J. Cole - Middle Child (official Audio) Page

: According to producer T-Minus in an interview with Complex , the entire song was written and recorded in just one day. Achievements and Impact

The track is notable for its minimalist, hard-hitting "hip hop trap" sound. J. Cole - MIDDLE CHILD (Official Audio)

: It features a horn sample from "Wake Up to Me" by the 1970s soul trio First Choice . : According to producer T-Minus in an interview

"MIDDLE CHILD" by is a career-defining track released on January 23, 2019, that explores his unique position as a bridge between the legends of hip-hop's past and the rising stars of its future. Produced by T-Minus and J. Cole , the song serves as a mission statement for his label, Dreamville Records , and remains one of his most commercially successful releases. Meaning and Themes "MIDDLE CHILD" by is a career-defining track released

: The lyrics touch on mass incarceration, the cycle of trauma in the Black community, and the false glorification of money and violence.

: In a rare move, J. Cole uses autotune to bridge the gap between his traditional lyrical style and the melodic sound prevalent in modern rap.