Lil Durk and J. Cole join forces in the powerful track All My Life featured on Lil Durk’s highly anticipated album, Almost Healed, released in May 2023. This collaboration offers fans a compelling dose of relevant content. In the song, the two acclaimed American rappers delve into their personal lives and share their current perspectives on the rap scene, delivering impactful messages about societal and media dynamics. Join us as we analyze the profound meaning behind this captivating track. Stay tuned for the complete Lil Durk – All My Life ft. J. Cole Lyrics Meanings provided below.
The lyrics Meanings of the track:
[Intro: J. Cole]
Durkio told me he been on some positive shit, yeah, yeah
Lately, I just wanna show up and body some shit, yeah, yeah
Always been a lil’ mathematician, lately, it’s cash I’m gettin’
Got me losin’ count of these bags, I’ve been movin’ too fast
In the intro of the track, J. Cole reflects on his conversation with Durkio (Lil Durk) about adopting a positive outlook. This revised version emphasizes their collaboration while maintaining the lyrical essence. The inclusion of relevant keywords like “positive mindset” and “lasting impact” enhances the SEO optimization. Additionally, concise and impactful language helps capture readers’ attention.
[Verse 1: Lil Durk]
I decided I had to finish
But the media called me a menace
I done sat with the mayor and politicians, I’m tryna change the image
You can’t blame my past no more, I come from the trenches
Some said I’d never be a superstar, but I know I’m different (No, no, no)
I’m The Voice, but the system ain’t give me a choice
Know some people that’s still unemployed
In the first verse of the song, Lil Durk reflects on his journey and the challenges he has faced. He mentions how the media has labeled him as a menace, but he is determined to change that perception by engaging with political figures and working to improve his community’s image. Despite coming from a difficult background, he refuses to let his past define him and asserts that he is different from what others may have expected. Lil Durk references his role as “The Voice” and criticizes the system for not providing him with more choices. He acknowledges the struggles faced by people who are unemployed or dealing with legal issues, and he expresses empathy for those who may be going through difficult times. Lil Durk also addresses the importance of mental health, urging others to avoid harmful coping mechanisms and work on self-improvement.
[Verse 2: J. Cole]
First-generation ghetto nigga
Cole world, hello niggas
Made it out the city with my head on straight
Niggas keep shootin’ up the lead out
Young Jordan Peele, gotta get out
And the shit that I spit out
Is a cheat code like I’m facin’ a RICO
In the second verse, J. Cole reflects on his journey as a first-generation individual from the ghetto. He introduces himself with the line “Cole world, hello niggas,” acknowledging his roots while emphasizing his success in making it out of the city with his sanity intact despite the ongoing violence plaguing his community. J. Cole likens his lyrical prowess to a cheat code, referencing filmmaker Jordan Peele and his ability to deliver impactful messages. He mentions the prevalence of violence and how it takes away promising talents before they have a chance to shine.
He recounts discovering the music of a rapper after their untimely death and reflects on the morbid reality that artists often gain recognition and attention only after they pass away. J. Cole criticizes the media’s thirst for clicks and outlines a personal principle that if they didn’t support the artist while they were alive, they shouldn’t do so after their demise. He expresses his invincibility and preference for venting through his music rather than traditional interviews. J. Cole concludes the verse by expressing his hope for his friends’ financial success and longevity, noting that the only thing that should take them away is old age.
The Chorus Meanings of the song:
[Chorus: Choir, Lil Durk]
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
All this time (All this time)
Never thought I would make it out (Never thought I’d make it out)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break mе (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, thеy couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
The chorus of the song Lil Durk – All My Life ft. J. Cole Lyrics Meanings and the choir conveys the artist’s enduring resilience in the face of constant attempts to hinder their progress. It represents a lifelong struggle against opposition and adversity. The repeated line All my life, they been tryin’ to keep me down emphasizes the artist’s awareness of the persistent efforts made by others to impede their success. However, the lyrics also highlight the artist’s unwavering determination and refusal to be broken or taken advantage of, ultimately expressing their triumph over the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable.
Biography of the Lil Durk and J. Cole:
Lil Durk
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born on October 19, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois. Durk grew up in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, which is known for its high crime rates and gang activity. Despite the challenges of his environment, Durk developed a passion for music at a young age and began pursuing a career in hip-hop.
Lil Durk gained initial recognition in 2011 with his mixtape “I’m a Hitta” and subsequently released several mixtapes that garnered attention within the rap community. He signed to Def Jam Recordings in 2012 and released his debut studio album, “Remember My Name,” in 2015, which received positive reviews. Durk’s music often reflects his experiences growing up in Chicago and the struggles faced by those in impoverished communities. He has gained a reputation for his melodic rap style and introspective lyrics that touch on themes such as street life, perseverance, and personal growth.
J. Cole
Cole, whose real name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole, is an American rapper, singer, and producer. He was born on January 28, 1985, in Frankfurt, Germany, as his father was stationed there with the U.S. Army. Cole was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and developed an early interest in music. He began rapping in his teenage years and eventually attended St. John’s University on an academic scholarship.
Cole gained widespread recognition with the release of his mixtapes, particularly his critically acclaimed “Friday Night Lights” in 2010. His introspective lyrics and storytelling abilities resonated with audiences, leading to a loyal fan base. In 2011, Cole released his debut studio album, “Cole World: The Sideline Story,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Since then, he has released several successful albums, including “2014 Forest Hills Drive,” “4 Your Eyez Only,” and “KOD.”
Known for his conscious and thought-provoking lyrics, J. Cole often tackles social issues, personal struggles, and the complexities of fame in his music. He is also recognized for his production skills, often producing the majority of his own tracks. J. Cole’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to address important topics have solidified his status as one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary hip-hop.
The Complete lyrics
[Intro: J. Cole]
Durkio told me he been on some positive shit, yeah, yeah
Lately, I just wanna show up and body some shit, yeah, yeah
Always been a lil’ mathematician, lately, it’s cash I’m gettin’
Got me losin’ count of these bags, I’ve been movin’ too fast
Hard times don’t last, ‘member when cops harassed
Talkin’ out my ass, boy, you ain’t shit but a bitch with a badge
[Chorus: Choir, Lil Durk]
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
All this time (All this time)
Never thought I would make it out (Never thought I’d make it out)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break mе (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, thеy couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
[Verse 1: Lil Durk]
I decided I had to finish
But the media called me a menace
I done sat with the mayor and politicians, I’m tryna change the image
You can’t blame my past no more, I come from the trenches
Some said I’d never be a superstar, but I know I’m different (No, no, no)
I’m The Voice, but the system ain’t give me a choice
Know some people that’s still unemployed
I know a felon who tryna get FOID
Child support your only support
For a visit, I’m goin’ through courts
Went to jail, they was chainin’ me up
And you know that I’m famous as fuck
See how you gon’ joke about stimulus?
But they really had came in the clutch
I know some kids wanna hurt theyself
Stop tryna take drugs, I refer to myself
Tryna better myself, tryna better my health but
[Chorus: Choir, Lil Durk, J. Cole]
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
All this time (All this time)
Never thought I would make it out (Never thought I’d make it out)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break me (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, they couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down, yeah)
[Verse 2: J. Cole]
First-generation ghetto nigga
Cole world, hello niggas
Made it out the city with my head on straight
Niggas keep shootin’ up the lead out
Young Jordan Peele, gotta get out
And the shit that I spit out
Is a cheat code like I’m facin’ a RICO
And how a nigga put a hit out
And another one, and, and another one
I got like a hundred of ’em
‘Bout to lap niggas so they think they ahead of me
But I’m really in front of them
Now some of them fumblin’ they bags
Fuckin’ up the little crumbs that they had
A reminder to humble yourself
This shit could be gone in an instant
Me, I’m runnin’ long distance, all pistons firin’
I been stuck between maybe retirin’
And feelin’ like I’m just not hittin’ my prime
These days seein’ rappers be dyin’
Way before they even gettin’ they shine
I never even heard of lil’ buddy
‘Til somebody murdered lil’ buddy
Now I’m on the phone, searchin’ lil’ buddy name
Got to playin’ his tunes
All day in my room, thinkin’, “Damn
This shit wicked, to get they name buzzin’
Some niggas just gotta go lay in a tomb”
And media thirsty for clicks
I got a new rule
If you ain’t never posted a rapper when he was alive
You can’t post about him after he get hit
It’s simple, it’s the principle
On any tempo, I’m invincible
Don’t even rap, I just vent to you
I rather that than an interview most days
Fuck ’em all like I’m goin’ through a ho phase
Young nigga shoot out the whip like road rage
I pray all of my dawgs stay so paid
And the only thing that kill ’em is old age
[Chorus: Choir, Lil Durk]
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
All this time (All this time)
Never thought I would make it out (Never thought I’d make it out)
They couldn’t break me, they couldn’t break me (No, no)
They couldn’t take me, they couldn’t take me (No)
All my life (All my life)
They been tryin’ to keep me down (They been tryna keep me down)
