"Crooked Smile" is a song by American rapper and record producer J. Cole from his second studio album, Born Sinner (2013). Featuring a guest appearance from girl group TLC, the song includes additional vocals from Meleni Smith. It was produced by Cole, with co-production from Elite. Cole recruited TLC after coming up with the hook, going through a lengthy and strenuous recording process. After Cole previewed the song in October 2012, it was released for digital download in the United States by Roc Nation as the album's second single on June 4, 2013. A hip hop and R&B ballad with dance elements, it features a jazz groove and a sample of Jennifer Hudson's "No One Gonna Love You".
Crooked Smile
The song features a guest appearance from TLC, who Cole sought out to collaborate with after envisioning the hook.
Multiple reviewers were impressed with the authenticity of Cole's message.
Jermaine Lamarr Cole is an American rapper and record producer. Born on a military base in Germany and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole initially gained attention as a rapper following the release of his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in early 2007. Intent on further pursuing a musical career, he signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation in 2009 and released two additional mixtapes: The Warm Up (2009) and Friday Night Lights (2010) to further critical acclaim as he garnered a wider following.
Cole performing in 2023
Logo used by J. Cole earlier in his career.
Cole was the first artist signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation in 2009.
Cole performing at South by Southwest in 2010
