J. Cole sits down with Bob Myers | Lead by Example

“See it as high as you can see it - be delusional even.” J.Cole is one of the world’s most successful rappers and producers, but he tells Bob all if it wouldn’t have been possible if he didn’t have a seed of irrationality as a kid. He sits down with the Warriors President and GM to discuss what his first love was: music or basketball, and if he truly believed he had a shot at the NBA. He explains why he didn’t need a Grammy for validation, why he lets very few people into his inner-circle and flashes back to when he used to smoke cigarettes as a six-year-old.
0:00 Bob Myers sits down with J. Cole
1:27 Childhood and learning consequences of actions
3:57 Smoking cigarettes as a 6-year-old
10:50 Deciding between Music or Basketball
23:40 Finding path and validation in rap career
32:20 What winning a Grammy meant
35:50 “I gotta spend a lot of time with myself in my thoughts”
41:05 A leader for aspiring rappers
42:12 J. Cole’s three pillars for success
50:09 The life he wishes for his kids
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[@cinnamonyea]

Imma need Bob to let J.Cole's thought finish before asking the next question 😂

[@product_of_august]

Exactly would prefer if he talked to Angie again

[@brebanks6241]

@@product_of_august He has the BEST interviews with her

[@terrellgrant1570]

Yes 👍🏿

[@knox04]

Has that VladTv energy 😂

[@snyparr]

Quite unprofessional imo. Like we get that you have many questions but let the man finish speaking.

[@carolineneedsleep]

J. Cole is so easy to listen to... I wish the interviewer would let the stories flow without interruption

[@vintageMIC4000]

😮😮😮😮😮😮😮 THHHATTTTT PARTTTTTTTTTTT

[@kendram4118]

This bothered me too especially since jcole doesn’t do interviews like that

[@biz26]

@@kendram4118right the interviewer bout to scare him back into hiding😩

[@Purpdskuzbug]

This man is at the top of the rap game sitting there in sweats, a Dreamville hoody, no chains, no watches, no rings, no grill, just REAL.

[@thugrebel]

looking broke is not real..

[@biz26]

@@thugrebelhe doesn’t even look broke he looks comfortable

[@thugrebel]

@@biz26 hes style since years is to look like a homeless, so he want to look broke

[@veemajor1721]

you forgot the crocs 😂 ..he showed that a rapper doesn’t have to be icy and dripped in designer . it’s all skill, no props . I respect it

[@riot.love.88]

He's good with himself and probably doesnt have the need to impress ppl so he doesnt care i guess.

[@rinijo2685]

J.Cole is an absolute GENIUS, love how he thinks and interprets every question. I wish the interviewer hadn’t interrupted so many times!

[@alwaysinlovejams]

Omg…frfr he was kinda pissing me off but couldn’t be too mad he asking good questions

[@lizveths1]

If we’re this annoyed by the constant interruption I can only imagine how Cole felt. His patience is admirable. Maybe he’s being tolerant because he knows the fans need to hear this. Hopefully Bob can take this constructive criticism and apply it to future interviews. Edit:spelling

[@B_Sue_E]

Yes ..too interruptive wouldn't let him finish answering before firing more questions or telling his own story...I want to hear J Cole more..

[@thandolwethuyeko2264]

i thought i was the only one this annoyed by the constant interruption

[@renaehall-sr5yw]

Yesss I was definitely annoyed ! Multiple times !

[@hideftone]

I think as an interviewer Bob has to allow a person like Cole to think through it. He can't be afraid of the awkward moments or bit of silence. I felt like Cole could've given us even more insight. Glad to hear from him though.

[@youngsimba7135]

Thought the same thing, he interrupted Cole quit a bit.

[@kelvinwallace5565]

@trollortruth08 I believe that Myers will vastly improve as an interviewer. He's kinda new to the podcasting game.

[@JDivine911]

Thought the SAME THING. Low-key was getting annoying, but I'm powering through it currently.

[@SENSEIFILES]

Agreed ! He seems to have wanted to be the main character as the interviewer which is frustrating to hear.

[@hideftone]

@@SENSEIFILES lol at the main character

[@P4LMTR33]

J cole probably saved my life more times I can count. Jus by saying everything I wanted to say in his songs. And that’s a love for music I can’t explain

[@andy60460]

There are no words to explain !!!

[@LorIanIriE]

I love that Cole said "Basketball didn't pan out because I didn't put in the work." This is key. Yes, we all have innate talents. Some people are naturally more gifted than others at certain things, but if we put in the WORK we could move mountains.

[@averyb.476]

This probably the first J Cole interview in a year! He rarely sits down with people. This is a gem!!

[@speedyc357]

Factsssss

[@Fonzie_619]

💯🐐

[@TreStylez]

This is longest interview since that nardward joint

[@ajay1888]

It's like he doesn't interview every couple years or so and every time it's a gem

[@danieljenkins7951]

Why does he have a hour long interview with Bob Myers on ESPN. Super weird

[@NoLifeShaq]

A lot of gems out of this interview from Myers and Cole 💯

[@karabogaobodiwe4372]

Shaq I see you

[@KingDarius013.]

Of course Shaq is the first comment I see on this lol

[@Traymaru]

Facts bro!

[@billliberati9840]

I knew you would be on this channel, especially since call is one of your favorites

[@mpumelelomandi1518]

Mr.Shaq Salute Brother. From SA 🇿🇦🙌🏾

[@WingingHeartWarrior]

Still the best live performance I’ve ever seen, Thanks J. Cole for you words of wisdom 🎶

[@alexiadavis7102]

I literally love how he always brings up forest hills drive becus that was a time to be alive definitely the best album out at the time he’s so authentic & motivated 💗👏🏾

[@KhanhNguyen-iv4cd]

I'm telling ya'll right now. That's a 75 year old man inside a 38 year old body. The amount of wisdom spewing out of this man is astounding.

[@missriss23]

He's Aquarius lol

[@draenation265]

@@missriss23 what that mean?

[@avocado3094]

😂😂😂

[@FlokoOakTree]

@@missriss23 he’s human lol

[@julianabotero]

I agree! To be able to recognize at 6 your actions affect others that’s a sign of an evolved soul for sure.

[@jaquayloncalome7172]

“If they don’t know your dreams then they can’t shoot them down”- J.Cole🐐

[@kimgonzalez8]

So glad Cole blessed us with an interview, it’s always amazing to hear his wisdom and knowledge. Such a 🐐, anything this man shows up in is honestly such a value. Love you Cole💓

[@kinyunjarmon8575]

I love how Jermaine is displaying the art of conversation. His thought process is focused. His ability to be interrupted while answering one question with another question and answers the 2nd and circle back to the 1st. This a great display of effective listening.

[@KeonteTV]

I love what Bob does on these podcasts, but he gotta learn to let the responses breathe a bit lol. He's just so excited and so eager to talk lol... I love his Grammy analogy though, because I think that garnering a Classic Album is what a Championship is for an artist, and 2014 Forrest Hills Drives is Coles classic to me.

[@Mattsuaveee]

Bro would not shut up 🤣

[@Jayayche94]

😂 Bob be excited af. It’s kinda refreshing at times tbh.

[@shmoneygaming1691]

I was thinking the same thing he gotta chill😭

[@ryanwebster4236]

He’s not letting the man speak

[@andycheremond4249]

SO ANNOYING !

[@MrEverest06]

J cole is so transparent. That’s what I love about him. He gives you full detail of thoughts and feelings about his journey. He’s very relatable.

[@laSentinelle7777]

Aquarius vibes energy😊

[@urmom-ju4kk]

He’s a god

[@WebbChild]

I’m a VERY Big J Cole listener and everytime I watch or listen to this dude on camera, I can tell he is a very intelligent person! You can tell he really thinks before he speaks and he really processes and speaks on things on a very deep and passionate level! Lowkey reminds me of how my wife says I am

[@celeidarodriguez4542]

I wish he would let J. Cole talk! We rarely get these in depth interviews, and he interrupted what could have been some great moments.

[@Passport_Ninja]

This is great, he interrupted a little but I saw it more as a conversation than an interview. They bounced thoughts off of each other. Myers questions where great

[@kelvinwallace5565]

Really shows his personality. I'm looking forward to seeing many interviews from him. You know there are many NBA 🏀 GM's who are hating on him right now.

[@Passport_Ninja]

@Kelvin Wallace yea he's got a 2nd career if he wants to go that route. He'll get better at it. Talented people can usually do a multitude of things.

[@J-A-A-K]

His background is with sports agencies and media relations even before becoming a GM, it’s actually his biggest strength from the start

[@kelvinwallace5565]

@Tré Williams yep you're 100% correct. And I really started vibing with BM after he took the initiative for taking some of the Warriors 🏀 players to visit with some of the prisoners in San Quentin. And actually engage with them and play a pick-up game. I believe that the team did this for two or three years running. As the team GM, he was very pivotal in making this happen.

[@davissantana8893]

@@kelvinwallace5565 that’s huge…didn’t even know that. Very cool.

[@andrebanks7986]

Man he’s a gem. His thinking is on another platform, stop trying to figure out his answer for him let him explain , keep it conversational but allow him to dominate the conversation without the interruption and jumping in so quick you can see in Cole’s eyes how he’s trying to navigate through that while thinking on his answer. I think the same way, and he’s a very mature and great personality, because me personally my face would have gave it away that i was continuously interrupted.

[@FinalFlash2110]

Dude was rambling fumbling over his words. It's an interview. They want to get answers questioned not let someone ramble like a goober.

[@zomardino7255]

@@FinalFlash2110broski if u want to watch bob go watch bob were here for the rambling

[@FinalFlash2110]

​@zomardino7255 lol that's embarrassing. He's lucky to even be considered for an interview. You're comment doesn't even make sense. Bob was getting the interview moving along bc J Cole was killing the flow. He has questions to ask. He doesn't have time for someone to ramble incoherently.

[@danielvictor5181]

This interview was more then just about rap ❤️ it reflects back that being realistic about what success means to you even on your level truly is the secret to unlocking true happiness & finding that peace or ultimate purpose you were created for

[@milanannella]

Omg I’m so happy I found this interview!!! I would’ve never thought … but I’m happy 😊😂 It’s gonna be a #ColeSummer

[@gdschld13]

The fact that J. Cole said on Boblo boat he use to smoke at 6 but that story for another chapter and here we are 4 years later in another chapter talking about it is CRAZY! Cole a genius and is GOATED!!

[@brandonlawrence665]

Facts

[@Jadey1395]

Literally thought this same exact thing when he said 6 yrs old!

[@brianzulu7925]

To God be the glory

[@futurehofer1564]

you know whats crazy I never really understood that cause I was like "what the heck" 💀 nice to see it come full circle

[@danielvictor5181]

I’m just glad he made it out unscathed and now he sunbathes with his Son in Tanzanian sun rays thinking bout dumb days ❤

[@juanrobles2138]

This guy doesn’t let cole talk 😂 answers his own questions

[@Stewie-A-Simpson]

Yooo.. I’m only 14 minutes into it and I had to just stop cause Bob Meyers can’t let Cole finish two sentences.

[@zayn9763]

@@Stewie-A-Simpson its so bad i had to shut it off

[@jooniebewatchin]

Y’all weak af. That adds a genuine feel of a conversation. God forbid it not be strictly formatted black and white like every interview we’ve ever seen 😂 y’all probably the same to hate on NDT because it’s trendy

[@Stewie-A-Simpson]

@@jooniebewatchin bruh.. you sound dumb af or you just not mature enough to have a respectful conversation with someone. If I ask you a question and keep interrupting you before you answer it… would you be okay with that?? Maybe you just don’t have good communication skills.

[@TheDominiqueBallou]

Im the same way, always trying to end somebody sentences, etc. I have to stop myself at times.

[@aman7525]

J Cole is such a good role model for young black men to look up to. I admire this man. Thank you for giving us this interview

[@Sridarsh]

Videos like these needs to be put out, i hope Cole speaks more because he really can inspire people, he is one of my idols fosho. Im 17 years old and im happy that i have discovered the message hes putting out, and realized that sooner than many people, and for that j cole and other people in my life deserve the credit for that, they influenced me, their music and words influenced me. But i do think Cole should speak more, yes his music is legendary and also what helped make me what i am and am going to be, but speaking helps more in other areas of understanding concepts, while music also helps but helps understands those concepts more through emotion etc and both are needed.

[@tonytooshort]

God I wanna sit through this entire interview... but I gotta study. Be back Cole! 🤞🏼

[@kelvinwallace5565]

Javiel Paulino trust me he would love your discipline and priority. I appreciate it as well.

[@sonnyrodriguez594]

Lmao same bruh

[@tonytooshort]

@@kelvinwallace5565 thanks King 🫡

[@tonytooshort]

@@sonnyrodriguez594 🤣

[@blackmoney7]

U trash

[@sid5945]

Man the way he articulates his thoughts is just soo captivating , I can watch this man talk for hours what a g

[@Dkirk215]

When J Cole… talks You listen he’s so down to earth insightful and very genuine and very Human this was beyond music he’s giving life lessons and great storytelling as well as truly showing what success is and dropping wisdom

[@AlphaKabine]

Man I cried this resonated with me so much I’m an artist and used to play ball 🙏💯Thank You this has been my therapist growing up musically… hearing this is so deep

[@marckusduverger9776]

This interview is such a welcome surprise! Cole a 🐐, it’s often great to hear his thoughts. Fortunate to have seen him in concert twice too & he’s an amazing performer

[@artpolamo877]

cole aint no goat, shut up

[@Papa_Static]

The forest hills drive rollout is legendary. I remember when he popped up at LSU and was just playing football on campus and popping up at people's houses to let them hear the album.

[@Mook05]

Very creative and on brand for what the album was about

[@Fonzie_619]

One of the best albums ever made 💯🐐

[@RT-wp7oz]

@@Fonzie_619 born sinner better

[@GMacII]

@@Fonzie_619 EVER

[@zephaniahmcdaniels]

​@@RT-wp7oz respectfully, it's not even close. FHD has everything Born Sinner doesn't

[@CrayzMark]

_A very dope conversational piece. My favorite kind of interview. Salutes to J, and Bob_ 🔥⛽️💯💯

[@dadensmomplaisir5361]

Ohhh man, it's great to see Cole again in another interview and really him being so transparent and seemingly honest. Wish Bob would have stopped interrupting and let his thoughts and ideas just flow.

[@billliberati9840]

This dude is literally a lyrical genius, unbelievable his word play, definitely one of the best to ever do it in my opinion

[@tboss_muziik1469]

Hands down!

[@savtrill333]

facts

[@BIGBIRD2U]

I agree. But let’s fast fwd to today…. Do you still feel the same way?? Or did you switch sides?

[@rashadqr1623]

Always refreshing to hear Cole drop some wisdom!! ColeWorld! 🗣🙌🏽

[@skatergirlanshu]

Jcole's words and works are beyond this universe. What a passionate man. Been listening to jcole since I was 8 & now I'm 26, he is the one of the coolest, fearless & realist people I've ever heard of or seen ! Growing up listening to j cole has definately helped me found the better version of myself in this life's journey. Thanks jcole.

[@Daniel-ni5ew]

Big up the 96/97 era fr. j cole is one of our realist rappers from our gen

[@CBfilms28]

That was such a Good interview!! Appreciate it

[@bp2000k]

It’s a great things watching J Cole interviews. He‘s a Legend & i hope for more music from him🔥

[@tyg400]

J Cole: How many times u gonna interupt me Bob : A lot

[@shwetaverma1665]

I love this man, his thinking, his words just everything about him makes my heart happy. ❤

[@cicirider100]

I love J Cole. He is so humble and down to earth.

[@Bornwenzday]

Man exactly what I needed today!!! Great interview! It’s crazy because I was listening back to your mixtapes 2 nights ago and it was EXACTLY what inspired me to drop this story called “Hoop Dreams” yesterday lol you forever the GOAT Cole 🐐💯💯‼️

[@HennyBoyJookz]

🔥🔥

[@BornWenzdayNation]

Just listened. Pretty good man. Keep going don’t quit!

[@Kccfx-uv1ej]

@@BornWenzdayNation fr he’s pretty good and has potential

[@nelsong31]

Super dope interview. Thank god for Cole man. He’s been like a real big bro to me and if it wasn’t for his music I honestly don’t think I’d be at peace living how I’m living. Realist and greatest rapper of all time

[@manellb7917]

Omg I'm so grateful for this

[@martinaco0028]

I really admire J.Cole's mindset. More importantly, he's willing to share it with the world in order to help others. Great interview!

[@grantwilliams1771]

Rare J. Cole interview👏🏻 I appreciate all of them this, is a gem

[@adecentyoutuber7407]

This guy has always seemed so awesome and real. Used to bop his music and haven't listened to it as much until Creed 3. Time to start listening to him consistently again, he's one of the greats!

[@RayRay____]

2014 Forest Hills Drive (His album about childhood and growing into the man he is today) K.O.D. (His album about how drugs and addiction has affected him) 4 Your Eyez Only (His album that is from the perspective of his childhood friend that passed away) The Off-Season (His newest album where he really showcases his skills as an MC and shows that he still has love for the craft)

[@Vato_Chaco]

Interviewing my favorite of many artist. thank you!!

[@matthewmiles4040]

Cole hit the nail on head with what he wants for kids..as a parent I've told my kids that "ive been there done that" so many times and i just wanted them to learn from my mistakes

[@theabundantsunflower472]

I wish he didn't interrupt so much lol but always a treat to hear this man speak 💙 a gem 🙏🔥💎

[@pineappletk9025]

Love the fact that Cole did this interview he doesn’t sit down often but when he does it’s for good reason

[@Thechosenone92]

😮‍💨 already had respect for J. Cole but I have new found respect & love for him now. Listening to his thoughts & his way to self soothe. You can tell a lot that he says is so genuine. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jaaybopsmedia4601]

this was a good watch

[@whoisgraphene]

Belief + work is such an important message Cole is talking about. From sports to music that is a constant that I’ve seen needs to be at the core. Grateful for this video

[@kb4231]

Didn't expect this but I'm here for it

[@intentionalevolution3653]

This was good. Thank you.

[@deveshikumar1977]

Blessed to hear this. The man is a living legend.

[@GIACO_MX]

This kind of interviews are like Masterclass for some of us … please dont INTERRUPT NEXT TIME.

[@FinalFlash2110]

He's gotta keep it move. The dude just rambled lol he had to get questions asked and answered.

[@Niggalodeon323]

@@FinalFlash2110 you’re clearly not as smart as you think 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@nunusodmg4461]

@@FinalFlash2110 nah it’s not that the questions he asking & the way he asks is kinda dumb… condescending almost … makes you wanna speak specifically

[@FinalFlash2110]

@@nunusodmg4461 As dumb as your ability to write a sentence ?

[@reggiemack4038]

Shut up Bob mannn!!! 😅😅

[@Chilufya_98]

This 60 minutes interview is worth watching & listening too. Thanks jermaine.🇿🇲❤️

[@Fresh_K]

It's always a pleasure to watch content from Cole, he's insanely sane. You can tell the realness in him and is such an inspiration for our generation. Keep it up Uncle Cole, can't wait for 'The Fall Off' to drop💯 sending love from Zambia 🇿🇲

[@TerinaNicoleDesignStudio]

This was phenomenal. Thank you.

[@garylewis4488]

I wish he let him finish his thoughts. Cole never does interviews so it would be nice to here his full thoughts

[@jerrykane7754]

You can tell he’s such a storyteller/poet by the way he gives such detailed, well thought and explained answers

[@WillboDabbins]

Awesome interview. I loved that you asked him about who he has to go to for help, making sure he straight too.

[@rocklee619]

Powerful information! No matter what path of life you're on, you can definitely learn some things from this talk... the world needs more leadership like this. Thank you 💜💜

[@danieljames7264]

Terrific interview we need more Cole interviews

[@speakmyopinionontopicshigh5249]

I never thought we needed this sit-down interview. Such a powerful one 🙏🏽💯

[@wangbetty827]

I really love this interview.

[@Sonny326]

Something refreshing about both of them saying no one can decide what a championship feeling means to them🏆

[@JC-Finance]

This one verse from J Cole changed my life “most people don’t aim too high, they just aim too low.”

[@manishapadarat9209]

What a great interview. JCole never disappoints. Love listening to him talk.

[@fauxdauteur]

If I was an aspiring musician/artist, I would download this interview with J Cole, chop up all the parts with wisdom, and save it on my phone to watch every month.

[@pyrosdestiny]

Really enjoyed this one

[@JordanNMusic]

That pillars of success was motivational. I’m still tryna figure out how to break in the industry // do what I love, and I’m in my mid-20s. The fact Cole said “I’d tell that to anyone who’s 13 or 30” is admirable in the sense that it’s not too late for me. S/o Cole for doin this and Bob Myers for conducting the interview.

[@aseelelden3868]

“ A wisdom podcast “ this interview really changed me completely, my mentality now is to be the best and work hard to chase my dream. Mann how can someone be so peaceful with himself and confident like he can do whatever he wants but he still helps people and try to inspire others. He is just the goat👀

[@kbg3865]

Let him speak!! When you have someone of this caliber in your presence you have to listen and understand what they’re saying.

[@b-rye223]

This interview means a lot to me. Thank you

[@TreyDay]

27 years old, 10 years and 7,000,000 millions streams into music and still hold on to every word, J Cole has been the mentor I Yet to meet. YET....

[@salamanderchicken4185]

“It’s a blessing to be satisfied” took a page out of love yourz lol. Cole is definitely a 🐐. Been a fan since The Warm Up 🔥🔥

[@stefonlyne]

Really great Interview here!

[@BK_Whateverman]

Pleasant surprise to see this pop up on my YT

[@Unknown90010]

Great interview I appreciate Bob sharing this J.Cole is def in my top 5 easily...one of the realest eva🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Koachise]

The interview and conversation I absolutely needed. Two of my favorite people I know of. Great content!

[@cuffa3020]

bob literally asking the perfect questions, always exaclty what i have in mind in that moment of the conversation

[@tallaranewman]

Beautiful interview, beautiful soul

[@ryankatai]

Such a dope interview! Loved the part about his 3 pillars and being delusional about his dreams

[@kireh4308]

Great interview, loved every minute

[@xsuperxbeingx]

Great piece its absurd to have so few likes on this. Salute to Bob for not being awkward or tone deaf

[@jbreezyx88]

This was a very great interview from the both of them, I like how Myers added when he needed, but also let Cole land and share his wisdom. When we look back years from now, this interview will gain so much stock and be valued by many. J. Cole is one of the greatest artists to ever stand on two feet and he deserves his flowers. 💐

[@paradiseplayer5103]

Man Myers wouldn’t let Cole talk. If he was able to listen instead of constantly shouting over and interrupting, it would’ve been legendary because the questions were great

[@nicholasamritt]

One of my first time’s listening to a J Cole interview and this was amazing I wish More people that made it to there desired goal come back and drop gems this was and amazing interview!!!

[@Abmusiqq]

Let the man talk, I hate interviewers that answers their own questions and never let the guest finish their thoughts 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️

[@krooklynmusic]

That was deep when he said love for something is discipline & sacrifice & putting in the appropriate work to master the thing you say you love. That goes for anything…

[@theofficialgwiz]

I don't know why I haven't watched more interviews with my idols, I would've found out that I was on the right path a lot earlier. Always trying to be something I wasn't when who I am was more than enough. Thanks for the transparency and vulnerability in this interview!

[@youwinlouw3815]

The interview we never knew we needed

[@raheemrr]

Didn't have to say it but just from the first second of this, I felt them flashbacks of my childhood clearly from his story-line, let alone the inspiration. Very relating, resonating,

[@Youniversou1]

Great interview it got way better at the end

[@gcluez1]

I NEEDED THIS …