J. Cole’s Passionate Performance Calls For Meditation Instead Of Medication (Video)

Tonight (June 24), J. Cole performed at the 2018 BET Awards. Cole used the televised stage to lead with the introduction to April’s K.O.D album. Wale was the first person that viewers saw, sitting on a stage chair, staring at a television. The moment comes a year and a half after Cole and Wale exchanged a conversation in song. Cole struck first on 2016’s “False Prophets (Be Like This),” a video and song that many believed was a public critique of past collaborator Wale. The Maybach Music Group star certainly felt so, prompting him to respond with video single, “Groundhog Day.”

Although his intro began the set, song “FRIENDS” was the centerpiece of the performance. In front of signs reading “Meditate,” Cole passionately delivered his K.O.D song that charges there are better ways to clear one’s mind than drugs. If there is one thing J. Cole wants viewers to know, it’s “meditate” not “medicate.” It is one of the many moments that fit into the Kids On Drugs and King Overdose themes.

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Notably, Cole welcomed Daniel Caesar as the guest vocalist perform the “kiLL edward” vocal on the song. On the album, the moment on the song is from Cole, inspired by his mother’s abusive ex and the MC/producer’s previous stepfather. “kiLL edward” is the only guest feature on the #1 album.

KOD is part of Ambrosia For Heads‘s best albums of 2018, so far, list. Additionally, “FRIENDS” is a song included on AFH‘s official, regularly updated playlist.