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

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. School Counseling for Black Male Student Success in 21st Century Urban Schools. (2014). Google Scholar (online)
5. Closing the Gap: An Analysis of the Musical Elements Contributing to Hip-Hop’s Emergence into Popular Culture
6. documentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6atNwE-uOfE
7. documentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azC7-tBI6gw
8. 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
9. 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
10. 1. 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/

     

11. 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
12. Cole Biography. (2017, May 25). A&E Television Networks (online) Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/j-cole-5152017