We learn that he truly became something from nothing, growing up without a father, an alcoholic mother, and trouble with the law for himself and his brother. He has mentioned many times about his brother being imprisoned in songs like Crooked Smile, A Dollar and a Dream, 4 Your Eyez Only, Land of the Snakes, Knock Tha Hustle, and Note to Self. He also mentioned that in 4 Your Eyez Only (the album, not the song), there are no features as he dedicated the entire album to people that he lost while growing up. 

Facing a large amount of racial injustice from people and the music world, J.Cole is one of the biggest advocates for victims of prejudice. He grew up around a variety of people from different ethnicities, cultures, and religions, which made him aware of global issues at a very young age. In an interview, he stated that he never really wanted fame, what he wanted was the best for his family and people who dealt with the same issues of prejudice and injustice in the world. An example of this is his song, "Snow on tha Bluff'', which he released in 2020 right as the COVID Pandemic hit its peak. He began talking about political stances and how many people are exposed to different teachings while growing up, and how it affects the way people view issues over the world. He implies how knowledge is what everyone needs in the world, and a rich perspective should be spread to people in a way in which they can learn and grow from the information.