How J.Cole’s Music is a Total Work of Art and Shows Religion
Anne Carroll
Carroll describes a total work of as a piece of art that incorporates multiple artistic disciplines and elements into a single cohesive and unified creation. This type of art aims to create a complete sensory experience for the viewer, where every aspect of the artwork, from the visual to the aural and even the tactile, works together to form a harmonious whole. A total work of art goes beyond traditional boundaries between artistic disciplines and often involves the collaboration of multiple artists, such as composers, painters, architects, and sculptors. (Carroll, 237-239)
Be Free
J. Cole’s song Be Free is a total work of art because I feel as if we can see synaesthesia in this piece, which is an anomalous blending of the senses in which the stimulation of one modality simultaneously produces sensation in a different modality. Synesthetes hear colors, feel sounds and taste shapes and I can see in this J. Cole performance where they utilized that especially when he closed his eyes, as the smoke covered the room and the lights turned into a somber tone. (Synesthesia in Music) This goes back to the idea of Cole’s performance being a total work of art.
This performance embodies the holistic and immersive experience that engages the senses and emotions of the audience. Cole’s performance of the song is a multi-sensory experience of music, visuals, and emotion. This performance not only draws in the audience but it creates a space for them to experience a powerful message of freedom and liberation. Cole’s performance is an example of a total work of art as it is a complete, unified experience that engages and moves the audience.
Baraka “Blue’s People”
The way J. Cole uses his voice in Be Free and how he recites the lyrics makes me think of “Blues People” by Baraka. Baraka writes that Black ministers have historically “contributed the most musical and most emotional parts of the church service” (Baraka,45). The way preachers recite their words inspires others to follow their lead and even God. The tone these preachers use pulls in their followers, just like the great Dr. Martin Luther King, who was a man of the church but knew to use his strong voice and religion to inspire people to follow him. I know Baraka is talking about church and preachers but I think that J. Cole’s message is just as important and even more emotional. Both Baraka and Cole express a sense of resistance and defiance in the face of oppression and injustice, as they highlight the importance of cultural expression and identity in the struggle for social justice.
ATM
Coles song ATM is a total work of art because in the music video J. Cole is in a room filled with money wearing a straight jacket, emphasizing the song’s message about the dangers of materialism and consumer culture. In ATM, J. Cole uses metaphors and graphic imagery to paint a picture of how the love of money can be dangerous and corrupting. The lyrics are stimulating but are also entertaining. For example Cole says, “Proceed with caution I heard if you chase it only results in A hole in your heart F*ck it, I take the whole cake and I won’t leave a portion It’s only an organ.” This lyric embodies the temptation that people face daily when dealing with money and other worldly things, showing that people would do anything despite the consequences.
Apparently
In the song “Apparently” J. Cole reflects on his personal growth and the lessons he has learned throughout his life. He acknowledges his mistakes and expresses gratitude for the people who have supported him along the way. These themes of gratitude, self-reflection, and personal growth are important values in many religious and spiritual traditions. In the song he says, ” I’ve been unfaithful, I don’t know why you call on me”. J. Cole is talking to God and asking him to continue to watch over him even though he has made mistakes. I’m sure anybody could relate to this song wether you are religious or not.