Wednesday

Jammin’ With J.Cole

The phone rings and Roc Nation’s latest artist, J.Cole, is on the other end. Surreal, isn’t it? And it was just that. We shared our laughs on the phone and talked about working with Hip-Hop superstar Jay-Z. The topic of film & acting even came up in conversation.

J.Cole (full name Jermaine Cole) was born in Germany and moves to North Carolina at the age of one. A graduate of St. John’s University (Magna Cum Laude), he said that the only reason he went to college in New York was to pursue a record deal – and if you have the passion & determination as J.Cole, it will happen to you.

In late 2007 he released his debut mix-tape, The Come Up. Jay-Z heard his track, Lights Please, and immediately contacted him and from there onwards, it was history! He then released his second mix-tape The Warm Up on June 15^th, 2009. J.Cole’s biggest moment came when he was featured on Jay-Z latest album, The Blueprint 3, on the track A Star is Born. J.Cole’s vocals can also be heard on Wale’s upcoming debut album as well. Currently he’s working on his own debut album with producer No I.D., and I had the chance to sit down with this superstar on the rise.

What was your first musical experience?
My first experience was when I was real little, back when I used to listen to Bobby Brown, dancing around the house. I was 3 or 4 years old, had a player with a mic. Rap hit me around 10 years old. I gravitated towards rap the most. I was a big 2Pac fan. It was my culture and my generation and what I learned to be.

Who were your influences growing up?
2Pac was big on the rap side. I was an R&B fan too. I listened to Bobby Brown, Boyz II Men, and others. My mom too…my mom was into Rock & Roll, Al Green, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Eagles, and Classic Rock…other things that other people didn’t listen to. I got a crazy selection of music, a diverse pallet.

You were recently featured on Jay-Z’s latest alb um. Tell us how this collaboration came about.
It was basically all Jay-Z. He had two verses on the track & saw the set-up and it was perfect. I got the call, met him at the studio. Beyonce was there too. I heard the track two times and there was a lot of pressure. I wanted to do a good job and make sure I wasn’t whack. He was right there in front of me while I was writing my verse. I pulled thru!

Which artists do you want to work with in the future?
Alicia Keys, but I don’t want to look like I’m bittin’. Kanye West is one of my favorite producers. A lot of people! I wanna work with Rich Boy, the rapper. There’s a rapper/singer from Houston, Zero, he’s dope. He got that smooth, laid-back Houston style. I want to work with people who I feel are talented and bring something to the table.

What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on my album right now. Anything that pops up is cool. I’m on the tour which is a blessing. And Sundays I’m in the studio just trying to finish the album.

What are your thoughts on the current Hip-Hop scene? Do you feel that artists are focusing too much on the business side rather than the musical side?
I think that right now it’s looking good. It’s turning a corner. Before people said it’s dead and now there’s a flock of new artists saying something. I think Hip-Hop is in good shape right now. Rappers by nature have an entrepreneur. I’m down for anyone trying to get a line started!

What are your musical goals for 2010?
Man, I wanna put out a classic album, sell a gazillion albums–

Wait, a gazillion albums?
Yeah! I don’t know how many that is, but I want to sell a gazillion albums! Win a Grammy and do it again the next year. Maybe acting a little bit.

Oh, so you’re into acting?
My mother’s a theater actress. She’s incredible. She’s like the guy on the basketball court that shuda been in the NBA. I’ve been into that art and craft. My major was communications, so I took many classes. In the future, if I do get time, I’ll do that. You gotta have respect for the craft. You need time to prepare and it’s disrespectful if you ½ ass the role.

What advice do you have for the young generation wanting to make a career in music?
It’s cliché but you have to follow your heart and do what’s in your heart. Don’t settle. Do what you think will work because if you don’t, you’ll second guess yourself. It’ll happen if you stay true to yourself. If you believe, you’ll make it!

Do you have any last words for our readers and all your fans?
Thanks for the interview Tirusha. Yo, yo, yo! Check me out on www.twitter.com/jcolenc and check out www.jcolemusic.com. Look out for the album! Thanks again for the love and support!