J. Cole is not done in 2021 just yet.
Five months after releasing his sixth studio album The Off-Season, the North Carolina hip-hop titan is back with a new single “Heaven’s EP,” employing the beat from “Pipe Down” off Drake‘s blockbuster album Certified Lover Boy.
Released exclusively on YouTube Sept. 21, “Heaven’s EP” has a runtime half a minute less than the original “Pipe Down.” Only a few days after its release, the track has already reached No. 1 on YouTube’s trending chart.
YouTube US Trending Music Chart
— Hip Hop By The Numbers (@HipHopNumbers) September 23, 2021
1. J. Cole – Heaven's EP
2. DaBaby – Lonely
3. Lil Nas X – That's What I Want
4. Youngboy NBA – On My Side
5. Youngboy NBA – Life Support
6. EST Gee – In Town
7. Chlöe – Have Mercy
8. Dax – Propaganda
9. Karol G – SEJODIOTO
10. Drake – Way 2 Sexy
While Drake’s rendition of the song is a sassy, condescending, emotionally potent track that showcases some of the Champagne Papi’s best lyrical work in years, “Heaven’s EP” shows Cole as his usual contemplative self — critiquing celebrities’ moves and reflecting on his come-up.
Cole sets the tone immediately with stern bars questioning his relevance in the rap game.
With every record I be asking the masses to tune your hearts to me
I represent intelligent n****s that grew up harshly
But lately I’ve been questioning, second guessing, whether or not I’ve got something to offer since I done eluded poverty
“Heaven’s EP” — J. Cole
The visuals for the track have Cole spitting about his hard work coming to fruition while on a trip to Las Vegas and on a flight with fellow Dreamville artist Bas. While he sits in front of the flashing lights of the city, he explains why he likes to stay lowkey and ponders on his position in hip-hop currently — noticing most fans have him behind Kendrick Lamar and Drake.
Some people say that I’m runnin’ third, they threw the Bronze at me
Behind Drake and Dot, yeah them n****s is superstars to me
Maybe deep down I’m afraid of my luminosity
So when you see me on red carpets I’m movin’ awkwardly
“Heaven’s EP” — J. Cole
Cole is no stranger to rapping over beats from his peers’ best songs. His provocative late 2016 onslaught “False Prophets” famously utilized the beat of Joey Bada$$‘s early hit “Waves,” and he flipped Kendrick Lamar‘s smash hit “Alright” for his explosive “Black Friday” track in 2015.
While it is unknown if J. Cole has any more music in store for the rest of the year, this pleasant surprise could be a sign of more to come.
While we wait to see if that happens, tune in to J. Cole’s newest single “Heaven’s EP” below.
