“Like, when I say this shit is crazy, I don’t mean it’s crazy like crazy, I just mean crazy like it’s fuckin- like it’s actually crazy.” The opening to J. Cole’s Warm Up mixtape cut ‘Dreams’ is perplexing at first listen but becomes very clear as the track plays out. The song showcases Cole’s stellar storytelling ability and humour. The first verse sees Cole painting pictures of a crush who may be out of his league. As it progresses he lays out his “world-class scheme to get the girl of his dreams.” From being an unknown kid watching from a far, to finally working up the courage to talk to her; only to find out that she’s already taken. Cole takes the news in stride and has his own plans to remedy that. Some of the ideas can seem a little dark and stalkerish but it shouldn’t be taken too literally. The song is an invitation into the mind overly infatuated man and his fantasies for a perfect life. With Cole checking himself “Hold up N*gga is you sane?” and chuckling throughout, you know he’s just playing around. If you’re a fan of The Warm Up, bump this and reminisce. If you’re new to this era J. Cole, I advise you download this mixtape asap. Enjoy!
