J.Cole Speaks On Alleged Rivalary
Given their successes, it was no surprise that when Drake recently compared J. Cole to Nas, it had the media and fans buzzing. J. Cole sat down with HipHopDX at the University of Maryland campus, where we got the Roc Nation artist’s opinion on whether he felt the media was trying to push a beef between the two.
“I do, but it’s not working, they don’t understand that it’s not working. I know Drake, we speak or whatever the case is, so that’s not even an issue.” Cole dismissed. “It doesn’t really come from the publications, it comes from the people. Like the fans are so eager to see some shit like that, they live for shit like that, which is cool, I understand where it’s coming from. You can’t just make up a beef man, that’s just not how this thing works.”
Video: Lights Please – From SXSW To SOB’s
Peep the exclusive footage above courtesy of Roc Nation!
Southern Connecticut State University Interview [Audio]
After the University of Maryland show Cole gave a sit down interview. Down here to hear him talk about being taller then Jay-Z,not naming his album Cole World and much more. Special thanks to Jon M for the great interview. Also check out a brief transcript below:
1. You’re a new cat in the game who just happens to be signed with Jay-Z. Do you
feel any sort of pressure to come through with a solid album or are you
confident that your music will speak for itself once it’s out?I feel like the music is gonna speak for itself. There is pressure but I believe
in determining your own destiny. I don’t think like ‘Oh, man I’m signed to Jay.’
I’m gonna put out a classic album and more to come(Wale came in and interrupted lol)
2. Only two mix tapes out so far. I know you’re not trying to wear yourself thin
but are you afraid of losing buzz or hype by keeping the fans waiting for the
album or do you have something prepared for us before the album? I heard titles
like Cole World and the Blow up floating around, any idea where the titles came
from?Ain’t one of those the title. Cole World is just some shit I be saying. (Wale
interrupts) Oh you’re album ain’t got a title? (J. Cole) nah…
still working on it (Wale) You should call it the ‘Wale’ (J. Cole) Oh that’d be
sick! (Wale) Roc Nation! (J. Cole) Neither of those the title. As far as
mixtures, I believe in the days when an artist like Nas would put out an album
and he wouldn’t come back for like 2 years but you still loved him and you
wanted to see what he could do. It aint even been a year when I put out 22
songs. First, I was falling into the pressure like ‘damn, I gotta put out a mix
tape, the people are hungry’ but you want people to be hungry that way when they
finally do get.. I’d rather serve them a full five course meal with them
starving then give them a a 3 or 4 course meal-because if I drop a mix tape it
aint gonna be whack its gonna be straight A. I don’t have throw aways. I cant do
half ass shit. I’d rather give them a five star meal when they ain’t eat shit
than give them a five star meal when they just ate a 4 star meal.3. You graduated in 2007 from St. John’s University Magna Cum Laude. Hip-hop
isn’t always too fond of college graduates who also rap because they feel they
may lack a story to tell. Do you feel people will place you under a category or
underrate your abilities just because you happen to have a degree? You mentioned
Canibus as one of your favorites and he also graduated and has proven lyrical
skills, so you must feel a relation there.I don’t think he graduated. (My bad, I should’ve done a lil more background
research haha). He was just one of my influences when I was real young. Thats
who I was trying to rap like. But I don’t think its anything because I feel like
people respect that more, its a different angle and its not like I went to
college and I’m on that corny shit. Niggas can still tell by the raps that I
know a little bit about a lot. Its not a problem.4. You make your own beats and even once said you rap on “99 percent J.
Cole Production.” Is that still the case for the album? I know you’re
working with No ID but is that predominately it?When I first got in with No ID, I thought I was gonna have zero beats on the
album thats how good his beats on. (Wale interrupts again haha). Honestly the
biggest thing about No ID was that I learned from him. He gave me the key
ingredients. I just talked to him today I was like, ‘Yo, I feel like I’m a
monster now.’ I had to thank him because I really soaked up a lot of game from
him on the production side. Now I feel like I’m unstoppable.(Little side talk with me, J. Cole, and Wale)
5. When new artists drop their first album, they sometimes seem to have a lot of
many features to help boost sales. Are there any features on the album or you
kept this one solely to yourself?Right now, I only have one feature on it. And I’m still debating what I wanna do
about it but something about it, I like the idea of not having nobody. Even Nas
had AZ but for some reason I like the idea of not having nobody but then I do
like the idea because it gets songs a whole different look but I don’t know.
I’ll decide in the final hour.6. You hustled to get yourself to this point in the game. You crashed parties,
made shirts, made your own beats, and moved to New York to name a few things
that make you J. Cole today. What sort of advice do you have for up and coming
artists who may not have the benefits of moving to a big city or something like
that but still feel they have skills on the mic?It can happen from wherever you at. There’s just two ingredients: you gotta
believe and then you gotta work hard. I feel if one of those elements are
missing, either one then its not gonna work. You can be the least talented
artist in the world but if you believe and you work hard, you’re gonna make it.
I feel like those are the two ingredients.7. It’s 2010 which means Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and all that have blown up.
What kind of affect do you feel the internet has had in hip-hop?I don’t use the internet. i use it everyday but I don’t use it as a promotional
tool. I feel like it takes away from your appeal. People know too much about
you, too much information on your likes and dislikes.8. I asked the fans and they asked me to ask you to spit one line from the album
that is your most favorite and explain it’s importance.*Long Pause as he thinks* I dunno, man. I don’t have one in the top of my head.
I do but its just so many songs going through my head….. nah. I
got nothing.9. Lastly, is the album still looking for a summer release?
Yeah. All depends how the single does and the next single. It’s the official
single. I like it because I feel like its something the fans can brag about. We
knew when we put it out, its not like a number one. We weren’t aiming for the
charts but its something that’ll get my core fan base excited and get more fans.
I feel like Jay had a perfect single selection. From ‘DOA’ to ‘Run This Town’
all led up to ‘Empire State of Mind’ perfectly. I wanna kinda try to follow,
it’ll be ill, because ‘DOA’ and even ‘Run This Town’, people was like I dunno
how its gonna do but it was all leading up to ‘ESM.’
J.Cole Live At University Of Maryland [Video]
April 28,2010 It went down at the University Of Maryland. The crowd went nuts when Cole Brought out Wale & Ucb to perform Beautiful Bliss. Enjoy!
J.Cole & Reflection Eternal Speak On Recording “Just Begun”
And if you haven’t already download Just Begun here! Special thanks to @KimbleWright.
J.Cole Possibly To Be Featured On Drake’s “Thank Me Later”
Recently Drake spoke on his relationship with J.Cole while on air. The Toronto rapper also gave mention of a possible bonus track for Thank Me Later that could feature J.Cole and Lupe Fiasco. Check out what he had to say here!
Thoughts?
Video: J.Cole Interviews with Jenny Boom Boom
Check out the 2 part interview above where Cole speaks on Jae Millz, Cameron, his album, Hov’s advice, and much more!
Shouts to YHTN
Video: J.Cole Live At Saint John’s
As you all now last week J.Cole made a stop at his old stumping ground, Saint John’s University. Check out the exclusive footage of his performance via Roc 4 Life above. Also click here for some meet and greet photos.
J.Cole SXSW Hip Hop 2010 Photo Exhibition
Check out these photos of J.Cole from SXSW Hip Hop 2010 Photo Exhibition taken by OG Photographer.
J.Cole’s New Single “Who Dat” [Dirty Version]
As promised, here is the official dirty version of “Who Dat” along with the official artwork. Props to Elite.
Download | Who Dat
J.Cole and Reflection Eternal Performance Live in Ohio
In Cincinnati, OH last Thursday, Aprill 22, J.Cole hit the stage along with Talib to perform “Just Begun”. Unfortunately neither Jay Electronica nor Mos was their to finish off the track, but check out the footage above from this live performance.
J.Cole’s New Single “Who Dat” [Clean Version]
All the work has finally payed off. J.Cole released his first single today off of his upcoming album today titled “Who Dat”. Jermaine first premiered this single at his SOB’s show late last month which is collab-produced by J.Cole and none other than producer and friend, Elite. Be sure to look for J.Cole’s album which will be released sometime this Spring.
Download | Who Dat
Who dat Who dat?-The nigga you’ve been waiting for
J.Cole’s Homecoming | St. Johns University
So as you may know last night was J.Cole’s return to his alma mater, Saint John’s. Check out the video above!
Props: Rap Radar
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words [Part III]
This Painting was done by Jack Labadie a 21 year old up in coming artist from Richmond,VA whom recently had a chance to meet Cole on a tour stop, and even had the chance to get him to autograph the piece.You can visit Jack’s his blog here. The photography was done by Duy Nguyen. Don’t forget to check out his blog as well,It has some pictures of Cole up so I’m sure will enjoy!
J. Cole Interview With WHBC Howard Radio Station
While on Howard University campus yesterday, J.Cole stopped by WHBC Howard radio station to talk about his music career, future career goals and more.
J.Cole Performance at Howard University [Video]
Last night, April 21 2010, J.Cole hit the stage at yet another college campus, Howard University to continue his College Tour. Check out the footage of J.Cole performing some of his popular songs as well as brining out Wale for a surprise performance.
Props | HUreaction
J.Cole at Montclair State University [Interview]
J.Cole sits down with Mark from the Montclarion and WMSC radio station at Montclair State University to talk about his album, his greatest influences, 2010 Playoffs predictions and more.
J.Cole Participates In “Everybody’s Haitian” PSA
Everybody’s Haitian from Roc4Life on Vimeo.
For more information on “Everybody’s Haitian” click here.
J.Cole Performance at Montclair State University
*Updated*
Shouts out to KRXPucho for this great footage!
J.Cole: In My Own Words
Check out J.Cole’s exclusive blog for KarenCivil.com:
Karen finally caught up with a nigga. I was supposed to write this three months ago, but I’ve been so busy. Let me give you
That’s the type of schedule it is right now. The type of chaos I’m pretty much going through, which, please don’t mistake me, I’m forever grateful for all of it. But it is somewhat overwhelming when you go from a nigga that was doing beats in his bedroom, to try and write songs and you kind of looking for things to do. It’s hectic but its all for the best and all of this work is going to lead to something that will pay off in the end.
I’m working on the album. Oh my god! I’m like getting more excited about the album everyday that goes by, every week that passes by. People around me and my team feel I have a classic on my hands. They always want to tell me like, “Yo you good, you don’t really need anything else.” Honestly, I don’t feel like. I feel that I can drop another song that was crazier than all the other shit that was on the album. So, the album keeps getting better and better mainly due to the fact I’m not satisfied because I know all the people that are coming out this year. This is an incredible year for music. There will be a bunch of big albums in 2010. I just have to put my best foot forward basically because if not, these dudes are going to try and crush me. Like, for example, I just keep thinking Kanye is coming with some shit. I already know he is gonna kill the game, so I just want to come out and make a splash. A big splash.
SOB’s was ill. In fact, it was legendary. I mean that in the sense for my own career. I’ll never forget that I was scheming on it for so long. That was a real staple moment. You know when you got those definitive moments in your career that 10 years from now I can look back at that like it was crazy. I always say it’s wild because I used to put these shits up on my wall. I used to spend my whole Saturdays going through my XXL’s all my Source’s. I would have a little razor blade cutting out all the pages in the magazine, just getting my tape together. I’d be figuring out who I wanted to put up, who I don’t wanna put up. Do I want Eminem over here? Do i want ‘Pac over here? Now, to be on those two covers on the same month, is ridiculous man. Only time can tell what’s classic really, but i want people to feel the album. I really want to make a dent in the game, be someone people are talking about 10 years from now. So hopefully that happens once I drop the album. If i think it’s crazy right now, it’s going to be more crazier by the end of the year.
All in all, I just want to say thank you to the whole Dreamville, my immediate team, RocNation and all the blogs that support a nigga because they’re showing love. And to all the people that go to the blog that show love, thank you too. I try not to read the comments so much, but sometimes you can’t help it. People are showing so much love. Thank you so very much….
The TSS x Yours Truly Present 3:16 With J.Cole
Check out the latest installment of the 3:16 series, where J.Cole speaks on how Canibus and Nas have effected his style and career.
J.Cole Performs at Adelphi University
On Saturday April 17, J.Cole performed at Adelphi University located in Garden City, NY. Check out footage of the show above!
Props: Gavin
J.Cole On MTVU’s “Ahead Of The Curve”
J.Cole was recently featured on MTVU’s “Ahead of The Curve” performing “Lights Please”. Check it out!
Props | Atlking19
