This song is inspired by true events, as his home studio was raided by SWAT team members after neighbors complained that the home was being used to produce and sell drugs. He raps that “they” say that the only way for black people to become successful is to “sell dope, rap, or go to the NBA.” Keeping with the same idea of black people being associated with crime and drugs, Cole’s seventh song on this album, “Neighbors,” addresses this toxic, racist mindset. In his song “Immortal” he emphasizes the lack of options presented to young black men.

This song introduces the stereotype of the absent black father as well, and even though there are families of all races and cultural backgrounds that are without a father figure, this is a stereotype that only black men are still fighting today.įive years and two albums later, Cole released his fourth album, “4 Your Eyez Only.” This album contains multiple songs that highlight the adversity in the black community. It is made to seem like it is the only true chance for growth, even though that is not true.

It also addresses the lack of economic opportunity in the area and explains how those that live there are only exposed to the overly represented opportunities of the Armed Forces. The song “Breakdown” speaks of Cole hearing the cops shoot down the people in his community and close circle. In his first album, “Cole World: A Sideline Story,” released in September of 2011, Cole introduces the common theme of police brutality within minority communities. Throughout his discography, he has kept things honest and open, and with the state of the world in 2020, we all could use a little more perspective. Cole, has been inspiring his listeners with songs that shed a light onto the experiences of a black person in America, more specifically a black man in America. Since 2011, Jermaine Cole, better known by his stage name, J.

Artists and musicians are often able to use their experiences as prompts for lyrics, but what does it take to create a melody, a hook or even one simple lyric that speaks to an entire audience? Or better yet, something that moves people in a way that gets them off their feet and motivated to provoke change? It is no secret that music is an art form inspired by our thoughts and emotions.

J cole neighbors swat