Drake ft. J. Cole’s First-Person Shooter: An In-Depth Analysis and Exploration

17th November, 2023

Introduction

The collaboration between Drake and J. Cole in First Person Shooterstands as a monumental achievement. This track released on the 15th of November as the fourth single from Drake’s critically acclaimed eighth studio album For All the Dogs, not only demonstrates the artists’ lyrical prowess but also solidifies their positions as luminaries in the music industry.

Artists at the Forefront: Drake and J. Cole

Drake, the Canadian virtuoso, has revolutionised the music scene since his emergence in 2010. His unique fusion of hip-hop and R&B has garnered international acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

J. Cole, the American lyrical savant, is renowned for his thought-provoking lyrics and compelling storytelling. His collaborations with Drake, especially First Person Shooter, resonate profoundly with audiences worldwide.

First Person Shooter: A Lyrical Powerhouse

First Person Shooter is a testament to the duo’s mastery of songwriting. Opening with a haunting sample from Joe Washington’s Look Me in the Eyes, the track immediately sets a tone of introspection and confrontation. The song’s structure, featuring a seamless exchange of verses, showcases Drake and J. Cole’s reflections on their success and influence in the rap industry.

J. Cole’s verse, rich in metaphorical language, likens their dominance in rap to a first-person shooter game, effortlessly overshadowing their competitors. Drake’s verse complements this narrative, boasting about his influence and dismissing subpar competition.

The Video: A Cinematic Journey

Directed by Gibson Hazard, the music video for First Person Shooter is a masterclass in visual storytelling. It features Brian Baumgartner in a humorous nod to office culture and cleverly incorporates meme culture, including the Spider-Man pointing meme, and tributes to iconic figures like Michael Jackson.

First Person Shooter Video Analysis: Symbolism and Easter Eggs

The Office Reference: Brian Baumgartner’s cameo humorously aligns with Cole’s lyrics about cubicles.
Tribute to Michael Jackson: The video pays homage to Michael Jackson through attire, dance moves, and a light-up rooftop scene.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Chess Photo: The recreation of the famous chess photo symbolises the competitive yet respectful dynamic between Drake and J. Cole.
Spider-Man Pointing Meme: This reenactment captures the essence of two rap titans recognising each other’s prowess.
John Purves Hockey Jersey: Drake wearing this jersey connects to his Toronto roots and subtly nods to the theme of journeyman success.

Lyrics: A Deeper Dive

The lyrics of First Person Shooter are rife with metaphors, cultural references, and introspective commentary:

Gaming Metaphors: The title itself is a metaphor for their dominance in the rap industry.
G.O.A.T. Debate: Both artists engage in the Greatest of All Time debate in their verses.
Cultural References: The lyrics are peppered with references to pop culture and the music industry. The confirmation of J. Cole’s upcoming album, The Fall Off, which has been anticipated by fans for a long time and is expected to be his final project before retirement.
Self-Reflection and Success: The verses convey resilience and determination, underlining their status as influential figures in music.

Chart Performance and Critical Reception

Upon release, First Person Shooter soared to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100. Critics have lauded the song for its energetic production and the artists’ compelling performances. The track’s commercial success is evident, with all songs from For All the Dogs charting impressively.

The Tour: A Highly Anticipated Event

The announcement of Drake and J. Cole’s joint North American tour in January 2024 has generated immense excitement. Fans are eager to experience the synergy and charisma of these artists live.

Conclusion

First Person Shooter is more than just a song; it’s a cultural moment that highlights Drake and J. Cole’s prowess in the music industry. Their ability to craft lyrics that resonate with a wide audience, combined with their innovative musical styles, ensures that this track will be remembered as a significant collaboration in hip-hop history.

Drake First Person Shooter ft. J Cole Lyrics

Part I

Intro: J. Cole & Adonis
Pew, pew-pew
First-person shooter mode, we turnin’ your song to a funeral
To them niggas that say they wan’ off us, you better be talkin’ ’bout workin’ in cubicles
Yeah, them boys had it locked, but I knew the code
Lot of niggas debatin’ my numeral
Not the three, not the two, I’m the U-N-O
Yeah
Numero U-N-O
Me and Drizzy, this shit like the Super Bowl
Man, this shit damn near big as the

Chorus: Drake
Big as the what? (Ah)
Big as the what? (Mm)
Big as the what? (Ayy)
Big as the Super Bowl

Verse 1: Drake
But the difference is it’s just two guys playin’ shit that they did in the studio
Niggas usually send they verses back to me and they be terrible, just like a two-year-old
I love a dinner with some fine women when they start debatin’ about who the G.O.A.T.
I’m like go on ‘head, say it then, who the G.O.A.T.?
Who the G.O.A.T.? Who the G.O.A.T.? Who the G.O.A.T.?
Who you bitches really rootin’ for?
Like a kid that act bad from January to November, nigga, it’s just you and Cole

Chorus: Drake
Big as the what? (Ah)
Big as the what? (Mm)
Big as the what? (Ayy)
Big as the Super Bowl

Verse 2: J. Cole
Niggas so thirsty to put me in beef
Dissectin’ my words and start lookin’ too deep
I look at the tweets and start suckin’ my teeth
I’m lettin’ it rock ’cause I love the mystique
I still wanna get me a song with YB
Can’t trust everything that you saw on IG
Just know if I diss you, I’d make sure you know that I hit you like I’m on your caller ID
I’m namin’ the album The Fall Off, it’s pretty ironic ’cause it ain’t no fall off for me
Still in this bitch gettin’ bigger, they waitin’ on the kid to come drop like a father to be
Love when they argue the hardest MC
Is it K-Dot? Is it Aubrey? Or me?
We the big three like we started a league, but right now, I feel like Muhammad Ali
Huh, yeah, yeah, huh-huh, yeah, Muhammad Ali
The one that they call when they shit ain’t connectin’ no more, feel like I got a job in IT
Rhymin’ with me is the biggest mistake
The Spider-Man meme is me lookin’ at Drake
It’s like we recruited your homies to be demon deacons, we got ’em attending your wake
Hate how the game got away from the bars, man, this shit like a prison escape
Everybody steppers, well, fuck it, then everybody breakfast and I’m ’bout to clear up my plate (Huh, huh, huh)
When I show up, it’s motion picture blockbuster
The G.O.A.T. with the golden pen, the top toucher
The spot rusher, sprayed his whole shit up, the crop duster
Not Russia, but apply pressure
To your cranium, Cole’s automatic when aimin’ ’em
With The Boy in the status, a stadium
Nigga

[Part II]

Intro: Drake
Ayy, I’m ’bout to, I’m bout to
I’m ’bout to, yeah
Yeah

Verse: Drake
I’m ’bout to click out on this shit
I’m ’bout to click, woah
I’m ’bout to click out on this shit
I’m ’bout to click, woah
I’m down to click out you hoes and make a crime scene
I click the trigger on the stick like a high beam
Man, I was Bentley wheel whippin’ when I was nineteen
She call my number, leave her hangin’, she got dry-cleaned
She got a Android, her messages is lime green
I search one name, and end up seein’ twenty tings
Nadine, Christine, Justine, Kathleen, Charlene, Pauline, Claudine
Man, I pack ’em in this phone like some sardines
And they send me naked pictures, it’s the small things
You niggas still takin’ pictures on a Gulfstream
My youngins richer than you rappers and they all stream
I really hate that you been sellin’ them some false dreams
Man, if your pub was up for sale, I buy the whole thing
Will they ever give me flowers? Well, of course not
They don’t wanna have that talk, ’cause it’s a sore spot
They know The Boy, the one they gotta boycott
I told Jimmy Jam I use a GRAMMY as a door stop
Girl gave me some head because I need it
And if I fuck with you, then after I might eat it, what?
Niggas talkin’ ’bout when this gon’ be repeated
What the fuck, bro? I’m one away from Michael
Nigga, beat it, nigga, beat it, what?

Outro: Drake
Beat it, what? Beat it, what? Beat it, what? Beat it, what?
Beat it, what? Beat it, what? Beat it, what? Beat it, what?
Beat it, what? Beat it, what? Beat it, ayy, beat it, what?
Don’t even pay me back on none them favors, I don’t need it

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