J. Cole Accused of Spreading Transphobia and Misogyny in New Song ‘Pi’
I just listened to J. Cole’s new song “Pi,” and I’ve got to say, I’m struggling to digest the words he chose to use. As a fan of his style of music in the past, I’m stunned—this just doesn’t sit right. The lines he has used in his new song have stirred a new controversy as I’m not the only one who found the lyrics of ‘Pi’ not just tasteless but downright offensive to transgender people.
If you want to know what the exact lyrics are, watch this lyrical video and stop at the mark at 3:46 mark and 3:52 mark to read what he actually said in his latest song ‘P’.-
Now coming back to our topic of discussion, transgender community, which continues to fight for equality and recognition, it’s not just a misstep; it feels like a slap in the face to the progress we’ve made.
Where J. Cole saw wordplay, many of us see a line that cuts deep—memorializing the exact stereotypes that so many have been fighting to break down.
It’s as if he forgets the power he holds, the platform that could—and should—be used to bridge divides rather than deepen them. It’s hard to reconcile the J. Cole we thought we knew, who stood up against racial injustice, with the one who wrote these lyrics that seem to ignore the struggles for equality and dignity that the transgender community faces every day.
And yes, artists must have the freedom to express themselves—that’s the heart of creativity. But when that expression inflicts pain, when it alienates and insults, it’s hard not to question where the line is, or if it was ever there to begin with.
For many of us, this isn’t just about J. Cole. It’s about a call for growth, a push for artists and the industry to listen more closely to the communities they reach. This is a moment for them, for all of us, really, to aim for inclusivity, to speak with respect, and to support every identity through the power of music.
My hope, amid this backlash, is that this will serve as a wakeup call—not just for him, but for all musicians—to make our music scene one that uplifts everyone, truly leaving no voice behind. It’s up for debate whether this could mark a turning point, but one thing is clear to me: sensitivity and representation in music aren’t just important—they’re imperative.