J. Cole’s latest album, The Fall-Off, has proven once again why he’s one of hip-hop’s most introspective and thoughtful artists. Among the 24-track project, the song “What If” stands out as a deep exploration of rap history, where Cole steps into the shoes of two of the genre’s most iconic figures: The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac.
Instead of simply narrating events, Cole imagines an alternate reality where the legendary East Coast-West Coast feud never escalated, offering listeners a reflective and emotionally charged perspective.
The track immediately grabs attention with a haunting, piano-driven beat, produced by Beat Butcha and TaeBeast. The music perfectly sets the tone for a reflective journey through what could have been, as Cole channels both rappers’ voices with careful attention to their unique flows and personalities.
J. Cole brings Biggie and 2Pac’s voices to life on "What If"
Fans of classic hip-hop immediately recognize the homage to the era while appreciating Cole’s creative storytelling.
Lyrically, “What If” explores themes of conflict, loyalty, and regret. Cole opens with the question, “What if the bullsh*t never got in the way? I’d still have my n**a to this day,” framing the track as a meditation on how pride and ego can ruin relationships. He captures Biggie’s perspective in the first verse, mimicking the NYC legend’s distinctive cadence and delivering lines that mix vulnerability with streetwise intelligence.
Cole’s Biggie verse addresses the tension that famously fueled the feud:
“What’s up, Pac? / I hear that record that you did that just dropped, it’s bubblin’ / got me wonderin’ when the love stopped,” he raps. “‘Hit Em Up,’ I’m like maybe I should / RIght you be ‘fore shit go left / The streets is a bit upset / You claimin’ that you f***** my b**** / But, check, instead of escalatin’ / At a time when n***** say ‘Big, let’s decimate ‘em’ / I’m tellin’ him chill ‘cause although he violatin’ / In my heart I could never hate ‘em.”
This careful portrayal balances Biggie’s streetwise persona with a surprising element of empathy, showing Cole’s ability to humanize legends while keeping the narrative grounded in rap’s gritty reality.
Switching to Pac’s perspective in the second verse, Cole adopts a more aggressive flow reminiscent of 2Pac’s intense delivery. He highlights the confusion and emotional toll that comes with betrayal and violence:
“I gotta find you in person to look you dead in yo eyes / And let you know I’ve been hurtin’,” he raps. “Been movin’ off pure adrenaline never knowin’ for certain who’s on my side / And who’s obliged for closin’ my curtains / So in a mist with clinched fist I picked up this war / I know there’s money in violence, I know there’s profit in war / But s*** I felt you left me to hang.”
Cole ends both verses with apologies, reinforcing a message of reflection and the desire to rise above vengeance:
“Yo letter helped me understand / The power in love, the choice to be the bigger man,” he raps. “Know s*** got outta hand / I’ll take the blame for it / For my mistakes, I couldn’t take you gettin’ slain for it / For fallin’ victim to ego, vengeance, and dollar signs / I wanna say from the heart, ‘I apologize.’”
This dual-perspective approach demonstrates Cole’s skill at storytelling in hip-hop, combining history, emotion, and technical flow in a way that honors two of the genre’s greatest artists while allowing him to leave his own mark.
Fans have praised “What If” for its originality and depth, with social media buzzing over Cole’s ability to step into the shoes of Biggie and 2Pac without diminishing their legacies. Some view it as a powerful lesson in empathy, illustrating how understanding different perspectives can bring new insights into conflict and reconciliation.
In context, the track also echoes Cole’s real-life decision to step back from the 2024 Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud after releasing his own track, “7 Minute Drill.” By choosing reflection over escalation, Cole solidifies his reputation as a thoughtful and strategic voice in rap, showing that hip-hop can carry both power and introspection.