Today, J. Cole is the subject of a GQ cover story, which draws back to his All-Star Game headlining performance. During the extensive piece, Cole reflects on his journey, legacy, time in the spotlight, interviewing Lil Pump, Revenge Of The Dreamers 3, and more.
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Speaking about the Dreamers 3 studio session, a process he orchestrated back in January, Cole likened the experience to a notoriously magical spot. "It was like Disneyland or some shit,” he claims. Sharing an anecdote, Cole paints a vivid picture of receiving a text from Buddy. “I ran in. The room was thick with smoke, and Buddy, this rapper from Compton, played me this song that felt like a Pharcyde song.” The collaborative nature of the sessions seemed to awaken a revelation within him, one pertaining to his "reclusive" reputation.
“I've been so secluded within myself that people think I don't like anybody, that I won't work with anybody. It's a reputation that's been extending to my artists, too," explains Cole. “I don't even know how this shit works all the way anymore, the game. And if I don't know, I've got to learn.” The author suggests that such a re-evaluation led to the spontaneous drop of "Middle Child," and even alludes to some potential features on Cole's next project. The rapper elaborates, teasing the possibility. "Well, I don't have any right now that I really want to boast about,” he says. “Not saying it's impossible. It's just about getting out of my comfort zone."
For more from Cole, check out writer Allison P. Davis' full GQ profile right here. For further coverage, read about our own experience attending the Dreamers 3 sessions here.
