The “Crooked Smile” Video Finally Made Me a J. Cole Fan Posted by Nathan S. on 09/18/13 | Filed under Videos, J. Cole

Over the years we've talked a lot about J. Cole, I've listened to almost everything he's put out, and I'm just not a huge fan. I think he's talented, I geniunely respect his music, I think hip-hop's a better place with him in it, but he just doesn't give me enough "oh shit!" moments to convert me to full-fledged fandom. You know, those moments where you hear something and nearly break you index finger pressing rewind, where you either just completely lose your shit like it's a World Cup goal, or sit in your chair in stunned silence trying to digest what you just saw/heard.

But this new "Crooked Smile" video? This video might just end up being the moment I became a full-fledged fan. Oh shit.

Maybe you didn't feel the same way watching it, that's the great thing about "oh shit" moments, and what J. Cole stans who always accused me of hating don't understand. You can't force a moment like that, you either feel it or you don't, and it's completely personal and subjective. If I didn't have a daughter, I doubt it wouldn't have gotten Thai Phone Commercial / "Fruitvale Station" level dusty in the room while I watched this. (Side note, I had a similiar reaction to "All of the Lights".) But I do have a daughter, and it's not hard for me to see her in this video, and fuck this shit hit me hard, and isn't it dope when someone makes something that makes you feel something?

So all respect due to Cole for making this video and shedding some light on the Aiyana Jones story. He could have done a feel good video with an inspirational montage of girls realizing they're beautiful on the inside, throw in a TLC cameo, and gotten more views. But instead he chose to do something that isn't afraid to try, isn't afraid to make a statement, and while it may not be perfect, he gained a real fan in the process.

Oh shit, I'm a J. Cole fan. What do I do now?

See Also:  “Crooked Smile” is the Best Radio Single of J. Cole’s Career
See Also:  This Week In Hype Podcast: Defending Macklemore, Talking “Crooked Smile” With Elite & More