[1] When asked about the single, Cole explained: "The most exciting part about that song ['Power Trip'] and the reason why we went with it is that it sounds like nothing that's out.

[6] Phillip Mlynar of Spin said, "there's a more appealing, mild-mannered side to Cole that shines when he writes songs about relationships: The Miguel-abetted "Power Trip", especially, teeters on the edge of blooming into a melancholic OutKast single.

"[10] Corban Golbe of Pitchfork Media stated that, "once in a while he can create something catchy – the Miguel-featuring "Power Trip" almost seems like it was designed in a lab for radio rotation.

On July 15, 2013, the single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over a million digital copies in the United States.

[19] In an interview on March 3, 2013 with radio personality Big Tigger, J. Cole said the visual to his new single "Power Trip" will be shot next week in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

[23] The video begins with a strip-club scene, and then it follows J. Cole and one of his friends as they wait outside of a girl's house (Dinah Sade) – clearly the one who he has been up all night pining about with "constant drinking and love songs."

As that sequence fades away, we are left to wonder where Cole and his friend are driving to and why there are pieces of wood and plastic bags tied to the top of their car.

It is not until the duo finally park in the woods and remove the items from the top of the car that we understand the rapper's obsession has actually led to murder.