J Cole uses Eminem as a benchmark for success in his new song “Applying Pressure”.
The song is released on his new album “The Off-Season”. Written and produced by Cole himself, the song “Applying Pressure” mainly addresses rappers who work harder on being perceived as rich than on their art, skills and authenticity.
In the opening verse, J Cole raps:
Just did the mental math and calculated my worth
Shit crazy, didn’t know I got more M’s than a real Slim Shady video
Excellent simile, carefully crafted and plays on iconic hip hop imagery and facts. Taking M for both millions and fusing it with homonymous Marshall’s moniker, J Cole inserts himself in the conversation where he has the right to be on the ground of his wealth that his art brought him.
“The Real Slim Shady” accounts for 529 million views. Not too many for Marshall, unachievable for most who try to write him off.
Listen to the song below:
