His “chaining day,” when he receives a chain with a diamond-encrusted Jesus pendant, is essentially his baptism into this material aspect of hip hop culture. Cole says his desire for chains is “enslaving” him. “Chaining Day” is another exploration of money J. Cole addresses his financial struggles growing up, and “Mo Money,” a critique on his own wealth in contrast to that of others, especially fellow rappers, and wealthy, white “old money.” The idea that one can buy salvation makes an interesting point in combination with tracks such as “Rich Niggaz,” where J. Take “Kerney Sermon (Skit),” for example: “I want you quickly, to place that order right now/for the Personal Prayer Package,” says Rev. Cole also raps often about money, drawing a connection between the two. Cole samples “I’m a born sinner, the opposite of a winner,” from “Juicy,” at the beginning of the album) but religious allusions also come into play throughout the album. The title of the album has Biggie Smalls connotations (J. Cole says that he is concerned for the future of his career, but Born Sinner indicates that he’ll be around for a long time.
Cole addresses his own music career and ascent in the rap community through a religious framework, touching most explicitly upon womanizing and money. This album, Born Sinner, is indeed darker than his previous work J. Cole before one of the several self-produced beats kicks in.
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