J. Cole’s The Fall-Off has officially arrived. On Friday (Feb. 6), the Dreamville co-founder released his long-anticipated new album, a double-disc project he has long described as bringing his artistic journey full circle. Leading up to the release, Cole shared a personal note with fans explaining the concept behind each half of the album and how it ties back to The Come Up, his 2007 debut mixtape.
“The Fall-Off, a double album made with intentions to be my last, brings the concept of my first project full circle,” Cole told fans. “Disc 29 tells a story of me returning to my hometown at age 29. A decade after moving to New York, accomplishing what would have seemed impossible to most, I was at a crossroads with the 3 loves of my life: my woman, my craft, and my city. Disc 39 gives insight into my mindset during a similar trip home, this time as a 39 year old man. Older and a little closer to peace.”
According to Cole, the album is structured around two defining moments in his life, using time, perspective, and personal growth as the connective tissue between the discs. Each side reflects a different chapter, allowing listeners to hear how his priorities, emotions, and sense of self have evolved over the years while still echoing the foundation laid early in his career.
When first announcing The Fall-Off’s release date, Cole incorporated narration from comedian Dan Harumi, sampling audio from Harumi’s May 2025 YouTube video titled “How Long Is America Supposed to Last?” In the clip, Harumi reflects on the natural rise and decline of fame, while also drawing parallels to the broader trajectory of the United States — themes that align closely with the album’s introspective tone and sense of reflection.
On the 21st track of “The Fall-Off” which is titled “What If,” J. Cole uses his verses to explore different perspectives of the late rappers 2Pac & Biggie Smalls leading up to their infamous beef, wondering “what if” the 2 rappers made up.
Read the lyrics of the song here and bump the new song below:
