On a recent episode of his new audio series, “Inevitable,” J. Cole spoke candidly about how Kanye West profoundly affected his career in music. A series like that chronicles Cole’s transformation from an aspiring rapper to a major force in the music world, with inputs on how Kanye’s work inspired him to find his voice.
J. Cole– whose full name is Jermaine Lamarr Cole- says that, before finding Kanye West his life was quite ordinary. “My life was hella regular… It wasn’t nothing like my favourite rappers, I didn’t know how to talk about MY life,” Cole said. Everything changed for him when he first watched the video for Kanye’s “Through The Wire.” “Kanye was the first time I saw myself in somebody,” Cole revealed. “He just made it possible to talk about your life or regular perspectives in a way that’s appealing.”
Kanye’s influence didn’t stop at inspiration: He also gave Cole opportunities to open for him live and collaborated on tracks. This mentorship helped Cole gain exposure and build his reputation in the industry.
The most prominent is his collaboration on the song “A Star Is Born” with Jay-Z on the album The Blueprint 3, from 2009. It scored with a verse delivered by J. Cole and was produced by Kanye West in collaboration with Kenoe and No I.D.
While Kanye was, for all intents and purposes, a mentor and inspiration, the friendship wasn’t completely devoid of bumps. Cole himself recalled the 2018 Twitter controversy where West extended their private conversation via screenshot.
“It felt insincere,” Cole revealed, as it really did sting seeing their personal exchange used for social media clout. Still, he knew where Kanye was coming from and just needed somebody to try and see him through his struggles.
Kanye’s role in Cole’s career wasn’t merely inspirational; he offered him opportunities to open for him from his live shows, giving Cole much-needed exposure. Their collaboration on Jay-Z’s track “A Star Is Born” brought Cole to the attention of a wider audience, one that showcased his lyrical skills.
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. In 2016, Cole released his song “False Prophets,” which many believed addressed Kanye’s struggles. The lyrics, though not calling out names, cut deep within the community of fans, taking into consideration everything that was happening with Kanye at that time. Things got a little more interesting when, in 2024, Kanye responded to comments Cole made years ago, and that seemed to get even more people talking about their tumultuous history.
J. Cole does, despite ups and downs, recognize the indelible mark Kanye has left. “Even when they disagree, the inspiration and mentorship can mold the careers of those after them,” he said. It is a feeling that resonates across the music industry, from one musician, on the importance of support and collaboration.
On “Inevitable,” Cole shared not only his struggles and triumphs but also unreleased demos, giving further insight into how the creative process works. He preaches the importance of maintaining one’s vision, along with strong faith influencing his path. He also mentions complications with the music industry and sheds light on pressures faced by artists.
Not every day does one come by revelations about Kanye West‘s impact, a reminder of the dips and waves of influence and mentorship going on in the world of music. He is grateful for his journey in making sure that even complicated relationships can lead to such immense growth and creativity awareness. J. Cole’s story is a powerful reminder of how artists can shape one another’s lives and careers-clearing the path for future generations.ns.ions.
