| "Crocodile Tearz" | |
|---|---|
| Song by J. Cole | |
| from the album Might Delete Later | |
| Released | April 5, 2024 |
| Genre | Hip hop |
| Length | 3:49 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | T-Minus |
"Crocodile Tearz" is a song by American rapper J. Cole from his fourth mixtape Might Delete Later (2024).
J. Cole previewed the song in a social media vlog titled "Might Delete Later, Vol. 1" on February 21, 2024. [1]
"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] Cole would nevertheless, go on to collaborate with Future and Metro Boomin's on their collaboration album, We Still Don't Trust You, featuring on the eighteenth track "Red Leather". [5]
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". [6] 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]
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA) [7] | 71 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [8] | 29 |
| Global 200 ( Billboard ) [9] | 31 |
| Greece International (IFPI) [10] | 55 |
| Ireland (IRMA) [11] | 64 |
| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [12] | 4 |
| South Africa (TOSAC) [13] | 7 |
| UK Singles (OCC) [14] | 53 |
| UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [15] | 19 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 [16] | 19 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [17] | 9 |