J Cole is an acclaimed and influential rapper known for his lyrical prowess, storytelling skills, and social commentary. His 2014 album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, was a commercial and critical success, earning him his first Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. One of the standout tracks from the album is No Role Modelz, a powerful and thought-provoking song that explores his views on love, fame, and society.

In this article, we will break down the meaning behind J. Cole’s No Role Modelz lyrics, including references to Uncle Phil and George W. Bush and his experiences with different types of women, showcasing the importance of genuine connections and the dangers of superficial relationships. 

We will also share insights on how this song reflects his journey to success without significant role models.

First things first: rest in peace, Uncle Phil

The song opens with a tribute to Uncle Phil, a nod to the late actor James Avery’s role as Philip Banks in the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. J Cole’s lyrics indicate the importance of strong father figures and mentors in life, as Uncle Phil was a role model to Will Smith’s character in the show. The reference to Uncle Phil emphasises the need for positive role models in society, especially for those growing up in challenging circumstances.

By sharing his own experience, J Cole emphasises the impact of even fictional characters in shaping values and aspirations. He also cites Martin Luther King Jr., who stood as a role model in the world, as he sets the tone for the rest of the song about finding and following positive role models.

Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved

The chorus of No Role Modelz interpolates Project Pat’s 2001 single, Don’t Save Her. In the context of the song, saving someone refers to providing love and care in the hope of helping them escape the toxic cycle of chasing fame and fortune. J Cole recognises that some women cannot be saved as they are addicted to the limelight and unwilling to change. He emphasises the importance of focusing on one’s growth and well-being. By using this reference, J Cole connects with his listeners and drives home the message that we cannot change others if they do not want to change themselves.

Chorus

Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved

J Cole also implies that these women are not worth saving or helping because they are not interested in changing. He advises his listeners not to waste their time or energy on them and to focus on finding real love instead.

This chorus reflects his disappointment and disillusionment with the women he meets in Los Angeles and his desire for a more meaningful and authentic relationship.

No role models to speak of

In the second verse, J Cole speaks on the lack of role models. He searches through his memory but cannot find anyone who inspires him or teaches him how to live. He feels he has to figure things out on his own without any guidance or support.

He then shares his experiences with various women, particularly those drawn to fame and fortune. He distinguishes between genuine, respectable women and those who engage in superficial relationships for personal gain. Here he crafts clever lyrics with references to the rapper Trina, who claimed to be da baddest b*tch in her debut studio album, and touches on critical subjects such as racial prejudices with the line: 

“Then hang the phone up and proceed to lay the wood, and I came fast like 9-1-1 in white neighborhoods”

Obvious to say he did not last long during sex, and making an observation of the disparity in the way and speed police respond to calls in white communities compared to others.

Through his lyrics, J Cole encourages listeners to seek out meaningful connections and avoid getting caught up in the allure of fame and material success. The candid explanation of the song in the YouTube video further emphasises the importance of recognising the true intentions of people we encounter and not being swayed by external appearances. 

I want a real love

In the third verse of No Role Modelz, despite his disappointment and disillusionment with the women he meets in L.A., J Cole still yearns for real love, a love that is based on respect, trust, and compatibility.

J Cole expresses his desire for a genuine, loving relationship. He draws inspiration from the strong character portrayal of Aunt Vivian in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the Hollywood power couple, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. J Cole’s lyrics serve as a reminder that authentic love and companionship are worth seeking out, despite the distractions and temptations of fame and fortune.

He describes the kind of love he wants as:

• A dark-skinned Aunt Viv love: Aunt Viv is another reference to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the original actress who played Uncle Phil’s wife and Will’s aunt, Janet Hubert. Who was replaced by Daphne Reid after the third season J Cole prefers the dark-skinned Aunt Viv because he thinks she’s more authentic and strong.
• A Jada and that Will Love: Jada and Will are Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, the actors and married couple known for their successful careers and long-lasting relationship. J Cole admires them for their loyalty and commitment to each other, despite the challenges and rumors they face.
• Leave a toothbrush at your crib love: This simple but sweet gesture shows intimacy and trust between two partners, meaning they are comfortable enough to share their space and belongings and plan to see each other again.
• A you ain’t gotta wonder whether that’s your kid love: This is a sign of fidelity and honesty between two partners. It means that they are faithful to each other and that they don’t have any doubts or suspicions about their paternity or maternity.

By mentioning these real-life examples, JCole connects with his listeners and reinforces the importance of prioritising genuine connections over superficial relationships.

Fool me once, shame on you

The song ends with a quote from George W. Bush, the former president of the United States, who famously said in a speech in 2002: “There’s an old saying in Tennessee — I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again.”

J Cole uses this quote to introduce his own variation of the saying, which is: “Fool me one time shame on you / Fool me twice, can’t put the blame on you / Fool me three times, fuck the peace signs / Load the chopper, let it rain on you”.

He uses this to express his anger and distrust towards people who have betrayed or taken advantage of him.

My only regret was too young

In the final verse of No Role Modelz, J. Cole playfully imagines being loved by an array of iconic black women who have left a lasting impact on popular culture. The star-studded list includes the enchanting Lisa Bonet, the radiant Nia Long, the mesmerising Sade Adu, and the unforgettable Aaliyah. These influential women, admired for their talent and beauty, add a touch of allure and intrigue to J. Cole’s lyricism, leaving listeners enthralled by his vivid imagination.

Conclusion

J Cole’s No Role Modelz is a powerful, thought-provoking song that delves into the importance of genuine relationships, personal growth, and the impact of role models on our lives. The song’s candid lyrics, coupled with J Cole’s openness about his experiences, have resonated with listeners worldwide and sparked meaningful conversations about the role models we choose. By exploring the meaning behind No Role Modelz lyrics, we gain a deeper understanding of J Cole’s message and are reminded of the value of self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the pursuit of authentic connections.

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J. Cole No Role Modelz Lyrics

Verse 1
First things first: rest in peace, Uncle Phil
For real
You the only father that I ever knew
I get my bitch pregnant, I’ma be a better you
Prophecies that I made way back in the Ville
Fulfilled
Listen, even back when we was broke, my team ill
Martin Luther King woulda been on Dreamville, talk to a nigga

Pre-Chorus
One time for my L.A. sisters
One time for my L.A. ho
Lame niggas can’t tell the difference
One time for a nigga who know

Chorus
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved

Verse 2
No role models, and I’m here right now
No role models to speak of
Searchin’ through my memory, my memory, I couldn’t find one
Last night, I was gettin’ my feet rubbed by the baddest bitch
Not Trina, but I swear to God, this bitch’ll make you call your girl up
And tell her, “Hey, what’s good?
Sorry, I’m never comin’ home, I’ma stay for good”
Then hang the phone up and proceed to lay the wood
I came fast like 9-1-1 in white neighborhoods
Ain’t got no shame ’bout it
She think I’m spoiled and I’m rich ’cause I can have any bitch
I got defensive and said, “Nah, I was the same without it”
But then I thought back, back to a better me
Before I was a B-list celebrity
‘Fore I started callin’ bitches “bitches” so heavily
Back when you could get a platinum plaque without no melody, you wadn’t sweatin’ me

Pre-Chorus
One time for my L.A. sisters
One time for my L.A. ho
Lame niggas can’t tell the difference
One time for a nigga who know

Chorus
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved

Verse 3
I want a real love, dark-skinned Aunt Viv love
That Jada and that Will love
That leave a toothbrush at your crib love
And you ain’t gotta wonder whether that’s your kid love
Nigga, I don’t want no bitch from reality shows
Out-of-touch-with-reality hoes
Out in Hollywood bringin’ back five or six hoes
Fuck ’em then we kick ’em to the do’, nigga, you know how it go
She deserved that, she a bird, it’s a bird trap
You think if I didn’t rap she would flirt back?
Takin’ off her skirt, let her wear my shirt, ‘fore she leave
“I’ma need my shirt back” (Nigga, you know how it go)

Pre-Chorus
One time for my L.A. sisters
One time for my L.A. ho
Lame niggas can’t tell the difference
One time for a nigga who know

Chorus
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved
Don’t save her, she don’t wanna be saved

Interlude: George W. Bush
There’s an old saying in Tennessee—I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee—that says, fool me once… shame on… shame on you
Fool me—can’t get fooled again

Bridge
Fool me one time, shame on you (Ayy)
Fool me twice, can’t put the blame on you (Ayy)
Fool me three times, fuck the peace sign
Load the chopper, let it rain on you (Bop, bop, bop)
Fool me one time, shame on you (Ayy)
Fool me twice, can’t put the blame on you (Ayy)
Fool me three times, fuck the peace sign
Load the chopper, let it rain on you (Bop, bop, bop)