J. Cole’s advice on how creatives should handle loneliness.

In the first verse of the song “Zendaya”, J. Cole raps:

“…And just remember, on your lonely nights this mic will be your friend.

You tell it all your secrets that you keepin’ deep within,

Your fantasies, regrets your happy moments and your sins…”

Some context:

Cole isn’t rapping for the sake of it.

He’s giving advice to Cozz, another rapper on the song, whose audience is a fraction of the size.

After Cole’s verse, Cozz expresses his status relative to Cole’s, sharing that he hasn’t quite made it, though he’s going to continue pursuing rap.

I’d argue this expression is something that many creatives can relate to when comparing themselves to their idol.

These three bars caught my ears because they remind me of May Sarton’s “The Work of Happiness.”

My interpretation of Cole’s advice:

It’s with these lonely nights that one has the time to reflect on their happy moments and sins—a precursor to one’s growth.

Through this deep introspection, what secretes from the pores of your soul and mind comes forth something that—if acted upon, creatively—can potentially be art.

Cole mentions a microphone; however, replace it with whatever practice that is an extension of you.

— George