"RUN THAT BACK…" J. COLE–RAGS TO RICHES (AT THE BEEP)

Damn, broke as a bad joke
But still I laugh though, frontin’ tryin’ to have hope
It’s sad though, I’m tired of being broke as shit
Seein’ other niggas ballin’ I’m like 0 for 6
And man I just graduated, good ol’ college degree
Shit, my niggas drug dealin’ seen more dollars than me
I know my callin’, it’s in my blood to do this music thing
Won’t be the illest nigga that you never knew his name
I’m lookin’ at these fake A&R’s like you a lame
That boy a genius and you ain’t even listen, boy you insane
But you’ll see though, what the hell a nigga bout to be though
So give me one year and play this back like TiVo
Cause boy I’m finnin’ to blow, I’m a muthafuckin’ torpedo
And music’s in my blood so watch these niggas turn mosquito…

It’s crazy how much music can speak to you while driving by yourself, with the volume all the way up and the wind hitting your face.  In a weird sense, it’s kind of like my therapy and way of talking to the world…without talking. J. Cole expressed my sentiments to the tee on his voicemail message to world, “Rags To Riches (At The Beep)” off his 2007 mixtape, The Come Up, pleading for what we all want in life, that one opportunity to show that you’re serious about whatever craft you love.

The words really struck home for me seeing as how it’s easier to turn to the street nowadays as opposed to trying to do it the “right” way.  While I, personally, don’t have the heart or courage to get into the street pharmaceutical world, I can empathize with those who make that decision, especially with the current economic plight. I recently spoke to a good friend of mine, who will forever remain nameless, that informed me of his decision to sell drugs…again. He just graduated from college last year and had a pretty damn good GPA to boot. Like myself, he’s been stuck in the same endless cycle of “dead end employment” and making barely enough to break even. Throughout the entire conversation, one quote stuck with me,

“Look around out here. Hell, look at yourself, J. You graduated with a f*ckin’ 3.6 and you haven’t even gotten a call back. So what the hell am I supposed to do? I don’t wanna sell this stuff, but at this point, it’s the only job that’s hiring.”

Who am I to tell him he’s wrong when I’m struggling just like he is. Sometimes, it’s always good to know at least one person out there realizes exactly what you’re going through. Which is the exact reason why I’ll love music.

J. Cole–Rags To Riches (At The Beep)

**Yes, this is similar to TSS’s “Notable Quotable, so all props due to those guys.**

Bonus: Karen Civil x J. Cole. If you don’t know, KC is one of the hardest grinders out there. Much respect her way.