Although there is a feature on “FRIENDS,” it is speculated to be Cole himself in the form of an alter-ego. This is integral in understanding the yin-yang theme in play.

Edward is the victim of drug addiction and abuse. He is evidence of how controlling and overtaking these substances can become. J. Cole is contrasting him when he discusses the reasons why drugs are such a problem. It could be the type of drugs, the political climate of the United States, the user’s environment, or the influence of music itself.

However, the reasoning for why drugs are so problematic is more complicated as Cole attempts to break down. It comes down to many factors such as upbringing, mental health issues, historical trauma and other causes. According to him, the roots of many of these addictions come from atrocities experienced during childhood. All in all, Cole is emphasizing that the battles fought by victims of substance abuse are caused by deeper, darker reasons. Their reliance on drugs is deeper than the surface; to them, it is internally straining.

He wants individuals, including his own friends, to feel comfortable with themselves again. He knows if they can find a way to get out of the hole that drugs have dug, they can find their true identity again.

Cole suggests that drugs can be avoided with healthier substitutions, in particular, meditation. Meditation can provide means of mindfulness and positivity as an alternative to drug abuse and medication.