Chương 95: Advice
As they entered, Arell was struck by the laid-back yet focused atmosphere. J. Cole was there, hunched over a mixing board, deep in conversation with his producer. Jhené Aiko was lounging on a couch, scrolling through her phone, while a few other artists and producers milled about.
Arell approached "What's good, everyone?" he called out, his voice carrying across the room.
J. Cole looked up, a grin spreading across his face as he recognized Arell. He stood up, meeting Arell halfway for a dap. "Arell, my man! Glad you could make it."
They went through a round of introductions, Arell greeting everyone in the room with genuine warmth.
Cole gestured for Arell to take a seat. "We're just working on some beats right now, trying to find the right sound for the next project. Feel free to chill and soak it all in."
Arell nodded, settling into a comfortable chair near the mixing board. He watched intently as Cole and his producer worked, discussing different sounds and rhythms, occasionally calling out to others in the room for their opinion.
Despite his fame, he carried himself with a quiet confidence, aware of his skills but not seeking to dominate the room. His eyes scanned the equipment, taking in every detail of the setup.
When J. Cole played a beat, Arell listened intently, his head nodding slightly to the rhythm. After a moment, he spoke up, his voice measured and thoughtful.
"That 808 pattern is tight," Arell commented, leaning forward slightly. "But have you thought about layering a subtle high-hat on the off-beats? It could add some nice texture without overpowering the main groove."
Cole raised his eyebrows, impressed. "Good ear, man. Let's try that out."
As the night progressed, Arell continued to offer insights, always framed as suggestions rather than directives. His producer's ear caught nuances that others missed, and soon, the room was looking to him more frequently for input.
During a break, Arell found himself in casual conversation with Jhené Aiko. They chatted about their favorite vintage synths, laughing about the struggles of keeping old equipment functional.
"I swear, half my studio time is spent trying to get my Juno-106 to cooperate," Jhené said, rolling her eyes dramatically.
Arell chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Tell me about it. But man, when that warm analog sound hits just right, it's all worth it."
Later in the evening, Arell noticed J. Cole in deep conversation with another producer. Cole's brow was furrowed, his hands gesticulating emphatically as he spoke. Intrigued, Arell drifted closer, catching snippets of their discussion.
"...it's about authenticity, you feel me?" Cole was saying, shaking his head frustratedly. "A nigga would rap about a private jet when he ain't even been in first class yet. That's the problem with the game right now."
The other producer nodded vigorously, sighing heavily. "It's all frontin' and no substance."
Arell nodded slowly,taking it in. "Damn, that's real talk," he murmured, his brow furrowing as he processed the idea.
Later in the session, Cole queued up a new beat. The instrumental filled the room, a soulful mix of boom-bap drums, mellow piano chords, and a haunting vocal sample. The beat had a introspective vibe, with a slow-burning intensity that seemed to demand thoughtful lyrics.
(Reference (J Cole: Fever)
Arell's eyes widened as he listened. "Hold on, this is hard," he said, leaning forward in his chair.
Cole grinned. "You feeling it? Why don't you spit something on this?"
Arell hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Yeah, let me see what I can come up with."
He grabbed a notepad and started scribbling, occasionally muttering lines under his breath. After about fifteen minutes, he looked up. "Alright, I think I got something. It's rough, but..."
Cole nodded encouragingly. "Let's hear it."
Arell stepped into the booth and began to rap.
As he finished, there was a moment of silence in the studio. Then Cole spoke up. "That's dope, man. But let's work on it a bit."
Arell nodded, taking the feedback to heart. He went back to the notepad, crossing out lines and adding new ones. After another ten minutes, he was ready to try again.
This time, his verse had more substance.
"Water on me like the sauna (drip),
Ice cold, no thermometer (brr),
In the jungle with the piranhas (bite),
Makin' waves, no katana (slice).
Big racks, all commas (cash),
Keep a shooter, no drama (boom),
Gucci fit, no pajamas (silk),
Whippin' foreigns like llamas (spit).
Money talk, no stutter (talk),
Icy wrist, no clutter (shine),
In the trap with the butter (whip),
Makin' flips like a shutter (snap).
Water drippin' like a fountain (splash),
Diamonds dancin' like they countin' (cash),
In the A with my squad, no doubtin' (gang),
Catchin' plays, no routin' (go).
Chrome Heart, got the wallet (bling),
Smoke good, no pilot (high),
Three vibes in the tropics (island),
Nigga wasn't shit, now I'm poppin' (yeah).
Servin' packs, narcotics (trap),
Stick ready, just cock it (brr),
Make a move, then we lock it (click),
From the bottom, now I'm rockin' (rise).
Cake up, no funnel (stack),
Drop top, feelin' like a funnel (whip),
Catch plays, no runner (move),
From the block, a young stunna (boss).
From the bottom, now I'm top-shelf (rise)
Cole world taught me, keep it real with yourself (truth)
No fake jets, just real progress (grow)
In first class, dreaming of what's next (goals)
Pen game sharp, no ad-libs as crutch (write)
From open mics to packed arenas (journey)
Living proof, dreams ain't just for dreamers (reality)"
Cole nodded approvingly. "That's better. Let's tighten it up a bit more though."
They spent the next hour refining the verse, tweaking lines and adjusting the flow. Arell was focused, taking in suggestions and offering his own ideas.
Once they were satisfied with Arell's part, Cole stepped into the booth. He laid down his verse:
"Back in the lobby, penthouse views, counting profits
From the Ville to the hills, never chase the optics
Writin' scriptures, my words like ancient prophets
Elevated, my aura, can't knock it
Gold chains and big gains, I stay grounded
No fake love around me, keep the circle rounded
Hustle like Nipsey, grind embedded, founded
In this game, no cap, stayin' astounded
Dreamville soldier, never fold under pressure
Life's a diamond, every struggle is a treasure
From Carolina roots to the world, I measure
Legacy immortal, can't nobody sever
Movin' like a king, got the crown, no doubt
In the hotel lobby, running routes, no clout
Stacking up the paper, watch the haters pout
Real ones stay loyal, no need to reroute"
They spent another hour perfecting Cole's verse, adjusting the delivery and fine-tuning the lyrics. The energy in the studio was electric as they worked, bouncing ideas off each other and pushing each other to elevate the track.
Finally, they played the completed track through the studio speakers. The beat pulsed through the room, Arell's bars blending seamlessly with Cole's seasoned flow.
As the last notes faded, Cole nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Man, I haven't been on this type of vibe in a while, you know? This is something special."
Arell agreed, feeling the energy of the track. "Yeah, this is tuff. Why does this hit so hard?"
Cole shrugged, still grinning. "Sometimes it just clicks, you know? The beat, the lyrics, the energy - it all came together."
Arell quickly checked the song rating through his mental system. The number 87 flashed in his mind. Not bad at all, especially considering it wasn't even mixed yet.
"Yo, let's take this to the next level," Arell suggested, a spark of inspiration in his eyes. "I've got some ideas for the beat."
Cole nodded, intrigued. "Let's hear it."
They moved to the production setup, surrounded by an array of equipment. Arell's fingers danced across the keyboard, pulling up the beat on the screen.
"Check this out," he said, isolating the drum track. "What if we added a subtle layer of live drums? Give it that organic feel?"
Cole's eyes lit up. "I like where you're going with this."
They spent the next hour experimenting with different drum patterns. The room filled with the rhythmic tapping of drum pads and the click of computer keys. Jhené Aiko, who had been observing, chimed in with suggestions for vocal harmonies to complement the beat.
As they worked, the energy in the studio intensified. The air seemed to vibrate with creativity. Arell adjusted the EQ on the bass, giving it more punch.
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Cole exclaimed as a particularly smooth transition came together.
They called in the studio's in-house drummer, who laid down a live drum track over the programmed beats. The organic rhythm added depth and texture to the song, making it feel alive and dynamic.
As the new beat took shape, Arell and Cole decided to re-record their verses to match the evolved sound. They took turns in the booth, each delivery more passionate than the last. The lyrics seemed to take on new meaning with the enhanced production.
After laying down a few tracks, Cole pulled Arell aside for a quick talk.
"Man, you've got something special," Cole said, his eyes intense. "Your flow, your wordplay - it's all there. But now, let's push it even further."
Arell nodded, feeling a surge of energy. "Let's do it."
Cole grinned and headed to the mixing board. Pulling up the now enhanced beat.
(Reference Track [21 Savage & Metro Boomin: No Heart or Runnin])
"Alright, Arell," Cole said, "let's see what you've got. Make this shit mad hard."
Arell closed his eyes, letting the beat wash over him. When he opened them, there was a fire in his gaze. He stepped into the booth, put on the headphones, and as soon as the beat dropped, he began to flow:
"Waterfall drip, diamonds like the Chattahoochee, Splash
From Miami to the A, ridin' with a bad cutie
In the Benz, top down, 285 loopin', Zoom
Basketball, courtside, catch me in the hoopin', Swish"
Arell's voice was gritty yet smooth, each word punching through the beat with precision. His flow was relentless, barely pausing for breath as he continued:
"No cappin', I'm snappin', 3 AM on Peachtree,
Midnight flex, ATL, got the heat with me, Hot,
Talk tough on Twitter, but they sweet like iced tea, Soft
In the jungle with my lions, you don't wanna see"
The energy in the booth was electric. Cole nodded approvingly, his head bobbing to the rhythm as Arell's flow intensified:
"Gucci down to my kicks, ridin' clean, no stains
Catch me in the Wraith, moonroof, switchin' lanes
Million-dollar deals, tryna stack up all the gains
No frontin', want the advance, not the chains"
Arell's delivery became even more animated, his hands moving in sync with his words:
"Steppin' out the crib, sun's hittin' just right
Neighbors peekin' through the blinds, tryin' to catch sight
Money in my pocket, wallet feelin' too tight
In the land of opportunity, I'm takin' every flight"
His flow switched up, becoming more staccato.
"Got the whip in the driveway, chrome gleamin' bright
Catchin' all the stares, I'm the highlight of the night
Peekaboo with the haters, they can't catch my vibe
Livin' life lavish, ain't no need to hide"
As he transitioned into the chorus, Arell's voice took on a hypnotic quality:
"Peachtree dreams, runnin' through the A with my team
Silent moves, I got the beam, never catch us on the stream
Ops lurk, but we scheme, in the jungle, we supreme
Kingpin status, livin' life just like a dream"
Arell continued, his flow becoming more intricate and layered:
"Foreplay with success, seduction at its best
Whisperin' to my dreams, let 'em lay upon my chest
Every dollar earned, got me feelin' so blessed
Neighbors talkin' shit, but I'm ahead of the rest"
His voice dropped to a near-whisper, adding intensity to each line:
"Garden's green, got the lawn on point, precision
Gnomes peepin' through the fence, actin' so coy
Money makin' moves, got the block in my grip
Niggas gone sleep when a nigga outside
But when its time to slide, Niggas gone surely arise, thats a fact
Glock tucked, never lackin', niggas know the code
Catch me on Old Nat, movin' like a ghost mode
In the trap with the pack, never slowin' up the load
Hustle never stops, always stayin' in the mode
Porsche 911, engine roar, that bitch whip
From the trenches to the mansion, never gonna slip
VVS stones, got my neck on drip
Loyalty's a language, some speak it fluently
Others need a translator, they move too deceitfully
In this game, snakes slither, we cut 'em off at the head
Real recognize real, we stay loyal till we dead
Seen too many fall, switch sides for a quick buck
But that temporary wealth ain't worth the trust they struck
Loyalty's an investment, you reap what you sow
And in this cold world, it's a rare gem to behold"
Cole then stepped into the booth, his presence commanding. As the beat dropped again, he began with a slow, measured flow.
"Came from the bottom, where dreams were just a fantasy
Now I'm at the top, livin' out my own destiny
Started with nothin', not a pot to piss in
Now I'm in boardrooms, makin' million-dollar decisions
Struggle was real, pain was my companion
Turned every setback into motivation
From a peasant's vision to a king's ambition
Hustled through the system, beat the competition
Seen the losses, felt the weight of failure
But I kept pushin', became my own savior
Real recognize real, check my credentials
Forbes list status, but I'm still elemental
From the Ville, where survival's not guaranteed
Where dreams get crushed and hopes start to bleed
But I rose above, refused to be another statistic
Path to success, had to get realistic
I popped off and popped off, got the drop off, now I'm dropping ballistics"
As the verse progresses, Cole's flow begins to pick up speed and intensity:
"Life's a gamble, I rolled the dice
Paid the price, sacrificed, now I'm living nice
Never sold my soul, kept my heart intact
In a game full of snakes, I learned to adapt
Watched how they moved, always stayed alert
Fake friends, fake love, man, that shit hurt
But it made me stronger, made me go harder In this rap game, I became a martyr
Wealth in the hood, that's the dream we all chase
From the projects to the penthouse, ain't no time to waste
Got killers on my team, real G's movin' silent
From the streets to the suites, our hustle is violent
Money talks, but I'm speakin' in a different tone
Ownership and equity, that's how I've grown
Hood rich, but I'm thinkin' on a different scale
No cap, no lies, this is the real me "
Cole's delivery becomes even more rapid and aggressive:
"In this cutthroat world, you gotta have heart
Fake friends come around when the money's flowin'
But when times get tough, watch how fast they're goin'
Elevated status, but I keep it grounded
Remember where I came from, stay surrounded
By the ones who loved me when I had nothin'
Now we all eatin', no more just window shoppin'
I bomb atomically, droppin' mockeries like Socrates
With philosophies, got the pen hittin' like Glocks to knees
Loyalty''s a masterpiece, framed in gold, no tarnish
I'll catch a case for my nigga, don't flinch, no garnish
Street code in the ink, permanent like a tattoo
You cross my fam, boy, I'm Picasso with the .22.
Paintin' loyalty, splashes of red and blue
Every line''s a promise, every shade''s a truth.
On this canvas of the streets, we keep it real
Loyalty in every stroke, you feel what I feel
Met a queen, Mona Lisa vibes, her smile hidin' the truth,
She held me down, no frontin'', even when I lost my youth
In the gallery of life, she''s the centerpiece
Kept the loyalty on lock, no cap, no lease"
<>
After their initial recording session, Arell and Cole spent hours refining their lyrics, going over each line to tighten up the rhyme schemes and improve the overall flow of their verses. They worked on enhancing the wordplay and metaphors, bouncing ideas off each other and occasionally bursting into laughter at particularly clever lines.
"Man, this line about 'Peachtree dreams' is fire," Cole said, nodding appreciatively. "It's got that local Atlanta flavor, but it's universal too. Everyone's chasing their dreams, you know?"
Arell grinned, feeling a surge of pride. "Thanks, man. I was trying to capture that hustle mentality, but with a touch of home."
As they wrapped up, Arell couldn't help but express his admiration for Cole's ability to deliver a powerful performance in one take. "Man, it's impressive how you can just hop in the booth and ride the energy like that," Arell said, shaking his head in wonder. "With some artists I've worked with, like Swae Lee, we usually need multiple takes to get it right."
Cole nodded, understanding. "Yeah, it's about tapping into that raw energy and just letting it flow. Some artists, like Travis, can do it in one take too, but only when they're in a certain... state of mind," he chuckled, raising an eyebrow suggestively. "It's like it gives them superpowers or something."
Arell laughed, remembering some of his own studio sessions. "Man, I've seen that. It's wild how some substances can unlock a whole different level of creativity. But I try to stay clear of that stuff, you know? I started back smoking weed recently but I've been drifting back away from it. I want to be able to tap into that energy naturally."
"That's smart," Cole agreed, his expression turning more serious. "It's a slippery slope, and I've seen too many talented artists lose themselves down that path."
Just then, Arell's phone buzzed with a message from India: "How's it going? Having fun?"
Arell typed back a quick response. "Cole's a genius, talk to you about it later."
As they settled into a more relaxed vibe, Cole steered the conversation towards Arell's recent experiences in the industry. "So, I've been hearing about this beef with Lil Reese and The Game. You've been handling it pretty smart, man."
Arell shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "Just trying to navigate it all without getting too caught up in the drama, you know? It's weird, man. One minute you're making music in your bedroom, the next you're caught up in all these industry and street politics."
Cole nodded, understanding in his eyes. "That's the game, man. It can be overwhelming, especially when you're just starting out. But you're doing good, keeping your head on straight."
"Thanks," Arell said, genuinely appreciative of the praise. "It's not always easy, though. Sometimes I feel like I'm just stumbling through, trying to figure it all out as I go."
Cole leaned forward, his expression serious. "Listen, I want to talk to you about something important. Money management. I've seen too many young artists blow through their earnings without thinking about the future. You gotta be wise with it, invest, save. Don't just give it all away or spend it on flashy stuff."
Arell listened intently "I hear you. I've been trying to be smart about it my manager made sure to take over half of my earning early on and invest it all, but still, it's definitely a bit of a learning curve for me. Any specific advice?"
Cole nodded, warming to the topic. "First off, get yourself a good financial advisor. Which you seem like you already have, so you're set for that, just make sure they have your best interest in mind."
"Got it," Arell said, knowing he had nothing to worry about when it comes to Geoffrey.
"Also," Cole continued, "Make sure you're setting aside a portion of every check for taxes. I can't tell you how many artists I've seen get hit with huge tax bills because they didn't plan ahead."
Arell nodded, grateful for the practical advice. "What about friends? I want to help out, but I don't want to become an ATM, you know?"
Cole sighed, understanding the dilemma. "That's a tough one, man. It's natural to want to help out, but you gotta set boundaries. Maybe set up a fund for emergencies, but be clear about what constitutes an emergency. And don't be afraid to say no sometimes. Real friends will understand."
As they talked, other artists in the studio, including Jhené Aiko, joined the conversation. They shared their own experiences and advice, creating a casual but insightful atmosphere.
"One thing I learned the hard way," Jhené chimed in, "is to always read your contracts carefully. And don't be afraid to negotiate. Your art has value, and you should be compensated fairly for it."
Arell nodded, soaking in all the advice, he knew he could dismiss it all as he had Geoffrey who could handle all of this, but it didn't hurt to gain a few more ounces of knowledge. "It's a lot to take in, but I appreciate you all sharing your experience."
The conversation shifted to industry connections, and Cole's expression turned serious. "Look, I know you've been around Diddy and his crew. I'm gonna be straight with you - I know some shit about Puff, and I think you should stay away from that whole group."
Arell's eyes widened, leaning in closer. "Man, after what I've seen, I'm planning to stay as far away as possible."
Cole shook his head, a dark look crossing his face. "Thats's good. I can't go into details, but let's just say there's a lot that goes on behind closed doors in this industry. Stuff that would make your skin crawl. Puff... he's been involved in some sketchy shit for years. Just trust me on this one, keep your distance."
Arell nodded, a chill running down his spine. He thought about the disturbing scene he'd witnessed at Diddy's party, with Beyonce getting…. he had no idea how to describe what he had seen, and it left him wondering just how deep the rabbit hole went.
"Thanks for the heads up," Arell said sincerely. "I appreciate you looking out for me like this."
Cole smiled, clapping Arell on the shoulder. "That's what it's all about, man. We gotta look out for each other in this industry. Too many vultures out there waiting to take advantage of young talent."
At one point, Arell opened up about his relationship with India. He explained the situation, including the initial publicity plan and how things had evolved. "She's got this fear of losing fame, you know? But she and her sister apologized, and I actually really like her."
He went on to share more details about their conversations, including India's admission about her past relationships and her desire to go to therapy. "She's been through a lot, man. The Game, Soulja Boy... they treated her like shit. And now she's trying to break free from all that fake industry stuff."
Cole listened thoughtfully before responding. "I get it, man. But you gotta be careful. That initial dopamine rush can blind you to a lot of things. You need to make sure you actually like India for who she is, not just how she looks or the idea of her."
Jhené chimed in, her voice soft but firm. "Yeah, and remember, you've only known her for a short time. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and ignore red flags. Trust me, I've been there."
Cole nodded in agreement. "Exactly. My advice? Give it a chance, but take it slow. Really spend time getting to know who she is as a person, and let her get to know the real you too. Stay away from the physical stuff for a while and focus on building a real connection."
Arell absorbed their advice, nodding slowly. "You're right. I think I've been getting carried away with the whole whirlwind romance thing. I'll take it slower, really get to know her."
"That's smart," Cole said. "And listen, it's good that she wants to go to therapy. That shows she's willing to work on herself. But remember, you're not her therapist. You can support her, but don't try to fix her problems."
Arell nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. "Yeah, I get that. It's just... when she told me about the stuff with The Game and Soulja Boy, it made me so angry. The way they treated her... I just want to protect her, you know?"
Jhené reached out, patting Arell's arm sympathetically. "That's natural, Arell. But remember, she's her own person. She needs to heal and grow on her own terms. The best thing you can do is be supportive and patient."
The conversation continued late into the night, touching on various aspects of the music industry, personal growth, and life in general. They shared laughs, swapped stories, and even freestyled a bit for fun.
Cole talked about the importance of staying true to your art, even when faced with commercial pressures. "There's always gonna be people telling you to change your sound, to make it more radio-friendly or whatever. But at the end of the day, you gotta make music that speaks to your soul."
Arell nodded, thinking about his own musical journey. "I feel that. Sometimes I worry about getting pigeonholed, you know? Like, people expect a certain sound from me now, but I want to experiment, try new things, especially on my album, I want to do something out the box."
"That's good," Cole encouraged. "Don't be afraid to evolve. The best artists are always pushing themselves, always growing. Just make sure it comes from an authentic place."
As the night wound down, Cole gave Arell a brotherly hug. "Remember, man, this industry can be tough. But if you stay true to yourself, keep working on your craft, and surround yourself with good people, you'll go far. And hey, if you ever need advice or just want to talk, I'm here."
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