J. Cole’s new track, “Port Antonio,” released unexpectedly on October 9, 2024, serves as a reflective meditation on Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s ongoing feud while also addressing his own journey in the rap industry.
The song is characterized by its introspective lyrics and a lo-fi beat reminiscent of classic tracks, particularly Jay-Z’s “Dead Presidents II”.
Key Lyrics and Messages
- Cole opens with reflections on his past struggles, illustrating a conflict between spiritual guidance and worldly temptations.
- He acknowledges his decision to withdraw from the feud, emphasizing the value of friendship over competition.
- The song culminates in a call for authenticity, urging artists to focus on genuine expression rather than engaging in beefs for attention.
Port Antonio J Cole Lyrics
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it (Uh)
Young Jermaine walked the straight and narrow
Minimum-wage jobs for dinero, but still, my mind was on the zeros
I fiend for the perks that was seen flippin’ birds, so
We was skipping church, but my eyes was on the sparrows
Niggas flippin’ pies, spendin’ thousands on apparel
Shit, I wanna shine too, I want dimes too
Jealous niggas wanna know just how my rhymes blew
Mano a mano, I’m Bono, I’m you times two
Now I’m bougie, I done outgrew the fountain blue
But never forgot the spot where I developed my plot
The dwellin’, the top, the Ville, where all my skeletons locked
If I could do it all over, then I never would swap
I’ve seen good, I’ve seen bad, had my melanin mocked
I’ve seen lifelong friends turn to devilish opps
I was Mike in red leather, tryna tell him to stop
You better beat it ‘fore you see the heavy-metal get popped
He was a mean-ass wing with a hell of a shot
But if no team draft King, he gon’ bet on the block
He wanna ball ’til he fall or ’til the federals knock
And sit his ass on a bench for movin’ careless with rock
You can’t relate, ‘less your father was not around
And your mother went out and found someone else and then brought them ’round
And they salaries then combine, when they married, it brought you out
Of that poverty, then you moved to a soft little part of town
So that when you back in the hood, you feel awkward about it now (Damn)
And your confidence start to drown
But the rappin’ gave you some positive thoughts, and you jot ’em down
You jot ’em down
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Ride to it, ride to it
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Yeah, uh
Benjamin Button, Cole flows reverse time
To find deliveries good as mine, you gotta search primes
I’m scaling heights higher than birds can perch
Tryin’ to be something, hopin’ that peace comes to my cursed mind
One thing’s for sure, that I’ve matured from my first rhyme
I learned long ago, you can’t please ’em all, and it hurts trying
In this game, where all you’ve got is your name
Like Durk, I’m smirkin’ at niggas tryna besmirch mine
Absurd times, where the fake get toted as wise
I can see hate in both of your eyes but the third’s blind
So you search lines
But you struggle, which explains the puzzled look on the dull face as the word finds
I hate what raps become but like do-not-disturb signs
Can’t knock it if I see it’s ’bout the dough
They instigate the fuckery because it’s profitable
But singin’ “stop the violence” tunes when dudes in hospitals
I pulled the plug because I’ve seen where that was ’bout to go
They wanted blood, they wanted clicks to make they pockets grow
They see this fire in my pen and think I’m dodgin’ smoke
I wouldn’t have lost a battle, dawg, I woulda lost a bro
I woulda gained a foe, and all for what? Just to attain some mo’
Props from strangers that don’t got a clue what I been aimin’ for?
Since the age of fourteen, Jermaine is no king
If that means I gotta dig up dirt and pay the whole team
Of algorithm-bot niggas just to sway the whole thing
On social media, competin’ for your favorable means
To be considered best of live and rest, the weight of both things
I understand the thirst of being first that made ’em both swing
Protecting legacies, so lines got crossed, perhaps regrettably
My friends went to war, I walked away with all they blood on me
Now some will discredit me, try wipe away my pedigree
But please, find a nigga out that’s rappin’ this incredibly, uh
My dawg texted me, I’ll share the words he said to me
“If you refuse to shoot the gun, don’t mean the gun ain’t deadly,” uh
I guess in that metaphor, hypothetically, the gun is me
I text him back like, “Guess a gun ain’t what I’m tryna be, my nigga”
They strip me of my spot, and now I’m finally free, my nigga
They say I’m pickin’ sides, ayy, don’t you lie on me, my nigga
Then start another war, ayy, Drake, you’ll always be my nigga
I ain’t ashamed to say you did a lot for me, my nigga
Fuck all the narratives
Tappin’ back into your magic pen is what’s imperative
Remindin’ these folks why we do it, it’s not for beefin’
It’s for speakin’ our thoughts, pushin’ ourselves, reachin’ the charts
Reaching your minds, deep in your heart, screamin’ to find
Emotions to touch, somethin’ inside to open you up
Help you cope with the rough times and shit
I’m sendin’ love ’cause we ain’t promised shit
My nigga
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
Y’all niggas ain’t stoppin’ me
J Cole Port Antonio Lyrics Meaning
At its core, “Port Antonio” explores themes ofย personal growth,ย artistic integrity, and theย challenges of fame. J. Cole reflects on his humble beginnings and the temptations he faced, emphasizing the importance of remaining true to oneself amidst the pressures of success. He articulates feelings of jealousy and ambition, drawing parallels between his experiences and those of other prominent artists in the industry.
Cole addresses the complexities of the rap beef directly, stating that he chose to step back from the conflict to preserve friendships rather than engage in a destructive rivalry. He expresses how the industry often prioritizes drama over genuine artistry, highlighting a belief that true artistry transcends manufactured conflict.
