i n t e r l u d e.

Album: The Off-Season (2021)
Charted: 25 8
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The first single released from The Off-Season, this song starts with J. Cole talking about his come up from modest beginnings to the top of the rap game. Rather than bragging about his success, he understands his future can go one or two ways: either up or down.
  • During the track's single extended verse, Cole reflects on the pain created by gun crime in America.

    This Southern heat make unbearable summers
    Just last week, seen your mama weep
    Crying 'cause she don't wan' bury your brother


    Later on in the verse, he suggests that the African-American community should follow the example of Jesus, and "turn the other cheek" rather than resolving conflicts by violent means.
  • Cole concludes the verse by paying tribute to two rappers who passed away at the same age that Jesus left this mortal coil.

    Christ went to Heaven aged 33
    And so did Pimp C and so did Nipsey
  • Cole ends the song with a similar sentiment to its intro by acknowledging the uncertainty of his future.
  • Cole co-produced the song with:

    Tommy Parker, who has had placements with Ariana Grande ("Love Language" and "Worst Behavior") T.I. ("Stay") and Jojo ("We Get By"). Parker also performs the opening lines on this song.

    Toronto-based producer T-Minus. The OVO Sound signee is a frequent Drake collaborator and previously worked with Cole on 2018's "Kevin's Heart," 2019's "Middle Child," and 2020's "Lion King On Ice."
  • This is a separate song to J. Cole's "Interlude," a sketch he recorded for his 2011 Cole World: The Sideline Story album. In this instance, the rapper stylized the title with all lower case and a space between each letter.

Comments: 1

  • Rb from California What is the background song J Cole used at the end of Interlude?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire

Verdine White of Earth, Wind & FireSongwriter Interviews

The longtime bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire discusses how his band came to do a holiday album, and offers insight into some of the greatest dance/soul tunes of all-time.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.