KOD has different types of denotations

There are various denotations shown in the album however there is need to have background information about the album. According to Wikipedia it has stated that K.O.D is the fifth studio album by American rapper J. Cole. It was released on April 20,2018 through Dreamville Records,Roc Nation and Interscope Records. The majority of the production on the album was handled by Cole himself,along with others such as T-Minus,Mark Pelli,BLVK and Ron Gilmore. The album incorporates elements of jazz,rap and trap, Cole has stated that the production and rhyme schemes used throughout the album was inspired by SoundCloud rap. The album explores a variety of topics including drug abuse,addiction,depression,greed,African-American culture and taxation in the United States. The album was supported by two singles KOD and ATM both debuted in the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In August 2018,Cole embarked on the KOD Tour to promote the album.

There are various ways in which KOD has different types of denotations. J. Cole has given the meaning behind the album KOD. According to billboard:J. Cole Confirms Threefold Meaning of Upcoming Album KOD by Rania Aniftos,4/19/2018, it states that ,"He noted that KOD actually has three meanings: Kids on Drugs,King Overdosed and Kill Our Demons. He followed up with yet another mysterious message,confirming that he will explain noting else. "The rest of the album I leave to your interpretation" he wrote. Moreover on the album art it said,"This album is no way intended to glorify addiction" hence proving that J. Cole is using the album KOD to highlight the dangers associated with drug abuse and that people should make better choices besides resorting to drugs. This I will explain further when I am giving some meanings to some of the songs on the album.

Although J. Cole has given three meanings about the album KOD on Twitter as stated by Billboard,J. Cole also released a trailer explaining the meaning behind the album. According to revolt.tv,"J. Cole releases new trailer explaining the meaning behind his KOD album title by KC Orcutt,it states that,"The first,Kids on Drugs brings to light the country's war against addiction and prescription drugs,with a voice,perhaps J. Cole mediating on the matter. Moreover it says,"As the trailer continues,it addresses the second meaning,King Overdosed, a name that relates to both the first meaning and the album's cover art. That's representing me,the times that I was and am afflicted by the same methods of escape, the 33-year-old continues. The next meaning, Kill Our Demons,is the third and final interpretation,which the rapper believes is the 'end goal' elaborating that we must,'Face our shit;realize that we have some shit going on inside. Everyday'. This clearly explains the three meanings behind the album KOD.

Not only does KOD album has three different meanings,there are also other important facts to consider about the album. According to vibe.com,"Things You Should know About J. Cole's KOD Album by Desire Thompson, there are some important points to consider. J. Cole made this album in two weeks. He allegedly only went back in to perfect three songs. As suggested this album could be a classic. Moreover ,the flow on KOD is reminiscent to "Old Cole". With the groove of Native Tongues,the rapper's beat selection was enjoyable and reminiscent to tracks via The Come Up and Friday Night Lights. Lastly,children and gun violence is painfully American. Cole's addresses the youth and gun violence several times throughout KOD including Friend and Window Pain(Outro). It's a similar theme heard on 4 Your Eyez Only as he spoke to a child Fayetteville about her turbulent. It also speaks to America's ongoing about fact to the connection between poverty and violence,especially in lower income black/brown neighbourhoods. With Cole never ignoring the topic in his music,we're hoping it hits the right ear that will implement change. These are some of the facts provided by Desire Thompson hence clearly showing that KOD has different types of denotations.

From my point of view,the information shows that J. Cole never had forgotten who he is which is why the flow on KOD is reminiscent to "Old Cole". Moreover the fact that he is highlighting the issues faced in America proves that he is a storyteller,a realist who is advocating for change.

Different types of denotations is also shown in the album KOD through some of the songs.

The Tracklist is :1.Intro 2.KOD 3.Photograph 4.The Cutt Off feat. kiLL edward 5.ATM *it means addicted to money 6.Motiv8 7.Kevin's Heart 8.BRACKETS 9.Once an Addict (Interlude) 10.FRIENDS feat. kiLL edward 11.Window Pain (Outro) 12. 1985 (Intro to "The Fall Off")

From the tracklist above,all songs have meanings however I will only mention some of them.

The opening track Intro seems to give advice to the audience. From my point of view where it says,"There are so many ways to deal with this pain/Choose Wisely ", it has already made one think that this message is directed to someone. Moreover the repetition of the words,"Choose Wisely" shows that the message is directed to kids on drugs hence explaining why at the end of the lyrics it's written "K-O-D". J. Cole is advocating for change to happen and as we listen to the rest of the songs,he gives examples of the dangers of drug addiction.

Cole gives reasons why drugs are such a problem. This is shown on the song,Friends. According to Genius it states that,"It comes down to many factors such as upbringing,mental health issues,historical trauma and other causes. According to him,the roots of many addictions come from atrocities experienced during childhood". This is shown on the lyrics,"...There's all sorts of trauma from drama that children see/Type of shit that normally would call for therapy/But you know just how it go in our community/Keep that shit inside it don't matter how hard it be/Fast forward them kids is grown and they blowing trees/And popping pills due to chronic anxiety...". This is why Cole suggested that its better to meditate as shown on the lyrics:"Meditate,meditate,meditate,meditate /Don't medicate,meditate,don't medicate,medicate". As stated by Genius,"Meditation can provide means of mindfulness and positivity as an alternative to drug abuse and medication". This is why the album has different denotations.

There could be one huge reason why Cole made the album KOD. His past experience might have influenced him to produce the album. The song, Once an addict reveals his past. According to Genius it states that," J. Cole uses Once an Addict to detail the development of his feelings concerning his mother relationship with alcoholism. Cole uses this interlude to show that he also deals with drugs and substances like alcohol in his personal circle. He ends up reminiscing and wishing that he had interfered more". From my point of view,the fact that he is expressing his feelings concerning his mother's relationship with alcoholism shows that Cole is not only advocating against drugs but also alcohol abuse. This shows that drug abuse and alcohol abuse not only affects the one's using but also anyone who is connected to them e.g family. At the end of the song,the words "Choose Wisely" brings us bavk to the first track, Intro proving that the album is all about people making right choices. Stop alcohol abuse and drug abuse. Meditate don't medicate.

Lastly, J. Cole uses the album KOD to give a hint that he might drop another album called,The Fall Off . From my point of view the song 1985 is directed to the new generation of rappers. According to Genius it states that,"The song is a message to up-and-coming rappers,warning them about the realities of the rap game and advising them on how to maintain success. Cole adopts the tone of an older,more experienced mentor. The song is interpreted as targeting a multitude of new rappers,including Lil Pump,Smokepurpp and 6ix9ine,among others. He compares his experiences to theirs,responding to their sometimes senseless action with the wish that they learn from their recklessness,just as ge did when he was their age. The song concludes the story of KOD and is an introduction to Cole's next album,The Fall Off".

From my point of view, I believe there are some rappers who abuse drugs so probably that's why the song is directed to the rappers to make better choices. Moreover,the fact that the song 1985 serves as an introduction to Cole's next album The Fall off proves that J. Cole is going to mention the new generation of rappers. The fact that 1985 is the year that J. Cole was born means that he will probably talk about his past experiences. This is why the album has different denotations. In conclusion,KOD has different denotations because of the three meanings,Kids on Drugs,King Overdosed and Kill Our Demons. The opening track,Intro plays an important part of the album since it is advising people to choose wisely. Cole uses his past experience to help others as it is shown on the song, Once an Addict. Lastly 1985 is directed to the new generation of rappers and serves as an introduction to the next album, The Fall Off.