This Article is 4 Your Eyez Only
January 17, 2017
Released on December 9th 2016, J Cole’s album, 4 Your Eyez Only debuted number one on US Billboard 200 selling 363k copies in the first week alone. Many do not find this album amusing, because it does not have the same heavy beats, fast paced music like from his previous album “2014 Forest Hill Drive.”
Cole has not spoken about his new album, but many of his fans believe that this album does not go about his own life events, but written of one of his friends that he once had. 4 your eyes only is a dedication to the daughter of his friend after he passed away by after being killed in the middle of a drug deal.
Throughout the album Cole explains to the listeners on why his friend decided to sell drugs on the streets, and how after seeing his true love (his daughter) he had no other option but to continue going down that path.
On the track “Ville Mentality,” we’re dropped another hint from the theory. As Cole takes a brief rap interlude on the single, a brief monologue from the unnamed child starts.
Also looking at his hard copy CD case you are able to see on that the album’s artwork might actually put together another piece of the puzzle with the assumptions the fans have made. On the back of the cover, you can see a photo of a young a young girl, who could possibly be the one from the recordings throughout the songs. This also shows many photos in his hometown of Fayetteville, which could lead us to think that her parts in this album are very important.
In the song “Change” the song introduces a man of the name of James McMillian, who many believe is the man who Cole is speaking of and the person behind this entire album.
This album focuses on the hardship some black youth go through. Cole gives listeners what people believe is quality rap music, along with stories that really make you think.
Though we might not know if McMillian is a real, but the story that was put together by Cole helps to show others how many men have lost their lives due to violence on the streets from simply trying to make a living.