History of J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 16, 2026

4 Your Eyez Only is a documentary film directed by J. Cole and Scott Lazer. Produced by Cole, Tim Grant, Ibrahim Hamad, and Adam Roy Rodney, it premiered on HBO on April 15, 2017. The documentary provides a visual component to J. Cole's album of the same name, exploring themes of poverty, incarceration, and the struggles faced by marginalized communities. It offers an intimate look into the lives of individuals living in these circumstances, highlighting their stories and perspectives. The film also touches upon the responsibilities and concerns J. Cole has as a successful artist with a platform, demonstrating his dedication to using his voice to raise awareness about social issues.

March 18, 2016: SWAT raid at J. Cole's home studio

On March 18, 2016, a SWAT raid occurred at J. Cole's North Carolina home studio. The security camera footage from the raid was later used as inspiration for his track "Neighbors".

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2016: Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming

In 2016, Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming was released.

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March 24, 2017: HBO announces second documentary with Cole

On March 24, 2017, HBO announced their second documentary with J. Cole titled, J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only, following Forest Hills Drive: Homecoming in 2016.

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April 15, 2017: J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only Documentary Premiere

On April 15, 2017, the J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez Only documentary, directed by J. Cole and Scott Lazer, premiered on HBO. It was produced by Cole, Tim Grant, Ibrahim Hamad, and Adam Roy Rodney.

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