“Purple Emoji” by TY Dolla $ign (ft. J. Cole)
“Purple Emoji” is a love song that basically sees Ty Dolla $ign and J. Cole expressing their feelings for their respective lovers. And it can be gleaned that they are at two different junctures in their relationships.
Ty Dolla $ign plays more of the apologetic role, as in acknowledging he did his shorty wrong in the past and is currently trying to make amends. Meanwhile J. Cole presents himself primarily as – for lack of a better word – a criminal. And why a criminal? Because he does not want to get his baby mama mixed up in the illegal aspects of his life. He further acknowledges that without her he would “plummet”.
The fact that both of the rappers portray themselves as ‘troublesome’ individuals leads to the chorus of the song, with the singer acknowledging he’s “in trouble” and needs the support of his woman “more than ever”.
Meaning of Song’s Title (Purple Emoji)
As for the title of this track, it seemingly refers to the most-popular type of purple emoji which is, as Cole states, the one “with the horns in it”, as in a face with horns resembling a devil. Such is a symbol commonly used on social media when someone wants to express naughtiness. However, Cole specifically points out that when he relates such to his lady, there “ain’t nothing devilish” about the “purple emoji”. So ultimately the rappers seem to somehow rather relate this figure to a representation of love.
Facts about “Purple Emoji”
Ty Dolla $ign published the lyrics of this track, all in “emoji form”, on 16 May 2019, a few days prior to its official release.
“Purple Emoji” was officially released on 20 May 2019. It premiered that same day on Beats 1 radio via Zane Lowe’s World Record. It is to be featured on Ty Dolla $ign’s forthcoming third album.
Ty Dolla $ign first teased this track back in October of 2018. He then hinted at its release again on 15 May 2019.
The two headline artists wrote “Purple Emoji” with support from Maxwell Bidstrup, Hallerin Hilton Hill and Joey Kibble. Joey Kibble is actually a member of the singing group Take 6, whose 2005 song “More Than Ever” was sampled in this track by its producer, MXXWLL.
