According to Wikipedia,it states that, "Effected is the second studio album by American rapper Cozz. It was released on February 13, 2018, by Dreamville Records, Interscope Records and Tha Committee Records. The album features guest appearances from J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Curren$y and Garren. The album features production from a variety of record producers, including J. Cole, Meez, Cardiak, Elite, Ron Gilmore and Tae Beast, among others. Effected debuted at number 18 on the US Top Heatseekers chart and received generally positive reviews from critics".
The Track List:
1. Questions
2. Hustla's Story feat. Kendrick Lamar
3. Ignorant Confidence
4. Demons N Distractions
5. Freaky 45
6. Proof
7. Badu feat. Curren$y
8. Bout It feat. Garren
9. VanNess
10. Effected
11. My Love
12. That's the Thing
13. Zendaya feat. J. Cole
14. Not a Minute More
There are various ways in which Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
1. Relevance of the title of the album
According to djbooth.net: "Cozz's Effected Debut Showcases an MC Hurdling Toward Undeniability by Yoh Phillips, Feb 13, 2018, it states that, "The album takes you through different circumstances,the causes life brings and the effects that become his actions".
According to a music review by Lidia Abraha on exclaim.ca Feb 26, 2018 , it states that, "Effected walks us through his experience as an up-and-coming rapper on the Dreamville label". Moreover it says, "Listeners will hear the lessons Cozz learned, how his environment keeps changing,how he reminisces over the urban life and how he's evolved as a musician".
If we look at the meaning of the word, "effect" in the Merriam Webster Dictionary, it means, "a change that results when something is done or happens". This is why Yoh Phillips mentions the different circumstances and the effects that Cozz has faced as an artist. It also explains why Lidia Abraha mentions the lessons Cozz learnt and how he has evolved as a musician.
From my point of view, the title of the album, Effected is about the different changes Cozz has faced throughout his life which has shaped him to become the musician he is on Dreamville Records. This is why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz because it shows Cozz's transitions as a person and an artist.
2. Cozz mentions his life experiences on Effected
On xxlmag.com: "HOW A CHANCE ENCOUNTER LANDED KENDRICK LAMAR A CAMEO ON COZZ'S EFFECTED ALBUM" by John Kennedy |February 15, 2018, Kennedy asked Cozz if he addresses life experiences on Effected.
Cozz said, "For sure. Indirectly though. The album is like a story. If you pay attention, you'll hear the skits and the lyrics and be like, 'OK, he's talking about progress'. If I had another name for it, I'd call it Growing Pains because every song is like, 'He's realizing something more and more. He went through that and boom next song he's talking about how he grew' ".
This is why I said the album shows Cozz transitions as a person and an artist. The fact that Cozz mentions his life experiences on Effected is important to him hence why the album is the most important ever released by Cozz.
3. It reminisces about the album ,Cozz & Effect
John Kennedy on XXL has asked Cozz about why he chose to call the album Effected instead of Growing Pains.
Cozz said, " 'Effected' is like a double back on 'Cozz & Effect'- kind of like a part two because I feel like I'm in the same zone creatively. On 'Cozz & Effect' , I had 'Dreams' as the intro, like, 'This is my dream. I fuck with rap'. Now I have 'Questions' as the intro. I've been in it a little bit, and I've got questions now. I had 'Knock the Hustle' on 'Cozz & Effect' and I have 'Hustla's Story on 'Effected'. So it's a lot of part twos subconsciously. I felt like it was right. If you notice in the 'Dreams' video, I had an EFFECTED shirt on a couple of years ago".
From my point of view, there are some important points to consider. His song Dreams shows him wearing a shirt written EFFECTED. This is why Cozz named his album EFFECTED since it makes sense to him subconsciously as the song Dreams is part of his first album Cozz & Effect. Cozz & Effect and Effected sound similar in a way.
Another point to consider is that the track That's the Thing has the repetition of these words, "Always had dreams of being rich uh/Mama never thought I will make it this way". These lines are found on the song Dreams where Cozz was wearing the EFFECTED shirt.
Therefore, the album Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz because it reminisces about his first album Cozz & Effect. Cozz & Effect shows his emergence in the rap game and now Effected shows how much he has grown as a person and a musician.
4. Effected also shows characteristics about Cozz
According to a music review by Jackson Howard on pitchfork, Feb 15 2018, it states that, "Effected is Cozz's third project since being signed to Dreamville,but it's the 24-year-old's most significant......". Moreover he says, "....Cozz also steps up to rope the listener in with a combination of zeal and detail: 'This probably your uncle's song/ Probably your big brother's song/ Your father or your mother's song/ I understand your circumstance', he spits, convincingly positioning himself as an all-seeing everyman".
This is making reference to the song Hustla's Story where Cozz is shown as being confident. Moreover, where it says, "all-seeing everyman" could mean that he makes rap music which are mostly suited for everyone.
Jackson Howard also states that, "Cozz,it figures, is the most honest man he knows, the only person he can confide in. He's precocious enough to examine himself and the dynamics affecting him, but still too young, or too inexperienced, to articulate a distinct artistic vision". This is shown on the song Effected as stated by Howard.
The fact that Cozz is honest and is examining himself shows he's the type of person who wants to continue to grow as a rap artist.
According to Yoh Phillips on djbooth.net, he states that, "...Cozz doesn't miss the opportunity to prove his penmanship by illustrating the circumstances plaguing the settings where hustlers dwell. It's the kind of strong storytelling that's transportive, where the visual is easily conjured by the listener ". This is shown on the song Hustla's Story. This shows Cozz is determined to succeed in the rap game and he is a storyteller when it comes to making his music.
Moreover Yoh Phillips said, "Effected does this well, providing sweeping music through Cozz's gifts as a detailed lyricist".
This shows Cozz is gifted when it comes to making lyrics for his music.
Therefore Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz because it shows Cozz's gift as a detailed lyricist and his determination to succeed in the rap game.
5. Cozz mentions about the rap game not getting enough shine in the music industry
John Kennedy asked Cozz this question: "There's a line in Questions where you say, 'It's an emergency,rap needs a savior /And I think that I can save it'. What do you think about where rap is right now? "
This was Cozz's response: "I'm not mad at where rap is at. I fuck with the mainstream shit I actually really like it. But at the same time,as far as the traditional shit goes, we don't get enough shine. It's hard work to do that, to be a lyricist and make the songs that make people feel some type of way. It takes a lot of fucking work. And I can do the shit. The shit that's mainstream, I can do that shit all day, everyday. Not even downplaying that shit [and] maybe not as good as them, honestly. But music evolves and my time will come. I'm gonna just keep taking my steps and I'm not gonna switch up and be like, 'Yo, I'ma do this now because it's poppin". I'ma do me and we'll see what happens. The traditional wordplay rap shit, we need to keep that shit alive. There's not too many people my age doing that shit. So as far as that goes, I can be the savior for that".
From my point of view, there are various points to consider. The fact that the traditional wordplay does not get enough shine is probably one of the struggles faced by some rappers. These days rap music is about getting money, drugs and girls. It's very rare that rap music has a story or anything that explores important issues. This is why rappers like J. Cole are usually underappreciated in the rap game hence why I said these are the struggles faced by some rappers.
Moreover ,the fact that Cozz is not going to change who he is for fame shows he does music because it's his passion not because of fame.
Cozz wants to keep the traditional wordplay alive because he believes it is important in the rap game. This is why he wants to be a savior for thay hence why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
6. Dreamville's Cozz dropped the mini documentary Effected
According to christiantoday.com : "Cozz's debut album Effected features J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and more" by Diana Bartoleme|Fri 16 Feb 2018, it states that, "Alongside the album is a mini documentary discussing the artists life and how he found music as his passion".
Moreover it says, "In the YouTube video released by Dreamville Records, Cozz shares how so much has changed in his neighbourhood in Los Angeles, particularly in his favorite spot at the area. The clip also features the rapper's sister, Caitlyn, who shared how Cozz was when he was still a kid and how much he matured through the years. In the clip, Cozz also revealed that he struggled in college maintaining good grades. He shared that he was working bard but the effect did not come out naturally because studying was not his passion. In the video, viewers can hear the 24-year old rapper sharing, 'I was working hard but it felt forced. I had to realize ain't no easy routes so whatever I wanted to do or had to do, I had to work hard at it' , he said in the video. 'The only thing I wanted to work hard at was music' ".
From my point of view, the fact that Cozz dropped the mini documentary Effected shows that the album is the most important ever released by Cozz. This is because on the mini documentary he shares his past experiences with his fans so that they can understand his album.
7. Cozz explains the meaning behind every songs in the album track-by-track
According to billboard.com: "Cozz Breaks Down Debut Album Effected Track-by-Track: Exclusive", it states that, "To help his fans get a deeper understanding of the intricate album,the 24-year-old wordsmith sat down with Billboard to break down every single track, detailing stories about what it was like to work with childhood hero Kendrick Lamar and longtime mentor J. Cole in the process".
Here's an inside look at the making of Effected as stated by Billboard.
i) Questions
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said , " 'Questions' feels like the sequel to 'Dreams' from 'Cozz & Effect'. I had dreams of doing what I'm doing. Now I'm kind of living that, not to the level that I know I'm going to get to,but now I kind of see what this is about and I've got questions......."
According to Genius, it states that, "....Cozz speaks about fake people that will ride with you until it risks their life,freedom, or if money is involved in the picture. He also proclaims that he deserves better for his work and needs more recognition for his talent, but even though he doesn't get the spot light shining on him he still won't quit".
This is shown on the lyrics below:
"...I keep a even mind but gotta know the reason why
These niggas ain't really sure of me, I ain't certain G
They doubt me currently even with Cole referrin' me
Well, shit, niggas be hatin', it just occurred to me
Niggas be pussy, they lookin' Kirby pink
That's why niggas be shootin', but not how Curry be
It's an emergency, rap need a savior
And I think that I can save it
But look, ain't no one heard of me
Yeah, ain't no one heard of me
But I'm gon' be what I deserve to be
Certainly, sure to be, a current king..."
From my point of view, the fact that Questions is the sequel to Dreams from Cozz & Effect is important. When Cozz said he got questions he probably meant why are people doubting him even though he is signed to J. Cole's label. He has reached his dreams of being a rapper but he still wants to grow. This is why he said on the lyrics, "But I'm gon'be what I deserve to be/ Certainly sure to be a current king". He will not quit until he reaches his goal.
ii) Hustla's Story feat. Kendrick Lamar
As shown on the article by Billboard,Cozz didn't ask Kendrick Lamar for the feature. It happened organically. Cozz was at the Interscope Studio and he had a chance encounter with Kendrick Lamar. Lamar actually liked the song Hustla's Story and that's when he decided to be on it.
Cozz explains the meaning behind the song, Hustla's Story. As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "These are the ups and downs [to hustling]. You get caught up, stuck in your ways. That's why they call it the trap. You got this mindset like, 'This is all there is. This is what I am'. So when n---as get out of jail, they be on the same shit and it's a cycle. This was me [saying] , 'Don't glorify that' "
This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Verse 2: Cozz]
"Yeah you got your car, yeah you got your gold
Your money don't fold but your mama still at home
Fam don't want your dirty money
You look clean, but your mother sad
Your girl felt neglected, now your daughter got another dad..."
From my point of view, I believe this song is important because Cozz has explored some issues faced in his society. He wants hustler's to do the right thing because it is hurting everyone around them especially their family. This is why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
iii) Ignorant Confidence
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said , "It's the story of my school days. Where I grew up,if you ain't got new shit,they talk about you and make jokes. Growing up,my [parents] didn't have money, so I had two pair of shoes,two pairs of jeans. I would sell lunch tickets or I sold weed for a little bit...I was stealing shit, nothing crazy, but I did little shit to try to gain confidence to get clothes, and to look how I wanted to look. When I started getting shit like that, I got confidence from that ignorant shit. It was like, I'm confident because I got the clothes I wanted,but it came from some ignorant-ass-shit. The song was just reminiscing on that ignorant confidence".
This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Bridge]
"I got a little bit of change, switch my old jeans
Fuck a piece of the pie, I want the whole thing
The way I see it goin', only goin' up (up)
Naw, we not invited, we don't give a fuck"
From my point of view, the fact he is reminiscing on that ignorant confidence and that he decided to open up about it on his song is important. This shows his growth as a person and an artist hence why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
iv) Demons N Distractions
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "I grew up stressed out. My household wasn't the most stable. My parent's fought a lot and I grew up in the hood so I've been angry my whole life. That changed,of course,but it's the demons. The onlyway I was getting away from that was smoking weed or drinking. That's why I say, 'I need a drink and a joint lit'. I was trying to find happiness,but it wasn't the right way to find happiness.
When I found music that was the first time I found something I loved to do,that also took my mind off the world. It became therapeutic to write problems down......".
Moreover Cozz said, "....At the time.....I was dealing with a girl who didn't believe in space. I also had homies in my life that were bad people....".
According to Genius, it states that, " Demons N Distractions is an easily relatable track that anyone can relate to because we all got our demons that we're constantly fighting and unfortunately we all got that annoying a** friend that does nothing but distract us.
Even though he admits that it wasn't the best way to deal with his problems;alcohol and weed were his easiest escape ". This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Chorus]
"Please don't bother me while I drive (while I drive)
Please don't bother me when I smoke (when I smoke)
I just want silence in my ride (in my ride)
Please don't bother me when I smoke (when I smoke)
Please don't bother me while I am high (while I'm high)
Please don't bother me when I smoke (when I smoke)
I just want silence when I drive (when I drive)
That's the only thing that helps me cope (it helps me cope)"
From my point of view, there are important points to consider. Music became his passion because it is therapeutic to write problems down.
Moreover the fact that there's a beat switch is another point to consider. Before the beat switch he was talking about the demons,in this case his household which wasn't the most stable. After the beat switch, he is now talking about the distractions. In this case, he is making reference to his homies who were bad people. This is why the song called Demon N Distractions hence why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
v) Freaky 45
As stated by Billboard,Cozz said, "I'm young,but mentally,I feel like I'm a little more mature than most my age. I've dealt with older women as well so when I made 'Freaky 45' , it was really just expressing the pain I was going through with younger women. I feel like every girl learns from a heartbreak and pain. At my age, a lot of women haven't [learned that] yet. I'm not a dude to lie, so I'll let you know, 'I'm not ready for a relationship but I like you' ".
Moreover he said, "If I tell an older woman that,they'll be like,'I see what you're doing. Let's do it and I'll leave your ass alone' ".
According to Genius,it states that, "This song is about Cozz realising he's into older women. He's only ever been with 2 women in his whole life. He had "friends" who have betrayed him by stealing women; he feels too old for his age due to his maturity so he needs a woman to match this".
This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Chorus]
"I mean you really my type, I'm sure you really would ride
But we ain't on the same time
I think right now I'm too old for my age, I need a freaky 45
I said I'm old for my age, I need a freaky 45
45 yeah
I mean you really my type and I'm too young for a wife
I just want it for a night
I think I'm too old for my age, I need a freaky 45
I said I'm old for my age, I need a freaky 45
45 yeah"
From my point of view,Cozz has levelled up mentally to the extent he is more focused with his music rather than being in a relationship. This is why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz .
vi) Proof
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "Most of the album is a story but this was like a [radio] freestyle. What really made me put it on the album was Cole. He hit me and said, 'You're not putting 'Proof' on the album? I feel like your core fans would love that shit'. That's the one song that didn't have a specific meaning on the album. It was just showing off".
vii) Badu feat. Curren$y
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "...when I heard this beat,it felt like an Erykah Badu vibe. There was no crazy meaning behind the title besides that".
According to Genius ,it states that, "...Cozz instantly delves into pushing aside materialism and focusing his energy on making it and living. Cozz is not done with the game and not even close. In this rap game you either have it or you don't and he is finally proving to everyone that he's had it for awhile and he's coming for everybody".
Moreover on Genius it says,"Curren$y fills the role of a leader and a teacher to Cozz......Curren$y knows how the game goes and has been around, it can drag you down but you can't let it...".
This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Verse 1: Cozz]
"Yeah a nigga back, I ain't done yet baby
I ain't stoppin' till I'm ballin' like an upset baby
If I fall then I'm crawlin', then I'm straight back to the walkin'"
[Verse 2 : Curren$y]
"....This here 'bout rhymes, we just preservin' the game, or at least we tryin'..."
vii) Bout It feat. Garren
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "At the time,I was dealing with a lot of people who was on some weird shit. This song happened naturally when I heard the beat. The melody and the hook popped in my head and I was like 'Let me try it'.........."
According to Genius, it states that, "....The song features Garren and is about people,male and female, doing the most to cling onto their success".
This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Chorus: Cozz]
"Actin' like you showin' love, but I doubt it
By these snakes, I'm surrounded
And I really feel some type of way about it..."
[Verse 2: GARREN]
"You feel some way, I know you feel some way (feel some way)
Tryna hide that shit but it's showin' all on your face, you want my place
You-, you want this life, and you wanna eat of my plate (you)
Nigga peepin' everything, a nigga seein' everything..."
From my point of view, the fact that they mentioned fake people who would do anything to chase for clout is an important point to consider. It serves as a lesson to everyone that they should becareful of such people. This is why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
ix) VanNess
As stated by Billboard,Cozz said, "Van Ness [Recreation Center] is down the street from my house. I played sports there and it's always been a staple in my life............I felt like I had to talk about all of that because Van Ness made me think about my childhood".
x) Effected
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "The message of the song is to watch who you trust. Growing up in the hood, you learn that early. I used to love Pokémon. The story [about a holographic Charizard] is a real one. That shit happened, came through, [a friend] put it in his pocket, helped me look for it, and my dad was like, 'Nobody's leaving this house until we find that f---ing card'.
We're all looking for it and eventually, [the friend] takes it out of his pocket,throws it in the closet, and acts like he found it. I knew that's what happened back then and later on,he admitted it. We're still cool to this day, but that taught me a lesson. Even people you consider family could be a little shaky. That stuck with me".
This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Verse 3]
"I first learned niggas wasn’t nothin' as a youngin'
From someone I call my cousin, I was like eight or somethin'
Back when I was on my Pokemon card shit
I finally got this holographic Charizard, it cost me
Cousin came thru, I told him the news, but I lost it
Well at least, I thought this, we both looked for it
Checked the whole room, under the bed, the closet
Damn, still ain't got it, went back to the closet like five minutes later
And guess what popped in, that card was just not there I'm so positive
This lil nigga took my shit then helped me try to find it
Na, not him, no, never not kin
Shit, we wasn't really blood, but na, we not crips
I'm sayin' that we wasn't cousins, and now I guess we really aren't friends
This is where it all ends, this shit ain't right, god damn"
From my point of view,the fact that he shared his real life experience is important. He wanted his message to be clear that everyone should becareful about who they trust. This is why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
xi) My Love
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "....'My Love' was me realizing, 'I can never call anyone 'My Love' because I'm not ready for that. I need to be doing me. I'm not where I need to be yet......".
This is shown on the lyrics below:
Chorus]
"When you walk up in that door, you better come and act like you know
I can never call you my love
Right now, I'm just focused tryna stack up my dough (my dough)
That's the only thing that I love
I don't really trust 'em 'cause I think they all hoes (all hoes)
It's hard to find a woman I trust
Right now, I'm just tryna get to stackin' up my dough
Right now, I'm just focused, I'd just rather be alone"
From my point of view, where Cozz said, "...I'm not where I need to be yet" is probably making reference to his career. He still wants to grow as an artist and he does not want any distractions. This is why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
xii) That's the Thing
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "It's one of my favorite songs on the album. It's about realizations,saying, 'I'm tired of not being where I need to be. I've been through shit with people I don't trust. Now I'm doing what it takes to get where I need to be...' That's why I talk about how I practised with Cole ".
Moreover he said on Billboard, "[Practice consisted of] writing drills. He was giving me tips to stay sharp. He was telling me to start off by writing anything to get the brain flowing, and it didn't have to rhyme. That helped more than I thought it would....".
The lyrics below shows Cozz's realizations and how he really wants to succeed in the rap game:
[Verse 2]
"Always had dreams of being rich, uh
Mama never thought I'd make it this way
On this page of my life, I'm tryna get paid
Name on that big screen, fame ain't a thing, mane
I'm just trying to maintain, flame from that rib cage
Come out when I take aim, music is my main thang..."
The fact that these lines, "Always had dreams of being rich uh/Mama never thought I'd make it this way" reminisces about his song Dreams is important. Dreams is found on his first album Cozz & Effect hence why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
xiii) Zendaya feat. J. Cole
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "We did 'Zendaya' while I was working with Cole, doing those writing drills. One of the days, I brought up Zendaya while we were talking about life and random shit. We had a conversation about girls and I asked him how his relationships been with his wife,and then, I was like, 'Zendaya's kinda fire'.
Not only is she cute, she's on her shit. She's super Black power-ish and she just seems smart. I'm more attracted to brains and people who are on their shit than anything. And, [she's a] beautiful woman, as well. I look at women as art. So we had this conversation and got to the music making....".
According to Genius ,it states that, "As J. Cole's known for, he addresses many societal issues, including the Xanax epidemic and it's toll on rap. His verse speaks on the same drug related topics as his April 2018 album KOD".
This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Verse 1 : J. Cole]
"..In the 80's they smoke crack but now today they sippin' lean
And poppin' Xannies
Fuck niggas runnin' from their families
The streets don't give a fuck about the Grammys
Wish I could talk to granny, wish I could smoke in peace
But when I hit the blunt lately my mind it tortures me
Everything ain't supposed to be, apparently
I take it as a sign and stick the shit that's steerin' me
In the direction of some clarity
This music is my therapy, I thank the Lord 'cause he care for me"
The fact that J. Cole mentioned about the Xanax epidemic which is affecting rap is another reason why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
xiv) Not a Minute More
As stated by Billboard, Cozz said, "I knew that was gonna be the outro even before I had the whole album figured out because it felt so relieving".
Moreover he said, "It just felt good and it felt like I've been through everything that made me what I am to this day". This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Outro]
"This what happens when you live for God
This what happens when you pray to God
This what happens when you beat the odds
I'm waitin' for him, not a minute more..."
From my point of view, the fact that he believes in God who made him the person he is today is another reason why Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz.
In conclusion, there are seven ways in which Effected is the most important album ever released by Cozz. These are relevance of the title of the album, Cozz mentioning his life experiences,it reminisces about the album Cozz & Effect ,it shows characteristics about Cozz, Cozz mentions about the rap game not getting enough shine, Cozz dropped the mini documentary Effected and on Billboard,Cozz explains the meaning behind every songs on the album track-by-track.
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