J. Cole’s Producer DZL Shares Insights on The Fall Off
As anticipation builds for J. Cole’s upcoming album The Fall Off, fans are eager to learn more about what the rapper has in store. DZL, the talented producer who worked closely with Cole on the 2024 mixtape Might Delete Later, has opened up about the new project, offering fans a glimpse into what they can expect from the highly anticipated release.
In an exclusive interview with Complex, DZL revealed that The Fall Off will showcase Cole at his best, delivering “top-tier raps” and “top-level storytelling.” According to DZL, the album offers a deeper look into the personal side of Cole, focusing on his growth as a man, a father, and a husband.
“It’s Cole in his bag,” DZL shared. “Top tier raps, top-level rapping, top-level storytelling. This project is going to give people a deeper insight into him as a man, him as a human being, him as a father, and him as a husband.” He continued, “I think he’s mysterious and stays out of the public eye, away from the spotlight. This album is going to give more of an insight into who he is and it’s really incredible — top to bottom, no skips. I really can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”
The cLOUDs Single: A Sneak Peek of What’s to Come
In February, J. Cole surprised fans with the release of cLOUDs, which may serve as the first official single from The Fall Off. Premiered through his Algorithm blog, the track caught attention not only for its production and Cole’s lyrical prowess but also for his candid message accompanying the song.
“Just wanted to share. Made this a few days ago, then I added a second verse and was like ‘man I got a blog now, I can put whatever I want up there,’” Cole explained. “I didn’t have a title 20 minutes ago when I decided to really put this up there. But now I got one…”
The song was produced by DZL and Omen, with Cole making “small contributions” to the track. Over a dreamy instrumental, Cole raps about various topics, including a reference to the failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump, which he rhymes with: “I’m that bass in your trunk, the bullet that missed Trump / The gun that jammed ’cause it seemed God had other plans.”
He also reflects on the state of the world, particularly criticizing the greed of billionaires: “Served on a plate with sirloin steak to billionaires who don’t care the world’s gon’ break / Long as they make money off it, pain brings profit.”
The Fall of Human Creativity and the Rise of AI
Toward the end of the second verse, Cole takes on the topic of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the creative arts. With his usual thought-provoking lyrics, he addresses the growing threat of AI to artistic expression:
“Don’t buy, subscribe so you can just stream your content / Like rent, you won’t own a thing / Before long, all the songs the whole world sings’ll be generated by latest of AI regimes / As all of our favorite artists erased by it scream / From the wayside, ‘Aye, whatever happened to human beings?’”
The verse highlights Cole’s concerns about the future of music and creativity, raising important questions about the role of technology in art.
A Juggling Act: Balancing Family Life and Music
In a recent interview, J. Cole discussed the challenges of balancing his family life with his music career, calling it a “juggling act.” As he continues to evolve both as an artist and as a person, it’s clear that The Fall Off will be a reflection of his growth, not just as a rapper, but as someone navigating the complexities of life, love, and fatherhood.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the full release of The Fall Off, as it promises to offer a personal and introspective look at one of hip-hop’s most respected artists. With DZL’s involvement and Cole’s commitment to showcasing his true self, the album is shaping up to be a masterpiece — one that dives deep into the man behind the music.
