"Change"
Song by J. Cole
from the album 4 Your Eyez Only
ReleasedDecember 9, 2016
Recorded2016
Genre
Length5:31
Label
Songwriter(s)Jermaine Cole
Producer(s)
  • J. Cole
  • Ron Gilmore

"Change" is a song by American rapper J. Cole, released on December 9, 2016 from his fourth studio album, 4 Your Eyez Only.[2]

Background

"Change" was recorded at the Sheltuh in North Carolina and Electric Lady Studios in New York City. The song was produced by Cole himself, with additional production from Ron Gilmore, and additional arrangement by Elite. The song also features background vocals from Dreamville signee, Ari Lennox. It also features samples from Jay Dee's song, African Rhythm. The narrative follows the story of Cole's friend who was killed at the age of 22. In the track, Cole identifies the man as James McMillan Jr., however the Dreamville team has confirmed that the storyline is about a real friend of Cole’s, but says the Fayetteville artist changed the name for the sake of privacy.[3]

Critical reception

The song was generally well-received from critics. Jon Caramanica from The New York Times said "“Change” is the only ill-fitting inclusion — which is marked by a carefully calibrated arrangement of quiet but tense drums, muted horns, searching strings and piano that strikes quick and deep."[4] The National commented on the track saying "he narrates the final moments in the life of James McMillan Jr, killed at the age of 22. The fragility of life – particularly that of young black men too often felled by violence – shapes the frustration and desperation that permeates the album."[5]

Commercial performance

Upon its first week of release, "Change" debuted at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and at number 11 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[6]

Charts

Chart (2016) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[7] 21
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[8] 11

Certifications

Region CertificationCertified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[9] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ↑ "J. Cole – Change".
  2. ↑ "4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole on iTunes". iTunes. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  3. ↑ Kennedy, John (December 12, 2016). "J. Cole Changed the Name of his Murdered Friend on '4 Your Eyez Only'". Genius. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  4. ↑ Caramanica, Jon (December 14, 2016). "Review: The Only Big Name Here Is Still J. Cole's". The New York Times. Retrieved December 14, 2016.
  5. ↑ "Album review: 4 Your Eyez Only by J Cole focuses on the fragility of life". The National. December 18, 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Hot 100 Chart Moves: Deja Vu for 'Deja Vu' & Maroon 5 Rules Radio, Tying Boyz II Men's Record". Billboard. 22 December 2016.
  7. ↑ "J. Cole Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  8. ↑ "J. Cole Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
  9. ↑ "American single certifications – J. Cole – Change". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
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