DISSNATION
Verified archive entry

1985

By J. Cole · Targeting Lil Pump, Smokepurpp, Younger rappers

1985 is a diss track by J. Cole targeting Lil Pump, Smokepurpp and Younger rappers. ‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

Released2018
Annotated15
ExplicitYes
Addressable transcript

Lyrics & breakdown

Demo lines only. Select a line number to copy a stable deep link.

  1. 01

    [Verse]

    02

    1985, I arrived

    03

    33 years, damn, I'm grateful I survived

    04

    We wasn't s'posed to get past 25

    05

    Joke's on you motherfucker, we alive

  2. 06

    All these niggas popping now is young

    07

    Everybody say the music that they make is dumb

    08

    I remember I was 18

    09

    Money, pussy, parties, I was on the same thing

  3. 10

    You gotta give a boy a chance to grow some

    11

    Everybody talkin' like they know somethin' these days

    12

    Niggas actin' woke, but they broke, umm

    13

    I respect the struggle but you all frontin' these days

  4. 14

    Man, they barely old enough to drive

    Multi-line diss block
    15

    To tell them what they should do, who the fuck am I?

    16

    I heard one of 'em dissed me, I'm surprised

    17

    I ain't trippin', listen good to my reply

    Block noteAnswers the diss without pretending surprise is fear

    TargetLil Pump

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole says he heard one of the younger artists attack him and invites the rapper to listen closely to a reply delivered as advice. Why it was said: Lil Pump's public taunts made him the clearest addressee, but Cole refuses the expected rage and instead adopts the patronizing position of an elder explaining consequences.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  5. 18

    Come here lil' man, let me talk with ya

    Multi-line diss block
    19

    See if I can paint for you the large picture

    20

    Congrats 'cause you made it out your mama house

    21

    I hope you make enough to buy your mom a house

    Block noteUses family security as the first measure of success

    TargetLil Pump

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole congratulates the younger rapper for leaving home but immediately asks whether the money will buy his mother a house. Why it was said: The line changes the scoreboard from jewelry and notoriety to durable family benefit, setting up the financial lesson that drives the rest of the record.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  6. 22

    I see your watch icy and your whip foreign

    Multi-line diss block
    23

    I got some good advice, never quit tourin'

    24

    'Cause that's the way we eat here in this rap game

    25

    I'm fuckin' with your funky lil' rap name

    Block noteTreats touring as survival, not glamorous advice

    TargetLil Pump

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole notices the expensive watch and car, then tells the rapper never to stop touring because live work is how artists continue eating. Why it was said: He is warning that visible purchases are not proof of permanent income; the deliberately condescending praise of the rap name makes the advice sting.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  7. 26

    I hear your music and I know that rap's changed

    Multi-line diss block
    27

    A bunch of folks would say that that's a bad thing

    28

    'Cause everything's commercial and it's pop now

    29

    Trap drums is the shit that's hot now

    Block noteAcknowledges the sound changed before judging it

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole concedes that trap drums and pop accessibility define the current market, even though many older listeners dismiss the music as dumb. Why it was said: By stating the generational change fairly, he avoids blaming one young artist for an entire movement and prepares a narrower criticism about what the movement rewards.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  8. 30

    See, I've been on a quest for the next wave

    Multi-line diss block
    31

    But never mind, that was just a segue

    32

    I must say, by your songs I'm unimpressed, hey

    33

    But I love to see a Black man get paid

    Block noteSeparates financial opportunity from artistic admiration

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole says he searched for the next wave, remains unimpressed by the songs, but still values seeing young Black artists get paid. Why it was said: The mixed judgment explains the song's unusual tone: he can criticize the work without wishing poverty or exclusion on the people making it.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  9. 34

    And plus, you havin' fun and I respect that

    Multi-line diss block
    35

    But have you ever thought about your impact?

    36

    These white kids love that you don't give a fuck

    37

    'Cause that's exactly what's expected when your skin black

    Block noteAsks who profits from the reckless image

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole tells the rapper to consider an audience that celebrates not caring because that performance matches what white consumers already expect from Black artists. Why it was said: His warning is that rebellion can be packaged as a stereotype; the artist feels free while the market profits from a narrow image of Black behavior.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  10. 38

    They wanna see you dab, they wanna see you pop a pill

    Multi-line diss block
    39

    They wanna see you tatted from your face to your heels

    40

    And somewhere deep down, fuck it, I gotta keep it real

    41

    They wanna be black and think your song is how it feels

    Block noteShows spectators consuming pills and tattoos as Blackness

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole imagines white fans copying dances, drug use and face tattoos because songs teach them that these signs are what being Black feels like. Why it was said: He is not blaming young listeners for enjoying the music; he is asking the performer to recognize how a commercial caricature can become an audience's substitute for lived experience.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  11. 42

    So when you turn up, you see them turnin' up too

    Multi-line diss block
    43

    You hit the next city, collect your money when it's due

    44

    You gettin' that paper, swimmin' in bitches, I don't blame you

    45

    You ain't thinkin' 'bout the people that's lookin' like me and you

    Block noteContrasts a touring high with the people left represented

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: The rapper collects money city by city while giving little thought to Black listeners who share the image being sold. Why it was said: Cole argues that individual profit does not end responsibility: a persona can travel farther than its creator and shape how people who look like both artists are understood.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  12. 46

    True, you got better shit to do

    Multi-line diss block
    47

    You coulda bought a crib with all that bread that you done blew

    48

    I know you think this type of revenue is never endin'

    49

    But I wanna take a minute just to tell you that ain't true

    Block noteTurns spent cash into the missing house

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole says the money used on luxuries could already have purchased a home and warns that the present revenue will not continue forever. Why it was said: This returns to the promise of buying the rapper's mother a house; every temporary purchase now has a clear long-term alternative.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  13. 50

    One day, them kids that's listening gon' grow up

    Multi-line diss block
    51

    And get too old for that shit that made you blow up

    52

    Now your show's lookin' light cause they don't show up

    53

    Which unfortunately means the money slow up

    Block notePredicts the audience aging out of the product

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: The children driving the trend will grow older, stop attending shows and cause the income to slow. Why it was said: Cole frames fame as a demographic contract rather than proof of timeless appeal: music built for a youthful moment must evolve when its first consumers do.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  14. 54

    Now you scramblin' and hopin' to get hot again

    Multi-line diss block
    55

    But you forgot you only popped 'cause you was ridin' trends

    56

    Now you old news and you goin' through regrets

    57

    'Cause you never bought that house, but you got a Benz

    Block noteMakes trend-riding the cause of the future panic

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: When attention fades, the artist tries to become hot again but discovers that the original success depended on a trend, leaving a Benz instead of the house. Why it was said: The prophecy is meant to make today's priorities visible before they become regrets; the car is valuable but does not provide the stability the earlier family goal represented.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  15. 58

    And a bunch of jewels and a bunch of shoes

    Multi-line diss block
    59

    And a bunch of fake friends, I ain't judgin' you

    60

    I'm just tellin' you what's probably gon' happen when you rappin'

    61

    'Bout the type of shit you rappin' 'bout

    Block noteLists the inventory left after relevance

    TargetYounger rappers

    MeaningWhat it means: Jewelry, shoes and false friends remain, but the music's narrow subject matter has created a fast route downward. Why it was said: Cole is not condemning pleasure by itself; he argues that possessions cannot replace artistic development or loyal relationships when a market cycle ends.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  16. 62

    It's a faster route to the bottom

    Multi-line diss block
    63

    I wish you good luck

    64

    I'm hoping for your sake that you ain't dumb as you look

    65

    But if it's really true what people sayin'

    Block noteLets concern turn back into a direct insult

    TargetLil Pump

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole wishes the target luck but says survival depends on not being as foolish as he appears. Why it was said: After offering a long warning in good faith, he reminds Lil Pump that the conversation began with disrespect; advice does not mean the original provocation has been forgiven.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  17. 66

    And you call yourself playin' with my name

    Multi-line diss block
    67

    Then I really know you fucked, trust

    68

    I'll be around forever 'cause my skills is tip-top

    69

    To any amateur niggas that wanna get rocked

    Block noteAnswers name-play with a longevity threat

    TargetLil Pump

    MeaningWhat it means: If the younger rapper is deliberately using Cole's name, Cole promises superior skill and permanence against any amateur seeking a battle. Why it was said: The bar identifies attention as the likely motive behind the original taunt and warns that the borrowed spotlight could become a public skills test.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.

  18. 70

    Just remember what I told you when your shit flop

    Multi-line diss block
    71

    In five years, you gon' be on Love & Hip-Hop, nigga

    Block noteEnds the forecast on reality television

    TargetLil Pump

    MeaningWhat it means: Cole predicts that within five years the target's recording career will collapse into a role on Love & Hip Hop. Why it was said: The show represents fame surviving after musical relevance: the harsh ending turns every earlier financial warning into a single future image the target cannot mistake.

    Context‘1985’ answers a younger rapper who had dissed J. Cole and was widely understood as Lil Pump, with Smokepurpp also tied to the surrounding ‘Fuck J. Cole’ taunts. Cole said the song was a ‘shoe fits’ argument that could apply to several artists, so the annotations distinguish his direct reply to Lil Pump from his broader criticism of trend-driven younger rappers.