Jam of the Week: J. Cole - "Who Dat"

In 2004, I had almost no concept of what investment banking was, except for the horror stories Scos and others reported back to me while on their 48 hour drunken escape from New York during Homecoming. In 2005, I heard the same stories from my classmates, fresh off their internships. The stories were basically the same, but with a few little tidbits, like "It's not that bad" and "I made over $10K in one summer." In 2006, I was interviewing. Why the hell not?

In 2007, the market crashed, with my social and sex life following shortly behind it. After a few 130 hour weeks and at least half a dozen burnt out shirts, my soul was suffering. I had managed to figure out how to turn off the blinking red light on my blackberry and rarely dreamed about excel or pitch decks. But subconsciously, the lifestyle was getting to me.

In 2008, I had 4 pairs of Cole Haan shoes (2 black, 1 brown, 1 burgundy), about 20 Brook's Brothers shirts, and was eyeing a Ferragamo tie. I didn't particularly need $25 worth of Seamless Web delivery food, but I'd use it all just the same (you can buy a lot of Dentyne Ice - I was up to a pack a day at that point). And after all that hard work analyzing the financials of multi-million dollar companies, I deserved that black-car ride home, no? Fuck, I was living the dream.

Clowns told me “ain’t you roc [nation]? well where the fuck yo chain at?”
Guess it’s somethin like your girl, it aint came yet.
The man make the chain, chain dont make the man
How many n[inja]s do we know with hella ice but yet they lame?

J. Cole, you're exactly right. Granted, it's easy to get caught up in the lifestyle - and as much as I pride myself on having my own idea of what's "cool," I was clearly indoctrinated in the New York / finance culture. But how far off is the hip hop world from banking in New York anyway? Both have a culture of wealth and opulence. Both harshly criticize those who challenge the status quo. Both place a high value on things that really shouldn't be impressive (jail stints, Princeton degrees). But here stands J. Cole, one of the most hyped rappers out today, with Jay Z at his back, turning his own back to convention. Take note and keep watching him.

About the video: BBGUN directed the first Cole Jam I showcased on AMDAL, and the two have teamed up again to put an upgraded spin on that video. Check them both out.

Hit the jump for OK Go's latest awesomeness, Pharrell, and the latest BOTW.

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Do It For The Kids: ABLE

From Hank and Edy:

Friends! We’d like to share some information about a Boston mentoring program we are actively involved with, called ABLE (Access Better Learning and Education).


The program is a non-profit focused on helping Boston's at-risk youth graduate from high school. We are hoping to make this goal a reality by pairing our students with four-year sponsors who provide one-on-one guidance and financial support for tuition-based education. Ultimately, we hope to provide these students with an education that will afford them the opportunity to pursue higher education and succeed in the workforce. The program was started several years ago by one of Hank’s co-workers, based on a successful New York City non-profit called SSP (Student Sponsor Partners). We each have a rising 9th grade mentee and are psyched about playing a role in their lives. Along with mentoring, we’re also running the organization’s fundraising campaign!

ABLE’s efforts are financed solely through the funds we personally donate or raise through our networks. This is a great cause and all donations go directly the kids. If you’re able to contribute any amount, it would be greatly appreciated! Your donation is, of course, completely tax deductible. We’ll take a donation of any size at our website, http://www.ableboston.org/donate or via checks payable to "Access Better Learning & Education". Our current campaign runs through Sept 10th. Either of us would be happy to answer any questions or tell you more about how sweet the organization is!

Thanks so much! Do it for the kids!

Hank & Edy

a womans place is in the letter bag