In the Hip-Hop industry when you develop a name for yourself, it’s only right to start a label of your own and breed artist of your own to become destined stars. J.Cole has done just that with his Dreamville Label which was founded in 2007 they Promise “a pulse on our community while exploring new sounds, new visuals and new ways to authentically and genuinely connect with all people, around the world.”
The talented Dreamville roster consists of artist Omen, Bass, Cozz, Ari Lennox, Lute, J.I.D., Earth Gang, and we can’t forget about there producers as well in Elite, Ron Gilmore, and Cedric Brown. Over the course of Dreamvilles 12-year existence, they have released over numerous mixtapes, albums, EP’s, and videos over the year.
In 2019 the label held a 10-day rap camp for their forthcoming compilation “Revenge of The Dreamers 3” album which they summoned a slew of artist and producers to come to there sessions as well as there own. This generated a huge buzz because well know artists like Rick Ross, Big K.R.I.T., and Ski Mask The Slump God plus more all were present for some of the sessions.
As we wait for the album and J. Cole’s Dreamville Fest happening tomorrow here are some Dreamville essential tracks to get you familiar with the label as they are on the RISE!
Knock Tha Hustle (Remix) a bonus track off Cozz’s first album “Cozz & Effect” features label-mate founder J.Cole. Both gave stellar performances in their respective verses but jokingly Cozz says to Cole “You tryna to end my career before it even starts” after his verse was layed for the track. In the track the two artist reflect on how the road to fame has blinded them for reality and have them feeling out of touch.
“Still Slummin” Coming off the “Revenge of the Dreamers 2” and later landing a spot on his album “West 1996 Pt.2” the tracks also features clear adlibs from Cole as well. Lute tells a story through 3rd-person from peers of his city and how he’s destined for greatness most notable quote “You should be laying songs with J. Cole and who knows maybe he’ll sign yo ass”.
“Off Deez” the second official single off J.I.D.’s DiCaprio 2 album is a shortened version of the ‘Deez Nuts” meme. The song is nothing short of a lyrical onslaught by the 2 MC’s telling their critics to get off their dicks while there at it.
“Caged Bird” a direct reference from Maya Angelou’s 1969 Autobiographical poem, I Know Why The Cage Bird Sings” comes off “Revenge of The Dreamers 2” project. This track features J. Cole and Omen touching on Discrimination, incarceration, and much more involving racism.
https://soundcloud.com/spillage-village-am/cant-call-it-feat-jcole-bas-earthgang-jid-prod-by-hollywood-jb
This track was first featured as a preview on DJ Khaled’s 2016 Album “Major Key” as “Jermaine’s Interlude”. The full length cut would later be released under Spillage Village featuring J.Cole, Bas, Earthgang, and J.I.D. while the DJ Khaled had a Cole verse this one only has him on the hook but still makes for a great song.
First appearing on Bas mixtape “Quarter Water Raised Me Vol.II” the Cedric Brown produced track samples Miguel’s hit single “Do You”. The song features Cole finishing with some amusing lines with Bas setting the tone in the first two verses.
“Tabs” featuring Bas Hailing off “Revenge of The Dreamers 2” and landing a spot on Cozz’s “Nothin Personal” mixtape. The two in a broader perspective swap bars on how people in general are thirsty for money only seek and desire it to the point that nothing else matters to them.
A cut-off J.Cole’s “The Warm Up” mixtape that dropped in 2009 this features label-mate Omen. The two paint pictures of being attracted to the dark-side. In 2009 Cole would admit that the first verse of the song was one of the best he ever wrote.
“Dopamine” the third song off Bas second album “Too High To Riot”. Another collaboration with Dreamville Label mate Cozz produced by Ron Gilmore. The song gives you a flash into each artist lives as they go further into their career.
Landing on “Revenge of the Dreamers 2” project and having a spot on her debut EP “PHO” “Backseat” featuring Dreamville label-mate Cozz. This track would be the beginning for the First Lady in Charge of Dreamville as her sound resembled that of female R&B artist of the 90’s.
“Meditate” featuring J.I.D. hailing off the groups EP “Rags” serves as the opening track for it. Exploring the difficulties of a black man in the western world both artist incite how it’s hard to keep the peace while commenting on appropriation.
On this Jeremih & Shlomo-sampling track “Night Job” we have J.Cole and Bas trading bars over this hook-less beat. This would land on the “Revenge of The Dreamers 2” and Bas 2nd album “Too High to Riot”.’
If these weren’t enough here are a few more collaborative tracks from the Dreamville Label.
My Nigga Just Made Bail – Bas ft. J. Cole, Relaxation – J.Cole & Omen
Mama Told Me – Omen ft. J.Cole, Sweat it Out – Omen ft. Ari Lennox
Things Change – Omen ft. J.Cole, I Need That – Cozz ft. Bas
Premonition – Lute ft. Earthgang,
Enchanted – J.Cole ft. Omen, New York Times – J.Cole ft. Bas & 50 Cent
Shea Butter Baby – Ari Lennox ft. J.Cole, Bitches – J.Cole, Bas, & Omen
Tribe – Bas ft. J.Cole, Zendaya – Cozz ft. J.Cole
Icarus – Bas ft. Ari Lennox, D/Vision – J.I.D. ft. Earthgang
Nothing but the Best -Earthgang ft. Ari Lennox, Momma Told Me – Earthgang ft. J.I.D.
Exactly – Earthgang ft. J.I.D., Sunday – Earthgang ft. J.I.D
