J. Cole on "Be Free" Performance: I Watched Eric Garner Video Before to Get In the Mindframe

J Cole talks to Angie Martinez
Aired: 12-11-14
With his much anticipated album 2014 Forest Hills Drive in stores this week, J.Cole had to stop by The Angie Martinez Show on Power 105.1 fresh off an incredible performance of "Be Free" on The Late Show with David Letterman last night. Cole's newly added verse added an extra amount of emotion to the song (which isn't on his album), and made a statement that even moved Letterman himself.
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[@slowcherub]

Everyone should watch this interview once a month, it’s healthy.

[@refiloentja9674]

i been watching once a day. i feel like it raises your spiritual vibration. I love interviews that make me better and give me food for thought

[@jc7764]

I dooo

[@j.e.bsteve3827]

@@breh7181 brehhh

[@Happyfeet3]

absolutely.. ignorance is broadcasted while the truth is minimized

[@Godbless125]

Facts !

[@fmtravels7763]

6ix9ine Interview: 9.8 Mil Views This Interview: 100k Views The differences in views is what is wrong with our society. We live for the drama and what's flashy instead of looking at some of the real problems we face today. Cole is a genius and you would be fool to not listen to what he has to say.

[@jasonnix8767]

What's real is fading.

[@prue5588]

You my friend have a new subscriber

[@papasparadise7094]

Francy Mata this interview dropped twice though. The one with the higher views got deleted

[@Adiossean]

Papa's Paradise Still didn’t have the views it deserves

[@jaytooconceited9669]

Francy Mata Real shit 💯

[@thatmexicancandy5589]

I wanna sit and talk with J.Cole And just listen to him talk. He speak real💯

[@steffortiz8688]

Why do I feel the Tupac spirit here

[@Luey-E]

Karina Rodriguez Tupac reincarnated and able to live past 25. Not really but I think Pac would've been along a similar path.

[@dennycascade7455]

MrSparkleHands Thats gay

[@Max-ow1gp]

the name is communism but it is prohibited in the usa

[@geraldgorham6878]

Older than his years. Watching in 2018. Post KOD album. Real never fades.

[@johnlennon3107]

Gerald Gorham imagining kids who never got to live in the same time as him watching these interviews like how kids today watch pac and big interviews is crazy

[@kiddse7en741]

I'm back to

[@geraldgorham6878]

Facts. We have to appreciate our living legend! Facts.

[@asiasamuels4791]

I’m watching this is 2021 🙂

[@ItssJustD]

"where you see yourself in 5 years" who else watching this in 2020

[@OhThatsAT]

D Saucyyy Damn.

[@yuko1227]

@D Saucyyy 😮👌

[@Ali-zd4sz]

yup

[@gotkickz6]

Dariel S lmao right here witcha bro

[@osikanii791]

Watching it now and it still adds up. Shiii!!!

[@ChainsTheChef888]

It’s crazy watching this again at 24, I was 17 when this interview dropped I watched it and Cole woke me up a lot when he talked about the system

[@playdough..]

Damn I’m 25 now and Cole Was my hs era and is still my man today

[@ihavewhattheycallanunattra8337]

we need to protect him at all costs

[@MajorPayne175]

True.

[@Max-ow1gp]

@@MajorPayne175 it is impossible

[@hectorflores8157]

Oh he done cloned

[@Kl00ney]

Shut the fuck up

[@khayalamimahlalela7904]

Agreed, you do got what they call an unattractive face.

[@simbaryan4144]

We sleep on Angie Martinez. She gets the upmost respect from every artist and they show that by the way they answer the questions truthfully without bullshit. Good Look! Angie

[@goat504]

Right I hate the breakfast club Angie underrated

[@johnlombardo7816]

Speak for yourself! Haha angie been a goat of interviews ! But you right many people dont know it sadly shes old school legit down to earth and curious that's what it's all about. Growing, learning, caring, interested

[@kingvmichael8407]

i wanna like your comment but its at 420 rn and i dont wanna ruin that but word up💯

[@thriftin_n_flippin851]

Nobody can ever say Cole isn't staying woke. He speaks with such intelligence and raw truth. He stays out of the BS. We learn about him and his life through his music. You don't see him flexin on social media. Material things are of little significance to him, he doesn't look to money for happiness. I respect that. Such an incredible individual. He's breaking rap stereotypes

[@adrianlanief9828]

He's worthy

[@Angel-hl7fr]

Cindy James hes one of the realest put there till this day

[@connorferguson3578]

He’s continuing pacs legacy, people like Nipsey etc that knew what was at stake. I don’t consider these ones nowadays rapping about sex n shit, I hate that ‘rap’ has this stereotype nowadays. He touched on it in this video, that’s what sells therefore is what it is. Sadly real shit don’t sell, hence these wack stereotypes

[@shlomoedelstone3397]

Fast forward to cancel culture 2020 trying to end this man bc he doesn’t tweet enough

[@dylangoodson8700]

He said in a song he was gonna write a book Called “The things Hoes say” I’ve been waiting for a few years now. 😂😂😂

[@frankiecastaneda3479]

J. Cole is so outspoken man. That's what I love about him, and this interview. I wish he did more.

[@sauske1398]

hes coming with alot more heat soon just give it some time he talks forever mostly cause hes a perfectionist/lyricist

[@noah3x269]

What do you mean you wish he did more ? It’s only so much a person can do

[@MiniBuckeroo]

@@noah3x269 he basically didnt do any interviews for like 3 years after between 2015-2018

[@simphiwezondi4076]

Frankie Castaneda he is goat, when I'm listening to his songs i never get bored

[@yuko1227]

@@simphiwezondi4076 Haters & Twitter people says the opposite.

[@poeticjustice8420]

this is the best jcole interview

[@vanbawithathawng6224]

thanks

[@drzfuter13]

I always watch this once in a while, but dont get how it only has 72K views

[@rjpele]

J THE GOAT the original interview had over 1.5 million last time I checked, I can't find it atm tho

[@emmanueld.1816]

I think the original one was deleted and this is a repost. But yeah best cole interview, nothing but super facts.

[@LuisGonzalez-jb1kp]

Fartuun Jama this one and the Combat Jack interview are the best. I can’t wait for the Angie Martinez x Cole part 2

[@marlindachis]

Man if I ever had the chance to have a convo like this with Cole.. Just wow.

[@whoisneezy]

34:39 The Disease Of More. Pure wisdom.

[@squirtlehvac8962]

Spot on

[@goldpvnda]

Nick Robinson thank you bro!

[@ArturoGaucho]

Nick Robinson This is so true

[@jimmorrison7431]

Can cole write a book PLEASE

[@IAmBarberAcademy]

WHERE CAN I FIND THE BOOK THEN

[@davidearle7209]

@@IAmBarberAcademy he saying he wrote 2 fire albums. Those are his books.

[@AXOLOTLKINQ]

listen to his albums and mixtapes

[@buzzedbrain]

And act in a movie please.

[@nadiajones8937]

I know huhhhhhh

[@Hussweyne]

i listened to “truly yours 2” by J. cole and cried and imagined meeting my idol, my hero, my second father figure

[@marquismackson4730]

Hussain Altufaili he doesn’t want you to idolize him but a role model

[@AXOLOTLKINQ]

bruh dont worship the guy damn

[@KanyekiKamawe]

Camera man got so much realness he couldn't hold still

[@CDal-ny4vb]

Cole = God's gift

[@JonathanMartinez-bq6ls]

Underrated song

[@jahbroha.k.ashenton9101]

Somebody pls tell me this isn't the best interview ever....👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@thelasso9478]

Yup

[@ChellyQuamie29]

SO for many reasons, I can sit and listen to J Cole longer than my average attention span. I crave conversations like this.

[@adamjohnson5307]

If J Cole started a podcast he'd be the Joe Rogan of the black community.

[@shaanalam3872]

word

[@auraconora3996]

his too smart keep forgetting his black lmaoooo no offence

[@impacc4182]

@@auraconora3996 so black people can't be smart? you internet goblins are trolls

[@auraconora3996]

@@impacc4182 most black conversations dialogues starts of by saying with the n word and repeating that word over and over what do ya expect

[@impacc4182]

@@auraconora3996 Summarizing a whole race because of what a few rappers say lol 😂 I’m legit dying right now like I said you internet goblins are bored. Ps saying the n word has no value on the amount of intelligence you have.You sound like a Karen

[@cristianjohnson9459]

who still watching in 2020? one of the realest artists to ever live💯

[@203flyguy]

He was put on earth to inspire

[@mslee7349]

JCole is inspiring 🙏🇿🇦

[@lee-anncoetzee8698]

Fellow South African yaaaaaasssss 💜💜💜

[@rado4787]

Cole pure wisdom. 2020 anyone?

[@reyesanaya8729]

Rado Ma 2020

[@andresavila6812]

This guy just opens up your mind and makes you think and have thoughts that you didn’t even know were there, he really the goat 🙏🏽

[@adrianlanief9828]

Our ninds have been wokwn. It's time for you ro wake up

[@KeyTrixxx]

I honestly can’t watch this interview without crying. As someone who lost both their parents and have been struggling to stay afloat and feeling the strength of capitalism in my life, it’s hard to go on everyday. At the same time, like Cole said, I have to do it. Although it makes me sad, it helps me appreciate the things I have and the people I love. If you’re out there struggling, stay strong, focus on what makes you happy and forget the material things. Everything will be okay.

[@krystalaranda874]

Probably one of my favorites to rewatch

[@KeyTrixxx]

@@krystalaranda874 I agree. I watch it pretty often

[@Aqwtiny]

Angie has such a great relationship with J cole , look how comfortable he is here verses when he was in the breakfast club

[@timothypayton7623]

Cause the break club and especially Charlemagne is the poison on the radio he speaks of cause they love drama and controversy to get views

[@yuko1227]

@Timothy Payton Facts bruh. Especially that interview they did with Michael Dappa ( Big Shaq ) .

[@claudiav1368]

I love this mans mentality. I remember the first song that I heard from him was “lost ones” and ever since then I’ve followed his career. I wish there were more people with the same mentality and awareness as him. Who ever has the privilege to spend the rest of their days next to this man is truly blessed. Mad love and respect.

[@Luey-E]

Claudia Vargas If you think this way then you're also a blessing to be around

[@pdg519]

Yo same man !! Lost ones in 2012 ain’t listened to shit else since

[@adrianlanief9828]

You mean CAP

[@jamesarellano8663]

Well said. Lets hope the illuminati don't sell him out or he'll end up like Pac

[@yuko1227]

@James Arellano He left Jay for a reason. He goes to church with his family. People do see him around library etc.

[@itsarro6418]

Ima watch this at least a few times every year just to keep myself in check

[@KhallelaB.]

Same

[@Mink1102]

Angie Martinez is a great interviewer. She's so present. I think that she really enjoys interviewing Cole. You can tell that he respects her as well.

[@sittinonthegodamcornerdoindope]

She’s aight she chattin too much no disrespect

[@happy1986ism]

I can look at this a thousand times it feel brand new to me every time

[@tone8600]

It's pretty crazy how in Cole's early career, he says he was politically correct. But his music says otherwise. He's been rapping about social justice since the beginnings in his mixtapes. "I Get Up" is a perfect example. Or other songs like Can I live or Before I'm Gone having lines springled in. It shows he really did get caught up in the game during his first two albums. I'm so glad Cole found his true purpose and happiness. I

[@johnlennon3107]

Tone and TJ I'd say first album his second album has hella concious records (mo money, miss america, rich niggaz, crooked smile) or even the hype songs (she knows, forbidden fruit) has undertones u just gotta find them, its why cole is so great the face value message is amazing but the undertones are better

[@Hideotic]

It’s part of his persona that’s why his logo is horns and a halo

[@Hideotic]

Also he feels a greater responsibility as a man so he probably feels guilty over things most people wouldn’t. Even small things that most people wouldn’t feel like is selling out. Work Out for example isn’t even that pop, Kendrick’s new shit is selling out. Cole only makes music with integrity.

[@bryanadams8917]

Kendrick is black rap

[@spookyunicorn222]

Honestly cole has helped me through so much I could listen to him all day. He’s wise beyond his years, and a great role model.

[@imarahowze4678]

i will never be able to fully express how much i appreciate this man..

[@The3500]

same, this man change my life with his music alone

[@kennyw850]

this interview is a summery of his KOD album 4 years before it dropped. Still as relevant as ever.

[@sittinonthegodamcornerdoindope]

It’s like a year before it dropped

[@CliqueProductions]

KOD.

[@tooeazy8978]

He hard as shit

[@kalen9322]

yoooo 😂 whaddup

[@shaanalam3872]

this is what you call a flip

[@jefjef601]

Alright alright alright

[@thedarktruthcometolight404]

Off season babyyyy

[@doesntknowbetter6415]

Cole is a fucking inspiration. Dreamville going way up, man. One Love, Coleworld. The music he made ever since his mixtape days, talking about The Warm Up, The Come Up, Friday Night Lights, and so on, is fucking crazy. Cole is going down in the history books as a king.

[@marlonjamesnavarro6780]

I could listen to this guy talk about the nutrition facts on my cereal box

[@FreddyKingz36]

Sometimes i be wondering...is pac talking to Cole in his dreams? Cuz it’s funny how they brought up “i will spark the brain that will change the world” and i truly feel that Cole caught that spark and trying his best to spread positivity and love , one time for Cole 🔥 #Dreamville

[@davidearle7209]

I feel the Pac comparison and I definitely think Cole is inspired by Pac but a lot of his rhetoric comes from Bob Marley. This interview, all the points that Cole made is how Bob saw life.

[@RSxKarmazZ]

Kingz 28 is this the interview where Cole says the spark the change thing? I remember it being on a talk show and I’ve been looking for that video of him saying that

[@hlengiwephiri6450]

I feel you

[@TommyOG]

the fact this interview does not have more views shows how many people sleep on this man

[@clementkusi6122]

Sleep on truth, not the messenger

[@formalligator1713]

J. Cole has such a healthy open mind. He sees issues from all kinds off different perspectives. He doesn't talk trash about other people, but he points out issues and makes people aware. Bless Cole

[@shakabarnes3362]

This young brother gives me Hope for the Next Generation of Rappers 💯

[@hippiesanonymous]

2022 and still just as impactful . Him and angie just having conversation and its everything we need to hear.

[@mav6232]

Back here June 2nd 2020. Love our brother Jermaine ❤️

[@marvelousshotsllc]

It’s time for another Classic J.Cole interview.

[@deewillofficial]

The Struggle of The Conscious

[@thebeastbossgamer9373]

I've watched this interview 3 times and still doesn't get old. Its gets me thinking each time

[@SunkissedKuri]

@34:39 - @39:29 is such a gem part of this interview 🌱 Love is the answer 🦋🌱🧡

[@thebeardedgaymer4888]

How is this interview so slept on? 140k views? This is one of the most insightful J Cole interviews, he is coming off that high from performing "Be Free" on Letterman (Which is one of the best Live performances of the last decade.)

[@aroojishfaq]

the definition of a real nigga!!

[@tonyasinola9282]

Love That He’s So Conscious And Aspires To Have Humanity Better. ❤

[@mtv405]

One of Jcole's best interviews thanks to Angie the GREATEST!

[@dennycascade7455]

mtv405 One of Angies best interviews thanks to the Goat j.cole***

[@alexanderdavis7655]

Greatest public radio interview of all time

[@antoniodavis1027]

Too Real for Main Stream Media

[@Zombiewanka]

Antonio Davis people need to see it , truth needs to SHATTER their reality :)

[@msqueenlyminded7579]

I wish he was my brother....we're kindred spirits. Keep being genuine and inspiring us #ColeWorld

[@RaulBestt]

Watching this waiting for the new interview to come out. And its crazy how most of things he talked about during this interview he some how or another touched on it in KOD. Which is an amazing album.

[@Totmorgen0]

I always come back to this interview a few times a year.

[@vicenteperalta2312]

Tot Morgen new one tomorrow !

[@graceantonette2605]

JCole is just SIMPLY AMAZING🙌🙏

[@rickm.4797]

Such a powerful song.

[@rj7187]

Damn. I could listen to Cole speaking all day long.

[@detroitboxingtv9875]

After all the madness, New age rap, KOD.... It's refreshing to come back here. Its wild

[@noesthabi2255]

I just love this guy, man.

[@tae_nc_9194]

i watch these every other month

[@tmoney5955]

2 years later and your heart mind and soul is still better then ever🙏💘thank you so much J. Cole and Angie too!!

[@blackentrepreneur244]

He sold his soul that’s why he has the knowledge to talk about it. Don’t be fooled

[@hajarnadin5698]

i’ll never get over how goated he is. i wish i had his communication skills so i could express myself better to the world and other people. love him 5ever.

[@armaninelson2475]

J Cole been spiritually awakened 💯

[@gmb115lmb]

Dec 5th 2019, and we are still dealing with the same B.S. Love this dude man. hes always been a real one

[@sarahm.8954]

Awesome interview !!!

[@elgenyg]

forever thankful for this legend and will always look back to this interview to reflect on life in general.

[@808sndHeartAke]

After watching his new interview with Angie I had to come back and just see this all over again 🖤🖤🖤

[@coreysingleton8026]

I love interviews man, you get the raw and authentic responses in most cases. I had to come back to this in a time like this! Love you guys! Stay courageous

[@ilizzzzy]

I’ll always come back to this interview. Cole’s mind man 🤯

[@push8103]

I come back to this interview every month or so

[@ndumisomlokoti1467]

Album of The Year Freestyle brought me back hear. This man is timeless.

[@jaycee0403]

I remember watching this when it was first posted. I come back every now and then just to feel this mans energy. Inspirational and humbling as hell.

[@teenanagar5217]

I come back again n again just to see this man talk for non-stop . What is it about him that's so engaging ? Is it his humility, his honesty ? Whatever it might be, I'm always up to listen whatever he has to say . That's how much i appreciate this dude . PERIOD.

[@tupouthelab8300]

we need people like cole who use their knowledge to educate people and spread it through something that matters like his music and not a tweet and bring people together instead of put them down

[@sweetpea3249]

Damn I love this man! This interview is golden. Like I could watch this every week as a refresh and breath of fresh air, motivation! Love you J. Cole!

[@onlyonezay419]

One of if not the greatest interview of our generation ...

[@OliverGreen2Real]

Best interview hands down ! Makes amazing music and speaks truth , glad Iv seen him live 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@imhim4everr]

Love is the answer

[@younggvd2835]

We’re so lucky to have this man alive with us today

[@nyashab4276]

Angie sparks up such an amazing soulful n heartfelt conversation. I always love when she interviews j cole. She has such an amazing ability to bring out that spark and deep conversation in artists. This really went down the rabbit hole n i appreciated hearing his perspective. Im watching this now, but its such a relevant interview. Cole fan from day 1, warm up days, and im amazed by his story telling and ability to paint his art and feelings with his words. And i love Angie for keeping that spotlight on hip hop and giving quality interviews and the connection she has. Now this is a media personality who understands the power of a voice and a platform. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[@claytonbigsby381]

I’m only 16 and j cole is my idol

[@edwinstanley6304]

John Ruiz make music like him bro he really stand for something....I'm rooting for you

[@tshilidzi1046]

Same

[@otisredrim7662]

No cares how long u been on this earth fuck off little boy

[@TheLonewolf80]

No young man, dont make him your idol, learn from him.

[@imob1873]

John Ruiz same same same

[@Beefyting]

it's so crazy watching this again I know it was 4yeo but I feel like this interview was about KOD as well, he just always sees the bigger picture I love it

[@linnz8507]

Pore P it was about 2014 Forrest hills drive Though

[@Beefyting]

Naima Ivarsson realized this after I posted but I was watching interview upon interview the day I posted this, however the point still stands whether it was the 2014Fhd interview or whether I thought it was 4yeo

[@linnz8507]

Pore P oh I see, i agree with you

[@leon1bv]

Wish he was my teacher for every grade ...

[@1lawofficialvevo619]

j Cole is my role model!! 🌠

[@mo6343]

One time for my LA Sisters

[@goat504]

This interview is so much better than the breakfast club

[@danajah6581]

One of his best interviews

[@lacubanita813]

been catching up on interviews lately at work instead of listening to the same redundant playlists and he is so refreshing. I bet the conversations he has with his wife and mom are amazing. I'd love to sit with them at a family dinner and just talk.

[@ChildRebelSoldier]

I love this interview so much. I’m gonna start watching this a lot more often

[@MajorPayne175]

27:21 that hit me to the soul.

[@suhailshuaib8092]

I felt that also. Hits very deep. I feel like one hour of my life is worth more than all the money in the world.

[@suavegvlogs4068]

J. Cole is one of the most genuine artists out here

[@angellove8445]

One of the realist men ever! ❤JCOLE!

[@mdhillon8150]

this interview is so important. i wish more ppl could see it, super thought provoking. i also wish cole would do more interviews like this, angie is such an amazing interviewer and cole has intellectual thoughts that we need to hear.

[@kartikeymishra6393]

Bro I am indian, I need english subtitles to watch it, but there aren't any !

[@raymaldonado2139]

everytime i feel lost or down, i come to this interview everytime. goat.

[@LATINO412Cubano]

Thumps up if you watching 2018 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@mohammedrahman1027]

Rico Suave now watching in 2019😂😂😂

[@alleycat2697]

2020

[@oscardawn3469]

This is really genuine I like that.

[@TinaMarieJ]

This is far from depressing. This is mind opening especially for those who never think this way. Once I started thinking this way it was like my whole world changed. You just start seeing through different lenses. Damn J. Cole’s voice is very needed all over the world!❤️❤️🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@musamondoma9165]

I'm gonna comment again, this interview got me feeling pumped for 2021.