J. Cole calls out Trump and billionaires in new track 'Clouds'
J. Cole is back with a vengeance. After a quiet 2024 following the Drake and Kendrick Lamar rap battle, the rapper has dropped a new single, "Clouds," that reveals a lot about his state of mind heading into 2025.
The moody track, driven by his signature singing voice, sees Cole making pointed references to both Donald Trump and billionaires. In one of the song's most striking lines, he raps, 'I'm that bass in your trunk, the bullet that missed Trump,' alluding to an assassination attempt on the former president. He continues with, "The gun that jammed because it seemed God had other plans," further exploring his frustration with the political landscape.
The second verse of "Clouds" is where Cole really goes off, criticizing billionaires for their indifference to the world's problems. 'Throw it in the pan and caramelize for richness,' he spits, adding, '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 song offers a raw look into the artist's thoughts on the inequality and corporate greed that has dominated the conversation in 2025.
Fans quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to Cole's intense bars. One user wrote, 'Say what you want about J. Cole but when he locks in and raps fr, there's very few that can rap better than him,' while another chimed in, 'If we being honest, Cole really rapping better than Drake and Kendrick.'
Say what you want about J.cole but when he locks in and raps fr, there's very few that can rap better than him. — LOVELY (@LoveIsback24) February 21, 2025
I feel like J. Cole lowkey spared niggas but we'll talk about that another day https://t.co/lKiFFkOMQd — II (@SmithTheIInd) February 21, 2025
If we being honest, Cole really rapping better than Drake and Kendrick. 😭 — A Lawyer you can trust (@LawyerYouTrust) February 21, 2025
Others seemed to appreciate his relentless flow, with a fan commenting, 'J. Cole can't hoop, but he don't miss.' Another user observed, 'J Cole is 40 and his pen keeps getting better,' praising the rapper for continuously evolving his craft.
J. Cole can't hoop, but he don't miss. — Throttle-Jockey Jorge (@_naranjojr) February 21, 2025
J Cole is 40 and his pen keeps getting better pic.twitter.com/rDC7J8Wk1B — chapo 🌹 (@MVPREESE) February 21, 2025
The single "Clouds" was released on Cole's personal blog and gives fans a taste of what's to come, though it's unclear whether the track will appear on his highly anticipated upcoming album, The Fall Off. The album has been teased since 2018, and fans are eagerly awaiting its release.
On his blog, Cole explained, "I've been locked in on the music while also balancing family life," hinting that new material will be arriving soon. Fans are excited for what's next, and Cole seems ready to deliver with yet another thoughtful, hard-hitting project.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
7 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Alex Warren defends Sabrina Carpenter support amid 'Manchild' vs. 'Ordinary' chart battle
Musician and internet personality Alex Warren has addressed backlash after showing public support for Sabrina Carpenter's latest single, 'Manchild,' which is currently rivaling his hit 'Ordinary' for the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. On June 9, Warren, 24, posted a Spotify link to 'Manchild' on his Instagram Stories, calling attention to Carpenter's new release. However, the post drew criticism from some fans who felt his endorsement was inappropriate, given that 'Manchild' is competing directly with 'Ordinary,' which has held the No. 1 spot for two weeks. Warren responded to the negativity on X (formerly Twitter), writing, 'Wait why is everyone so mean on here… music is music. I'm so blessed to be on the chart and I'm also so happy for all the wins in music. 'Manchild' is such a great record and I'm so honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sabrina.' Wait why is everyone so mean on here… music is music. I'm so blessed to be on the chart and I'm also so happy for all the wins in music. Manchild is such a great record and I'm so honored to be mentioned in the same sentence as Sabrina. Ordinary means so much to me and so many… — Alex Warren (@alexwaarren) June 9, 2025 He continued, 'Ordinary means so much to me and so many people and it's totally ok if it doesn't to you. I'm just happy to be here :).' Many fans rallied behind Warren, praising his mature response and voicing their support for both artists. Comments included calls to stop online harassment and to celebrate all musical achievements. Sabrina Carpenter's 'Manchild' was released on June 5 through Island Records. Alex Warren's 'Ordinary,' inspired by his wife Kouvr Annon, was released earlier this year via Atlantic Records and has been a breakout success. As both singles battle for chart dominance, Warren's reaction has sparked discussions about competition, respect, and positivity in the music industry.
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Tom Felton criticized for downplaying J.K. Rowling's controversial remarks upon return to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Tom Felton is speaking out about returning to the Harry Potter franchise, addressing both his Broadway debut and the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling's remarks on transgender issues. The actor, who rose to fame for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, is set to reprise his role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway in New York City this November. While walking the red carpet at the Tony Awards, Felton was asked whether Rowling's comments about the transgender community influenced his decision to return to the Harry Potter universe. Tom Felton says the controversy around J.K. Rowling's political views doesn't impact him: "I'm not really that attuned to it...I have not seen anything bring the world together more than Potter. She's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful." #TonyAwards — Variety (@Variety) June 8, 2025 Felton responded, "No, I can't say it does. I'm not really that attuned." He went on to reflect on the positive impact of the Harry Potter series, stating, "I've been lucky enough to travel the world — here I am in New York — and I have not seen anything bring the world together more than 'Potter.' She's responsible for that, so I'm incredibly grateful." Despite his gratitude for Rowling's creation, Felton's stance has garnered mixed reactions. Some have criticized his support for Rowling, pointing to the author's controversial anti-transgender comments. One critic on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, 'What would a privileged straight white cis male know about the oppression faced by my trans colleagues?' Others defended Felton, with one user praising him for not biting the hand that feeds him, referring to his decision to stand by the franchise. The debate over Rowling's views continues to stir controversy, with the author recently celebrating a UK Supreme Court ruling regarding transgender rights. Felton, however, remains focused on his return to the stage, where he will portray a more mature Draco Malfoy in Cursed Child, a role that explores Draco's evolving relationship with his son, Scorpius. Tom Felton says reprising his #HarryPotter role as Draco Malfoy on Broadway is a "pinch-me moment" — and he got a little misty-eyed putting that wig back on! 🥹#TonyAwards @TomFelton #CursedChildNYC — ExtraTV (@extratv) June 8, 2025 As Felton prepares for his Broadway debut, it's clear that his connection to the Harry Potter legacy remains strong, even as the world around it changes.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Sabrina Carpenter drops new single ‘Manchild' and fans call it the summer anthem
Sabrina Carpenter's latest single, 'Manchild,' has officially dropped, and it's already stirring major excitement online. Released in early June 2025, the upbeat track is quickly gaining momentum across social media and streaming platforms, with fans calling it the next big summer anthem. Known for blending pop flair with relatable lyrics, Carpenter co-wrote and produced the song, which she describes as capturing 'the loving eye roll of a summer road trip.' 'Manchild' features a catchy hook, sleek production, and Carpenter's signature playful yet pointed tone. Early listener reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising both the infectious melody and the subtle sass layered into the lyrics. The track is being streamed widely on Spotify and Apple Music and has been added to major summer-themed playlists, further boosting its visibility. Though lighthearted on the surface, many listeners are also speculating whether 'Manchild' contains a veiled message or is aimed at someone specific in Carpenter's past. The lyrics strike a balance between humor and subtle shade, which has become a hallmark of the singer's evolving pop persona. As the song trends across TikTok and Twitter, music outlets and pop culture blogs are already positioning 'Manchild' as a defining track for the summer of 2025. Carpenter, who has had a breakout year with multiple chart-topping hits and a sold-out tour, continues to solidify her spot as a major voice in pop music. Whether you see it as a feel-good anthem or a clever lyrical dig, 'Manchild' is undeniably a standout release that's fueling the summer soundtrack for fans worldwide.
