J. Cole is a rapper, songwriter, and producer known for his self-searching lyrics and unique mix of hip-hop, soul, and R&B. With chart-topping albums like 2014 Forest Hills Drive and KOD, he quickly became one of the most inspirational voices in rap, earning a global fanbase.

His impact on hip-hop is huge. He shaped the genre with his thoughtful storytelling, impactful lyrics, and self-produced beats, inspiring a new generation of artists.

About the Song

January 28th by J. Cole is a thoughtful track that combines soulful beats with self-searching lyrics. The song explores the themes of personal growth, struggle, and perseverance, and J. Cole’s raw, emotional pitch makes it a standout in his discography.

January 28th by J. Cole Lyrics

Produced by J. Cole & Team Titans

Intro

Rap tune
Can I make a million dollars off a rap tune?
Can I make a million dollars off a rap tune?
I’m tryna make a million dollars off a rap tune
Yeah, look

Verse 1

The real is back, the ville is back
Flow bananas, here, peel this back
And what you’ll find is, your highness
Can paint a picture that is vivid enough to cure blindness
Carolina’s finest, you knew that already
In terms of the greatest, I proved that already
And if you would like, I do it twice
I just sharpen my blade, for a minute became lost in my ways
This for my niggas that was tossed in the graves
Every so often I fade deep in my thoughts
And then get lost in the days
We used to play before your coffin was made
Just got the call nigga got caught with a stray
Hope he’s okay
Just got paid what Cochran got paid to free OJ
Just to share my life on the stage in front of strangers
Who know a nigga far too well, and that’s the danger
Know me better than I know myself
I rip a page out my notebook in anger
And let these thoughts linger, singing

Chorus

Don’t give ’em too much you (Don’t give ’em too much you)
Don’t let ’em take control (Don’t let ’em take control)
It’s one thing you do (It’s one thing you do)
Don’t let ’em taint your soul (Don’t let ’em taint your soul)
If you believe in God (If you believe in God)
One thing’s for sure (One thing’s for sure)
If you ain’t aim too high (If you ain’t aim too high)
Then you aim too low (Then you aim too low)

Verse 2

What’s the price for a black man life?
I check the toe tag, not one zero in sight
I turn the TV on, not one hero in sight
Unless he dribble or he fiddle with mics
Look out the window ’cause tonight the city lit up with lights
Cameras and action
May no man alive come through and damage my faction
I brought you niggas with me ’cause I love you like my brothers
And your mothers’ like my mother
Think we need a plan of action
The bigger we get the more likely egos collide, it’s just physics
Please let’s put our egos aside, you my niggas
And should our worst tendencies turn us into enemies
I hope that we remember these
Nights full of Hennessy
When Hov around we switch up to that D’usse
Gotta show respect, one day we tryna stay where you stay
‘Cause we from where you from
Not talkin’ bout the slums
I’m talkin’ ’bout that mind state that keep a black nigga dumb
Keep a black nigga dyin’ by a black nigga gun
And keep on listening to the frontin’ ass rap niggas son
Yeah I said ‘son’
This is New York’s finest
For 11 winters straight I took on New York’s climate
Like show me New York’s ladder
I climb it and set the bar so high that you gotta get Obama to force the air force to find it
Never mind it, you’ll never reach that
Cole is the hypnotist, control the game whenever he snap
That’s every track, nigga

Chorus

Don’t give ’em too much you (Don’t give ’em too much you)
Don’t let ’em take control (Don’t let ’em take control)
It’s one thing you do (It’s one thing you do)
Don’t let ’em taint your soul (Don’t let ’em taint your soul)
If you believe in God (If you believe in God)
One thing’s for sure (One thing’s for sure)
If you ain’t aim too high (If you ain’t aim too high)
Then you aim too low (Then you aim too low)

Verse 3

I ain’t serve no pies, I ain’t slang no dope
I don’t bring no lies, niggas sang my quotes
I don’t play no games, boy I ain’t no joke
Like the great Rakim, when I make my notes
You niggas might be L or you might be Kane
Or you might be Slick Rick with 19 chains
Or you might be Drizzy Drake or Kendrick Lamar
But check your birth date nigga, you ain’t the god
Nah you ain’t the god
Nigga, Cole the god (Cole the god, Cole the god)
January 28th

Outro

Make a million dollars off a rap tune
Can I make a million dollars off a rap tune?
(*sound of baby laughing*)
I’m tryna make a million dollars off a rap tune
I wanna make a million dollars off a rap tune
I’m gonna make a million dollars off a rap tune

Similar Songs Like January 28th

Similar songs to January 28th by J. Cole touch on self-realization, personal growth, and storytelling with thoughtful lyrics and soulful beats.

• “Love Yourz“: A thoughtful track that focuses on self-love and gratitude, encouraging listeners to appreciate their path, with a self-searching and empowering vibe.
• “4 Your Eyez Only“: This touching song goes into the themes of life and legacy showing J. Cole’s exceptional storytelling and emotional richness.
• “Apparently“: With smooth production and insightful lyrics, this track shows success, personal growth, and the complexities of achieving one’s dreams.
• “Neighbors“: This song combines sharp, impactful lyrics with a relaxed beat, offering a thought-provoking outlook.
• “The Cut Off“: Understanding relationships and personal boundaries, this song has soulful lyrics that show the importance of protecting one’s peace and setting limits.

Similar Artists Like J. Cole

If you enjoy J. Cole’s thoughtful lyrics and storytelling, check out these artists who combine rap, social commentary, and emotional richness in their music.

• Kendrick Lamar
  Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
  Top Albums: good kid, m.A.A.d City (2012), To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), DAMN. (2017)
• Joey Bada$$
  Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
  Top Albums: B4.DA.$ (2015), All-Amerikkkan Bada$$ (2017), 2000 (2022)
• Big Sean
  Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
  Top Albums: Finally Famous (2011), Dark Sky Paradise (2015), Detroit 2 (2020)
• Wale
  Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
  Top Albums: Attention Deficit (2009), Ambition (2011), The Gifted (2013)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Song Titled January 28th?

January 28th is J. Cole’s birthday. He was born on January 28, 1985, in Frankfurt, Germany.

Are there Any Notable Samples/References on January 28th?

The song contains various cultural references but doesn’t rely on prominent samples from other tracks.

What is the Full Name of J. Cole?

J. Cole’s full name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole.