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Cozz uses the mixtape, "Nothin Personal" to show his position in the rap game


Cozz

According to Genius, it states that, "Nothin Personal is the second mixtape released by Cozz on January 4th, 2016, the follow-up to 2014's Cozz & Effect. After the name was announced on the back of the Revenge of the Dreamers II artwork, Commitee Records teased the mixtape on the December 24th 2016".


Moreover on Genius it said, "The album features mainly in-house production, with Meez credited on every song, and features include Dreamville label mate Bas, Cali native Boogie and frequent collaborator Free Ackrite".


There are various ways in which Cozz uses the mixtape Nothin Personal to show his position in the rap game. The evidence is provided through the track list. According to hiphopdx.com: Cozz - Nothin Personal by Scott Glaysher, it states that, "...on this mixtape, in particular, the level of ruthlessness is raised through the rough. The entire vibe is as intimidating as it is crafty".


From my point of view, the fact that Cozz's mixtape is ruthless means that he is not apologetic about his position in the rap game. Since this is a follow-up to 2014's Cozz & Effect, then that means he is still following his dreams as a successful rapper. Therefore the title of the mixtape  Nothin Personal could be interpreted as Cozz rising to become a successful rapper without giving a damn what others think.


The Track List

The song Wake Up Call shows Cozz's position in the rap game. According to Genius, it states that,".. Cozz introduces us not only to the tape on this song, but to the year 2016, as the mixtape was released on January 4th, 2016. This is shown on the lyrics below:


[Intro]

"Yeah, yeah, 2016 nigga. I'm tired of motherfuckers spleepin' on a nigga and shit y'all, I'm about to make my motherfuckin' stamp. This my second shit nigga, Mittee Gang in the motherfuckin' building. We all in this bitch and we ain't playing no motherfuckin' games, so it's about time I show y'all niggas what's up"


From my point of view, where it says, "...so it's about time I show y'all niggas what's up" probably means that he wants to make his statement as a rapper. Moreover, the title of the song Wake Up Call could probably mean that he wants to perfect his craft as a rapper hence there is no time for him to be slacking. This is supported by the lyrics below:


"..Yeah you lookin' at the prodigy

Ruthless I gotta be, no more apologies.."


This is why Cozz uses the mixtape Nothin Personal to show his position in the rap game.


Not only does the song All Eyez On Me show his position in the rap game, but he mentioned that he was signed to Dreamville Records at the age of 20. This is shown on the lyrics below:


"..Look at me now, I'm signed to Cole

Got me label at 20 years old

Look at me now, I am the man

Now I got fans, .."


The fact he was signed to Dreamville Records at the age of 20 means that he is still progressing to become a successful rapper. Since Cozz has fans, it means he will still perfect his craft as a rapper hence why the mixtape shows his position in the rap game.


The song My Side also shows his position in the rap game. According to Genius, it states that, "...Cozz raps about how he can only trust those closest to him and how,at this point in his career, he doesn't have love to give to anyone who isn't part of his team". This is shown on the lyrics below:


"..She loving it to but I cannot love, I'm in love with the music

You know why I do it, I do it for me, I do for the team

Committee Records yeah we breaking records

Yeah we getting reckless trying to get the cheddar

So sorry baby girl you coming second, I'm a legend.."


From my point of view, I believe this shows his commitment in making rap music. He does not want any distractions to disturb his growth as a rapper. This shows he is determined to become the best rapper hence why the mixtape shows his position in the rap game.


The track City Of God is another aggressive track. According to Genius,it states that, "City Of God is the 5th track on his sophomore tape. Cozz collaborated with another West Coast MC, Boogie to produce another aggressive track".

The fact that this track is aggressive shows one characteristic about Cozz. His music is aggressive because he wants to make a statement. He wants to let everyone know he will continue rising as an artist and he is not worried about what others think. This is shown on the lyrics below:


"..I ain't worried bout a nigga and I ain't worried bout a hater

I'm just worrying bout my God, I just pray up to my savior

That, never that.."


This is why the mixtape shows his position in the rap game. He is aggressive in terms of his music.


Cozz position in the rap game is shown when he is improvising in the music industry. According to Genius,it states that, "In Grow, Cozz teams up with fellow L.A native Correy C to brag about his improvement in the music industry and his ongoing development despite the struggles he's faced with ". This is shown on the lyrics below:


"...I'm tryna climb a ladder that's better than yours

I'm tryna find a pain that I can't endure

Cause everybody goes through pain, that thing is for sure

So I'm tryna find a pain that I can't endure

That's what I'm saying

I'm starting to think I shouldn't be cool with niggas

I'm starting to think I should just get rude with niggas

It seems like that's the way to get respect

Unless you get a check that proves you get it

What the fuck I gotta prove to niggas? Nada..."


Cozz's ongoing development despite the struggles he's faced shows he's position in the rap game. The song also featured on the album Revenge of the Dreamers II hence showing him pursuing his dreams as a rapper.


The song Who Said also shows his position in the rap game. According to Genius, it states that, "Cozz speaks on his success with music and calls out those who doubted his career. This is shown on the lyrics below:


"..Niggas talking out of line, be the ones on the side

Who said, who said Cody ain't the man

Who said, who said I ain't have a plan

Who said, who said I ain't got a flow

Point them out let a nigga know..."


In terms of his position in the rap game, he has become successful despite people who doubted his career.


According to Scott Glaysher, he states that, "It's pretty clear that Cozz considers himself underrated amongst his rap peers, as he mentions that idea frequently". This shows that Cozz is still perfecting his craft in the rap game as songs like Grow support this idea.


In conclusion songs like Wake Up Call, All  Eyez On Me, My Side, City of God, Grow and Who Said shows Cozz position in the rap game. He is gained success and he is working towards perfecting his skills in the rap game.



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