"Everybody Dies" is a single by American rapper J. Cole, released on December 5, 2016 along with his single "False Prophets". The two songs were previously previewed on the documentary Eyez.[1]

"Everybody Dies"
Single by J. Cole
ReleasedDecember 5, 2016
GenreHip hop
Length2:41
Label
Songwriter(s)Jermaine Cole
Producer(s)Cole
J. Cole singles chronology
"Love Yourz"
(2016)
"Everybody Dies"
(2016)
"False Prophets"
(2016)
Music video
"Everybody Dies" on YouTube

Background edit

"Everybody Dies" was originally included on J. Cole's fourth studio album 4 Your Eyez Only. It was later omitted due to the song not fitting the album's concept.[2] In 2018, Cole revealed that the song was supposed to be on the tracklist of his upcoming sixth studio album The Fall Off.[3]

The song samples "Me Against the World" by 2Pac featuring Dramacydal, "Inside My Love" by Minnie Riperton, and "Theme From the Planets" by Dexter Wansel.[4]

Controversy edit

J. Cole took aim at rappers using "Lil" in their stage names on the track, specifically with the following lines: "Especially the amateur eight-week rappers, Lil' whatever / Just another short bus rapper." Most assumed that this was directed at Lil Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert.[5]

Responses edit

During an interview with Los Angeles' radio station Power 106, Lil Yachty responded by saying: "I don't listen to J. Cole [but] I definitely listened to it [and] people said he was talking about me. He said 'Lil.' I'm not little. My name has 'Lil' in it but there's a lot of 'Lil' rappers. [It's] either me or Uzi. Honestly, I don't give a fuck."[6] He also said that Cole's dissing may have been triggered by Yachty's early messages on Twitter trolling J. Cole, most notably "Fuck J. Cole".[7]

Lil Uzi Vert acknowledged the track on Twitter, responding: "Heard some beautiful shit today @JColeNC 🔥💯. 😈®️".[8]

Charts edit

Chart (2016) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[9] 93
US Billboard Hot 100[10] 57
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[11] 29
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[12] 23

Certifications edit

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[13] Gold 500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References edit

  1. ^ Bristout, Ralph (2016-12-02). "J. Cole delivers harsh truth and calls out "False Prophets" in new 'Eyez' preview". REVOLT. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  2. ^ Platon, Adelle (2016-12-21). "J. Cole's Manager & Dreamville President Ibrahim Hamad Talks '4 Your Eyez Only'". Billboard. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  3. ^ Mitchell, Tracy (2018-05-16). "J. Cole Reveals "Everybody Dies" and "False Prophets" Were Supposed to Be on 'The Fall Off'". RESPECT. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  4. ^ "Wise Music Creative US - J. Cole Samples Minnie Riperton's "Inside My Love"". us.wisemusiccreative.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  5. ^ "Rappers' Responses to J. Cole's 'Everybody Dies' Continue to Roll In". BET.com. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  6. ^ Smith, Trevor (December 3, 2016). "Lil Yachty Isn't Fazed By J. Cole's Alleged "Everybody Dies" Diss". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2020-06-10.
  7. ^ Mench, Chris. "Lil Yachty Explains His Old Tweets Trolling J. Cole and Miley Cyrus". Complex. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  8. ^ "Lil Uzi Vert Slyly Acknowledges J. Cole Diss". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  9. ^ "J. Cole Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  10. ^ "J. Cole Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  11. ^ "J. Cole Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  12. ^ "J. Cole Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2016.
  13. ^ "American single certifications – J. Cole – Everybody Dies". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 11, 2022.