Note to Self

Album: 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The final song on 2014 Forest Hills Drive finds Cole rapping that nothing really matters apart from love. Carrying on with the same beat during an extended outro, Cole proceeds to than every person who took part in the album as well as several others who come to mind.
  • American stock car racing driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. gets a surprising shout out:

    Man, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., dawg. I'm never gon' forget, this is gonna sound crazy but I'm never gonna forget that s--t you told me, yo.
    For, real, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., man, thank you, dawg. From the bottom of my heart.
    That s--t you said to me changed my life man.
    And I ain't never gon' forget, ever for real.
    For real Dale, form me to you, you my n—a man, for real. I love you boy.


    A few seconds later, Cole claims his thanking of the racing star is an elaborate joke, as he was caught up in the moment. However the decision to namecheck Earnhardt wasn't a random one. "There was an interview Dale Jr. did that asked him what he plays before races, and he said 'J. Cole "Power Trip,"' which freaked me out!" Cole told ESPN the Magazine. "What is Dale Earnhardt Jr. doing playing my s--t? How did he even find out about it? You don't think somebody on that level would ever hear your stuff. From there, I never forgot. I was always like, 'Yo, I ride with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'"

Comments: 1

  • AnonymousWell note to self is not rapping at all its soul singing and yes its a beautiful song i love it
see more comments

Editor's Picks

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

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.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal Tap

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.