Released in 2016, J. Cole’s 4 Your Eyez Only is a heartfelt message to his late friend James’ daughter, taking the listener through James’ life and teaching his daughter the things he always hoped to but never could. This 10-track rap album encompasses the perspectives of both James and Cole, exploring the differences between the two, and contemplates the value and importance of life and death. The album pulls the listener into the music, which allows them to live and breathe through these experiences. It takes them through the emotional rollercoaster of James’ life, and I personally enjoyed the whole thing.
The song “4 Your Eyez Only” contains the central message and purpose of the album, making other songs like “Change” and “Immortal” frame it perfectly, easing the listener into the complexities of the lyrics and the beat. The first song of the album, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” dives head first into the metaphorical aspects of the album. With lyrics suggesting feelings of having nowhere to go, the song gives Cole no options to escape what Cole knew was coming: the death of his friend.
“Change” explains that true change, both personally and as a society, comes from the inside and not a piece of paper. “Immortal” has a similar theme where Cole wonders if it’s better to die young with a lasting legacy or live long with an unfulfilled life. In his eyes, change only truly happens once someone dies, and he shows his desire to change the world with this song.
Out of the whole album, the lyrics to “4 Your Eyez Only” hit the hardest because of the weight the words carry and the metaphors they contain. It really makes you feel for James because there was no way out for him, and all he wanted was for his daughter to have a good life.
Overall, 4 Your Eyez Only is an amazing album. Cole did a great job of keeping the story consistent throughout the album. Next time you find yourself bored of your playlist, give 4 Your Eyez Only a listen. It won’t disappoint.
Quotes for the sidebar:
“4 Your Eyez Only is J. Cole’s fifth studio album and, in my opinion, is his best,” Tualatin junior Mason Wood said. “Between the story he tells about his friend who lost his life to gang violence and his use of lyrics throughout the album, he shows the care he had for his late friend.”
“I think the album 4 Your Eyez Only is a really good album,” sophomore Oliver Karmakar said. “My favorite song from this album is ‘She’s Mine pt. II.’”
