J Cole and the American Dream.

 Hello,

Today, I will discuss the famous OIB theme of the American Dream, and, to do so, I will be helped by the words and songs of Jermaine Cole.

Firstly, what is the American Dream? It can be a number of things. Some will say that it strictly designates the idea that anyone in America can succeed and obtain a life of wealth through hard work and determination (or through popularity if you're Willy Loman ��). However, one can argue that this idea also helps us to understand what are the goals sought by those trying to get "wealth" and "prosperity". The classic American Dream is to have: - the big suburban house -the nice shining sports car - the beautiful and serving wife - the kids that graduate college - money. Keeping this in mind, we can understand how a society growing on adds and where images of those aspects of life are portrayed in media as goals, becomes fantasies in the eyes of a poorer population. This is where J Cole becomes interesting to analyze.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jermaine Cole is an American rapper, born in Frankfort (GR) of a soldier father, and grew up in Fayetteville North Carolina until moving to NYC in order to start his career. J Cole is often mentioned as a middle child of rap, as he clearly represents a bridge between the older generations of hip-hop, with old school beats and very political texts, and the current generation, with trap beats and lighter texts, discussing different subjects. He is actually considered on of the last conscious rappers, discussion issues such as racism, police brutality, social inequalities, and different themes, including the American Dream. His most famous album, "2014 Forest Hill Drive", really focuses on the problematics of the american dream and American society as a whole, particularly in the song "Love Yourz", which is actually one of my favourite songs of all times.

This song discusses celebrity and wealth, in a way questioning the idea that those two things will bring happiness to a person. J cole confronts wealth and love as sources of happiness: "Always gon' be a bigger house somewhere, but feel me 'Long as the people in that motherfucker love you dearly". In the song, the rapper lists the items of the American success, (the wife, the popularity, the car, the house, the money, the physical appearance), and shows how his experience as a successful artist taught him that those things won't bring you happiness, in opposition to love.

In addition to this beautiful song, (which I strongly recommend), J Cole has the habit of making 5 to 10 minutes long speeches before playing Love Yourz in concert. As I am a really big fan I listened to most of those, that really help you to understand your true goals and keep your feet on the ground. Those speeches tackle the same issues as the song, (and sometimes others), but in a deeper way, with precise examples and direct interactions with the audience.

Some of my favourites:

https://youtu.be/wK-UWnELMfA (dedicated to Nipsey Hustle after his death)

https://youtu.be/KcjwjQMxI-8 (during KOD tour, speaks about pain, health and addiction) 

https://youtu.be/3BIy6tQP9iw (interview that explains the philosophy behind Love Yourz)

This is live in Fayetteville, he explains his song, the album. In my opinion this is the best and most important speech:  https://youtu.be/ytQ7Va1BBEI