On Wednesday J. Cole released a new single labeled Middle Child. Cole is back after spending the final months of 2018 collaborating with the new generation of artists from 21 savage to Anderson.Paak. Cole released solo album KOD in 2018, which would end up being his 5th executive number 1 atop the top 200 billboard.

Coles song Middle Child does not relate to him being an actual middle child, the song describes where he sees himself among all the other hip-hop artists. He sees himself as older than all the newer artists yet still leading the industry. He is merely saying he has no plans of fading to the background of the ever-changing hip hop industry.

In other take aways for the song, Cole seems to still be referencing Kanye West. Cole rapped about Kanye’s “Fall From Grace” on “False Prophets.” a song on Coles 2018 album KOD. References about people getting in arguments for fame, declining sales and selling sneakers are creating a lot of buzz and are seen as shots taken at the Chicago rapper and clothing designer who recently stated problems over twitter with Toronto rapper Drake.

We talked to longtime J.Cole fan Chris Thelen, and asked his opinions on the song and the hype behind a new era for Cole. “I really love Middle child! It makes me excited again to see what Cole is going to come out with next.” He would go on to say –” The songs that he is featured on are all amazing too. I would love to see him collaborate and expand his audience. “