J. Cole's 'The Fall-Off' is a 10-year journey back to his Fayetteville roots

J. Cole's latest project, "The Fall-Off," is an "if you know, you know" album. The 24-track project is a collection of stories from in and around Fayetteville.

From the beginning to the end, the Terry Sanford graduate displays his pride for the All-American city. Rather than present a false image of himself and his home city, he highlights the beauty of the struggle. This project is for the underserved, underrepresented and unheard section of Fayetteville that encompasses areas like Bonnie Doone, Shaw Road, Moore Street and Murchison Road. 

Split into two parts, Disc 29 and Disc 39, "The Fall-Off" took 10 years to make and is Cole's final project. With this final album, he has completed the circle that began when he left Fayetteville for New York after high school graduation. To promote the project, Cole and his Dreamville team have taken an approach that mimics his come-up: traveling city to city in his Honda Civic, selling CDs out of the trunk and driving onto college campuses to engage with supporters.

Even as a world-renowned artist, Cole's approach to "The Fall-Off" has been localized, including promotional billboards throughout Fayetteville, the project's imagery, which includes a message regarding the relocation of E.E. Smith High School, and the visual assets released to accompany the project.

Cole's Fall-Off has been Fayetteville's come-up.  

Disc 29

'Disc 29 Intro'

Like James Taylor, Cole became homesick while in New York. Rather than going to Carolina in his mind, he took a trip back home at the age of 29. As Taylor sings "Carolina in My Mind," locals can be heard giving an impromptu audio tour of areas within Fayetteville's urban communities, like Bonnie Doone, Moore Street and Ramsey Street (or The Ram). As the track comes to an end, the beauty of the moment is interrupted by the abrupt sounds of gunshots followed by a car speeding away, a testament to the duality of Fayetteville. One moment, everything can be peaceful, but in the next, dreams could become nightmares. 

'Two Six'

Sampling "Trial Time" by The Last Mr. Bigg, Cole informs listeners that "Two Six (expletives) wild" before letting them know that if he weren't rapping, he would probably be the president. 

2-6 has long been a nickname for Fayetteville, though there are a number of differing origin stories, ranging from a county code, a military unit, or a prison inmate number.

This track is Cole's homage to the part of him that has not fully escaped the Ville mentality.

"A mile away from heaven and a block away from the slums, adjacent to the hood just like the pointer is to the thumb," and similar lines show Cole's understanding that while he has removed himself from the environment directly, parts of the environment have embedded themselves within him.

The chorus is an ode to Cole's hometown as he chants "AAAAAAAAANNNNNNAAAANNNNTTTTT" — a call and response among Fayetteville natives — just before each line. As the first track (and visual) on "The Fall-Off," "Two Six" sets the tone for a project full of reflection, hometown pride and duality. 

'SAFETY'

Though he no longer lives in Fayetteville, tracks like "SAFETY" display Cole's deep connection to home. On this song, he speaks from the point-of-view of three friends from back home, each sharing stories with Cole about what's going on in Fayetteville.

The first caller is a friend recently released from incarceration who's just calling to check in on Cole as a friend and not asking for money or a favor, followed by some lighthearted banter.

The second call causes Cole to reflect on the recent death of his friend Mal "Big Mal" Moses just before the caller tells Cole about how his music has a positive effect on his young daughter, eliciting smiles from her when she hears it. Just before the call ends, the friend tells Cole that he's proud of him for making it out of Fayetteville. 

Lines like "Nine Dime underdogs now we worldwide" in the background of the chorus reflect the overall goal of Cole's career and this project: Put the Ville on the map. Throughout the hook, Cole can be heard sounding off with the names of areas throughout Fayetteville, even giving a special shoutout to "Northside, Tera Gardens, where my dog from," a nod to his friendship with NBA player and Fayetteville native Dennis Smith Jr.  

The third call, or verse, follows the death of an LGBTQ+ friend from what was believed to be AIDS. Cole's friend reflects on how they treated their friend in their younger years and how it affected their relationship as they grew older. At the song's conclusion, the third caller offers his condolences to Cole for the murder of his friend, Carlos "Filthe Rich" Brown of Fayetteville.

'Run A Train'

This track, featuring Atlanta rap juggernaut Future crooning on the hook, sounds like a late-night drive down Bragg Boulevard, Murchison Road or any other major thoroughfare in Fayetteville. Cole begins to examine his growing detachment from a place that once provided him security. In an effort to reconnect with home, Cole raps that he is "riding through the city streets, reaching for a memory to hang on."

On this track, he begins to wrestle with the fact that he is not the same Jermaine who left the Ville to attend St. John's University, understanding that with growth comes separation. However, there is a need to fulfill the part of him that he feels has lost his love for home, even as he's gained the life he wanted. Rather than solely reflecting his lyrical capability, "Run A Train" sounds like an emotional decree to shed the metaphorical chains and make the most of the life given to you. 

'Poor Thing'

"Poor Thing" is one of the more talked-about tracks on the project because of the lyrical content and disses aimed at someone from Cole's past. With the first verse, Cole sets the scene inside the mind of a man on the cusp of achieving his dreams but realizing that the life he is picturing has yet to materialize. Meanwhile, he is fighting external battles like people's perception of his reality, making internal and external conflicts parallel as he addresses critics from back home who question his authenticity and upbringing. 

The first and second verses are separated by Lil' Boosie's club smash "Set It Off." "Here go a song to get (expletive) up off my sternum, this ... back home been talkin' slick and I done heard 'em/You get ya name goin, ... like that gon throw their dirt on/ You get you some coins, ... gon act like you ain't earn 'em," raps Cole in an effort to address hometown critics. Though the track seems aggressive, Cole acknowledges that his demeanor and tone are a reflection of pride and ego.  

'Legacy'

This is one of the first, but not last, times that Cole addresses how his life as a musician conflicts with his search for true love. Remembering the one he let get away, "Legacy" sounds like a love letter to a missed connection.

The song is an expression of reluctance to forego a bachelor's lifestyle for settling down with the "one." In addition, Cole admits to having commitment issues while acknowledging the void left when he missed the opportunity for partnership. "And I'm still textin' you, textin' you", Cole belts out on the hook, where he also laid the background vocals. Featuring Greensboro native PJ, this track is part man in love and part man dealing with the spoils of being a rapper. Furthermore, this is one of the first tracks on the project where Cole displays his improved vocal range. 

'Bunce Road Blues'

Named after the stretch of road that connects Cliffdale Road and Raeford Road, "Bunce Road Blues" features African superstar songstress Tems, along with a second appearance from Future. 

Dealing with an internal conflict, Cole takes a trip to a familiar area, Bunce Road. While in the area, an interaction with a fan serves as a reminder of his impact, causing him to reflect on his time at Seventy-First Middle School.

More: Track list of new J. Cole album is packed with Fayetteville references

On this track, he talks about dealing with the pressures of J. Cole, "(Expletive) J.Cole, I don't even want this role, wanna rebuild myself," he raps on the first verse. As Cole concludes his verse, Future comes in with a hook reminiscent of Usher's "Nice and Slow." "It's seven o'clock on the dot, I got my Glock cocked, cruisin' the streets that I grew up in," sings the Atlanta artist. At the conclusion of the track, Tems and Cole engage in a soulful back-and-forth, again displaying Cole's vocal ability. 

'WHO TF IZ U'

Seemingly an answer to critics, Cole asks, "WHO THE (EXPLETIVE) IS YOU, WHO THE (EXPLETIVE) IS YOU?" This track explores Cole's unwillingness to conform to the expectations of others while becoming more comfortable with himself.

At this point in the project, he is beginning to settle into his new life as a superstar from a small town and being the first, which brings criticism and unsolicited advice. The first part of the song is Cole acknowledging the reality of coming from Fayetteville but not letting the Ville mentality hinder him any longer. Midway through the song, the beat switches to a more uptempo sound with a more braggadocious Cole reflecting on returning home as a superstar rapper.  

"Yeah, you know who put the city on/Came back through, Rose Gold AP to show I'm really on," raps Cole as soon as the second beat drops. However, he understands that he must move differently by having a five percent tint on his cars in addition to wearing a hoodie as an extra measure of security. Before closing out the track, he proclaims that he is a "sidewalk (expletive)," meaning he has no plans to engage in street, or "illegal activity." This track sounds like Cole adopting a more humble approach, as he can be heard talking about the pressure to adapt to the prototypical rapper image. 

'Drum n Bass'

This song sounds like a night out at The Speakeasy, a nightclub once located on Sycamore Dairy Road. Back home, Cole decides to step out for a night out on the town with old friends. As he is partying, he begins to feel the underlying vibe, a vibe of death and despair that plagues his hometown. In that realization, Cole questions whether he has done enough to help the Ville while recognizing that all love is not genuine.  

The chorus ends with Cole questioning himself, asking, "What's the point of coming back when you escape?" Towards the latter part of the track, Cole hopes to run into a woman from his past. While he eventually does, he is consistently interrupted by a man who becomes agitated when Cole politely tries to tell him he's in the middle of a conversation. The track ends where the next song, "The Let Out," begins: in the parking lot of a Fayetteville nightclub just after the club closes. 

'The Let Out'

Set in the crowded parking lot of a Fayetteville nightclub, Cole asks the one question that is on everyone's mind: Will we survive the let-out? 

Nightclub parking lots are notoriously dangerous for their unpredictability. While the energy may be high, a minor disagreement could turn into a life-changing situation. The guitar and overall instrumentation give the song the feel of an old Western in which Cole is the protagonist rescuing a damsel in distress in the form of an old acquaintance. 

Initially, he is warned by a man at the club that while the love may seem genuine, there are those among the attendees who dislike Cole for their own reasons, whether it be his career or the way he represents the Ville but rarely returns home. The song closes out with Cole paranoid and frantically searching for his car just before shots ring out. "The Let Out" sounds like a lesson in self-awareness and being aware of your surroundings. 

'Bombs in the Ville/Hit the Gas'

After surviving "The Let Out," Cole is now safely in another parking lot talking to an acquaintance, trying to convince her to leave the Ville with him, as he has now fully adapted to stardom. Cole's melodic flow, coupled with the guitar, makes for a soulful plea, reminiscent of Bob Marley.

Like "WHO TF IZ U," the beat changes up as Cole finally gets the woman he truly wants. Slowly, the first disc ends with a conversation between Cole and his younger self, where he reflects on his growth as an artist and comes to grips with the pressures of fame.

"Fame is a drug you was chosen to take/Unfortunately can't be sober and great," he tells his younger self, lamenting on the fact that his career path has brought on unwanted attention. He also compares himself and other high-profile individuals to flowers that people sniff until the fragrance is no longer there and then discard. The latter half of the double track, "Hit the Gas," samples "What's Your Fantasy" by Ludacris, another nod to Cole's southern hip-hop roots. 

'Lonely at the Top' (Bonus) 

Before closing out Disc 29, Cole reflects on his position as one of the music industry's top acts. However, he wishes that he could use his position to help those whom he looked up to before becoming a rapper. Sampling "Babs" by Benny the Butcher, Cole speaks on how he noticed the further he ascended, the more he realized that his influences had fallen from grace or were no longer active. Benny and Cole collaborated on the Buffalo rapper's 2022 release "Johnny P's Caddy," and he also joined Cole on stage at the 2024 Dreamville Festival as a guest performer. 

On this track, Cole remembers a time before he was recognized as a rapper, when he aspired to work with his influences. By the time he became a rapper, however, many of those he wanted to work with had no interest or changed career paths. Cole even begins to accept that he will become just like those before him. As he raps, he is hit with the realization that his willingness to help derives from a place of selfishness, and it is not they, but he, who has changed.  

The hook, "I never understood the phrase it's lonely at the top/until I scaled that mountain all the way up until it stopped/and if you're ever blessed enough to make it to this spot/you'll see the ones you looked up to unfortunately had to drop," is a sobering reminder that "The Fall Off Is Inevitable," a perfect transition to Disc 39, a series of stories told from the point-of-view an accomplished artist who has learned balance and achieved inner peace. 

Disc 39

'Disc 39 Intro'

Believed to be Cole's magnum opus, the "39 Intro" begins with Cole exercising his vocal ability before a series of gunshots introduces what sounds like a choir welcoming you to heaven, along with a Willie Hutch sample singing in the background. Flexing his lyrical ability, Cole utilizes a rapid-fire flow to prove why he is in the Top 3 conversation that he created on Drake's "First Person Shooter." 

"I'm number one, you getting the gist/anything lower, you better reconsider your list," Cole raps as he boldly claims his spot at the top of the rap game.  

As the track continues, Cole reaches a flow state in which his words take on a life of their own and begin to float over the sound of the choir. What begins as a peaceful kumbaya-esque track from a man avoiding conflict turns into someone embracing his path and scrutiny of his position. Confidently assuming his position, "Disc 39 Intro" opens the story of a man returning home, sure of himself and looking to reassert himself professionally and personally. Addressing the criticism, Cole raps, "they tryna put my neck inside of the noose, it's not happenin'," taking direct aim at critics who question him as an artist. 

More: J. Cole reps Fayetteville in surprise mixtape, 'Birthday Blizzard '26'

'The Fall Off is Inevitable'

If this project were an essay, this track would be the thesis statement that sums up the entire paper. Initially released as "Disc 2 Track 2," this song deals with the impermanence of Cole's career.

An ode to  Nas' "Rewind," the track begins with Cole's death and goes back in time as he reflects on his impact as an artist, man and father. As he travels back through time, he grapples with his own mortality and the realization that neither he nor his career will be here forever. Hence, the track name, along with the project's namesake. 

'The Villest'

Reaching back to his Queens influence, Cole samples Mobb Deep's "The Realest." Keeping with the theme of reflection, Cole talks about reading his old rhymes and taking him back to a simpler time. Cole reflects on the times when he was passionate about rapping while dealing with the commercialization of his talent. In a full circle moment, Cole enlists the vocal talent of Erykah Badu, who incorporates the hook of Outkast's "Elevators." 

"Me and you/ yo mama and yo cousin too/Rollin through the Ville on vogues," sings Badu before Cole returns for a second verse in which he raises questions regarding material wealth and happiness.

"If money gives happiness/how come the rich bastards never bought their way to zen?" Cole asks before Badu comes in with another hook. 

'Old Dog'

"2-6 is the blueprint/ yea it made me/Old dog with some new tricks/ had a baby/ no more record deal/yea I'm fresh up out of slavery," raps Cole as he pays homage to his Carolina roots.

To further represent his Carolina roots, Cole enlists the help of Petey Pablo. Petey Pablo is most notable for his hit song "Raise Up," a track that broke into the mainstream music industry long before Cole would achieve success. 

This track is from the point-of-view of someone who has accepted his role as his hometown's representative.

"I had to leave these green pine trees/said when I got it/I was gon bring it back home/ and guess what, I did it," raps Cole.

However, no matter what he does, he reminds himself that he sticks out among those from his hometown, especially driving around in a Lamborghini. The track ends with Cole shouting out various streets in Fayetteville, like Hillsboro and Johnson streets, and surrounding areas like Gray's Creek, all the way down to places like Florence, South Carolina. 

'Life Sentence'

Borrowing the hook from the late DMX, Cole professes his love for his wife. Though the title would suggest otherwise, this track is about finding freedom through true love. 

It's no secret that Cole is a married father. Even as a top-selling artist, he still finds joy in being a husband. A far cry from the commitment issues of "Legacy," this song displays Cole's acceptance of love and willingness to commit, though he is still growing professionally. 

'Only You'

This Burna Boy-assisted track is written from the perspective of a man who has settled into family life. Once settled, he begins to realize all the time missed. Rather than chase the past, he is focused on making new memories. Cole examines the duality of being a public figure while maintaining a private personal life. Wrapping up the song, Burna Boy touches on the subject of how money can complicate the search for love. The song ends with poet Eve L. Fontes speaking uplifting words to the Black man. 

'Man Up Above'

As he does throughout the project, Cole shows that his position does not remove him from the draws of home. However, his stardom allowed him the chance to escape Fayetteville. Rather than being immersed in the situation, Cole speaks from an observer's point-of-view. To help further drive the point home, the production includes a sample of gospel singer Marvin Sapp's "Never Would've Made It."

'I Love Her Again' 

A nod to Common's 1994 hit "I Used to Love H.E.R.," Cole's "I Love Her Again" is about his complex relationship with hip-hop.

Like "Legacy," Cole is back on a quest to find his true love. Rather than a woman in a parking lot or a lost love, he was searching for hip-hop. While telling his personal story, he talks about the growth and maturation of hip-hop. However, he expresses his frustration with the game.

The song ends with Cole accepting that hip-hop is a youthful game and remembering that "she was like that when you met her."

'What If'

On this track, Cole steps into the bodies of Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG to answer a pressing question: What if the tragic East Coast/West Coast beef that claimed the lives of Tupac and Notorious BIG never got in the way? The first verse is Notorious BIG sending a letter to Tupac expressing his love and apologizing for the unfortunate incident that took place in New York's Quad Studios, where Pac was shot five times.

More: J. Cole features hometown Fayetteville in 'The Fall Off' announcement

For "What If," Cole reconnected with Fayetteville native Morray. The pair were nominated for a pair of Grammy's for "m y. l i f e" off Cole's The Off-Season project. The second verse is when Tupac receives BIG's letter just before deciding to take that fateful trip to Las Vegas for the Mike Tyson fight. Instead, Tupac opts to take a trip to New York to make amends with his long-lost friend.

Some would speculate that this song also draws inspiration from the recent conflict between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, both friends and collaborators of Cole. 

'Quik Stop'

Just trying to catch that nostalgic feeling again, Cole finds himself behind the wheel, reminiscing. His gas running low, Cole decides to make a stop at a local store, where he encounters a young fan. Though he is trying to remain inconspicuous, the young fan recognizes him and begins to express his admiration for Cole. In the fan's explanation, Cole begins to find the clarity that he was searching for and remembers his purpose. It is not about the riches and trappings of stardom; it is about the difference you make.  

'and the whole world is the Ville'

As the first to make it from Fayetteville, Cole understands that it is no easy feat.

In addition, there is speculation that he rarely returns or has forgotten about it altogether. Just as the album began with Two Six, Cole ends the album with an ode to Fayetteville.

"F-A-Y-E-TT-EVI Double E," Cole raps using the hook from Fayetteville collective Ground Zero's hometown hit "Fayetteville." In addition to using the hook, Cole is also on the back cover of "The Fall-Off" CD wearing a jersey designed by Ground Zero's own Maurice Curry. Though the Ville (Fayetteville) is a physical place, "and the world is the Ville" is Cole telling the world that no matter where he goes and what he does, he will always represent his hometown. This song is a fitting end to a project that takes themes from the Ville and offers a worldly perspective. 

'Ocean Way' (Bonus) 

'Ocean Way' is one of the more familiar sounds because it is the same instrumental featured in the project's announcement, with Dan Harumi speaking over it. This track sounds like free artistic expression rather than a calculated placement. 'Ocean Way' is reminiscent of a campfire love story. Some may say that is indicative of Cole's intention to return home and rebuild the place he loves. 

Closing thoughts

As Cole's last project, "The Fall-Off" picks up where "The Come-Up" left off.

This is Cole returning home after achieving his dreams.

To further express his love for Fayetteville, the project's photos and imagery are central to the city. Images like the Herring Funeral Home, the Market House, Tallywood Shopping Center and Fayetteville State University's Marching Bronco Xpress make an appearance in the album and vinyl version of "The Fall-Off."

On the vinyl version, there is an image of E.E. Smith High School with a personal handwritten message from Cole, a Terry Sanford Bulldog: "Please don't tear down EE Smith. Let's purchase surrounding and adjacent land and expand the campus. Too much history to move it."

"The Fall-Off" is Cole's seventh and final project. He says he has no plans to top it. Most recently, he has been on a trunk tour in his old Honda Civic, retracing the steps that got him where he is today. To follow his journey or listen to The Fall-Off, log on to  thefalloff.com . Salute to Cole and every activist getting active. Peace. 

Rakeem "Keem" Jones is a community advocate, father of five and the owner of  Keem Jones Content Collection . He can be reached at keemjonescontent@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: J. Cole's 'The Fall-Off': A track-by-track guide to his final album