Wake Up.

Kendall Lewis
Music Analyst - Notoriety

CENTER STAGE

J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only, A Dreamville Film

Directed by Jermaine Cole and Scott Lazer

It's hard for regular people to actually vibe to what rappers are saying these days. The industry is filled with one-hit wonders, overnight celebrities and negative influences. However, this isn't the case for one of the best in the game.

J. Cole is 32 years old now, but the veteran isn't just a rapper anymore. He's living in the same world that everyone else, but his mindset and mentality are on another spectrum. Instead of just aimlessly wondering in music like others are, he's using lyrics to simply ask people to WAKE UP.

"This albums goal is to humanize the people that have been villianized in the media." - Cole

4 Your Eyez Only, released December 2016, was highly anticipated album everyone was waiting for. The follow-up project was brilliant, and definitely helped people close out a rough year on a right note. Unfortunately, the masses usually bump a masterpiece in their trunk or on smartphones for about a month. So, the project's buzz slowly faded going into the new year.

These days, it's a lot about doing things differently in order to remain relevant. Whether it's done the right way, or in an unnecessary fashion remains to be seen sometimes; but J. Cole's presence amongst people's hearts will never fade away. That's why he and Scott Lazer directed a documentary for 4YEO. People love J. Cole because it always seems like he arises from the dark abyss whenever the people need him, and his outlook on society the most.

The documentary premiered on HBO April 15th, and it's a masterpiece that people need to watch. It's their choice; but it'd be a wise decision to check it out in between the NBA Playoffs, Netflix binge watching, agenda setting on news channels, etc.

The film takes people on a trip throughout the South, in places such as Fayetteville, Atlanta, Ferguson and Atlanta. An additional camera from Kazmo Kida allowed J. Cole to capture precious moments in communities. When small groups of people got together, they discussed issues and tried to collaborate on ways to find solutions. The special thing about those moments were that J. Cole could be found listening and observing the debates, as if he were a teacher listening to student discussions.

"But we need more people like J. Cole coming out to support, people that have a bigger voice! Sh*t like this I respect you for that. Coming out and showing us some love..." - Female Civilian

"What she said was we need more people like J. Cole? I mean, I wouldn't put it on nobody like that because you can be a voice. You can be a voice, he can be a voice, she can be a voice... All I'm saying is you hearing a voice, so all I'm asking you is Who Am I?" - Male Civilian

J. Cole took another leap by incorporating his videos into the documentary, so that it gave people a reason to watch the whole thing. It was a critical step in the creative process, because it transitioned in and out from stories people told in each city. Nic Stark did his thing with the visuals by mixing neon colors, unorthodox location settings and video from Kida's camera. The audio mixes from Elad Marish and Shane Watson (Swell Music & Sound), also set viewers up for smooth sequences in and out of music videos because the stories about broader issues are similar to what went on during the documentaries.

For example, an old senior citizen had her home destroyed after a huge storm. She was safely saved from her roof, but that was only half the battle. After telling the camera that she had lost her car, valuables and "$2,800 dining room set," she revealed that the government and insurance would only cover about $84-86 for repairs. That's preposterous, and the idea of that only being enough to manage expenses in coverage is sickening. Instead of whining and complaining, she quickly added that she won't be needing their aid. That check won't even be cashed, she'll be staying strong and fighting to build the foundation back up on her own (with help from the community).

Cole also took time to arrive in Ferguson, MO, to walk around and look for the Mike Brown tribute landmark. While looking for "the tree," Cole stumbled upon Mike Brown's younger cousin Darius. From there, he led him to a pole consisting of stickers that read "Peace, Colorblind and Copwatch." A puzzled J. Cole appeared confused. Brown's cousin quickly stated the reason why the tribute wasn't much of a memorial.

" This is, like you know, the pole. The one they be having all the teddy bears up on and stuff.' - Darius

"Yeah." - Cole

 "That's right here; and on the first of the month, that's when they took all the teddy bears down." - Darius

"Why though?" - Cole

"I guess they was like, IT'S OVER. You know what I'm saying, basically like it's a holiday..." - Darius

Truly seems like a damn shame, especially the way the media tried to dehumanize Brown and make the whole tragedy about race. Before Darius leaves for boxing practice, he tells Cole about how Mike wanted to get his name out there. He didn't know if it was going to be through his music, but he waned people to know his name.

And everybody does now. Unfortunately, it came at the expense of his life, but that incident serves as a stepping stone towards people finally being fed up with social injustice. Once again, a pivotal point that he's trying to make is that it's time for human beings to finally WAKE UP.

Cole was at the E. Boone Watson Community Center getting ready to hoop with others on an outdoor court. Another historic landmark was in the vicinity, acknowledging the work a man named D.W. Hughes had accomplished in Jonesboro, AR.

"The first high school for blacks in Northeast Arkansas in 1924, yo. A dude had to come here in 1922 and like, convince the local government that it was important that black children be able to go to high school. Before that it was like ehhhh they'll be alright with this lil' whateva, whatever we give them..." - Cole

Pearl Buck once said: "if you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday." Historic moments can be altered over time (i.e. textbooks, documents), but it cannot be reversed. However, if people aren't aware of their history and it's importance, then history can easily repeat itself. Cole is certainly a new leader for the American people, and he uses his platform to guide people through the negativity in society.

"Sh*t f****d up nowadays man know what I'm saying. Man it's making the Wolf come outta people. Sh*t even with a job man, it's hard to get a job out in this b***h. A real muhf***a gotta know how to survive to make it out here..." - Overnight Hotel Check-In Attendant

J. Cole isn't an artist that will dazzle people with billboard toppling hits, but he's still one of the most powerful and influential figures on the planet. He doesn't just inspire devotion in others, he takes the time to actually learn something from and about them as well. His humanistic presence easily spreads to other people, and it allows them to share their messages as well.

The last scene in the 53-minute documentary, was one of the most important parts of the whole piece. Cole is standing outside of a building, and a lady courteously yelled "goodnight," while he gazed at the American flag during sunset. He quickly went to go say thank you, and introduce himself before she took off on her bike to work. She's polite, and responds freely by telling him about herself on camera... as if she had already known him like a family friend.

She's surprisingly a grandmother now, and had 4 kids of her own until two of them were killed. Her son was a rapper that took a bullet to the head after he and his friend were fighting over a gun. Her daughter was a fighting to get away from a man that tried to rape her, and she suffered a cerebral injury after her head was crushed into the pavement. That sweet lady doesn't show anger or resentment over her deceased children. Instead, she shares positive insight towards Cole and anyone watching out there:

"Gotta keep moving, I've got a lot to live for.. so I have a testimony. God has me here for a reason. Because so many of us are hurting, and we're confused, and we're angry, and we're just doing anything... We're just like whatever, because we're hurting and we don't know which way to turn. But God is the answer, Jesus is definitely the answer."

Cole hugs her after their conversation, and she rides away to catch her shift at work. That's when the documentary ends, the 4 Your Eyez Only Outro plays and the film comes to a close.

 J. Cole is living legend, and has cemented his status as a lyrical mastermind over the years through his quality music. He's gone through the introductory phases of stardom, and wisely stepped away from the toxicity limelight brings. He's walked through the valley of shadows while coming at a crossroad. Now, he's using music and not letting music use him.

Cole is simply on a different level than other artists, because he's actually out there in the communities making a difference and connecting with people. Americans respect him a whole lot more than government officials and politicians because he's helping people everyday.

In many ways, Jermaine Cole is the millennials' Tupac Shakur. His voice has a strong influence on people from all backgrounds (especially millennials) resonates in minds greater than any parent, teacher, mentor, coach, activist or public figure these days.

"God is REAL, and he using me for a bigger purpose. So f*ck the world that would have you think a n**** worthless. Sometimes I think that the verses can help a person way more than the ones they reading in churches on days of worship. No disrespect to the Lord and Savior, that aint just ego. I just observered that them words no longer relate to people. Cause modern times be flooded with dollar signs, and social media stuntin', my n****s just wanna shine... All of that tot say maybe the hood need a new faith. A new story about a boy from not to far from where you stay." - Cole: Want You to Fly

You don't have to be a professional athlete, artist or celebrity in order for people to embrace you. It certainly helps, but Cole always preaches that it doesn't have to be that way in order to be a People's Champ. Being empathetic, compassionate and understanding is all it takes to be a good human being... and people tend to forget that because of the grimy culture that's hovered over society throughout history.

The 4YEO documentary is great, because it allows to people to continue fighting for happiness. Allowing yourself to be aware of stay strong internally, remain aware of injustice, and come together to correct evil wrongdoings are things that people must do in order to truly make the world a better place. In conclusion, all he really wants everyone to do first and foremost... is to WAKE UP.