Crocodile Tearz

"Crocodile Tearz" is a song by American rapper J. Cole from his fourth mixtape Might Delete Later (2024).

Background
J. Cole previewed the song in a social media vlog titled "Might Delete Later, Vol. 1" on February 21, 2024.

Composition and lyrics
"Crocodile Tearz" utilizes an "eerie Memphis-leaning beat" that has been described as reminiscent of the song "Knife Talk" by Drake featuring 21 Savage, as well as "mournful sonics" while J. Cole uses a direct tone in his lyrics, in which he emphasizes his status as among the best rappers in the modern hip-hop world. 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".

Critical reception
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". 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".