J. Cole’s Verse of the Year? A Line-by-Line Breakdown of “A Plate of Collard Greens”

J. Cole has once again proven his lyrical mastery with his verse on “A Plate of Collard Greens,” a standout track of 2024. This verse is filled with intricate wordplay, cultural references, and social commentary, making it one of the most talked-about verses of the year. Here’s a breakdown of why J. Cole’s verse is a strong contender for “Verse of the Year.”

Slick Wordplay Right from the Start

The verse starts with clever wordplay on “turn to kick,” which sounds phonetically similar to “tourniquet,” a device used to stop bleeding. This line is a metaphor for how Cole handles pressure, preventing the “leak” (or stress) in the rap game. He follows this up with a homophone of “vain” and “vein,” transitioning into a deeper exploration of the lengths he goes to be recognized as the greatest rapper alive.

This section sets the tone, establishing Cole’s connection between physical and emotional pressure as he works his way to the top.

The Legacy of Violence and the Crack Epidemic

J. Cole masterfully brings in the legacy of the 1980s crack epidemic, highlighting how it devastated his community. His line, “Exchanging raw for cream,” refers to the exchange of crack cocaine (raw) for money (cream). He weaves a narrative about the dangers of hustling, using phrases like “tricked ‘em and went left,” possibly alluding to deceiving buyers with fake drugs and the violence that follows—similar to how Jayson Tatum fakes out defenders with his left-handed pull-up shots.

Cole also subtly references Ronald Reagan, using the phrase “Rated R regimes,” a nod to the administration that exacerbated the epidemic. This blend of historical references and wordplay enhances the depth of the verse.

The Collection Plate Double Entendre

A standout moment comes when Cole describes dodging debt collectors as a kid, using a double entendre with “collections.” He learned to ignore the calls from debt collectors (letting collections pass) but also ties this into passing collection plates in church, symbolizing a time when he couldn’t afford to give money for offerings.

In this metaphor, J. Cole juxtaposes material debt with spiritual debt, adding a layer of introspection that reflects his struggles growing up.

Channeling Thought through Clever Distraction Commentary

Cole continues the theme of financial struggle by describing how the unpaid bills led to the cable being shut off. Without television, he was forced to “channel” his thoughts—a clever way of saying that, without distractions, he found clarity and a space to think critically.

This insight speaks to a larger commentary about society’s reliance on media distractions, and how absence from it allowed him to sharpen his mind.

The Michael Jackson Scheme

One of the most impressive parts of the verse is the Michael Jackson-themed section, where Cole references several iconic MJ moments:

• The reference to Halloween links to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
• The nod to “Scream,” another famous MJ song.
• “Dangerous,” a direct mention of Jackson’s album.
• The line “Spin your block” connects to MJ’s signature spin move.
• “No moves, minimal” recalls Michael’s famous moment when he stood still on stage and fans went wild.
• The “Smooth Criminal” reference ties to both the song and MJ’s gravity-defying lean move in the music video.

This scheme shows Cole’s genius for embedding pop culture references into his verse, giving listeners both nostalgia and lyrical depth.

The Drug References and Wordplay

J. Cole quickly pivots to talk about the use of lean, a drug often abused in certain circles. The line “the whole gang doin’ insane amount of lean” is both a reference to the drug and a continuation of the Michael Jackson “lean” dance move.

He follows this up with a wordplay on the phrase “No doc for pain they harboring.” It’s a double entendre, meaning there are no doctors to treat their pain, but also a clever homophone for “dock” in a “harbor,” playing on the idea of emotional burdens being anchored in their lives.

Soul Food and Salvation

In the final section, J. Cole ties everything together by discussing the spiritual battles people face, living sinful lives catered by Satan. He offers an alternative with his “plate of collard greens,” symbolizing the soulful nourishment he provides through his music. Collard greens, a classic staple of soul food, become a metaphor for spiritual healing.

J. Cole ends on a note of empowerment, positioning himself as someone who offers sustenance in a world filled with temptation.

The Next “Verse of the Year” Contender?

Back in 2022, J. Cole confidently asked, “How many ‘Verses Of The Year’ this year is Cole gonna write?” It seems fitting that his next collaboration with Daylyt has delivered yet another contender for that title.

J. Cole’s verse on “A Plate of Collard Greens” masterfully blends introspective reflection, clever wordplay, and cultural critique—making it not just one of the best verses of 2024, but a reflection of why he continues to be a dominant force in hip-hop.