Crocodile Tearz

"Crocodile Tearz" is a song by American rapper J. Cole from his fourth mixtape Might Delete Later (2024).

"Crocodile Tearz"
Song by J. Cole
from the album Might Delete Later
Released	April 5, 2024
Genre	Hip hop
Length	3:49
Label	Dreamville Interscope
Songwriter(s)	Jermaine Cole Tyler Williams
Producer(s)	T-Minus

Background

J. Cole previewed the song in a social media vlog titled "Might Delete Later, Vol. 1" on February 21, 2024.^[1]

Composition and lyrics

"Crocodile Tearz" utilizes an "eerie Memphis-leaning beat" that has been described as reminiscent of the song "Knife Talk" by Drake featuring 21 Savage,^[2] as well as "mournful sonics" while J. Cole uses a direct tone in his lyrics,^[3] in which he emphasizes his status as among the best rappers in the modern hip-hop world.^[2] In addition, he takes subliminal shots at Future: "Yes, sir, it's me, not two, not three / The uno, G-O-A-T, I need my fee, fuck kudos / G4 at least, these flights ain't cheap as you know / They sound faded, they downgraded, they Pluto / I'm bigger than Mars, this nigga a star, I'm Bruno".^[4]

Critical reception

Paul A. Thompson of Pitchfork praised J. Cole's performance, describing him as "rapping through his teeth in a way that makes him sound more composed and more menacing than nearly ever before".^[5] Aron A. of HotNewHipHop stated that "Might Delete Later isn't a body of work that aims to do much else besides wreak lyrical tyranny on the rest of hip-hop and make it clear where he stands among the crowd", before writing "It's best summarized on 'Crocodile Tearz,' a fiery banger that's filled a cut-throat performance from Cole".^[2]

Charts

Chart performance for "Crocodile Tearz"

Chart (2024)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)[6]	71
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[7]	29
Global 200 (Billboard)[8]	31
Greece International (IFPI)[9]	55
Ireland (IRMA)[10]	64
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[11]	4
South Africa (TOSAC)[12]	7
UK Singles (OCC)[13]	53
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[14]	19
US Billboard Hot 100[15]	19
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[16]	9

References

1. Alexandria, Lavender (February 21, 2024). "J. Cole Shares Snippet Of New Song "Might Delete Later"". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
2. A., Aron (April 11, 2024). "J. Cole "Might Delete Later" Review". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
3. Murray, Robin (April 5, 2024). "J. Cole – Might Delete Later". Clash. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
4. Cole, Alexander (April 5, 2024). "J Cole Takes Subliminal Shot At Future On "Crocodile Tearz"". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
5. Thompson, Paul A. (April 10, 2024). "J. Cole – Might Delete Later". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
6. "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 15 April 2024". The ARIA Report. No. 1780. Australian Recording Industry Association. April 15, 2024. p. 4.
7. "J. Cole Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
8. "J. Cole Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
9. "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) (Week: 15/2024)". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
10. "Irish-charts.com – Discography J. Cole". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
11. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. April 15, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
12. "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 10 Week 15-2024". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
13. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
14. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
15. "J. Cole Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
16. "J. Cole Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 20, 2024.