EarthGang Explains Why J. Cole Deviates From Features

BY Erika Marie 36.0K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Tommaso Boddi / Stringer / Getty Images
EarthGang, Dreamville, Power 06, J Cole
The Dreamville mogul is known for flying solo, and the Hip Hop duo gave insight into the reason why.

He's expressed that he's tired of hearing the "platinum with no features" jibe, but J. Cole can't run from its truth. The North Carolina-bred rapper is known for sharing music while flying solo in a generation that creates full albums with features on every track. EarthGang recently sat down with Los Angeles radio station Power 106 and the Dreamville duo was asked if they had the inside scoop on Cole's "no feature rule."

Jeff Hahne / Stringer / Getty Images

"I think he's so locked into the story that he wants to paint and the things that he wants to tell and the stuff that he wants to do on his music that I think he just allows himself to be in that space," said Olu. "I respect that." WowGr8 chimed in, "We don't have many features on our own work. We kind of be locked in. Each feature is very strategically placed."

EarthGang also spoke about how J. Cole treats every song as if he's engaged in a lyrical battle, whether he's alone or not. They also added that Cole may have been inspired to host features after working with his Dreamville team on their collaborative projects. Check out the interview in full below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.