can i last in this game

8/10/2019 Can I Last In This Game

1/15

16/6/2014 Can I Last In This... - Dreamvil lain

http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/ 1/15

BLOG CONTACT VILLAINS SHOP

Can I Last In This

Posted on by June 15, 2014 cole 40 Comments
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/dreamville-cole-letter/http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/dreamville-cole-letter/http://www.dreamvillain.net/author/cole/http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/http://shop.dreamvillain.net/http://www.dreamvillain.net/signup/mailto:[email protected]://www.dreamvillain.net/blog/https://itun.es/i66W2w2


2/15

16/6/2014 Can I Last In This... - Dreamvillain


5 years ago, we started a journey together. On June 15th, 2009 I released The Warm Up to

a few who were waiting patiently for it. Full of my dreams, fears and predictions, it

resonated with you right away. Over the next year I watched it grow legs and spread at an

unbelievable pace all because you felt it so much. Five years later, I couldnt be more proud

of its impact. Thank you.

The Warm Up is a declaration of dedication to Greatness. Told from the perspective of a kid
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/dreamville-cole-letter/


3/15



who wants more than what his city has to offer him. The crime. The stagnation. He wants

more from the girls he dates. He wants out of Muhammads house. He refuses to let anyone

tell him he cant dream. That he wont make it. He believes in himself. He dedicates his life to

his craft, because hes finally realized that the work that you put in today has a direct and

absolute impact on the life you live tomorrow.

You heard the passion, you heard the stories, and you believed in him too. You rooted for

him. And youre still rooting. My thoughts today come from my observations over the past

5 years. I understand now that youre rooting for him, rooting for me, because you are also

rooting for yourself. You realize that this society kills dreams and encourages you to

conform. To settle for the block, to join the army, to become a lawyer when you really want

to paint, to get comfortable in the projects, to slave away at a 9-5 you hate because it pays

decent; to become complacent with safety. The Warm Up says, Fuck that. I will be Greater.Watch me.

I think about all the times over the past few years that one of you has said to me, youre

the reason I went to college, yo, The Warm Up got me through some hard times, got me

through law school, med school, high school, The Warm Up changed my life.

I imagine that 5 years ago we all wanted more. The Warm Up was just something that put

music and words to what we were feeling. As I write this Im on a plane from Sydney,

Australia back to New York City. Music has taken me around the world now, doing shows

in places I never thought I would be. Im grateful.

Im wondering where you are today. 5 years later. The Warm Up dropped when some of

you were upperclassmen in college. Im hoping that youve found a career doing some shit

you love, something that makes you happy. Maybe you needed more time to figure it out.

Grad School? Or maybe youre back in your parents crib trying to regroup. Everything will

be OK. Dont stop dreaming.

Some of yall were still in high school. If you went on to college, enjoy it while you got it. If

you went straight to the real world, I wish you the best. I hope you found a trade you love,

or a job that allows you to support yourself. Happiness is all that matters. If you aint

happy, adjust please.

Some of you were underclassmen in college, which means you probably just entered the


4/15



workforce or youre still trying to get that entry level position. These are the toughest

times. You will struggle no doubt, but it will all work out in the end.

No matter where you were 5 years ago, I hope that today you are closer to your dreams. I

know that everything hasnt gone exactly the way you planned, it hasnt for me either. But

our job isnt to plan. Our job includes 3 responsibilities. 1. To dream. 2. To believe that

dream is attainable. And 3. To work hard everyday towards that dream. Let God handle

the rest.

As you go throughout this week replaying this project that changed my life and lots of

yours too, I want to leave you with this because I feel we all need it. Read this as if these

words were yours, because they are.

In 5 years I have come so far. I am grateful to be here today, alive and full of potential. But I

am not satisfied. I still want more. I still have dreams, even bigger now than before. I will

not settle or conform. I rededicate myself to greatness. I give my time and my passion to

my craft, because I realize that the work I put in today affects the life that I live tomorrow. I

believe in myself. And to all those that doubt me I say, Fuck that. I will be Greater. Watch

me.

- Cole

Posted in ,

40 COMMENTS FOR CAN I LAST IN THIS

Hadjisays:

This is beautiful. I was a freshman in high school

when I discovered The Warm Up (2010) and I

just finished my freshman year of college. Right

now, Im p ursuing my dream of becoming a

musician. Dont worry, youll hear me soon. S/o

Colefam.

- Hadji

Cole World The Warm Up

June 15, 2014 at 5:30 pm

Reply
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37830#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/the-warm-up/http://www.dreamvillain.net/cole-world/


5/15



Nataliesays:

Classic Cole! Appreciate it! Only up from here

Taylor Colesays:

Been about you then, still about you now

cedric cutnosays:

J.Cole I envy you and you are my inspiration

because of where you came from and where You

are now and I live my life through a quote that

you said and I will always remember and it keep

me moving forward with my goals weather ascholar or a fiend watch a pawn become a king

Shysays:

Thats luv. Peace & blessings (

Briansays:

Great message bro.

Mikesays:

June 15, 2014 at 5:33 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:33 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:34 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:36 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:37 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:39 pm
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37835#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37834#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37833#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37832#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37831#respond


6/15



Inspirational words from my idol. Thank you.

God Bless.

Matt Barrettsays:

Friday night lights got me through some very

hard times thanks cole

deriviasays:

I love you Cole. Five years ago, I was in

highschool and now Im in college

deriviasays:

I love you Cole. Five years ago, I was in

highschool and now Im in college

Keydra H.says:

Thank you, for everything.

Jaron Simmonssays:

Yo its sweat too good bru h you are the truth you

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:39 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:39 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:40 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:41 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:42 pm
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37842#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37841#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37840#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37839#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37838#respond


7/15



are easily one of my top two fab rappers, second

only to Jay-z, Ive been following you music since

2010 and have been a fan ever since so much so

Ive been forever mad at myself for not knowing

who you were sooner.gel Ive even argued with

my brother and my classmates from when I was

in high school about how tough you are

struggling to up your fans as if they were my own

and to help niggas see that its a coleworld no

blanketits been a pleasure to watch you from

the sidelines and to support you when I can, like

buying two cop ies of coleworld: the sideline

story or attending your concert at my college

seton hall university,I cant wait to see you kill the

game even furtherin the future and to never stop

until everybody knows who you are.Give Kay my

best bruh Cole world!!!!

says:

I just want to say thank you. Not only for the

music. But for your words of encouragement. I

was forced to leave my house du e to family

issues. Which led me to be homeless.And 5 years

later i have my own apartment which is a big deal

to me. You have encoraged me for the last 3

years. I just need to work on a career i love. Thank

you so much.

&P.s. sorry if im annoying on social media.lol

Drewsays:

This nigga..

Reply

kiara

June 15, 2014 at 5:42 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:42 pm

Reply
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37845#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37844#respondhttp://kiara00lopez.tumblr.com/http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37843#respond


8/15



maryamsays:

You are all my fucking inspiration I h ave nothing

else. You inspire me to live everyday despite the

shit Im putting up with, thank you so much.

Leosays:

Thank You! Cole World

Mai Nguyensays:

Woohoo go j.cole!!!!


9/15



OMSNsays:

Some Day Im gonna Look Back At this Comment

& Say Nigga We Made It

Debziney says:

Thank you so much for this. I think your talent is

so underrated. I wish you all the best.

Sonersays:

The Warm Up helped me go through a lot during

my exam year. I m here to say sincerely thank you

j cole for doing what you doing. Couldnt imagine

a life without you & your mu sic

Caesar Sabudasays:

You have inspired me on so many different levels

that I have no choice but to love you and h ate

you. My father always taught me to never let

another man control your emotions or influence

the things that you do. Unfortunately he is no

longer here and if he was, hed probably gimme

one helluva ass whoopin for this next statement.

Jermaine, you are the reason Im attending

college and you are what gets me through the

rough times in life. We all look for that little dose

of motivation when we dont have it. For me, you

are that dose. Thank you, sir.

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:44 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:47 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:48 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:49 pm
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37853#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37852#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37851#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37850#respond


10/15



says:

J.Cole is one of the most influential artist in my

life. Your lyrics are real and heart felt. I pray you

continue to inspire young artist like me all over

the globe for a long time. Continue to be

legendary and dont conform to the rest of the

game. Stay true like you have been throughout

your career. God Bless you Jermaine.

MBsays:

JustSpeechless.

Thank You Cole, you spoke to me through this

mixtape.

olakunlesays:

Nice one man. Cant wait to meet you in person.

You the realest nigga I know

Na'Kole Rangesays:

Cole I just want you to know that you are MY

HERO! Because you didnt give up when Jay

turned you down, your drive and motivation has

inspired and encouraged me to push and get

make my dreams into reality. Much love,

blessings and respect.

Reply

Chudi Ndudikwa

June 15, 2014 at 5:49 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:50 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:54 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:54 pm

Reply
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37858#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37857#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37856#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37855#respondhttp://www.akingspurpose.com/http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37854#respond


11/15



Dantesays:

One word. Love.

Mimisays:

You were with me in every difficult journ ey in my

life. Youve helped me through so many

problems, inspired me and motivated me. Youve

taught me to hold my head up high and go after

what I want. You taught me to respect myself.

And you didnt even know it. Your songs never

fail to amaze me. The Warm Up b rought me to

tears and opened up my eyes. I wish to meet you

someday to just say Thank You. For your hard

work, youve inspired many..

marcsays:

Man Cole is too real this right here touched my

heart. 5 years ago I was a senior finishing up

college whn I first heard Cole and started to put

my friends on to his incredible music. Now I been

working 3 years just got promoted still putting my

friends on and using it as my motivation keep

doing wat u do fam love and respect straight from

Jamaica .

Kristina says:

Been following you since I was in the 9th grade,

now Im a college sophomore Seeing you

perform last night for the first time ever was

June 15, 2014 at 5:55 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:56 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 5:59 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:04 pm
http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37861#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37860#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37859#respond


12/15



surreal. COLE IS THE TRUTH.

Maiyo Shahrawansays:

Its human nature I suppose.. to second guess

yourself, and life seems to take you throu gh more

downs than ups; seems like it gives you more

losses than wins But do you stand tall and be

bold?or do you fold? Ive remembered that

exact quote for 5 years from the Warm Up intro,

and yknow at first I didnt think much of it, until I

realized the significance of the people he touches

with his words. A select group of people A Cole

World Family..that stuck with this dude from the

start and just enjoyed great music Different

races, different cultures, different beliefs.. all as

one Muslims, Jews, Christians, Budd hists, etc,

ALLas one. As a Family #ColeWorld

Signed,

A Fellow Dreamvillian

carlossssays:

This was amazeing , it was pure from the heart .

Most times artis dont get take the time to thank

the fans . Warm up was part of the motivatin for

me going back to college after fucking up my first

year . Now Im at a 3.7 with to more qu arters to go

.Cole world here I come!

DREAMVILLAINS!

You need to relase fridaynight lights in hard copy

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:04 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:05 pm

Reply


13/15



Quadirsays:

shit, classic ..

James Kamwelasays:

You inspire me,you are great

Te'says:

Wow, I Was A Late Blooming Fan So I Didnt Feel

The Initial Impact Of The Warm Up, Because I

Heard It About A Year Later. Even Though It Was

Late My Reaction When Hearing It Was

Instantaneous Love! I Remember Saying Yes! I

Love That He Goes Against The Grain. Hes

Gonna Be One Of The Greats! I Feel Like Im

Sitting Back Watching My Big Brother Succeed,

And Im Proud. I Cant Wait For Your New

Material To Drop So I Can Add It To The

Soundtrack Of My Life Lol. I Wont Be Able To See

Your Interview With Sway Today Because

DirecTV Doesnt Have An MTVJams Channel.

Hopefully Itll Be Online Sometime Soon. Until

Then Ill Just Keep Listening To Your Music All

Day. Best Of Luck To You I n All Your Future

Endeavors. I ll Always Be Rooting For You!

- Te

Ivette Nilessays:

Only The Best From The Best!!!! J. Cole..A Beast

in His Own RightSooooo Prou d!! Fan For Life

June 15, 2014 at 6:09 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:12 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:20 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:21 pm


14/15



Lets Get It!!

Mr. FlipStarsays:

Cole I caught onto TheWarmUp in 2011 And

never looked back. I ve been writing rhymes for

10+ years but your mixtape a brought me over

the hump And I now find myself in the midst of

finishing my first ever mixtape Thank you for

being you, and helping me gain that confidence

Qianasays:

Fuck that I will be great !!!!!!

Mikesays:

Thks

2 PINGS/TRACKBACKS FOR "CAN I LAST IN THIS"

says:

[] Nation MC also decided to look back on his

breakthrough mixtape by writing an open letter

on his Dreamvillain []

says:

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:23 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:23 pm

Reply

June 15, 2014 at 6:48 pm

Reply

MissInfo.tv Five Years Later, J. Cole Reflects On The

Warm Up

June 15, 2014 at 6:06 pm

J. Cole Pens Letter to Fans: Can I Last In This? |

Tattle Tailzz

June 15, 2014 at 6:49 pm
http://tattletailzz.com/j-cole-writes-letter-to-fans-can-i-last-in-this/http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/j-cole-the-warm-up-5th-anniversary-letter/http://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37876#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37875#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37874#respondhttp://www.dreamvillain.net/5years/?replytocom=37873#respond


15/15


[] J. Cole writes: []

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are

marked *

Name *

E-mail *

Website

Comment

You may use these HTML tags and attributes:

Post Comment

can i last in this game

Documents