal” tells the beginning of the story, with details, and the explicitness seems more than necessary. The album continues with “Immortal,” straying away from the jazz background music. By setting the tone with a bit of each aspect of the album, it was genius of the rapper to introduce 42 more minutes of lyrics with this foreshadowing song. Cole move that shows him not being able to handle his own mind anymore, and with “the bells getting louder,” there is not chance that it will be silenced during this album. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” starts off the album, and from what it can be interpreted, it is a plea for help. Cole fan “get in their feels,” it makes the listener want to nominate him for the “What famous person would you like to eat dinner with for a night” spot.įrom the first song, we hear a convergence of picking up where he left off, and beginning to tell his story. “4 Your Eyez Only” does more than make a J.
Cole through a time deeper than any album could ever explain. But is this album really about his life? It seems to be the question of the week.īefore our eyes, there is yet another album that tells a story longer than our own, and through every lyric that is recited in our space, we find ourselves taking a walk with J. Cole thought it would finally be time to let us back into his world. Coming down from his last album, “2014 Forest Hills Drive,” J. With a new album dropped last Friday, Christmas came early for anyone who loves his music.
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