17 Best Underrated J Cole Songs: Hidden Gold
Let’s uncover some hidden gems together. Our main man, J. Cole, is known for his chart-toppers, but there’s an untapped goldmine in his discography. Dive into this specially curated list of “17 Best Underrated J. Cole Songs” and discover the treasure awaiting your ears and decks!
Here are the best underrated J Cole songs that you can check out:
List Of Top Underrated J Cole Tunes
Best underrated J Cole songs in a list format:
1. Enchanted (feat. Omen) – Friday Night Lights (2010)
Enchanted is a poetic piece from J. Cole’s mixtape Friday Night Lights. With the featuring of Omen, this track takes you on a reflective journey through the struggles of life and the pursuit of dreams. The melancholic beat perfectly complements the contemplative lyrics.
2. 03′ Adolescence – 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014)
In 03′ Adolescence, from his album 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole gets super personal. This nostalgic track recounts the stories and struggles of his teenage years with an evocative and relatable flair.
3. Change – 4 Your Eyez Only (2016)
Change, from the 4 Your Eyez Only album, showcases J. Cole’s lyrical prowess and musical innovation. With a jazzy beat, he talks about personal growth, societal issues, and the quest for positive change.
4. Too Deep for the Intro – Friday Night Lights (2010)
Here’s another gem from Friday Night Lights. Too Deep for the Intro is J. Cole at his introspective best, blending his personal experiences with a smooth beat and a hint of an Erykah Badu sample.
5. Before I’m Gone – Friday Night Lights (2010)
In Before I’m Gone, J. Cole reflects on his come-up and the pressures of fame. He poetically pens his thoughts on chasing dreams without losing one’s soul.
6. Love Yourz – 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014)
Love Yourz, off of 2014 Forest Hills Drive, is a powerful reminder to appreciate what you have. With his soulful delivery, J. Cole paints a picture of the true meaning of success.
7. Kenny Lofton (feat. Young Jeezy) – Truly Yours 2 (2013)
This track from Truly Yours 2, Kenny Lofton, features Young Jeezy and serves as a reflection on the struggles and aspirations in the pursuit of success. The baseball reference adds a clever layer to the narrative.
8. The Badness (feat. Omen) – The Warm Up (2009)
From The Warm Up mixtape, The Badness featuring Omen, explores the internal conflict of an artist. It’s a raw, introspective piece that every creative soul can relate to.
9. Dead Presidents II – The Warm Up (2009)
Dead Presidents II is a testament to J. Cole’s hunger and determination. His lyrical agility in this The Warm Up track is impressive, as he pays homage to Jay-Z’s classic while carving his own path.
10. Farewell – Friday Night Lights (2010)
From the mixtape Friday Night Lights, Farewell is an emotional rollercoaster. It’s a tribute to a departed friend, dealing with loss and cherishing memories.
11. Runaway – Born Sinner (2013)
In Runaway from the Born Sinner album, J. Cole explores the complexities of relationships and the concept of escaping from responsibilities. The piano-driven beat adds gravity to his raw storytelling.
12. Rich Niggaz – Born Sinner (2013)
This track from Born Sinner, Rich Niggaz, delves into wealth, envy, and the perception of success. J. Cole’s lyrical depth here is unmatched, as he reflects on the true value of money.
13. Lost Ones – Cole World: The Sideline Story (2011)
From his debut studio album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, Lost Ones is a storytelling masterpiece. He takes on multiple perspectives in a tale about unplanned pregnancy and the consequences that follow.
14. Hello – 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014)
In Hello from 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole’s emotive performance is heart-wrenching. The track deals with the concept of ‘what could have been’ in past relationships.
15. Window Pain (Outro) – KOD (2018)
Window Pain, from the KOD album, finds J. Cole in a reflective state, contemplating his past, family, and the pain he has seen. It’s an emotional confession booth with a gripping beat.
16. January 28th – 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014)
In January 28th, J. Cole celebrates his birthday by offering some of his most contemplative and insightful lyrics. It’s a shout-out to his own legacy and a reminder of the importance of self-awareness.
17. Friends (feat. kiLL edward) – KOD (2018)
Friends, from the KOD album, features J. Cole’s alter ego kiLL edward. This track is a profound look at addiction, mental health, and the struggles of the human condition.
Fun Facts: Underrated J Cole Cole Songs
Fun Fact about Enchanted
Did you know that Enchanted almost didn’t make the cut for Friday Night Lights? J. Cole and Omen recorded it last minute, and the track became one of the most adored pieces of the mixtape.
Fun Fact about 03′ Adolescence
J. Cole shared in an interview that 03′ Adolescence was initially meant for his friend’s album. It was only after his friend insisted on how powerful and personal the song was that Cole decided to keep it for 2014 Forest Hills Drive.
Fun Fact about Change
Change is J. Cole’s personal favorite on the 4 Your Eyez Only album. He feels that it encapsulates the essence of the album and talks about a theme very close to his heart – personal transformation.
Fun Fact about Too Deep for the Intro
The opening sample in Too Deep for the Intro is from Erykah Badu’s song Didn’t Cha Know. This sample sets a smooth vibe and pays homage to one of the artists J. Cole has often cited as an inspiration.
Fun Fact about Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton isn’t just a song title; it’s named after a famous baseball player. The song cleverly draws parallels between the pursuit of success in sports and music, and how both can be a hit or miss.
Fun Fact about Dead Presidents II
J. Cole’s Dead Presidents II is a nod to Jay-Z’s Dead Presidents. As a big fan of Jay-Z growing up, J. Cole often looked up to him as an inspiration and this track serves as a sort of tribute.
Fun Fact about Lost Ones
J. Cole actually recorded Lost Ones years before it was officially released on Cole World: The Sideline Story. He held onto it because he felt it was special and wanted it to reach a larger audience when he had a bigger platform.
Fun Fact about January 28th
The title January 28th is actually J. Cole’s birthday! It’s also a tribute to his art and legacy. The line “check the birthdate, you ain’t the God” emphasizes that though others may compare themselves to legends like Jay-Z (born on Dec 4), he feels connected to his own path.
Fun Fact about Friends
In Friends, J. Cole’s alter ego kiLL edward is featured. The fun part? kiLL edward is actually a pitch-shifted voice of J. Cole himself. It represents a part of him, allowing him to explore different themes and vocal styles.
Now that you’re equipped with these J. Cole gems and some fun facts, it’s time to plug in those headphones and vibe out! Keep exploring and stay groovy, folks!
Thanks for reading.
TBone