Arguably recognized as hip-hop’s most influential and powerful voices of this generation. Fayetteville, North Carolina’s very own, J. Cole uses his voice to speak on police brutality, racism, along with inequality and inequity with his surprise release, “Snow On Tha Bluff.”
After the announcement of his upcoming album, The Fall Off which is expected to be released in 2020. J. Cole’s, “Snow On Tha Bluff” marks his first appearance musically since performing his final feature verse on Gang Starr’s, “Family & Loyalty”. Referencing the 2012 documentary about drug-dealer, Curtis Snow who stole a camera from a group of college students to tell his life story, “Snow On The Bluff” addresses the current political climate and racial issues that unfortunately still exist. Similar to how J. Cole has done before in previous songs and music videos such as “Be Free”, Miss America, and “Crooked Smile.”
Displaying the art of storytelling, Cole recollects reading a woman’s social media timeline venting her frustrations about the current issues of today such as capitalism, police officers, and celebrities who remain silent about social injustice. Additionally, he speaks about the struggles that the black community faces in terms of coming together and advancing collectively when he raps:
“These shackles be lockin’ the mental way more than the physical / I look at freedom like trees, can’t grow a forest like overnight / Hit the ghetto and slowly start plantin’ your seeds / Fuck is the point of you preaching your message to those that already believe what you believe?”
At the end of his verse, Cole self-reflects on his status as a celebrity questioning himself on whether if he’s truly doing enough, based on a conversation with a fan who praises him for his contributions with his activism and philanthropic work. Overall, J. Cole delivers a powerful conscious message keeping the names of those who are no longer living still alive.
Listen to the full version of “Snow On Tha Bluff” below,
