J.Cole is a rapper and producer, producer who became the first artist signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and topped the Billboard 200 with his first four albums.

     “ATM” which is on J.Cole’s 5th studio album, “KOD”(Kids on Drugs) is not the automated teller machine that every use, it stands for “addicted to money”. He points out the ways in which people are controlled by money and willing to do any and everything for it. My favorite part of the video is when he runs out of money and he literally gives an arm and a leg in exchange for the car. This song in particular is J.Cole’s highest charting song on the album. He uses repetition in the hook of this song by repeating “Count it up, count it up, count it up, count it. Can’t take it when you die, but you cant live without it.” There is also collective improvisation within this song while several instruments playing at the same time. Lastly, there is emphasis on the second beat.  

      One of my favorite songs from J.Cole’s Forest Hill Drive album is “Love Yourz”! The song begins with repetition by repeating “no such thing as a life that’s better than yours” as a constant reminder to assure the listeners what the message will be about. He is instilling in his listeners that if you cannot love yourself, then you will not appreciate the amazing things that will be coming your way. J.Cole is someone who has came from the struggle and he talks about it in almost all of his songs. Even with the success and money that he has achieved, he knows that it doesn’t mean anything without loving and appreciating the priceless things. For me this song meant a lot because often times when I compare myself to what others have, I have to remember that in God’s timing I will be where He needs me to be. 

By: Michaelah Valentine