J. Cole’s Might Delete Later project was one the biggest moments in hip-hop this year. It was preceded by several vlogs on the North Carolina rapper’s YouTube of the same name. It surprised many, as no one thought they would culminate into a full collection of tracks. Unfortunately, the collection of B-sides sort of came and went for a lot of people, with the actually deleted “7 Minute Drill” playing a big role. The futile Kendrick Lamar diss track did not come across as authentic and it led to the infamous J. Cole apology at Dreamville Fest. However, it did spawn a few highlights like “Trae Tha Truth in Ibiza” which now has a remix.
Overall, the original song does not have anything to do with the Houston rapper. J. Cole is more so talking about he is fed up with the labels and expectations. The on-brand themes and fantastic lyricism make it a standout and this remix is equally as fulfilling. Trae Tha Truth sticks to the program, as his verse sees him get real about his career and his future plans. Structurally, his portion follows Cole’s second verse and his outro from the original remains the same. You can hear the new version with the link below.
Listen To “Trae Tha Truth In Ibiza (Remix)” By Trae Tha Truth & J. Cole
Quotable Lyrics:
I just be dealing with life on a level they got to be worth it I can no longer be at we know that s***’ll be worthless Wake up and think of my kids I gotta live with the purpose I’m in the need to eat depending on who going to serve it Look at myself in the mirror feel like it’s going to be versus Walk in the room watching these rap n****s grabbing their purses
J Cole and Moneybagg Yo have a couple of collaborations together, namely their solo track “Say Na” and their YG link-up “Scared Money.” With this collaborative experience in mind, it’s no wonder that the Memphis MC would have some fond memories of his time with the Dreamville boss in the studio. Moreover, he recalled a particularly impressive session with the North Carolina spitter during a recent HipHopDX interview at the 2024 BET Awards’ red carpet in Los Angeles last Sunday (June 30). Specifically, Moneybagg expressed shock and awe at how Cole was able to work so quickly, and how it’s very hard to create these “lightning in a bottle” moments even when you have one of the best rappers of this generation in the booth.
“”J. Cole gave me eight bars ASAP,” Moneybagg Yo remarked concerning their time in the studio. “I’m talking about, like, probably in 15 minutes. We was in there, he done it ASAP. Boom, boom, boom. It was God because he was stopping by, he ain’t know I was at the studio, I ain’t know he was pulling up. And it kind of just happened organically. You can’t ask for those, you can’t pay for those things.”
Previously, Moneybagg Yo had spoken on how Lil Durk also gave him a “classic” verse in record time. “Dat N***a @lildurk Sent Me A Verse Back In Less Than 20 mins Of Me Sending It To Em Da Night Before I Had To Turn My Project In And Its 1 of Dem Classic Day 1 Smurk Verses,” he wrote on Instagram earlier in the year. “Just Got A Crazyyyyy Feature In I Couldn’t Drop This Project Without. Now Everything Locked In Fasho sho Its Worth Da Wait.”
Of course, the project in question is Moneybagg Yo’s new album SPEAK NOW. Hopefully these fruitful and impressive interactions with both J Cole and Lil Durk continue to inspire him to put in more work with the pen and keep making great music. As fans, we often talk a lot about how our favorite artists captivate, inspire, and enlighten us in their own unique ways. But it’s always all the more special when that passion and craft inspires MCs’ peers above all else.
Over the last couple of months, J Cole has been laying quite low after dropping out of the Kendrick Lamar beef. People have been commending the German-born MC for his decision to bow out, as most know it is not in his nature to get into beefs. However, there are still quite a few people out there who still lack respect for the “7 Minute Drill” MC. Him and Drake continue to receive criticism for essentially not doing anything of merit since taking their respective L’s. For example, countless jokes circled the internet after his questionable guest performance on Cash Cobain’s “Grippy”.
But there are hip-hop figures out there who are showing J Cole love, and that includes Trae Tha Truth. According to HipHopDX, the Houston, Texas rapper sat down with AllHipHop at the BET Awards this past weekend and showed nothing but compassion for the man. Overall, Trae feels like the media painted Cole in an egregiously negative light for removing himself from what has become an overtly violent beef at times. The smoky-voiced MC sees no issue with the apology as Trae knows that Cole does not move like that.
“I watch blogs and I watch headlines make it as if he [Cole] was just trying to get away or duck any type of situation. And that wasn’t the case. What people have to realize is that’s just not the type of energy bro got. You know what I’m saying? He focused on him, he focused on his kids and just always stayed in his lane”. Trae elaborated further, “So everybody wanted to see him rumble and not knowing a lot of us came up together. We partners. So, for me, being a real brother to him, you got to respect if somebody like, ‘Man, you know what, bro? I know I’m dope. I’m not questioning myself. I just feel like that’s just not the energy that I’m on’”.
What are your thoughts on Trae Tha Truth backing J Cole’s decision to bow out of the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef? Are you surprised that he feels this way, why or why not? Did it turn out to be the best case scenario after knowing what we know now? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Trae Tha Truth, J Cole, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
J Cole has had a very, very peculiar 2024 so far: a beef exit, some divisive features, a new mixtape, and a whole lot of teasing up until the release of his next album, The Fall Off. Fans can’t wait for what’s next, with some just simply hoping for great material and others looking for retribution after the Kendrick Lamar and Drake situation. Moreover, an unreleased track of his titled “Mama’s Eyes” hit SoundCloud recently, and some Internet sleuthing doesn’t reveal much of a breadcrumb trail in its wake. We don’t know if this is an old leak, a new one, or some bizarre A.I. trickery, but nevertheless, it’s a very tender and introspective cut.
“Mama’s Eyes” seems to be a conversation between J. Cole and an old friend of his as the rapper talks about making it out of his old life, dealing with suppressed emotions, and feelings of loneliness in the face of perseverance and self-conscious focus on his craft. As is usual with the Dreamville boss, there are some very sharp and heartfelt bars all throughout. It’s just as humble and aware as many of his fan interactions are, and it’s a uniquely grounded quality that he’s always championed with his music. Hopefully some more heat comes soon.
Meanwhile, a recent audio inclusion at Kendrick Lamar’s “The Pop Out” might suggest that he and J. Cole are all cool now following the beef situation. Fans thought that they heard one of Cole’s ad-libs in the background of K.Dot’s “Alright” performance at his Los Angeles Juneteenth concert. Whether this is just a small mistake due to picking the wrong backing track or a deliberate decision might be an unanswered question for the rest of time. But at least it was cool to take note of.
If you’re looking for more after hearing this leak, you will get new J Cole material soon… But it might not sound like “Mama’s Eyes.” For example, he was recently spotted filming a music video with Tee Grizzley in New York City, so they could have some heat on the way. Nevertheless, it’s more likely than not that The Fall Off will be a more lyrically dense and emotively measured LP. We’ll see if this new unreleased record makes that tracklist or if it’s just an old idea.
Since his debut, Jeremih has been a defining voice in contemporary R&B. With a knack for blending sensuality with mainstream appeal, Jeremih has consistently delivered chart-topping hits that have resounded with a broad audience. His influence on the music industry is marked by a string of successful singles and collaborations that showcase his versatility and enduring appeal.
Over the years, Jeremih has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. This has helped cement his position as a key figure in modern R&B. From his breakout hit “Birthday Sex” to his numerous high-profile collaborations, Jeremih’s discography is a testament to his adaptability. This exploration of his essential tracks highlights the songs that have defined his career, illustrating why he remains an influential artist in the music industry.
1. “Birthday Sex” (2009)
“Birthday Sex” is the track that catapulted Jeremih into the spotlight. Released in 2009, this debut single quickly became a hit, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The sultry lyrics and silky production made it a staple on radio stations and playlists. Further, the impact of “Birthday Sex” extended beyond its chart performance. It established Jeremih as a fresh voice in R&B, capable of delivering commercially viable and artistically distinctive hits. The song’s success also helped propel his self-titled debut album to significant acclaim. It marked the beginning of a string of successful releases. “Birthday Sex” remains a defining track in Jeremih’s discography, emblematic of his knack for creating memorable, seductive R&B.
Teaming up with 50 Cent, Jeremih released “Down on Me” in 2010. It was a track that firmed his position in mainstream music. Moreover, the song peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Down on Me” highlighted Jeremih’s ability to collaborate seamlessly with hip-hop artists. The collaboration with 50 Cent brought a new level of exposure and credibility to Jeremih’s career. The music video featured innovative visuals and a viral “hologram” performance, further boosting the song’s popularity. “Down on Me” remains a fan favorite.
Released in 2014, “Don’t Tell ‘Em” featuring YG became one of Jeremih’s biggest hits. The track’s infectious beat, produced by DJ Mustard, made it an instant club anthem. Peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Don’t Tell ‘Em” was bolstered by its clever interpolation of Snap!’s “Rhythm Is a Dancer.” It further added a nostalgic element to its modern production. “Don’t Tell ‘Em” also received critical acclaim for its production and Jeremih’s smooth vocal delivery. The collaboration with YG brought a hip-hop edge to the track, making it a standout in Jeremih’s catalog and a staple in his live performances.
“Planes,” featuring J. Cole, is a testament to Jeremih’s ability to blend sensuality with lyrical depth. Released in 2015, the track features lush production and introspective lyrics that explore themes of desire and escapism. The song went on to amass significant commercial success. It reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a platinum certification. Moreover, “Planes” stands out for its sophisticated production and the chemistry between Jeremih and J. Cole. It emphasizes Jeremih’s talent for creating evocative R&B tracks that balance mainstream appeal with artistic integrity.
5. “Oui” (2015)
“Oui,” released in 2015, is one of Jeremih’s most romantic and well-received songs. The track’s melodic production creates a dreamy atmosphere, making it popular for weddings and special occasions. “Oui” also showcases Jeremih’s ability to craft tender, emotionally resonant songs that connect with listeners on a personal level. Further, the song performed well on the charts, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success further solidified Jeremih’s reputation as a versatile artist capable of delivering both club anthems and love ballads.
Kendrick Lamar fans are convinced they found a J. Cole-related Easter egg in their replays of Kendrick’s Pop Out — Ken & Friends concert. You may remember that at the outset of the titanic conflict between Kendrick Lamar and his longtime rival Drake, J. Cole was actually the one who took up the gauntlet thrown down by Ken on “Like That” first. However, Cole bowed out relatively quickly, leaving the other two stars to battle it out over the course of several increasingly vitriolic diss tracks, including the megahit, “Not Like Us.” So…
Did Kendrick Lamar’s Pop Out Concert Have A J. Cole Reference?
According to some fans, yes. During the intro to Kendrick’s 2015 anthem “Alright,” fans swear they noticed an ad-lib that isn’t on the original, meaning that the backing track played during the show was likely taken from “Black Friday,” a double single released by Kendrick and Cole in 2015 on which they rapped on each other’s beats (Ken used Cole’s 2014 Forest Hills Drive track “A Tale Of 2 Citiez.”
Kendrick Lamar rapped over J. Cole’s version of ‘Alright’ at the Pop Out Show
Now, as for why Ken’s DJ would throw on that version of the backing track… who knows, really, other than Kendrick and his DJ? Maybe in pulling together the instrumentals for the performance, they dropped the wrong song in the folder. Or perhaps it was a nod and a wink to J. Cole himself, acknowledging him for withdrawing from the fight for his own personal reasons. Honestly, it was such a tiny moment (heck, it took people a week of rewatches to notice it in the first place), maybe it means nothing.
But the way the battle between Drake and Ken played out shows that the Compton native is nothing if not supremely calculating, so there probably is a reason… he’s just not going to tell us about it.
Everything Kendrick Lamar does is by design. The rapper already had a reputation for being fastidious, due to his ambitious concept albums. The battle with Drake, however, took things to a new level. Lamar is now hailed as the most dangerous artist on the planet, as evidenced by the legendary “Pop Out” show. Kung Fu Kenny got an entire stadium (basically an entire coast) to sing along to his scathing diss tracks. Hidden amidst all the hatred, though, was a hidden message for the other rapper in the Big Three.
The X (formerly Twitter) account Cole World spotted a crucial detail during Lamar’s performance of “Alright.” The song sounds just like it does on To Pimp a Butterfly, but at the five second mark of the video, the voice of J Cole can be heard. Cole clearly says the word “yeah” before K. Dot digs into the chorus. What does this mean? Well, Kendrick Lamar and J Cole swapped instrumentals back on Back Friday 2015. The former rapped over Cole’s “A Tale of 2 Citiez,” while the latter rapped over “Alright.” Both artists did their thing, even if the general consensus is that Lamar washed his fellow superstar.
It appears as though Kendrick Lamar used ad-libs from J Cole’s version of “Alright” in his recent live performance. It’s a minor detail, but it carries major implications. Lamar challenged both Drake and J Cole’s supremacy on his “Like That” verse. He claimed that neither rapper could hold a candle to him, and Cole even dropped a response, “7 Minute Drill.” The way J Cole handled the aftermath is going to haunt him for the rest of his career, but the bottom line is: he apologized. Lamar and Cole seem cool once more. Lamar collaborators Daylyt and Ab-Soul even appeared on J Cole’s recent album.
Kendrick Lamar has not made any public statements about the Big Three battle. He’s let his music and his live shows do the talking. It’s unlikely he will address his relationship with J Cole directly, but placing his vocals in the mix of his LA-centric “Pop Out” show certainly implies that Lamar is showing love to the Dreamville icon. The decision to do is also another dig against Drake, who spent most of 2023 linking up with Cole on tour and on record. Diabolical.
J Cole has proven himself to be a very versatile MC when it comes to the different kinds of raps that he lays down. Sometimes, he’s in a deep lyrical mode that blends sociocultural messaging with personal narrative, and other times, he’s talking about chewing sticks like it’s Wrigley’s. Moreover, this push and pull is at the center of The Cosby Show actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s criticism of the current use of the n-word in hip-hop. During the launch of the 53-year-old’s new podcast Not All Hood on Monday (June 10), he spoke on specifically lamenting the use of this kind of language from his favorite lyricists, including the Dreamville boss.
“I think why I’m more against it now is because it’s used so gratuitously,” Warner expressed regarding J. Cole. “It’s used without regard. At this point, for me, in hip-hop, I think there should be a moratorium on ‘n***a’ and ‘b***h.’ It’s low-hanging fruit. It’s so easy. Everybody f***ing does it to the point that it’s corny.” It would be interesting to hear the “Trae The Truth In Ibiza” spitter’s thoughts on this interpretation.
Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s First Podcast Episode: Watch The J Cole & N-Word Conversation Around The 14-Minute Mark
“There are MCs who I love, who I cannot listen to anymore,” Warner continued on the premiere of his podcast. “I love J. Cole but I had to stop listening to J. Cole because I got tired of hearing ‘n***a’ and ‘b***h’ every two sentences. Because he’s proven himself to be such an incredible lyricist, [so I hate] the regularity that he does [use those words].” While this argument as far as profanity is a long-standing debate, it’s clear that Cole creates this contrast more strongly than folks would assume, and thus, his forays into words like these hit that much harder for detractors. If not for these terms, then some backlash pops up most certainly due to the varying quality of his recent material.
Meanwhile, we’re still waiting on whether The Fall Off will release soon, joining a lengthy list of the most anticipated albums of what’s left of 2024. But whether or not it ends up releasing in 2025 or even later is still an unconfirmed and undeniable possibility. Regardless, we’re looking forward to hearing whatever J. Cole does next. Even those who take issue with his lyrical content sometimes can’t deny how special of an artist he is.
It looks like J. Cole is done lying low in the aftermath of his aborted battle with Kendrick Lamar. After dropping the Kendrick-dissing track “7 Minute Drill,” having regrets about the song’s lukewarm reception, removing the song from streaming services, and seemingly going on vacation to let the dust settle, he returned in earnest with a new video for his Might Delete Later track, “Trae The Truth In Ibiza.”
The “Trae The Truth In Ibiza” video follows the lo-fi approach of the rest of the album’s rollout, incorporating camcorder footage of the two rappers on tour together in the titular Spanish isle. In much of the footage, we see a baby-faced J. Cole from early in his career as the dreadlocked, nearly 40-year-old version reflects on how far he’s come in the pursuit of his rap dreams.
Although J. Cole appeared reluctant to publicly promote himself in the aftermath of the Kendrick kerfuffle, a few of the artists for whom he’d previously recorded verses did drop their new songs featuring him. Future and Metro Boomin had previously secured a Cole feature on their second joint album called “Red Leather,” which dropped just as he was pondering withdrawing “7 Minute Drill” and just before that song debuted at No.6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Then, New York rising star Cash Cobain dropped “Grippy” with an experimental J. Cole verse that some fans weren’t feeling in light of the preceding month. Finally, Tems featured Cole on her debut album Born In The World on the song “Free Fall.” So, Cole hasn’t been completely invisible lately, but this is the first thing he’s released of his own accord — perhaps this means he’s ready to emerge and finally start working in earnest on releasing his long-waited album, The Fall Off.
Watch J. Cole’s “Trae The Truth In Ibiza” video above.
Might Delete Later is out now via Cole World Inc./Interscope Records.
At long last, Tems‘ debut album is finally here. Tonight (June 7), the Nigerian R&B hitmaker has shared Born In The Wild, her long-awaited full-length project. With her years of features, EPs, and viral tracks, Tems delivered on her promise of pure quality. On Born In The Wild is “Free Fall,” a collaboration with J. Cole.
Neither Tems or Cole avoid facing difficult emotions, but on “Free Fall,” the two find themselves confused as to how to move forward with a love that is draining them of their energies.
“Hopeless, in the moment / I free fall straight into you / I don’t know if I can fight what you do in my mind / Or and more can collide with you,” sings Tems on the song’s intro.
Cole hops in, noting that he cam empathize, however, he feels frustrated at the woman’s inability to open up to him.
“Toxic, who would’vе thought whats comin’ was a plot twist / Soon as you let me in, you start hunting for the locksmith / Now thе key I once had to your heart does not fit / I got three choices, bad on your door or lock-pick / Or walk away confused at your logic,” raps Cole on his verse.
Though Cole’s hot streak of verses has recently been called into question, recently with his verse of Cash Cobain’s “Grippy” and his removal of the Kendrick Lamar diss track “7 Minute Drill” from streaming platforms. But with “Free Fall,” he bounces back, and makes a return to melodic, rhythmic form.
And ultimately, Tems’ debut album proves to be worth the wait, and only the beginning of a long, promising career.
You can listen to “Free Fall” above.
Born In The Wild is out now via RCA. Find more information here.
