J. Cole Channels 2Pac’s and Biggie’s perspectives on a new track

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J. Cole’s new album, The Fall-Off, reinforces his reputation as one of the most insightful and reflective artists in hip-hop. A standout track, “What If,” uniquely explores rap’s legacy, with Cole cleverly imitating the styles of legendary artists The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac.

Rather than just recounting what happened, Cole creates a vision of how things could have been different if the famous East Coast-West Coast rivalry hadn’t become so intense. This allows listeners to consider the situation with fresh emotion and thoughtful insight.

The song instantly captivates listeners with its atmospheric, piano-based rhythm, crafted by producers Beat Butcha and TaeBeast. The music creates a thoughtful mood, exploring possibilities of the past, and Cole skillfully imitates the rapping styles and individual personalities of both artists.

J. Cole brings Biggie and 2Pac’s voices to life on “What If”

Listeners familiar with old-school hip-hop instantly connect with the throwback feel, while also enjoying the clever way J. Cole tells his stories.

The song “What If” delves into themes of conflict, loyalty, and regret. J. Cole starts by wondering what would have happened if petty arguments hadn’t gotten in the way of a friendship, suggesting that pride and ego can damage relationships. In the first verse, he skillfully embodies the voice and style of The Notorious B.I.G., blending moments of vulnerability with a tough, street-smart attitude.

Cole’s Biggie verse addresses the tension that famously fueled the feud:

He starts by acknowledging Tupac’s new, popular song and questioning when their friendship ended. He then references his song ‘Hit Em Up,’ suggesting he considered responding but thought better of it, wanting to avoid further conflict. He notes the tension in the streets and addresses accusations about a shared romantic partner. Instead of escalating the situation, despite pressure from others to retaliate, he urges Tupac to calm down, admitting he doesn’t harbor any real hatred towards him, even though he feels betrayed.

As a gamer, I’m used to seeing characters built up, but this portrayal of Biggie really struck me. It didn’t just show the tough exterior everyone knew, but also a surprisingly relatable side. It’s cool to see someone like Cole able to make a legend feel human, while still keeping it real and true to the raw energy of hip-hop. It feels authentic, not some cleaned-up version.

In the second verse, J. Cole shifts his rapping style to sound like 2Pac, using a more forceful and energetic delivery. He focuses on the disorientation and emotional pain caused by being betrayed and experiencing violence.

He raps about needing to confront someone directly, saying he wants to look them in the eye and tell them how much they’ve hurt him. He’s been running on adrenaline, unsure of who his true allies are and who’s working against him. Feeling lost and betrayed, he got caught up in a conflict, acknowledging the potential for gain through violence but ultimately feeling abandoned.

So, in the song, Cole wraps up each verse by apologizing. It really hits home that he’s thinking things through and doesn’t want to just get caught up in revenge – he’s trying to be the bigger person, you know?

He raps that the letter he received helped him realize the strength of love and the importance of taking the high road. He admits things went too far and accepts responsibility for his errors, stating he couldn’t bear the thought of anyone getting hurt because of them. He explains he was caught up in pride, revenge, and the pursuit of money, and sincerely apologizes from the heart.

Cole expertly weaves together history, heartfelt emotion, and impressive rapping skills in this song. By looking at things from two sides, he pays tribute to hip-hop legends while also establishing his own unique style.

People are loving “What If,” especially how fresh and thoughtful it is. Online, there’s a lot of talk about how Cole brilliantly portrayed both Biggie and 2Pac while still honoring their memories. Many see the song as a moving reminder of the importance of empathy – showing how seeing things from another person’s point of view can help us understand disagreements and find common ground.

This song also reflects J. Cole’s choice to pull back from the public conflict between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, after he released his own song, “7 Minute Drill.” By prioritizing thoughtfulness over continuing the argument, Cole reinforces his image as a smart and considered artist, proving that hip-hop can be both impactful and deeply reflective.

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2026-02-09 14:00