What Inspired J.Cole's Alter Ego, kiLL edward On 'KOD'? | Genius News

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Published 2018-04-26

When J. Cole unveiled the tracklist for his new album ‘KOD,’ it appeared to include a pair of features by an artist named kiLL edward. However, pitching up the vocals on the kiLL edward track “Tidal Wave (just a little reference)” quickly revealed the voice actually belonged to J. Cole himself. Inspired by the North Carolina rapper’s stepfather, the alter ego seems to represent the side of him which hasn’t dealt with pain from his upbringing.

Read more on Genius: genius.com/a/tracing-the-history-of-j-cole-s-alter…

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All Comments (21)

@frombogue 6 years ago

Edward is the name of Cole's step father. "Kill Edward" is basically cole saying that this dark side of him is still bitter, holding a grudge and running through a road of vengeance to find the man who hurt his mother greatly. He still wants to murder him for it.
@HeliosEffect 6 years ago

Letty looking bomb asf like always
@BlackExcellenceProductions 6 years ago

Love this album. Vulnerable lyrics. Crisp drums. Smooth melodies.
@julianpastor5243 6 years ago

His step father Edward inspired it. He wants to kill the man that made his mama cry...Edward made his mom cry. Kill Edward.
@TheLegendaryMac 6 years ago

J Cole is honestly one really talented artist. So glad I am able to experience his music.
@KaelenB 6 years ago

Letty how I've missed you...
@AhrielNari 6 years ago

I just wanna say that kiLL edward was SANGIN on "The Cut Off"! "Tiiiiime will teeeeell who is on my siiiiiiiide"
@jahzoviy260 6 years ago

J. Cole changed my life.
@Patri_Fides 6 years ago

I can relate to Cole so much....only difference is my biological father did it to my family. It leaves you with a heart full of resentment.
@gnarwhal7562 6 years ago

This clears things up so much! I've bumping those 2 tracks non-stop looking for kiLL edward, felt like an idiot
@kung-fukennyfamily 6 years ago

J.cole got less followers than these Soundcloud rappers but selling 10× more than them . Trolls are confused af Lmfaoo obviously his fan Base bigger than social media 💯 and The point of j.cole 1985 song went over everybody head crazy it's not a Diss SMH.
@bubacarrbojang1570 6 years ago

LETTY LOOKIN LITTY🔥🔥❤️
@StefanJato 6 years ago

So what your saying is.... there were 0 features?
@LeBeautiful 6 years ago

LETTYYYYY STAYIN LITTTYYYY 🔥🔥🔥
@jonn476 6 years ago

Actually a Really good video, I'm surprised how well it was put together with all the information they had.
@ericmartinez99 6 years ago

J Cole with that no feature streak.
@will3pr 6 years ago

So one could even say that this KOD album is J Coles transition into finally being able to move forward and finding that forgiveness for both he, his mother and his stepfather after having his own son himself. KOD releasing to the public is the culmination of years of anger, frustration, and heartbreak.
@shivv1999 6 years ago

Cole world 🔥🔥🔥🔥
@michaelgeedee 6 years ago

gave me chills . very well put together nice job genius!
@chinsaavvevo5236 6 years ago

Yo feel like sheddin tears! J cole carried me through a lot , when I was a teenager. He open my mind. Period !. For that imma shake his hand! On God