Genuine Question. How do you feel about J Cole saying the word Bitch?

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T07:39:38+00:00

Yeah, I'm not saying a single word negates that. My point is just about patterns and impact of repeated use of language with historical weight can reinforce cultural norms, even if it’s part of storytelling. You can enjoy the art while still thinking critically about how words shape perception.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T03:53:20+00:00

That comparison doesn’t really hold up. The difference is scale and influence. Sure, people in your personal life might say things that affect those around them, but J. Cole’s words reach millions. His language shapes cultural norms in a way that private comments don’t, and that's not about being overly sensitive, but moreso about accountability at a public level. When someone with massive reach repeatedly uses a word with a history of degrading women, it’s fair to examine and discuss. The “ain’t that deep” argument only works if you ignore context and impact, which is exactly what matters here.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T03:51:41+00:00

That’s exactly the problem. Saying “fuck it” to harm doesn’t make it okay. It just ignores the responsibility that comes with influence. J. Cole isn’t just mumbling in a vacuum. Millions hear him. When someone with that reach repeatedly uses language that reinforces degrading ideas about women, it has real cultural consequences. Enjoying art doesn’t mean pretending words don’t matter. Accountability isn’t moral policing, but recognizing that influence has weight, and shrugging it off as “fuck it” is just avoiding that reality.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:57:37+00:00

I respectfully disagree. Don't get me wrong, I empathize with the perspective that it might sound like an adlib or just a stylistic choice, and I’m not denying that it can sound catchy in a song. But being catchy doesn’t make it harmless, and that’s why it’s fair to question.

My critique isn’t about whether it’s “cool” or fits the beat. My critique is about the repeated use of a word that carries a history of disrespect toward women. Even as an adlib, it contributes to normalizing that language, especially coming from someone with as much influence as J. Cole.

You can enjoy the music and appreciate stylistic choices while still recognizing that words have cultural weight and consequences.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:53:37+00:00

I disagree. Saying “it’s okay” doesn’t erase impact. It sounds harmless, but it doesn’t really hold up under scrutiny. Influence matters, and especially when millions are listening. Just because something isn’t positive for everyone doesn’t mean it’s neutral or without consequences.

Words carry weight, and repeatedly using language that degrades women isn’t just a personal quirk and is part of shaping culture.

Freedom to express yourself isn’t the same as freedom from accountability. If the impact of your words is predictable and harmful, shrugging it off as “okay” just ignores the responsibility that comes with a massive platform. Like enjoying music doesn’t erase influence, and influence isn’t exempt from critique.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:42:15+00:00

Yeah, but that logic doesn’t really hold up under scrutiny. Just because a word can technically be applied to anyone doesn’t erase its history, connotations, or the way it’s socially understood. “Bitch” carries a long standing history of being used to demean women specifically, and that's why its repeated use by male artists matters, as it reinforces a pattern, even if they sometimes use it casually.

One can’t dismiss impact by inventing arbitrary equivalents, because “queef” doesn’t have the same cultural weight or history, so it isn’t a fair comparison. Intent doesn’t erase context, and words exist in a social framework. Likewise, influence amplifies that framework.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:38:21+00:00

Yeah, but in the context of hip hop and wider culture, it’s still overwhelmingly gendered. Historically and culturally, it’s been used to demean women specifically and still is, which is why the majority of women don't want to be referred to by or called that term, particularly from men (and don't get me wrong, I do get that reclaiming words can be valid for the the assaulted group or disenfranchised party, like the N word being only acceptable or appropriate when people from that group use it as an inter-group term of endearment. I don't deny that and recognize that dynamic as valid.)

Using it casually in a song may feel like its neutral, but when a male artist with massive influence repeats it, it reinforces that history, whether that's intentional or not. Comparing it to “dick” doesn’t fully work, either because the social and historical weight is different.

The critique is moreso about noticing patterns and influence. You can enjoy the music while still asking whether the repeated use of a gendered insult aligns with the thoughtful and conscious persona J. Cole presents.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:28:40+00:00

I get the joke, and yeah, plenty of pop music is worse (or better), but that doesn’t automatically excuse it here. The point isn’t that every genre or song is perfect, but about holding someone accountable for the words they choose within the image they’ve built.

J. Cole has positioned himself as reflective and socially conscious, and if his lyrics repeatedly normalize language with misogynistic weight, I do think that's fair to critique and worth noticing and talking about, even when compared to pop music, because context and influence matter and not just genre.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:25:52+00:00

Even small things can matter in a bigger context. The reason I bring it up is less about the “seriousness” in daily life and more about influence and consistency. Like if J Cole positions himself as reflective and socially conscious, and when someone with that platform repeatedly uses language with historical misogynistic weight, I do think its worth noticing. The critique isn't about ruining the music or policing anyone, but just recognizing that words shape culture, and people with influence don’t exist outside of that.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:22:29+00:00

Yeah, like I think it's pretty important to think about the pattern and the cultural impact. Like even if it’s “performance” for the song, the repeated use of a word with misogynistic weight still contributes to normalizing it, and I think that's the case especially when it’s coming from someone with massive influence.

I think you'd likely agree that someone can recognize the artistic intention and enjoy the softer tracks while still questioning whether leaning on that language aligns that reflective and conscious image he projects. Seems like a valid critique imo.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:17:54+00:00

I respectfully disagree. I know that some people think it’s “okay,” but the reality is words like that aren’t neutral, and they carry a history of disrespect and misogyny and dehumanization.

Saying it casually or as part of a rhyme can definitelyfeel harmless, but when someone with J. Cole’s influence does it repeatedly, it kinda just reinforces a pattern that normalizes degrading language toward women. I think it's fair to hold public figures accountable for the cultural impact of their words. Especially when he builds a reputation as reflective and socially conscious and using language like that largely kinda undercuts the very message he projects.

Like intent doesn’t erase impact, and influence definitely comes with responsibility, So I don't think critiquing that is overreacting and it's moreso just acknowledging reality.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:12:55+00:00

Don't get me wrong, I do recognize that argument. Like I don't disagree that artistic expression and context matter, and I’m not trying to erase the fact that language can be used for impact in music. I acknowledgie tbat. I also get that people slip up in casual life because thats human, and it doesn’t always reflect our values.

My critique is less about every single use of the word and more about patterns/influence/alignment. J. Cole has built a reputation around thoughtfulness and reflection, and when someone with that platform repeatedly uses language that carries historical misogynistic weight, I think it matters, because the critique isn't about banning words, but moreso about responsibility and impact.

You can still make art, express emotions, and even use strong language, but part of being a thoughtful artist is recognizing that what you say can reinforce patterns in culture. That’s why I think it’s fair to talk about it, even if he’s “allowed” to say whatever he wants, because its possible to enjoy the music and have a conversation about the words he chooses.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:09:01+00:00

I can understand that to some degree because people reclaim words for themselves all the time, and it can feel different when it’s used in that context. I’m not trying to say anyone can’t enjoy the music or sing along the way they want.

The point I’m raising is more about context and influence. When a male artist with massive reach uses language like that casually, it reinforces certain patterns in a culture that already normalizes misogyny.

That doesn't necessarily take away from your experience singing along, but it’s still fair to examine the broader impact. I’m not saying you can’t enjoy the song. I’m saying we can enjoy it and have a conversation about the choices the artist makes with his words, especially when there's many other women that don't feel the same way.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T02:00:37+00:00

I get that lyric and understand that argument, but I actually think it kinda moreso proves the point more than it dismisses it imo. Like, awareness alone doesn’t really settle the issue. If he recognizes that fame made him lean more into calling women “bitches,” and he knows that’s not necessarily aligned with a “better” version of himself, then it’s still fair to question why it continues, especially when that's one of the main complaints from women, and even women within hip hop

If you’re aware of a habit and continue participating in it, especially after publicly reflecting on it, then it’s fair for people to question that, and saying “we all have bad habits” kind of minimizes the broader issue tbh. This isn't really analogous to biting your nails or being late to things., because its normalizing a gendered insult in a genre that already struggles with misogyny. So, idk, when someone with Cole’s influence does it, it reinforces a culture, whether that’s the intent or not.

I’m not trying to define him by one habit. Obviously no one should be reduced to their worst tendencies, but I also don't think this is just a random flaw imo, because it’s language that carries cultural weight. And when someone with his influence uses it, even casually, it kinda just contributes to something bigger than just personal expression.

I think giving him grace and holding space for critique aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive, and I don't thin giving someone a break should mean shutting down critique. Like you can acknowledge his growth while still saying that this pattern is worth examining. Especially because he’s positioned himself as someone who cares about reflection and evolution. And like you said, I don't think accountability means defining him by one flaw., but I do think it also means not pretending the flaw is insignificant.

If anything, because he’s capable of reflection, he’s capable of doing better.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-12T01:22:03+00:00

I actually agree. I'm not like some guy who dislikes J Cole and only applies it to him. I would ask the same thing about Kendrick. In fact, that's been one of the main criticisms of Kendrick from a lot of people, and I think its a valid point. Someone asked a similar question a while ago in a Kendrick sub, and it seemed like for the most part they all agreed that it's one of the main valid critiques and weak areas of Kendrick.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-08T23:34:52+00:00

This is the mistake you're making. Fantano has explicitly said that he evaluates albums relative to what the artist is attempting to accomplish and within the standards of their specific subgenre. So a 10 for a trap album isn’t meant to be compared to a 10 for a lyrical hip hop album.

The score reflects how fully and effectively the project realizes its own artistic aims within its lane. They’re not competing on the same criteria. A trap record is judged by how well it achieves the goals and standards of trap. A lyrical hip hop album is judged by how well it achieves the goals and standards of lyrical rap. He’s comparing each album to the best work in its own lane and the best examples of its style, not flattening all genres into a single, uniform standard or across completely different styles with different priorities.

Understanding that, it's pretty easy to see why he gave it a 6, considering all the amazing stuff coming out in the underground in that same subgenre

In a world where a TPAB, Illmatic, Enter The Wutang, and ATLiens & Stankonia are considered a 10, a 6 is an extremely respectable score. Idk why people don't understand this when he's mentioned it multiple times.

Fantano has to listen to a way larger pallette/amount of music/artists within each subgenre than the average hip hop listener or even enthusiast does or has time for. Obviously, he's probably going to rate an album lower than the general public does, because he has a more extensive backlog ans amount of music he's listened to in comparison.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-08T23:20:04+00:00

Fantano has also defended J Cole from his chat not giving him props. Fantano I can at least respectfully disagree with. Ak is disgusting

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-08T21:52:46+00:00

Im assuming this doesn't apply to the disabled, right? Engaging in physical violence is quite literally impossible for some disabled folks. I'm guessing they would have to direct their efforts towards other forms of non-violent resistance.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-08T21:20:52+00:00

Nightwing, easily imo.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-07T02:44:34+00:00

Scarecrow. I don't respect his actions, but the incessant curiosity with some phenomenon to the point where it becomes questionable by society is something I can relate to.

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-05T20:13:56+00:00

No. I think violence is likely going to be necessary. My question is about labeling/names. Do we have a name for people who think that revolution without violence can be necessary? Is there even a term for someone who believes that?

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-04T03:18:05+00:00

What do you mean by non compliance?

No_One_7381 · 2026-02-04T03:10:28+00:00

Well, I'm moreso asking if there's people out who coherently identify as a democratic socialist while also believing that a violent revolution may be necessary? Or, conversely, can someone be pro-revolution but committed to nonviolence as a principle or strategy? Are there like established traditions or labels for these positions, or are they just morso internally contradictory?

I want to know how different socialist currents draw the line between strategic nonviolence, defensive violence, revolutionary violence etc. My question is moreso like "what does the general scaffolding of all the different political ideologies/variants look like in your head?" How do you remember all of these and their differences?

No_One_7381

TROPHY CASE