Before J. Cole became a Grammy-winning, chart-topping powerhouse, he was a rising star navigating the pressures of breaking into the mainstream. On a recent episode of his podcast Inevitable, Cole shared a story from 2011 that gave fans a glimpse into his journey—and the competitive dynamics of hip-hop’s elite.
The Awkward Moment at the Two Kings Dinner
The story begins at Jay-Z and LeBron James’ annual Two Kings dinner during the 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend. Cole, who was gearing up to release his debut album Cole World: The Sideline Story, found himself in the company of heavyweights like Drake and Future the Prince.
As Cole’s manager, Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad, recounted, Jay-Z walked in on their conversation and made a surprising comment to Drake: “Yo, give the boy one.” Jay’s words were interpreted as a suggestion for Drake to help Cole by giving him a hit record.
“I remember Future’s face being like, ‘That’s embarrassing,’” Ib recalled. For Cole, who was still carving out his lane in the industry, the comment stung.
Cole’s Response
Though Cole and Drake were collaborators and friends—having worked on tracks like “In the Morning”—they were also competitors. Cole’s frustration boiled over later that evening, prompting him to confront Jay-Z. He pointed out that even Hov’s legendary debut album, Reasonable Doubt, didn’t boast a Billboard chart-topping hit.
Despite the moment of tension, Cole persevered. Tracks like “Lights Please” and “Who Dat” may not have dominated the charts, but his talent and vision eventually propelled him to superstardom.
A History of Collaboration and Competition
Cole and Drake have since shared a collaborative history that includes songs like “Jodeci Freestyle” and “First Person Shooter.” Earlier this year, the two toured together, showcasing their growth from emerging artists to hip-hop titans.
The Bigger Picture
This story is a reminder of the competitive nature of the music industry and the moments that shape an artist’s path to greatness. For Cole, what could have been a humbling moment became fuel for his relentless drive.
Stay tuned to WrapUpTV for more behind-the-scenes stories and insights from the world of music and entertainment!
