Black Thought’s Bold Move: How He Frightened Off J. Cole with Joint Album Idea
Black Thought, a rapper known for his powerful wordplay and sharp lyricism, has recently shared an interesting story about his potential collaboration with fellow hip-hop artist J. Cole. In a revealing interview on This Week in White Supremacy podcast, the iconic emcee from The Roots opened up about a missed opportunity to work on a joint album with J. Cole.
According to Black Thought, J. Cole had approached him in early 2018 with the idea of creating music together. Excited by the prospect, Black Thought asked J. Cole to send him some beats to get a better sense of his musical direction. However, when the beats arrived, Black Thought found them to be too reminiscent of The Roots’ signature sound, and he was keen on exploring new territory.
With honesty and transparency, Black Thought asked J. Cole for a different batch of beats, explaining his desire to push boundaries and move away from his established style with The Roots. Unfortunately, his candid feedback seemed to have unintentionally intimidated J. Cole, who was on a more serene artistic path at that time.
Despite missing out on a potential collaboration with J. Cole, Black Thought commended the Dreamville rapper for his recent act of humility and growth in the hip-hop community. J. Cole had publicly apologized to Kendrick Lamar for dissing him on a track, a move that Black Thought described as “beautiful” and unprecedented in the rap game.
In an industry often characterized by feuds and rivalries, Black Thought highlighted the significance of J. Cole’s apology as a step towards peace and self-reflection. The veteran rapper praised J. Cole’s willingness to address his mistakes and prioritize personal growth, emphasizing the importance of self-improvement in the face of challenges.
Reflecting on the evolution of hip-hop and the role of artists in resolving conflicts, Black Thought shared his admiration for J. Cole’s decision to prioritize unity and maturity in the midst of a potential feud. Rather than engaging in unnecessary drama or escalating tensions, J. Cole’s apology signified a shift towards emotional intelligence and compassion in the hip-hop community.
Overall, Black Thought’s revelations about his interaction with J. Cole and his perspective on J. Cole’s recent actions shed light on the dynamic nature of rap music and the evolving relationships between artists. As the hip-hop landscape continues to evolve, gestures of humility and growth, such as J. Cole’s apology, serve as powerful reminders of the transformative power of music and art in fostering understanding and connection.
