I love this song.

It’s about an up–and-comin’ rap artist with massive potential, trying to find his way in an industry where the traditional path doesn’t align with his heart. Dude’s name is J-Cole.

The clock is ticking, and he struggles to gracefully merge his heart with “the industry formula for success”. Right before his album release date, he creates a single that he thinks is going to satisfy both needs – his heart and the mainstream.

Here’s where the plot takes a twist. He gets a phone call where he’s informed that his biggest rap inspiration (named Nas) heard the song – and *hated* it!

Dude was crushed. Because Nas is like a god to him (and me :).

In the end, the track launched J-Cole’s career into mainstream stardom which then allowed his new extended fan base to connect with the rest of his heart-centered music.

The song is such a dope tribute from one generation to another, while beautifully exemplifying the hero’s journey via hip-hop culture.

I tear up sometimes when I listen to this track because I relate so deeply.

As I’m growing on my journey, I’m constantly taking creative, financial, and identity risks that bring me out to my edge.

One of my biggest fears is that I’ll do something which my mentors won’t approve of. They’ve supported me so much that I’m afraid to let them down – and I’m also a little afraid to keep going without their blessing.

It’s funny because in some way, I had to let down my parents when I decided to follow my heart. And although I now rarely look for validation from them, my mentors sometimes metaphorically take their spot.

At the end of the day, it was following my heart that lead me to my mentors. And my gut says that continuing to follow it will only bring me closer to them… or… the next set of ‘em.

What are your thoughts? Are you ever afraid to let people who inspire you down? Speak your truth in the comments below.

PS: You can see the lyrics and learn more about the story in the sidebar here. Also – here’s Nas’ response to the track here.

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