Motiv8 (song)
# Motiv8 (song)

"Motiv8" (pronounced "motivate") is a song by American rapper J. Cole, released on April 20, 2018 from his fifth studio album, KOD.

## Composition and samples

The song contains an uncredited sample from "Knuck If You Buck", performed by Crime Mob; and excerpts from "Get Money", as written by Roy Ayers, James Bedford, Lamont Porter, Sylvia Striplin and Chris Wallace, and performed by Junior M.A.F.I.A.

## Lyrical interpretation

HotNewHipHop said "another track that’s been getting a lot of attention lately is this song called “Motiv8.” [...] Cole hops on this self-produced beat and raps about being motivated to get the money, something he repeats throughout the song & chorus."

## Critical reception

Alexis Petridis of The Guardian said "Motiv8 revolves around little more than an eerie keyboard figure and a disembodied cry of “get money” from Lil Kim's guest appearance on the 1995 Junior MAFIA hit of the same title – ripped out of context, it sounds bleak and despairing." KentWired said “Another song I feel like will be played on the radio a lot. Also, another favorite song of mine. This kind of reminds me of Kendrick Lamar’s “Levitate.” However, I love the beginning of this song where it has pretty much a video game sound effect to it.”

## Usage in media

The song was featured in the official 2018 NBA Playoffs (Eastern Conference Finals) and the NBA Finals promotion for ESPN.

## Commercial performance

Upon its first week of release, "Motiv8" debuted at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

## Charts

| Chart (2018) | Peak position |
| - | - |
| Australia (ARIA) | 47 |
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 23 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 37 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ) | 26 |
| Portugal (AFP) | 47 |
| Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan) | 5 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 15 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 10 |

## Certifications

| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
| - | - | - |
| United States (RIAA) | Platinum | $1,000,000^‡$ |
| $^‡$ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |||
