J. Cole has unveiled the first single from “The Fall-Off” after announcing the album’s release.
The track, titled “The Fall-Off… Disc 2 Track 2,” suggests the ambitious possibility of the project being a double-album — a potential final chapter in his storied career.
The new single showcases J. Cole’s remarkable storytelling, reminiscent of Nas’ “Rewind.” With masterful lyricism, he recounts his life’s journey in reverse, accompanied by soulful, Southern-infused production from DZL and Maneesh.
In this introspective track, Cole navigates through pivotal moments of his life — from his eventual death and legacy to parenthood, marriage, career achievements, and ending with his birth.
“My grandkids carried the coffin to the altar as they burst into tears from their shirts / The tears rise to the sides of they face and into their eyes, it’s piercin’ with hurt / Fast forward 60 years, I got versе of the year, my purpose is clеar, it’s to murk / Whoever dare flirt with death, the best alive and what you now hear is the work,” he raps with undiminished confidence despite recent discussions surrounding his decision to step away from sparring with Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
Director Ryan Doubiago breathes visual life into the song with a creatively crafted video that mirrors the song’s backward timeline. The visuals seamlessly move in reverse through various settings while encapsulating the contemplative mood of Cole’s verses.
The single closes with a surprise snippet of an unreleased track, seemingly another offering from “The Fall-Off”. This addition intriguingly samples The Whispers, echoing the 1996 Mobb Deep classic “Drop A Gem On ‘Em.”
The video begins with J. Cole sharing a heartfelt message about his intentions behind “The Fall-Off”, slated for release on February 6 and confirmed as his final album. The note reflects the decade-long journey to craft what he aims to be his magnum opus.
“For the past 10 years, this album has been hand crafted with one intention: a personal challenge to myself to create my best work. To do on my last what I was unable to do on my first,” the Dreamville rap star wrote.
“I had no way of knowing how much time, focus and energy it would eventually take to achieve this, but despite countless challenges along the way, I knew in my heart I would one day get to the finish line. I owed it first and foremost to myself. And secondly, I owed it to hip hop.”
