God's Gift

Album: Cole World: The Sideline Story (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Having been the first artist signed by Jay-Z to his Roc Nation label then getting a verse on Jay-Z's 2009 The Blueprint 3 track, "A Star Is Born," North Carolina rapper J. Cole was hoping he might get the CEO to lend his voice to his debut album. This was the cut he had in mind and he purposely left an empty slot at the end in the hope that Hova would get on it. Instead, it was another track, "Mr. Nice Watch" that would bear his boss's bars.
  • The song finds the rising North Carolina MC recalling his early days when Jay wouldn't even accept his demo CD and celebrating his subsequent success. Cole was going to offer the song to his fans as a free download, but after he made the beat at his home, he knew he had something good. "I actually did the song thinking I would just throw it out when I made it," he said of the track. "I made it in my crib and I was like, 'Man I'm gonna throw something out today, or tomorrow whatever, let me do a song.' Then I started making it, and as soon as I made it, I was like, 'Oh nah, nah.'"
  • Cole recalled to Artist Direct: "I made that song one day in my room. I find I make most of my best songs in my bedroom and I made that one day at the house, in my room. I thought I was going to make something and then throw it out to my fans when I was done with my album, but I made that beat and made that song in a few hours. It was too special to just throw it out there, so I decided to keep it for my album."

Comments: 1

  • Monica from UmlaziJ Cole you the best
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.