On “Change,” Cole reflects on the maturation of his understanding of the cycle of violence and crime in struggling black communities and details the murder of his friend James McMillan Jr. The song title is a play on a double meaning of “change.” The first, change through actions and the second, change in POV or narration. The character James McMillan, Jr. died at age 22 according to the lyrics of this song. The real life friend of J. Cole’s that this character is based on was reportedly close in age to J. Cole, so James probably died circa 2007. Although Tupac’s “Changes'” isn… read more
On “Change,” Cole reflects on the maturation of his understanding of the cycle of violence and crime in struggling black communities and details the … read more
On “Change,” Cole reflects on the maturation of his understanding of the cycle of violence and crime in struggling black communities and details the murder of his friend James McMillan J… read more
Jermaine Lamarr Cole (born January 28, 1985), better known by his stage name J. Cole, is an American hip hop recording artist and record producer. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole posted songs on various internet forums at the age of 14 under the name "Blaza", but later switched to the name "Therapist". 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… read more
Jermaine Lamarr Cole (born January 28, 1985), better known by his stage name J. Cole, is an American hip hop recording artist and record producer. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Raised in Faye… read more
Jermaine Lamarr Cole (born January 28, 1985), better known by his stage name J. Cole, is an American hip hop recording artist and record producer. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole posted songs on… read more