J. Cole tooted a much anticipated TLC feature on his upcoming album “Born Sinner,” and it comes today in the form of “Crooked Smile,” the second single from the June 18th LP. “I wanted to go with my favorites and then have them do the things that I love them for doing,” Cole says of the album’s features. “They doing what I loved them for. Those are incredible features. TLC, that’s like a blessing even having them. That’s crazy.”
“Crooked Smile” is much along the lines of TLC’s “Unpretty,” being that Cole embraces his and other’s imperfections, suggesting his is what made him successful: “We ain’t picture perfect but we worth the picture still / I got smart, I got rich I got p*ssy still / And they all like my eyebrows, thick as hell,” he raps. TLC give the song an R&B flare on the hook, then a choir takes it for a spin at the song’s end.
Great record, take a listen!
“Crooked Smile” by J. Cole featuring TLC is a powerful anthem that celebrates self-acceptance and inner beauty in the face of societal pressures. Set against a backdrop of soulful melodies and smooth hip-hop beats, the song delivers a message of empowerment and resilience.
J. Cole’s introspective verses delve into personal experiences of insecurity and the struggles of trying to conform to unrealistic standards of beauty imposed by society. He candidly reflects on his own flaws and imperfections, ultimately embracing them as part of his identity. TLC’s iconic vocals add depth and emotion to the track, echoing themes of self-love and confidence.
The chorus, delivered by TLC, is an uplifting reminder that true beauty lies within and that imperfections should be embraced rather than hidden. It encourages listeners to wear their “crooked smile” with pride, rejecting the pressure to conform to narrow ideals of perfection.
“Crooked Smile” is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of self-love and a call to embrace one’s uniqueness. With its catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics, it has become an anthem for anyone who has ever felt judged or marginalized for not fitting society’s mold. It serves as a reminder that true beauty comes from within, and that it’s okay to be imperfect in a world that often demands perfection.
