Combat Jack Show: The J. Cole Episode (Audio)

J. Cole details the inspiration behind '2014 Forest Hills Drive', his battle with expectations, wanting to sign Kendrick Lamar when they first met and his thoughts regarding the shots-ridden "Control" verse. Cole also talks the hip hop culture shift that inspired "Fire Squad", consciously staying out of Drake's lane while creating his own, what happened that eventful night with Diddy, visiting Ferguson, his new outlook on life and how he became a voice of his generation.

[@SV_III.V.VII_]

The Dalai Lama, when asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”

[@permazero]

👀🤝🏾💙

[@mattpavlic8949]

Every time Cole pauses for a while I think my video has stopped

[@deylovecozy]

R.I.P Combat Jack 🙏🏽

[@HangingNeck]

J Cole and Kendrick are going to leave such a mark of hip hop!

[@jaleelreliford]

4 years later you were right

[@dominiquesmith7680]

Understatement

[@BlackDynamite1983]

“I feel like white supremacy is a tool of greed. When these people came and saw these brown natives their first words wasn’t ‘these fucking brown people disgust me, fuck I hate them’ it was ‘where is the gold? Who got gold?’ and that greed of yo I see them with a gold earring. ‘You!! Come over here! Where did you get this from?’ Pointing at the earring ‘Where is this?’ Snatched a couple of them up, ‘take me to this’ Then they take you to the place where they get the gold from, and you say ‘oh that’s what’s up, now you dig this up for me’ so this greed turns into slavery, the slavery turns into like hatred and like ‘I am over you’ you know what I mean? But it was always greed first. I think! I’m no fucking historian, but this is how it seems to me. That it’s like….because I use to think it was the other way, it’s the hatred first, it’s like the racism first, the white supremacy first, I think it’s the greed first dog. I’m not a fucking expert and historian, but that’s what I’m starting to learn as I get older. Like man, this shit is greed.”

[@Just.S]

too deep.

[@mikefernandez6532]

yeah. for some people its them over anyone else.. doesnt matter the color of skin.. on some situations racism is involved. racism, greed and everything between or eyelids and beyond exsist..

[@cojackkrew]

SHIT IS REAL BRO .. #SMH

[@someone5383]

Greed and pride man. You're on the right page

[@miatinson-shaw7252]

+BlackDynamite1983 I'm a historian....he's right

[@domo2633]

I'm watching this interview at 12:36 and I gotta get up at 5 am in the morning but it's worth it lol

[@honjabee]

I've been a fan of J.Cole for soooo long. When I was alone and sad I'd spend my days listening to him & my nights falling asleep to all the truth he spits. I've always tried to get people to listen to him BECAUSE of this reason: like he said on this interview, which I've listened to twice, He's not about the fame of course he wants money who doesn't? But his main passion is the music&the message. Even on his first album which wasn't his best he didn't completely sell out, yes he wanted singles and for ppl to listen but he didn't totally sell out or let himself go just to be on top. I'm so proud of him and this album and his mindset I hope to sit down with him and discuss all these issues he brought up on this video&Angie's. Thanks to the Combat Jack Show for bringing us this interview

[@honjabee]

The first day this interview came out I listened to it on SoundCloud drinking my morning coffee on my day off. Lol . It's my first time hearing The Combat Jack Show but now y'all have a new listener I can't wait to here more interviews

[@pepsiblue8174]

MrsRonaldo713 you are beautiful

[@aaniiahmed9865]

MrsRonaldo713 kkokikkjkkkkkkkkmkkkkkkkkkkkmk

[@JTwoEight]

Cole still goin STRONG!

[@MariaHernandez-mj1zx]

Best interview I've heard in my life.

[@solitary2]

+Maria Hernandez You heard his interview with Angie Martez?

[@pepsiblue8174]

You cute

[@GreenGoblinHD]

best interview of all time

[@CharlestonWhite12]

Best interview not all time 2pac in prison 94 he was dropping gems KZbin banned it real talk

[@freedomofspeech-]

J.Cole is unmatched, beautiful interview man. I bought Forest Hills Drive 8days ago { 20thJan}, and that was a gift to myself by the way I was celebrating my birthday. Today is exactly the 28th of Jan and Cole is celebrating his, birthday....thumbs up if you've been fucking with J.Cole since 09, I'm looping his album til the 29th of Jan.#ColeLove#Appreciation

[@solitary2]

+Freedom Khubisa I wish I was, I only started messing with him when he dropped Truly Yours, I wish I knew of him from 09, but I'm only 16 so I guess the time I listened to him was, the time, I begun to truly understand what rap and hip hop songs were, and the meaning behind especially J. Cole lyrics

[@Vi3wThiS]

+H-Bomber I've been rock in with him since early 2010 but the first time I really heard him wasnt 2009 on jay z shit and always wondered who he was until one day I finally looked him up and heard lights please and I was hooked instantly..from that day I was like yo this guy is the new nas and will save the game

[@paolamarie_pr]

God, I'm in love with this man's mind. Wow.

[@AbstractThatRapper]

I wasn't able to sleep tonight because of some shit I've been dealing with. But this interview made it a little easier to move on with my day,classes, music, etc... And hopefully one day I'll be able to say I let go of my current attachments. And plus J. Cole put me on Combat Jack and I expect to continue to follow. So thank you so much.

[@ELBStr8Cash]

Cole likes to point out when he's "rambling." Lol. He's actually good at getting his point clearly across... even in his raps. #colesthegod

[@juandelossantos6376]

This is probably my 5th time listening to this interview from beginning to end. I just love listening to people have good intelligent conversations.

[@nisreenjawad8040]

.م

[@nisreenjawad8040]

ز.

[@mylesperhour2707]

2014 Forest Hill Drive will go don't in history, J Cole speaks for the people and keeps it real. The album is like a sound track to a movie that has not been filmed but we can create a visual through the sounds. #ColeWorld

[@Lethal5alvation]

Cole a legend in the making.

[@LuCkYnights713]

Long interview are the s***! 2hrs of my life well spent.

[@kevinb4083]

You can really learn something from listening to J. Cole. That goes for his music or his interviews. He is a true intellectual. I would love to see him go back to school and get his masters. I feel like he is so relatable that he can go beyond music, only if he wants to. But i think it would really impact young kids, or just anybody, if J. Cole taught a class at a university somewhere. Maybe a hip hop appreciation class, Idk.

[@14Lape]

One of the most insightful, authentic, organic, and most realest interviews i've ever heard. J. Cole is a Living Legend, and shout out to the Combat Jack Show for a dope interview setting.

[@BenDover-sh8ge]

No other rap artists thinks like this. I seriously cant even think of one that talks about deep philosophical thoughts about life and the lessons life offers you. Not only is j.cole a great artist with the pen but hes an important artist that we need in our culture right now because lets be real...... music does inspire our young kids like how j cole says pac had him saying fuck jay z even tho he had nothing against jay z and if j cole can change the message from drugs, killings, robbing to appreciation and love then we are working towards the solution and molding better kids for a stronger society and well educated society.

[@Lordpraisethe]

There's another rapper named lecrae....

[@stiarait]

Have you listened to kendricks new album

[@theathenaking5375]

No words j Cole is amazing he deserves more credit than he receives I love him ❤️❤️🙌🙏👏

[@asean_fresh4052]

Scary how I can relate to 95 percent of this mans childhood all the way up until the fame ..cole is pure from the heart. A rare breed. Keep preachin to get these young minds thinkin

[@WhatIsLifeLLC]

i listened to this as a sophomore in high school. im 24 years old now & its crazy how the SAME conversation can impact my perspective & decision making a decade later. communication is influential

[@jackmupatule-gi6yg]

How is your child?

[@WhatIsLifeLLC]

@@jackmupatule-gi6yg Funny u mention she’s cooking in the oven 😂

[@Unclejujuthesob]

man cole the truth.! we need these type of interviews. when i say "we" i mean the real fans. real questions, real conversations, &real genuineness.

[@fabo36]

They were so on point about the expectations and desire that people have that adds more tension and stress that is al in your head. For example, when my friends and I would go out my one friend would always go out with expectations (and a plan) to bring home a girl or to meet that perfect chick that will become his girlfriend. And he'd ALWAYS end up being super disappointed and depressed that night and the next morning when the night didn't reach his expectations. So I told him to be like me and go out with the flow of life. Don't plan out anything, don't set expectations, and have NO desires. Desire and expectations are the same thing...and desire destroys societies, so the same thing goes for the individual. Be humble and accept that you wake up to live not to impress people. Each day is a battle and your social status should NEVER be your main source for motivation Happiness is life not money

[@EbonyNichole83]

I can't even put into words how dope & amazing this interview was! THANK YOU J. Cole & Combat Jack Show for 2 hours of knowledge, thought provoking conversation & inspiration. One of the most consistent podcasts on the Internets that I mess with. Respect!

[@nettagmcalpine204]

yes my workday just got better I love listening to Cole

[@mgangtv2157]

Damn this interview was like therapy. When he talks about not being stressed out and not having expectations hit the nail on the head for me. Cole is more than just a rapper man one of the most authentic dopest artist of our time.

[@getutoghter823]

A friend introduced to me when the forrest hills dirve album dropped. After since i got so much love for cole and began to diggin his old stuf. Truley a beautiful human being.

[@kylenadeau7464]

I respect j cole more and more everyday. He's a person we definitely need right in society and music. He's putting single mothers into rent free homes for two years, that's making a change. More people need to follow in his footsteps

[@crystal6900]

I fucks with J.cole heavy this interview was really good

[@Flowofwisdom]

Yo Jack, I can identify with you in regards to working in the industry but being unhappy. I did the same thing while in the radio industry. I walked away from the game at a point when most thought I was crazy. Inside I was unhappy and depressed. Now I'm an independent, syndicated talk radio host. Like you, I'm working harder and the money isn't what it was, but it is more rewarding because my talk show impact peoples lives. Maybe we can set up an interview of you on my show. Either way, great interview with Cole. - Sean Anthony

[@kevingibson5894]

Only videos that I can sit and watch and listen to for 2 hours is about Chris Brown, J. Cole & 2Pac! Definitely my all-time favourite artists!

[@TheWireUni]

Yo the only opinions I REALLY cared about regarding Kdot's Control verse was Big Sean, Big Krit and J COLE. Peace to Combat Jack for bringing it up, then shutting the fuck up and let Cole explain how he truly felt at that moment.

[@cr8blitz22]

I listen to the Combat Jack show on a Stitcher POD CAST ... ,definitely one of my favorites. I listened to this show last night, and I have to admit, I now have a new found respect for J.Cole. This brother is grounded beyond his years, I appreciate his transformation in the game. Great show guys! Your son delivered some proper and thought provoking questions... big ups to him. Keep up the great work

[@theredhood5863]

Just Hearing This Makes Me Want To Grow My Hair Out And Feel Free And Just Appreciate Life Love J Cole His Music Is So True

[@freemanshakur.8533]

Born 3 days after cole,the same year(85) , I feel this dude is the greatest rapper in the game today! #kingcole he cant lose!...

[@finallytsmith]

freeman shakur truu

[@1randomlol]

Great interview I listen to the entire thing ! I always feel like I gain great knowledge when watching j Cole interviews

[@BLCKCRVCK]

Almost 2020 n dis shit still inspiring

[@ThatGoodStuff]

J Cole does amazing interviews and articulates his thoughts very well it's amazing to see how far he has come in his career. He constantly improves himself as an artist and as an individual.

[@permazero]

#TheOffSeason

[@Organicmoney]

One of the Best Interviews ever. Part of the reason why I am a J.Cole fan is because he speaks the truth and he is innovative. If you don't know your history it's important that you do so ASAP. Know Thy Self. Peace

[@cojackkrew]

#TRILL

[@RUGAREGG]

Every time cole talk I gotta listen... Very inspiring

[@marcoliver484]

I came back to this five years later and we have the riots today, lol wow blessed

[@aminataniang6649]

No words man... Cole is just too Real

[@monkey4soul]

Man sacrifices his health to make money, then spends his money to recuperate his health. And he is so anxious about the future he is not living in the present. The result is he lives in neither the future or the present; he lives as though he will live forever and dies never really having lived.

[@clos888]

didn’t really follow combat jack like that but this interview is my favorite ever. Rest In Peace.

[@aakim58]

I just became a fan of J. Cole. This is a special young man, intelligent, Salute.

[@galixyzzz]

#2021

[@UncleWillie33]

This interview is golden and aged like wine💯

[@theuniqueoneable]

J.Cole , my dad , Morris chestnut are my male role models , because they inspire me to be me , I hope j.Cole never gets arrested or do anything bad keep a clean image for the people he inspire

[@yellow5350]

My favourite interview, he's my favourite artist, so humble and genuine. I learn things when I listen to him, also he should keep that hair rough, looks amazing and yes I listened to it about two times because that's some inspiring talk right there

[@beboonoor]

It makes me feel sad the deeper a rapper gets the more underrated he gets i always look back to mos def and he still never changed btw but a i would appreciate if they made something lyrical that could ages forever! just saying

[@marquismontgomery5655]

I still go back to this interview from time to time

[@kashy0902]

Best interview I've everrrrrrrrrr heard!!!! The realest...Kendrick and J.Cole, those my favs

[@CastHub528]

this really changed my mind set on things. Thank you so much for posting this. It really gives me the inspiration I need to change how I think in the world.

[@sShield]

Cole is a genius. 🙌🏾

[@brucestevens2242]

This interview was so timely, I already have huge respect and brotherly love for J.Cole. Listening to interviews like this give me hope for LIFE, not just hip-hop which I love and am a part of. Forest Hills Drive definitely was a return to the guy I first started bumping when he dropped the first mixtape. Finally we are able to talk about our true position on this planet and steer the minds of our youth our elders and our women back to a place of class, greatness and #brilliance. I'm happy to be in music again, and hope to stand beside J.Cole and Kendrick one day soon as master of the craft. Peace and love.

[@TheHeartsandcake90]

This was really awesome! He dropped some gems.

[@marycannon8200]

J. Cole low key shouted out my city! #Birmingham!!! Great interview!

[@Skylandblvd]

str8 up, 205 stand up! #Bama

[@MarquellHolloway]

205 💪

[@j-lew.253]

R.I.P man crazy i listen to this everyday

[@leisure.lovers1238]

Here's the album's in order when I first started listening to Cole. Friday Night Lights (When it first dropped), The Warm Up, The Come Up, Cole World: The Sideline Sessions, The Blow Up, Cole World- The Sidelong Story, Truly Yours, Truly Yours 2, Born Sinner, Truly Yours 3, Revenge Of The Dreamers, Forest Hills Drive. Do you believe in new legends? Keep it up Cole, this last album was amazing.

[@vanilla_badger]

Any Given Sunday?

[@leisure.lovers1238]

Derek Davis Yeah true dat ! Truthfully most of the those songs were on the Cole World: The Sideline Sessions mixtape, Like Heavy, Unabomber, Like a Star, Be(Freestyle). & The artwork was always cool having Jordan, Muhammad Ali, & Jerry Rice on it.

[@finallytsmith]

Simple Gnome and now Revenge of the dreamers 2 and 4 Your Eyez Only 🙏

[@cameronmcneill1273]

J.Cole is my favorite rapper not only is he gifted on the mic with his personal flow he also speaks real genuine facts like im in the 9th grade and i live in Fayetteville it is a small city and he is a product of once yhu get out of the mind state of being bound to something small i appreciate everything that j.cole has every done musically or otherwise he is my inspiration to get out of the small city and go see something new but still keep whats precious to me and what i love dearly cause whats money and adventure without love, happiness, and the state of being free j.cole will always inspire me to do better and i cant what for his next project

[@hisnamewasricky]

This was a super dope interview. I listened through the whole video and am inspired now.

[@charismaalashea]

I can't believe I watched this whole video again but I love Cole and he's so insightful so...

[@user-ew1xu4wq4k]

I miss this time so much

[@playdoughfunrs]

RIP combat jack thank you for this gem brother

[@yetaep252]

I love the part where he talks about expectations. Your EXPECTATIONS are what lead to your disappointment, and sadness etc.. That's the realest shit to me, I'm kinda going through that now, with this beginning of a relationship thing that's sort of ending tragically. But it was my expectations for what was going to happen that's led to this heart break I feel, I EXPECTED her to be ready to commit to a relationship, and just because she liked me I expected things and when they didn't happen I was hurt. And she maybe hurt to, maybe she expected things as well...

[@rvilmeau]

melojr me too

[@jaensevilla15]

Such an amazing interview.

[@Blvefso]

Refreshing

[@lowvelllegend7649]

Hey J Cole I'm from the STL, and you're one of the release dudes I heard in a long time, don't change for the money in fame , when you speak absolutely everything you saying brother black keep it real, I love your music I love the way you think more people need to listen to your craft, your birthday is close to mine you are a record is like me I feel everything you saying that's how people.. you are Aquarius a feel what you sayin cuz I think the same way..

[@earnestfrazier1160]

BEST INTERVIEW IN A LONG TIME.

[@idontevenknowthee3934]

2023 I’m still here for it!!!

[@ObeyAmmalol]

This was a very enlightening interview I enjoyed everything about it one of the best interviews i have listened to i a long time without the same basic annoying questions. I hope after Kendrick drops his album you guys can get him on here also

[@earlyammusic]

Best interview I've heard...almost ever. Very talented, intelligent artist right here.

[@finallytsmith]

Anna Moore I'm going to be as big and humble as J Cole one day as a musician. I appreciate your appreciation for real hip-hop artist

[@rach9498]

there needs to be a FULL video :(

[@Miasimone653]

I learned bout j.cole through my brother when I was younger and as I got older I started to get more into his music and his shit has gotten me through so much shit and I love it I look up to him as a person and an artist because the shit he spits is so real ❤️🔥

[@iamgubbi]

Thank you for the inspiration Cole :)

[@Prettylayx3]

Amazing. Just amazing.

[@qthe6thman]

This is one of the best interviews.

[@727jalen]

Funny thing , I listen to hip hop to drop knowledge to my grandson and Cole is so inspiring to me. He truly makes you dig deep and thirst for more. So, I'm singing his song "Apparently" and this dude is finishing the lyrics for me. And he is 8yrs old. Go figure! I still break down the message, so I can continue to share knowledge with him....

[@gl0bal7474]

R.I.P Combat Jack

[@Lauraflorr]

Jcole forever !!

[@blacpop1]

His best interview ❤️

[@kristoffusis]

Much love.

[@1988TheD]

This is a great interview you can tell Cole appreciates the art and is well rounded

[@has3219]

rip combat this interview was legendary

[@ReeshyOnDaTrack]

Listened to the entire thang. Real Fan here in AZ

[@ervinjohnson9180]

Big fan of the show bugUps to a friend Combat Jack....I was in the same boat of the unbelievers....mostly because of these days and age of rap....but I followed his maturation and he is truly a god for his generation... Gives the young people something that is not seen enough these days and times and that is ...individualism...Luv this brother Do yo thing young god...big ups again to the #Combatjackshow

[@bwade1668]

This man soul is amazing..

[@kimjay425]

I love j Cole 😘😘😘😘😍

[@DSepshunNBR]

I don't know why people dog his first album... Sideline Story, God's Gift, Rise and Shine, Break down...Those songs are incredible. Even the intro to Sideline story was ill.. The warm up is a classic, but I won't lie, I skip at least 2 or 3 songs when they pop up on that mixtape. Idk I think he doesn't give himself enough credit for his debut

[@MarshallTalksBack]

how did i miss this interview?!?!?!? an amazing one indeed tho!

[@SoulBrotha91]

Rest in Power Combat Jack

[@ktgotbeats]

Dope.

[@SA-ky3gc]

A genuinely intelligent man. Mad respect

[@deongedeon]

Instagram brought me here. Glad I slide through the comments. This talk went unheard.

[@TheAbdlMalik]

15:13 Here I am 29 years old, and I swear that statement is so too true.

[@logangrayy7069]

Rip combat

[@hisnamewasricky]

^^

[@richardegbuzie]

That last part was what Kendrick meant by we have to love ourselves.

[@livefromplanetearth]

Classic

[@lesoleirvin3865]

This interview was on point.