J. Cole Makes Nas Proud Again With VIBE Impact Awards Speech

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J. Cole made Nas proud again at the 2nd Annual VIBE Impact Awards. The North Carolina rapper's admiration for Nas took center stage in 2013, after his Born Sinner shout out to the Queensbridge rapper "Let Nas Down" born the remix offspring "Made Nas Proud" featuring the man himself. A VIBE cover with his idol soon followed.
Cole put on a suit and took to the podium at VIBE's Impact Awards to roast his favorite rapper in one of the best speeches of the night. Cole reminisced about the first time he heard Mr. Jones' It Was Written and converted from a diehard Tupac fan to a Nas stan.
"...Once I fell in love with the art form of rhyming it was clear to see what I was drawn to, and it was a few things. It was introspection, storytelling, emotion and lyricism," said Cole. "Those were the things that I could see that I was clearly falling in love with, just as a fan of somebody, that wanted to do this. And, during my early romance with hip-hop, there was one rapper who was and still is the poster child for all of those qualities that I just named and that's Nasir Jones, obviously. " Well said, Jermaine.
Watch his full speech below.
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[@robg7843]

J Cole is just a fan like all us, and he really represented us Nas fan from that speech. Word, J Cole.

[@encryptedamf]

Billy Mack i couldnt have put together a better speach . it was perfect.

[@dolodreamin2043]

Cole is my Nas

[@prodbyek_]

Same Here

[@JOallday86]

***** b

[@Mr.Smooth81]

well spoken i'm from the nas era but i like this kid j cole he is smooth and lyrical

[@joshjlewis]

RT he's our generations nas

[@405willzo]

tbh I feel Kendricks lyrical content is a lot more similar to Nas than Coles... thats just me tho

[@ricardohaynes2307]

You ain't let Nas down.....you made Nas proud!!!!

[@JosephMBrake]

"we've been waiting for a rapper we've seen grow up rap grown up", realest thing I've ever heard.

[@melanzligga7057]

+wizard xxvi Real shittttt

[@Deetruckin]

Minus the platform Cole has. I had felt like that for a long time. Even sayin it to some of my dudes in a convo about why I don’t listen to a lot of new music.

[@fabo36]

this proves how humble Cole is....not many other rappers at his status would do something like this in such an honest way, he truly is just a fan

[@jaymoplex12]

Facts

[@siremetthemosthated3547]

Nas inspired modern day lyrical rappers like J Cole, Lupe Fiasco, Fashawn, Joey Badass and even Kendrick Lamar (who is a Tupac fan) like Cole was.

[@bonkcaesar9849]

Sir Emet 'TheMostHated' Nas was also a Pac fan

[@bodyrags]

“Name a rapper I ain’t influenced!”- nas

[@bejitah]

Sir Emet 'TheMostHated' And Rakim and Kool G Rap inspired him.

[@screamingeagle11b]

Lupe is so slept on

[@ayandabernard6795]

Nas inspired Pac too

[@smoothlatinkid]

when hip hop is as open with its heart as it was here, it's a beautiful thing

[@bri310]

Imagine that ONE response from Nas completely changed the trajectory of J Cole's career/art. Not even a track or whatever just a 2nd hand response. While the industry was happy to suppress and capitalise off J’s talent, Nas was being a big brother reminding him its best to be yourself and trust your art. It's like it unlocked something in him. Some of our young boys need that big brother reinforcement; speak life in to brother.

[@Jon_Zeku]

Nas literally inspired and influenced every single rapper that came after him.

[@RonaldoBrazilTv]

After watchin this I don't know if I wanna listen to Cole or Nas.. I love em both!!! Nas - GOAT Cole - Best of our generation

[@randomguy-jp8qj]

+Illmatic Junkie Nas - GOAT. Cole - Mainstream hip hop twerking music, not even close to best of our generation. Best of generation is either Eminem or Kendrick Lamar. Learn about hip hop bro.

[@antoniovega1397]

+Esh Sh you need to learn your hiphop if you think Cole is making "mainstream twerking music". His last album had 0 singles and went platinum with no features.

[@iansmart4158]

+Esh Sh Dont DIsrespect this dude by making completely false generalizations. You obviously don't know hip hop yourself. Listen to a song before you judge.

[@deanwinchester8042]

+Esh Sh Hah. You're funny. Eminem is past generation. K. Dot is Coles' West Coast equivalent.

[@marcospena2662]

@@antoniovega1397 you don't even know what you're talking about.

[@xItzBlizzy-]

Nas's raps paint a vivid pictures, j cole as well

[@SirNino100]

J. Cole was like a kid in a candy store when talking about Nas, that's how you know you've made a great impact on someone's life, Big ups to Nas. I'm a fan of J. Cole to I wish him the best in his career, keep dropping gems and putting out great albums my man

[@christianherrera4729]

I love how disorganized it is. It seems like he just gave himself bullet points and the rest was on the spot. Really shows how passionate he is, how he can speak candidly about it.

[@evettehaywood4637]

I REMEMBER BUYING DEMOS FROM J COLE IN 2006.HIS MOM WAS MY MAIL LADY.(FAYETTEVILLE,NC)31,AUGUST,2019.

[@davidmelgar3192]

brooooo🙌

[@gthisho]

Dope

[@Chrispriester]

That’s crazy bro wow

[@droshow]

from watching this J.Cole just gained a new fan!..

[@1nkatha]

Me too.. 👏👏

[@avon_mack]

I started listening to Cole back when i found out he idolized Nas

[@christianlambert4388]

*says sorry for having to look down on paper while speaking *looks on paper 3 seconds than nails the rest of it whilst watching the crowd

[@iamthewalruscuckookachoo1372]

Spoken like a true fan. His enthusiasm and the way he told his story of becoming the biggest fan of Nas he could be just your typical fan of great music and Nas most definitely has great fucking music. Love both Nas and Cole.

[@asavisuals]

J cole Fanning out like crazy😂 make sense tho, what a moment

[@fredheimuli5913]

I will NEVER forget being a Senior in Highschool in 1999 in the Bay Area, and listening to the "I Am" album, sittin in cars with the music blastin....from Still Survive, to Ghetto Prisoners...those records have sweet nostalgic memories of potent lyrics that I will Never forget! Much love Nasir Jones for teaching me about the poetry of life

[@MLGsniper-oo8xp]

My poetry deep I never felt nas raps should be locked up and put in a cell it ain't hard to tell - Nas

[@davidmelgar3192]

We Will Survive not Still Survive😭

[@britt7233]

J.Cole my homie. We was just eating squirrel in his crib yesterday.

[@davidvelasquez4807]

Signed to jay but is a nas stan

[@IamLolaGrace]

J. Cole did a DAMN GOOD job with his speech! Heck, he made even made me proud. I picked up some pointers to Like "riding HARD" AND "picking sides!!!!"

[@SJB2000]

This probably the closest I've ever heard anyone express the kind of admiration and love for Nas that I have. If weren't for Nas I probably wouldn't be rapping

[@soulstar9515]

Said all that we as Nas fans are longing to say the day we come into contact with a living legend from Queens ''Nas''

[@sabalipeaceandpatience9264]

I gave you power might legitimately be the best hip hop song ever.

[@echad6259]

I listened to nas going to work, on lunch breaks, on the way home, at home, going to sleep....repeat. I studied it.

[@DeepJacksonWV]

I feel the same way! I tried to tell my mom back then, so what they are cursing you are just looking for the bad when there is so much good in these jewels they drop. Rap raised a lot of kids, whether they took the gangsta route, or they they listened to those stories and vowed not to repeat the same mistakes. Salute to HIP HOP! I fucking love this culture

[@alaking3304]

Man! Incredible tribute to an iconic figure who is slept on.

[@Sasuke666Susano]

I like that. Cool beans bro. That boy cole kept it real. Nas dope fasho

[@alaking3304]

Its crazy man how he's signed to JayZ but he reps Nas so much. I kinna wish Nas had of signed him. JayZ to busy for J Cole anyway

[@TaeDiamondz]

Chad Penchion what label can nas sign j cole to

[@alaking3304]

Ill Will Records or the Jones Experience. He's had an artist named Quan before its not hard to sign an artist definitely if ur Nas

[@TaeDiamondz]

yea he can sign j cole and do what with j cole make him a one hit wonder like quan..listen jay z is a business man thats why j cole pick to sign with him even though nas is his favorite rapper ..business is business

[@Trinyayama]

a true student of the game Jay Cole's is the modern-day Nas and that's the way you make Nas proud keeping hip-hop alive

[@slime129]

Undying Love is one of the greatest songs of all time but yet not appreciated by the masses for some reason real hip hop heads know big ups to cole for that

[@fabo36]

OH MY GOD...."I gave you power" is one of my favorites period...that's awesome that was the song that got him into Nas

[@MegaAbacadaba]

FabyBaby 36 Crazy I just read this. I Gave You Power is my favorite shit. That's the song I woulda went up on stage rappin' if I was in Cole's position.

[@normalhispanicdude]

J Cole is the only one these days that takes Rap as an art form.

[@rocketboyz1004]

Nas is the best of all time. The goat, the God, Nas forever!!!

[@Kur7t]

Man...I just sat and watched this in complete silence. I'm 28 going on 29 years old so me ans Cole are probably around the same age. I like Cole never had no farther figure growing up but like him, i found insight in Hiphop/rap music. I too became a big 2pac fan at around 10-11 years old but not for the same reason as Cole but because of his style and image and of course his classic album All Eyez On Me. After that i knew i discovered something that i really cared about and that being music of course, music was always being played since the start but this type of music was for the young black minority and i had to be apart of it. Like Cole i missed out on Illmatic and for awhile i actually thought It Was Written was his first album, by this time, like Cole mentioned in my own school we were picking sides. I didn't sign with Nas though it was Jay-Z but i respected Nas's lycrism but for me and even to this day Jay-Z remains my favourite rapper. Me and my school friends would argue very chance we could about who was better this continued into college. As i got into my mid teens i started listening to Nas a lot more, i bonded with his music like i did with Jay-Z but i felt my life struggles was similar to the metaphors and similees that Nas was spitting. I think without Nas's music, I may not of ever discovered who i truly was as a rap fan, hiphop was the only male voice in my household growing up, i ain't the type of guy to just listen to anything it has to be meaningful. I think what Nas has done by educating the youth via music should be an inspiration to us all. Peace king.

[@frisckyjacky2989]

It is beautiful to see one brother appreciating another brother work humbly.

[@MichaelCobbs]

Introspection, storytelling, lyricism, & emotion (soul). Graffiti, knowledge, break dancing, & etc....creates Real Hip-Hop

[@hondasrdbest9614]

Rakim and Nas are the same person to me. Their music helped me steer clear of trouble. I heard the gangsta rap too. But I wanted to stay out of prison so I followed the positive energy of these 2 great artists. I'm damn near 50 still listening to CDs in my car. And just today I was listening to Rakim's Seventh Seal album.

[@coreyharris7293]

"It's the subtle things that make great art" 💯💯

[@brendonhansen2617]

No cap gave you power was my first nas song and it changed my whole perspective on the rap game. Thank you for this speech j.cole

[@avon_mack]

I started listening to Cole back when i found out he idolized Nas. Thanks for seeing the light

[@siyabongabhongoza8201]

I started respecting nas wen i heard him worshiping pac saying his a god

[@BLACK-TAR-FENT]

That I gave u power is a masterpiece

[@heyyoo38]

Homie is spot on.Only for me i was on it from the first verse . ""Finessed keep a tech 9 on my dresser Lyrical professer Keep you under pressure Mind like a computer the inserter Paragraphs of murder The night club flirter. 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheLatwon]

pac lyricism skills cant fuck with nas real shyt pac was the soul nas is the mind

[@buddhaartsprech3r885]

Terroa_Savage not true at all

[@hermanlauvehansen6602]

Very true lol

[@Slycoomer56]

Pac is overrated he is an average lyricist

[@Sam-me5pl]

I'd rate Pac greater than Nas, there's no way he's an average lyricist, he was a genius that was born in the wrong skin at the wrong time, so he let his thug out instead of his inner poet. He'd only be average if you have the best sample out there, he's one of the best, his work exceeds Nas'... I love Nas, but pac was a better song writer and at least an equal lyricist..I'd ssay he's better, and has a better message when he's being positive..

[@yobrahkimani8064]

I gave you power?? Nas is just way yy sick my opinion though

[@TzFRoST]

Been fuckin wit Cole since '09 hope I get to meet him one day, he my favorite

[@delandostayreal288]

J cole the new Nas love them both real hip hop let's keep it going

[@MrTen83]

I can't get enough of this J.Cole speech 🥰👏👏👏👏👏

[@RegularRyy]

Incredible Speech! salute.

[@melslapper9476]

Im 27 and J cole and Nas, along with a few others have rekindled my interest in things, I got back to reading and Im rapping and writing even if its for me because I’m at a place in my life where I had to leave my life behind and am starting anew. Maybe I can’t become a rapper but I just enjoy it so much I never stop getting that sweet therapy ❤️

[@jsplatinum595]

I feel this comment. You should post some songs of you rapping. You got my subscribe though.

[@melslapper9476]

@@jsplatinum595 damm man this comment shone some beautiful light in some very very dark times I'm facing now. I am working hard on putting my all into this craft and I thank you for the good energy, i will be reworking my social media to take a step forward and put my insecurities aside. Much love and respect.

[@jsplatinum595]

@@melslapper9476 what’s your Instagram I’ll follow you too.

[@melslapper9476]

@@jsplatinum595 willofmel

[@melslapper9476]

@@jsplatinum595 again, I appreciate you brother.

[@Dandre3172]

Cole fanned TF out in that speech. That's wassup!

[@BlahNish]

Thanks to both Nas and Cole for helping me fall in love with the most beautiful Artform.

[@harald808]

yeh I Gave You Power is one of my fav nas song

[@ADyani6]

I love this speech!

[@megami7373]

this is so beautiful to watch, even all these years later.

[@g4life78]

Great..Great speech. Sincere tribute.

[@vincent5318]

I felt that, especially when he mentioned Daughters. More conscious of the way we raise our daughters.

[@chapta5ive]

Cole is such an amazing soul.

[@nakulpatel6074]

Gotta love this man.

[@serenity1961]

Wow! this was an amazing presentment to Nas from his fan (J. Cole). He was well spoken and it was from the heart. I see the timeline when this was publish but for some reason, I was looking for videos with Nas in it and came to this one.

[@Fabo100]

Had to come back to this, hadnt seen it since it initially came out, this is what makes Cole special, and he will be amongst the greats like Nas when it's all said and done

[@edgarcarrillo4304]

J Cole man you a legend now my g

[@monique1938]

So sweet!!

[@LCMllc1]

dope J. cole said it like how i would have said it as a fun and As my favorite rapper of all time. GREAT

[@davidortiz9577]

N.A.S. .. NAAAS NAAAS The 🐐 is out here making future 🐐s

[@WeeSmokey]

I listened to this guy relentlessly growing up any body he done any track with i got tht album too esco,, my personal favourite.. Music is the answer... ✌ out

[@bostonfalcons]

Three things Kod is a banger album definitely a 9 or 10 Two, damn he’s such a good story teller, he can do it in songs but I didn’t know he could do it in fucking speeches that he barely prepared for, this is really impressive. Three, listen to what he says at 11:10 and he actually made a song on Kod call brackets that is literally about taxes so j cole has grown up I guess

[@parrishthomas92]

True words

[@daddysgirllilg9574]

Its like this....U Are More than Just Some Rapper....In da Midst of 1s Life....U Have a Way of Picking up a Chin....While there going threw Alot of Life Challenges...2 the point they look up & Its U....Normally... I Go AROUND...& keep Steppin....So....Its A Purpose behind this POWER...Rappin is 1 of UR MANY GIFTS....Anybody can pick up a MIC....But 2 HOLD it...& Know what they got in their 👐 s... & SPREAD it is Another....Much Luv...

[@SonofBabylon]

i was waiting for the song that he was played and when he said I gave you power, i was like ooohhhhhh. Not too many songs like that ever.

[@ReginaldVannison7777]

I have a new found respect for J. Cole!

[@moniqueprice9741]

I'm in tears. That was fuckn awesome. 👏👏💜💛💚💙💓

[@g-unit8478]

undying love is the best story telling song EVER, cole knows wassup

[@RaiRaiBrown]

I love Has forever and J.Cole makes me happy nowadays too..

[@kevinhooks1]

Great speech bro

[@kabzsoul5218]

I'm a true fan of both.Legendary status 💯

[@integr8staff813]

cole is huggin em real hard.

[@MrKs757]

Respect

[@JacobPMendoza]

3:43 Is When J. Cole Says That Quote one Time Is Illmatic

[@q4short]

the more exposure I have to Cole, the more I like the man

[@q4short]

no homo

[@megami7373]

truly! like how could people not like cole?

[@jln5626]

I wish I could give J. Cole this speech one day.

[@MrDdavis98]

Classic!!!

[@MERGE-1]

Respect is honorable...

[@OddOneOut99]

Well done.....😎🔥🔥🔥❤️

[@2KILLAVILLE]

I'm so glad He got put on to Nas..J.Cole only knew west coast Mc cause it's all his stepfather played..Nas the G.O.A.T.. along with KRS

[@queenbriilove548]

Legendary 💜💜💜 #hiphop

[@fabo36]

Undying love on I am is a crazyyyyy song

[@xavierturner5590]

Amazing story but sad ending 😡😔

[@raeklahagelahage815]

Awesome , Wow Beautifuly Put , Nas Is Phenominem ,)

[@AndyFaeBaker0890]

When he said Daughters I cried...Yassssssss!!!!!!!

[@maylindaduncan8384]

The poetry crazy

[@ulisesjaime5536]

I think I have watched this 3 times

[@UniqueApex]

Where else do you see this kinda camaraderie?? Nas, Jermaine, Kendrick... the realist... It's no accident that three of the true-blues of hip-hop flock together. “I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.” - Tupac Shakur Stay true to yourself... Work towards being the best version of you so you can go out into the world and inspire others to become the best version of themselves..

[@CaressLorthaya]

Amazing

[@ltod2]

J Cole can spit too,someday he will be honored as legendary MC.Nas deserve his flowers

[@FYoOp1nion]

That's EXACTLY how I felt the first time I heard Nas.

[@pgonza77]

First time I heard Cole was "Young Simba". I knew he was a great one!

[@KwizMatix]

This the reason I Fuck with J. Cole... Trust me, as a Queens New Yorker in Nas generation and felt the exact same way and I'm very proud to see his impact and influence touched our next generations like J. Cole. Now I feel good to know that the legacy of real lyrical rap lives on and J. Cole embodies the spirit of our Hip Hop tradition

[@melslapper9476]

Would definitely love to meet j cole honestly.

[@rolandcajuste997]

That's how I feel about J Cole

[@megami7373]

crazy how the cycle goes, huh? came full circle and now he’s impacting people how nas impacted him.

[@rosembergjones-pavon2016]

Cole is my fav rapper

[@zzzMrgamerzzz]

"Who's you favourite rapper?" I would be in that audience like Cooooooole!!!

[@markhowell1495]

I gave you power is fire. Ib felt that same way when I heard it

[@bigpearl5278]

I'm watching this in 2018 😁