"Forbidden Fruit" by J. Cole ft. Kendrick Lamar
What effect does using biblical allusions have on the listeners of this song?
As one of the purposes of using allusions is to add deeper meaning to the piece, in this case it is mainly referencing to the original sin which correlates with the topics the song mentions as a whole. For instance, this song not only introduces the sin of eating the forbidden fruit, but also of having premarital sex. In addition, this piece also alludes to other sins that fall under the categories of greed and lust.
What is J. Cole referring to when he mentions "Apple juice falling from her lips"?
Eve's sinful act of eating the forbidden fruit.
What is the first biblical allusion in the song?
The Garden of Eden when saying "...took a little trip Down to the garden"
If the response to the last question was "Yes", what is the exact biblical allusion being made?
The allusion refers to the act of Adam also having a taste of the forbidden fruit, but that it was after Eve had done so.
What themes do these allusions count with?
The allusions count with themes such as Temptation, Disobedience, and Choice and Consequence.
If so, where in the song can the specific allusion be found? Explain.
The line "Do you believe that Eve had Adam in check" refers to more modern terms of having someone do whatever they were asked to do and alludes to the original sin. Even though Eve was the one that listened to the devil, Adam followed and did what Eve said and did. This could mean that either Adam was also "curious" or even that Adam would've done anything Eve said.
When J. Cole mentions "To sip juice from the forbidden fruit and get loose," what is it referencing in the Bible? Explain.
The line references Genesis 3:10, which is when it is said that Adam hides in the garden due to realizing that he was naked. "Get loose" can mean the act of getting naked either to have sexual intercourse or just as a sign of being too comfortable, considering that being nude is an act that many find shame in, especially in front of others.
What does the line, "That's why I keep a cross on my chest, either that or a vest" make reference to?
The singer is referencing that he has protection from both the spiritual world (God) and physical world (vest).
Bonus: How is the title of this song also an allusion?
The title "Forbidden Fruit" refers to the first sin mentioned in Genesis. As previously mentioned, it refers to the sinful act of eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, causing both Adam and Eve to be exiled from the Garden of Eden.
Is there any specific allusion to the relationship Adam and Eve had?
Yes, there is a specific allusion.
When the singer says "took a little sip" does it refer to him also having a taste of said forbidden fruit?
Yes.
Can you think of any other topics, that have not already been mentioned, that are incorporated in the song?
Yes. The topic of corruption is mentioned in a part of the song. The lines "N*ggas pay for head but the p*ssy sold separate Same b*tch giving brains to the minister" bring to mind that society is corrupted and how money has become more of a priority. In other words, sometimes people are willing to commit sins if the reward for them is money. Aside from that, the line mentioning the minister is one that implicates that everyone is a sinner, and position or power do not change that in any way.
