Photo Cred – Getty Images
Source | Rap-Up
J. Cole stopped by “The Combat Jack Show” for in-depth interview this week. During the two-hour conversation, the North Carolina MC spoke at length about the inspiration behind his new album 2014 Forest Hills Drive, staying out of Drake’s lane, protesting in Ferguson, and wanting to sign Kendrick Lamar.
Cole was introduced to the Compton MC in 2010 before either rapper had released their debut albums. “I met Kendrick at a time when all I had out was The Warm Up, nobody knew who he was, he didn’t have a deal,” he said. “He was signed to Top [Dawg]—I didn’t know he was signed to Top.”
But he immediately knew that K-Dot was a star. “I actually wanted to sign him, but I didn’t have my business right. I didn’t know he was with Top [Dawg],” explained Cole. “But in my mind, he was the first person I ever found. … I remember tellin’ everybody like, ‘Yo, I’m tryna sign this kid. Like yo, this ni**a’s nasty!’”
“I ACTUALLY WANTED TO SIGN HIM, BUT I DIDN’T HAVE MY BUSINESS RIGHT.”
He went to a release party for an L.A. group named UNI and saw Kendrick perform for the first time. “I’m lookin at this short, dark-skinned kid like, ‘Yo, who is this kid?’ and then he gets on the mic and murders. I’m a rapper’s rapper and I’m not easily impressed, and when I heard him I was instantly [impressed].”
Get more on this post – HERE.
Be sure to tune into the Midday’s weekly 10am-3pm with RoDigga!