Motiv8 by J. Cole Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Drive in Dreams and Demons
Lyrics
Watch this, pow!
I like him
I think he’s pretty cool
He’s my idol
I can’t have no sympathy for fuck niggas
All this shit I’ve seen done made my blood thicker
Spill promethazine inside a double cup
Double up my cream, now that’s a Double Stuff, yeah
Please don’t hit my phone if it ain’t ’bout no commas
Keep the peace like Dali Lama, big body Hummers
Backin’ out the parkin’ spot and though the law be on him
He exempt, Shawn Kemp, he keep that .40 on him
Go!
Motivate (motivate), motivate (motivate)
Motivate (motivate), mo-
Motivate (motivate), motivate (motivate)
Motivate (motivate), moti-get money
Motivate (motivate), motivate (motivate)
Motivate (motivate), mo-
Motivate (motivate), motivate (motivate)
Motivate (motivate), moti-get money
Too many times I swallowed my pride
I’m crackin’ a smile, I’m dyin’ inside
My demons are close, I’m tryin’ to hide (Get Money)
I’m poppin’ a pill, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m feelin’ alive, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m feelin’ alive, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m feelin’ alive, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m feelin’ alive, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m
Woah, suddenly, I feel like takin’ a PJ
Fly to D.R. on a weekday, eatin’ ceviche
With like half of a mili’ inside of my briefcase
A couple of freaks play
And they don’t speak ingles
But the money is somethin’ that they could comprende
And I got bread like I’m Green Day
I come around and their heads turn
Used to like bitches with hair permed
Now I like it “natural, actual, factual”
Naps and shit, bougie, still do ratchet shit
Not afraid to pass the clip
Before I make the ratchet spit, blaow!
Motivate (motivate), motivate (motivate)
Motivate (motivate), mo-
Motivate (motivate), motivate (motivate)
Motivate (motivate), moti-get money
Motivate (motivate), motivate (motivate)
Motivate (motivate), mo-
Motivate (motivate), motivate (motivate)
Motivate (motivate), moti-get money
Too many times I swallowed my pride
I’m crackin’ a smile, I’m dyin’ inside
My demons are close, I’m tryin’ to hide
I’m poppin’ a pill, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m feelin’ alive, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m feelin’ alive, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m feelin’ alive, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m feelin’ alive, I’m feelin’ alive
I’m
Get money
Get money
In the realm of hip-hop, J. Cole stands out as a lyrical architect, crafting songs that are as thought-provoking as they are rhythmically compelling. ‘Motiv8,’ a track from his 2018 album ‘KOD,’ is a testament to his ability to interweave personal narrative, social commentary, and unabashed ambition.
Contrary to its seemingly straightforward call to hustle and grind represented in the hook, ‘Motivate, Motivate, Motivate, Moti-get money,’ the layers of ‘Motiv8’ unfold only under meticulous scrutiny, revealing the complexities of Cole’s introspections on fame, mental health, and the duality of human nature.
Unmasking Superman: The Vulnerability Behind the Power
The song opens with a child-like admiration for Superman, an idol of invincibility. However, Cole quickly dismantles this notion, expounding on his real-life experiences. Despite his fame, there’s no sympathy for those he terms ‘fuck niggas’—a representation of Cole’s hardened resolve shaped by a life in which he’s seen too much, too soon.
By invoking the imagery of Superman, Cole establishes a dichotomy between the glorified superhero we aspire to be and the flawed human we often are. It’s not about obtaining superhuman strength but acknowledging that even heroes have to contend with their demons.
A Symphony of Success and Sorrow
Within ‘Motiv8,’ J. Cole’s repetition of ‘I’m feeling alive’ resonates as a persistently fluctuating declaration of vitality. However, as the song unfolds, it’s clear that this sense of being alive comes at a price: the numbing of pain through substance (‘I’m poppin’ a pill’) and the grim grin of someone ‘crackin’ a smile’ while ‘dyin’ inside.’
The track becomes a see-saw of emotional highs buoyed by material gain and lows that lurk beneath the surface. Cole doesn’t just want to make money; he also seeks the motivation to confront the less tangible elements of existence—pride, joy, and suffering.
The Escape Artist: Fantasy versus Reality in ‘Motiv8’
There is a striking moment of escapism in ‘Motiv8,’ where Cole dreams of taking a private jet (‘a PJ’) to the Dominican Republic, indulging in luxury and companionship. Yet, the fantasy underscores an inherent escape from the pressing heaviness of real life, where understanding (‘comprende’) can be bought or at least simplified in the language of currency.
By juxtaposing these vivid scenes of opulence with the stark reality and internal struggles of his life, Cole reveals the human desire to flee from our trials and the fleeting relief that wealth can provide. It’s a melancholic recognition that money motivates but cannot always translate to genuine happiness.
From Wordplay to Worldplay: The Language of Motiv8
‘Motiv8’ is not just a song but a linguistic playground for Cole. He cleverly twists phrases like ‘double up my cream, now that’s a Double Stuff,’ tying in the consumerist branding of Oreo cookies with the growth of one’s financial status, highlighting the rapper’s skillful wordplay that melds materialism with indulgent self-growth.
Indeed, the song is replete with memorable lines that not only stick but also provoke deeper reflection on our culture’s relationship with money, success, and self-worth, demonstrating Cole’s prowess as a wordsmith who can turn a catchy hook into a cultural critique.
Peeling Back the Layers: The Hidden Depths of ‘Motiv8’
At first glance, ‘Motiv8’ could be mistaken for a straightforward anthem to the grind. However, layered beneath the motivational call to action lies an intimate exploration of mental health, the temptations of nihilism, and the complex realities of ambition in a cutthroat society.
With repeated listens, listeners can uncover the nuanced emotional undercurrents that J. Cole artfully weaves within beats and bars. The song challenges the listener to look beyond the veneer of success and grapple with the less glamorous struggles that coincide with the pursuit of greatness.
