Outline:
Introduction
- When and where he was born
- Describe his home environment
- His “title”/ what his profession is
- Characteristics of his music
- Hypothesis: J Cole is one of the greatest rappers of this generation because of his lyricism, and his activism.
Point 1 – Lyricism + Ability to connect with audience
- Sideline Story- Lost Ones and Breakdown
- Born Sinner – Rich N*ggaz and Crooked Smile
- Forest Hill Drive – A Tale of 2 Citiez and Love Yourz
- KOD – Brackets and Once an Addict
- Common themes in his songs
- Why it connects to his audience
- Why it connects to me
Point 2 – Social/Political Activism
- Mental health initiatives
- Education on capitalism and the oppressive systems that come from capitalism
- Police brutality
- Drug abuse and eliminating drug addiction in lower resourced communities
- Social implications of bringing awareness to these issues
Conclusion
- J Cole’s vulnerability allows him to connect with his audience while allowing his audience to resonate with the personal things he has went through
- The style of his raps – unique – stands out from what people are use to hearing
- Fervent about helping the black community with the problems that have been placed on us
- His ability to write his own wraps and be so empathetic allows for him to be such a big influence on this generation
Bibliography
- J cole talks new rappers, drug abuse and calls his critics “Idiots” in new interview. (2018, Apr 25). Spin (Online), Retrieved from https://login.ezproxy.auctr.edu:2050/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.auctr.edu:2050/docview/2030447173?accountid=8422
- Cole’s KOD is a commendable examination of addiction. (2018, Apr 23). Spin (Online), Retrieved from https://login.ezproxy.auctr.edu:2050/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.auctr.edu:2050/docview/2029041102?accountid=8422
- New studies show that social media has become A global mental health problem for younger generations. (2018, Mar 29). PR Newswire Retrieved from https://login.ezproxy.auctr.edu:2050/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.auctr.edu:2050/docview/2019248929?accountid=8422
- School Counseling for Black Male Student Success in 21st Century Urban Schools. (2014). Google Scholar (online)
- Closing the Gap: An Analysis of the Musical Elements Contributing to Hip-Hop’s Emergence into Popular Culture
- documentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6atNwE-uOfE
- documentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azC7-tBI6gw
- Cole Tackles Social Issues: 7 Ways He Took on Racism, Mental Health & More in His Career. (2016, Dec 25). Billboard (online) Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7633246/j-cole-songs-4-your-eyez-only-social-issues-racism-mental-health
- 7 hip-hop stars making America ‘woke’ again. (2018, Jan 2). CNN (online) Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2017/12/31/politics/best-hip-hop-2017-politics/index.html
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- COLE’S SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS MOMENTS OVER THE YEARS. (2016, Sept 26). XXL (online) Retrieved from http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/09/j-cole-socially-conscious-moments/
- On ‘KOD,’ J. Cole Speaks to the Generation That Spurned Him. (2018, Apr 25). New York Times (online) Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/25/arts/music/j-cole-kod-review.html
- Cole Biography. (2017, May 25). A&E Television Networks (online) Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/j-cole-5152017
