Rapper J. Cole Talks For Nearly An Hour to the WSJ's Lee Hawkins | J. Cole Interview

Jermaine Cole, also known as rapper J Cole, opens up to the Wall Street Journal's Lee Hawkins about his long journey to the top of the music industry, helped by his mentor Jay-Z and his formal education as a magna cum laude graduate of St. John's University in New York. As part of the discussion, he discusses how he landed his record deal, his controversial autism comments, allegations that he and Jay-z are part of a powerful 'illuminati' subculture, Trayvon Martin, his views on race and black America, and his rivalry with Kanye West.
On the Illuminati -- 37:22
On Going To College -- 14:14
On How He Built His Following -- 8:29
On Jay-Z's Mentorship 29:37
On Trayvon Martin -- 27:43
On The Advantages of NYC Rappers -- 23:06
Click here to subscribe to our channel:
‪bit.ly/14Q81Xy‬
Visit us on Facebook:
/ wsjlive
Follow us on Twitter: / wsjlive
Visit the Wall Street Journal: www.wsj.com
Don’t miss a WSJ video, subscribe here: bit.ly/14Q81Xy
More from the Wall Street Journal:
Visit WSJ.com: www.wsj.com
Visit the WSJ Video Center: wsj.com/video
On Facebook: / videos
On Twitter: / wsj
On Snapchat: on.wsj.com/2ratjSM

[@bobbymakhetha9944]

"I'm just a man of the people. Not above but equal. And for the great of good, I walk amongst the evil.. " - J. Cole

[@Strangesoldier9]

Crap man I just listened to this song a couple minutes ago but I forgot the name bro

[@Victor-xl4ru]

+Strangesoldier9 let nas down

[@123alexer]

what are you trynna say smhh

[@bobbymakhetha9944]

Danny Ramirez it's lyrics to a j. cole song ... what's up with you ??

[@busychrissy0.0]

Bobby Makhetha I caught chills reading that quote!!!

[@beauteemarie]

i can watch J.Cole's interviews all day .

[@karenlopez484]

me too

[@tysonwilburn5306]

It's Buttahcup Litteraly what I was doing all today😂

[@kenyasbeautystyle1003]

I’ve actually been doing all day and yesterday 😂

[@mercedese8157]

I thought I was the only one 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@rob879]

Too bad there's only like 5 of them lol

[@planbsponserme]

Never thought I'd sit down and watch a rappers interview for an hour, but J. Cole is something else man. He's in his own league. I see people looking back on J Cole as being even bigger than Pac. Pac is hip hop's Michael Jordan. Most would argue you can't get better than either of them. Then time goes by and you're given Lebron James, or in hip hop terms you're given J. Cole. There were people during their time that recognized their potential, but most would argue Pac/Jordan are the end all be all. Give 5 years after Cole/Lebron retire, they'll finally start getting more respect for their individual talents, and stop living in the shadows of other previous greats. Can't wait to see where Cole's career takes him. He humbly recognizes his potential

[@alaza61]

Not everyone considers 2pac to be hip hop's Michael Jordan. That's a general opinion that has been so widely spread to the masses that it's become blasphemous to say he is not the best. People like Krs One, Chuck D, Mos Def, Talib Kweli and so on have all delivered better messages to the people and arguably had a better flow. Michael Jordan? Na.

[@WhosNyGeal]

Exactly, love intellectual rappers and J.Cole is definitely a huge inspiration to me, as well as a lot of others like Logic, Kendrick, EPMD, Nas, Wu Tang and many others but I love lyrical music and if you do as well please check me out and subscribe,thanks in advance.

[@AgentChanelAlmighty]

yes amazing comment :)

[@tlawrence117]

I just had the same thought and to think I just had to argue with a FOOL for saying Cole was trash I said bro I can't take u serious with a response like that smdh the man is a extremely talented artist and very conscience and intelligent I also get or take new perspective on dif things seemingly every time I listed to his interviews

[@vukaleksic9654]

cole has a line talking about this exact analogy, just doesn't mention Pac. Sorry if I'm offending your opinion, but as a rap head I disagree Pac being rap's Jordan - he's more like Magic or Bird. Nas, Jay Z oe Kanye are on the highest pedestal as the most influentian/greatest, Pac and Big are hella overrated because they were killed. And Cole isn't the best in this generation, but he is hella close. If you like watching good interviews just watch Kanye's Zane Lowe 2013 interview

[@summersunny7502]

It's a shame that some of j Coles songs are too real to even play on the radio smh. I would love to just hear rich niggaz on the radio but people don't like authentic shit these days

[@youngkeazy2806]

I would love to hear miss america in the radio.

[@mikemcrae2095]

GunzBlazein180 lol he would become the next biggie or tupac if miss america was on the radio.....i'd rather him keep those real songs out of the limelight so the government wont shoot him up, and we can keep the realest rapper alive!!

[@youngkeazy2806]

Fuck Alex I know he said that. they wont play it...

[@dariusspanjer7450]

I want to hear New York Times and Crooked Smile but they never play it in Germany :/ -.-

[@TheDevDev187]

Forbidden Fruit would've been a perfect record for the radio

[@amandavioletcole6130]

I'm just in love with how intelligent he is. He's one of the greatest of all time, and I think it's because he's very intelligent and it appeals to far more people.

[@StatPlayer2301]

I connect with J Cole's music so well. Even though he's not with me, I feel like he helped me through a lot of the pain I've been going through. His songs relate to me so much and he's mad real and in my opinion is the face of mainstream hip-hop/rap at the moment.

[@toolz47]

yo this dude is so intelligent..he's so much more enlightened and knowledgeable about things (outside rap) than the average rapper. this right here is a great example of the importance of education.

[@yellow5350]

I love this guy, not only is he a lyrical genius, he's genuine

[@WhosNyGeal]

Exactly, love intellectual rappers and J.Cole is definitely a huge inspiration to me, as well as a lot of others like Logic, Kendrick, EPMD, Nas, Wu Tang and many others but I love lyrical music and if you do as well please check me out and subscribe,thanks in advance.

[@aminashaibi5384]

Omg you are on j cole video ever made ❗️❗️

[@yellow5350]

Amina Shaibi who me?

[@aminashaibi5384]

+Ghaniza S Yes it's not a bad thing!!

[@yellow5350]

Amina Shaibi lol i was on a J. Cole marathon that day, hardly find any interviews of him. I love his music

[@Nicksgf09]

This was worth the 40 minute watch. J. Cole is a very humble guy. You can tell he is mainly in the game for his love of music and the craft. He's not all about the money and the fame. This was a great interview. I learned a lot more about his character.

[@dealglaze2596]

Cole is definitely an educated individual and its shows in his music. You may have to have a certain level of intelligence to comprehend what the hell he is saying and If you do cole is your favorite artist.

[@mshaina1408]

Everything you said is so true!

[@tlawrence117]

I just figured out why I had to argue with a cat the other day for saying Cole is a "garbage overrated mc" all he kept saying is "give me a quote able" over and over I'm like fam I've u don't get it u don't get it in not entertaining ur bafoonary hahaha #coleworld

[@ritaramirez2916]

+De'al Glaze for sure

[@depranz6566]

Real shit my nigga

[@patriciacrawford6385]

De'al Glaze I agree 100%

[@04WELLYDEEP]

J.cole the man, definitely an inspiration to me.Ican agree/relate with pretty much everything he says, i wish more rappers, or just anybody with alot of influence, had the same mentality as him.

[@OmgRae979]

I feel you 100%

[@Myyoutubechannel30004]

You're pathetic learn to think for yourself.

[@jdep007]

john And learn how to respect other people's opinions and point of view.

[@WhosNyGeal]

Exactly, love intellectual rappers and J.Cole is definitely a huge inspiration to me, as well as a lot of others like Logic, Kendrick, EPMD, Nas, Wu Tang and many others but I love lyrical music and if you do as well please check me out, thanks in advance.

[@Tshe_]

+ThugLifeVids true dat

[@ThabangTM]

I'm here in 2020, Jay Z is now a billionaire, and J Cole have grown to be the Greatest of all time

[@harmoniesplus1345]

I’m here in 2021, and nothing has changed

[@abrahammensa]

Here in 2023 ,, it's amazing journey for sure

[@lucianionut8668]

2024 and still..

[@jcutty7019]

Every time I hear cole speak I always get reminded of Pac, dudes wisdom and knowledge reminds me of him.

[@brandonvasek497]

Not sure if you know anything about this, but I found your comment interesting because J. Cole is an INFJ personality type (like me), and 2Pac was an ENFJ personality type (very similar to INFJ like J. Cole, but more outgoing, and some other differences). If you are interested, you can research it. INFJs are considered the most wise type, and ENFJs are very wise too.

[@moisejoassaint4185]

Brandon Vasek hmmm

[@hueykhalidX]

He made an interesting point on school. A lot of people just go to school and memorize/regurgitate random facts. That's not real intelligence.

[@ivana3560]

6 years later still relevant

[@vhari8907]

i come back to this every year, i’m 18 now, and i just now realized that this is such a tough interview for him to have at his age at the time, and he delivered

[@RealestRob]

I can listen to Cole talk for hours & hours on end. 💯

[@jorgegalicia4548]

Never understood his music till I got older. Till I had to deal with life. Till I got a girl pregnant. Till my mother got cancer. Till I had to couch surf while going thru university. Till I had no money in my pocket. Now i comprehend and understand. His music is therapy to me that’s why I keep coming back. It heals. I’m doing better and things are coming along very well. Now it’s time to maintain and prosper. If you ever hear read this Jermaine, thank you. I’m about to have a healthy baby, about to finish university, and handling my finances like I should, and I really don’t know if I could have done it without your reassurance. It really felt like you made certain songs just for me that’s how much I can relate.

[@ZinedinePrime]

That's amazing, I'm happy for you, stay strong

[@pistol345]

Didn't intend on watching the whole thing... but I couldn't turn it off. Jermaine Cole for President

[@TheReddaredevil223]

Kendrick Lamar used to be my favorite rapper, but J. Cole is now my #1

[@briansigei1989]

word!

[@doesntknowbetter6415]

TheReddaredevil223 Just know Kendrick and Cole are the best out there right now.

[@valentino806]

TheReddaredevil223 if u want a song with both listen to Black Friday

[@jayyy1677]

Tbh both are my favorite

[@departfromevil2000]

This has to be one the best and comprehensive interviews I have listened to. J. Cole is a real one!

[@caribbeanbeauty88]

I saw him in Amsterdam and he just blew the crowd away with his energy and aura. A very articulate guy and very in touch with his fan base. At the meet and greet some girls were crying when they finally met him and he actually took time in comforting them and letting them know he appreciates their support. A real artist but also a humble man.

[@DeadDudeization]

Wow. Cant get this kind of conversation from any rapper other than J Cole right now.

[@evaldowhitehorne3387]

J Cole interviews are much to learn from its inspirational, thoughtful and navigating 🙏🏾

[@daniellehiggins1360]

Loved this interview. I can't even pick the right words right now. A very intelligent interview from both Lee and Cole. Smart brothers. J Cole is definitely different, humble and down to earth. Made me fall in love with him all over again Lol.

[@monicaramirez243]

My dinner got cold because I was fully locked into this interview. Good stuff from Cole.

[@karinapalacios4246]

Oh my God.. Same!!!

[@ssematimbaallan3668]

+Monica Ramirez Use the fire from Friday Night Lights to warm it up lol

[@joshjohnson3867]

Ssematimba Allan to warm up*

[@lovelybells9983]

I so respect, J Cole....You have gained a new fan... You are a very Humble Man. INTELLIGENCE IS SEXY!!!!

[@iamthewalrus1983]

I hadn't heard such a good interview by a rapper since Tupac. Well done :) (very good interviewer. He asks the good questions and shows he cares about the person he talks to.)

[@susanmechley1367]

i love this interview JCOLE is so smart n intelligent

[@galshalev2931]

He can elaborate on his answers for a few minutes nonstop...and actually keep going... but he always manages to come back to the origin of the question and rap it up perfectly.. that is impressive!! 💯✊🔥

[@kobebryantandbasketball6516]

If anything cole is ahead of his time, he's a mature rapper and educated. A legend in front of our eyes. Happy birthday Jermaine!!

[@Msboochie2]

Kudos to Mr. Hawkins for a great interview. He seemed to have a good rapport with J. Cole, but did not solely rely on it. His thorough research coupled with what seems to be a genuine interest in J. Cole made a fantastic interview. J. Cole should also be commended for his candor and humility.

[@absoluteform3]

I almost think of his journey of leaving Fayetteville and going to a big ass city like new York where he didn't know anybody like its a journey of epic proportion, on some lord of the rings shit.

[@absoluteform3]

that's not something someone from a big city would understand though

[@absoluteform3]

and fayetteville is a very country city, you can live directly in city limits and live on a really country road.

[@fruitislife1626]

absoluteform3 Exactly lol Greensboro is more City than Fayetteville but nothing like NY

[@KickinItWithCade]

absoluteform3 I'm from Carolina, trust me it's epic

[@tambasax]

An educated and inspiring man. I'm just glad he's doing something great for the world through his music. "A HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ON A CHAIN" Lol, people have BEEN dissing Meek Mill before Drake hahahaha!

[@hayleybear2148]

Two very intelligent men, such a great great interview. Thank you

[@jonathanperez5046]

Already a big fan but his interviews like this man they really make you appreciate his music hes just so real keep up the great work cole

[@Covers-and-Commentary]

Great interview. The interviewer seems thoughtful, not like he's just asking questions just to ask but because he really wants to know. I love J.Cole he's dope.

[@Iwasjustthinkingg]

Great interview. The fact that I watched the entire thing says a lot. Very interesting.

[@tlawrence117]

Great interview,can't believe I just watched a hour interview straight thru my fav artist or not 😂😂😂😂 but the intelligence and substance u get from Cole is something we rarely see and I always take something away from his interviews thou they are usually shorter 😂😂

[@thewhefner5746]

I like 2014FHD because it seemed like he was done trying to make singles and was really being himself.

[@ItZzSarah]

The makeup on the interviewer is crazyyyy!

[@juang.t.6706]

It's amazing how much determination J. Cole has to better himself. Not only music, in everything that lives inside him. I didn't want this interview to end lol neither did he it seems like. Thumbs up doesn't do this video justice, I feel like there should be a special button on youtube that says: ♤♤♤♤♤♤ "Click I here if this video was NOT a waste time out of your life, like a lot of other things on your suggestions tab"

[@tlawrence117]

U can almost always take something from a Cole interview that makes u think about something in a dif way or change something to help better urself in some way

[@juang.t.6706]

tom lawrence​ I definetly felt that was true, I felt understood and that's half the battle when you want to find your passion in life

[@Izzy_Santos]

Great interview looking forward for more.

[@mingi9662]

I love when the interviewer is a fan of the person who they interview. You could tell he was a fan, this was great and J. Cole was as amazing as ever.

[@JBILLA651]

You put great work into your interviews Lee. Always a pleasure.

[@CABEZADIVACA]

This man has got my complete respect. He is real and in many ways can relate with a lot of us kids . This is far fetched but much of his words are to be followed. He is one of my many role models. From the way the chose to keep his crooked teeth to the words and stories he tells in each of he's songs.

[@mclovin4280]

50:25 "Maybe Boost" so funny. So intelligent. Great interview, can't believe I watched the whole thing. Cole World.

[@MzStarpower1]

I love to see two educated black men having an intelligent conversation.

[@djwarzone1]

Thank you wsj... this was one of the best hip hop interviews I've seen. A real interview...

[@therebellion96]

This interviewer was really on his game on this one. Asking interesting questions, doing his research and he seemed to have great rapport with Cole. Had a good stream of interesting topics and deep conversation. I like the interviews where J. Cole doesn't look like or feel like he's playing 20 questions with another stranger.

[@maxbarajas964]

wym he sounded like a robot

[@minil8842]

Amazing interview I feel like I learned something rare these days....

[@JalissaEvora]

This was inspiring and I laughed here and there its like my 3rd time watching it.. Love J. Cole!! Dreamvileeee

[@ashleyNessaCrazy]

One of the best J.Cole interviews I've ever seen! More reporters/interviewers need to do their research like this!!

[@abeld.3410]

great interview! great people! makes feel like buying one of J.Cole's albums and downloading one of his free mixtapes.

[@abeld.3410]

AND I WILL

[@jdep007]

This interview couldn't get any more real. Cole is an inspiration for sure. The haters gon hate.

[@staceyrobles4655]

Such an inspiring interview. J.Cole seems like he is very humble and down to earth person. Smh at those people worried about his nose instead of listening to what he has to say

[@rlee0141]

love this interview. inspiring stuff

[@MrDuffy81]

Black Intellectualism...CAN WE PLEASE HAVE MORE????????????????????????????????

[@merib3041]

+MrDuffy81 He's Mixed Race though ... somehow i find that soooo ..... low

[@CrapRapRecords]

+MrDuffy81 There is a ton on the internet. Listen to Dame Dash, Tyler Perry, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams etc

[@CrapRapRecords]

+Meri B You find mixed race so low? What do you mean?

[@merib3041]

Not at all i am Mixed ^^ I find it low how most black people try to appropriate mixed peoples accomplishments as heir own, Obam Degrasse Tyson !! We are either both races or none, or a race of our own ! some mixed people may identify as black but genetically we're simply arent the same !!

[@CrapRapRecords]

Meri B We are both yeah. Im mixed too.. Norwegian and persian. But i understand what you mean, there are black racists, as well as white. The problem is that the whites got the most power, and its also more HARDCORE, like in the police etc. I don't think black police are walking around treating white teenagers like scum, like some white officers. Of course it has to be some evil racist & black cops tho. But I'm with you about taking the accomplishments. We are all the same, the talent is GOD given, and is given to whites, blacks, mexicans and asians. Every people got their good and bad, funny and boring

[@ryanandrue792]

Great interview and great questions #4YourEyezOnly

[@troymontero1938]

Great interview, J Cole is probably one of a few rappers in our generation today that is real and authentic compared to these other rappers and have he actually as an unbelievable talent.

[@samylovesbrian]

LOVE THIS INTERVIEW!

[@MissTashK]

Love him even more now. It's easy to love a rapper's work, but it's hard to find a rapper who's personality you love too. He's so real, and isn't egotistic like most rappers nowadays.

[@ginalynn998]

sweet boy.

[@joetic4884]

OK.... Just watched this.. So insightful!! Great interview & a great view into J.Coles world!!

[@katielushefski6947]

i respect how he's pretty low key and grounded. he's way more relatable than other rappers, and that'll give him longevity in the industry

[@nomorepartiezz]

I need Cole to become an actor! The music video for G.O.M.D was great

[@TheAvgWoman]

This guy is good vibes. Also, it's nice to know there are real artists still in mainstream media. The way he thinks and articulates his fame and influence shows that he's just a creative guy that wants to spread positivity. I can dig it. I don't like to compare, but most other artists seem fame hungry, immature and clearly lack the talent to create their own music. This guy isn't much of a puppet, comparatively.

[@motmorobaditshipi1705]

I got a child with autism but i was never offended by cole, coz i been a fan from day one and i know how genuine he is with his lyrics. boy boy, authenticity at its best. keep it real...

[@winteradams8585]

man, j cole is amazing, so humble and beautiful.

[@adami8114]

Great interview, the interviewer did an amazing job.

[@meechmiliyan8965]

shout out lee Hawkins asking good questions

[@adami8114]

Meech Johnson 100%

[@putus18]

The interviewer brought up the point where does J. Cole think that if he was from the hood and sold drugs, that that would've had a bigger appeal to society and selling records. He answered yes and I honestly thing that's unfortunate for society to find an artist more appealing in his narrative if he was from the hood, sold drugs instead of going to college and graduating and eventually becoming a rapper.

[@NurseBass]

It's just the classic story of triumph really. People can find more appeal and relation in a person who overcame terrible circumstances who had to "do what they had to do" in order to get out and succeed as opposed to somebody who went to college and got a degree.

[@putus18]

While I understand that's the "classic story of triumph," its still so unfortunate that that's the "triumph" most can relate to or find appealing? Instead of a man who happened to be friends with such people, went to college got a degree and then decided to pursue his dream.

[@mynameisjeff3383]

I agree. Struggle is Struggle no matter what circumstance.

[@Anthonydu01630]

putus18 J.Cole is from the hood, he just didnt sold drugs

[@GIFTsefiso]

Great interview, I really enjoyed it.

[@smile1609]

I love him. He's so real, he's honest and not embarrassed. One of the things that I hate most about famous people is that they try to front like they've always been starts. Jermaine is real, he's not trying to hide or fake anything. I love him and his crooked smile! God bless!

[@leslie7543]

Lee Hawkins needs to develop as an interviewer. if you are going to ask a question let the person answer instead of feeding them an answer and having them elaborate. ask a question and see what route a person is going.

[@jazzeravalerie]

its 1:58 am on a school morning & im not bothered by the amount of time spent watching cole interviews, i could rewatch all of em until i die tbh.

[@beverlyceasar1977]

And I love you for that thought process!

[@Jaydizzlerocks]

lee hawkins is a great interviewer

[@250chelsea]

My love for him and his music grow more and more everyday.

[@oddishWILD]

Great interview. This gives an in-depth in his thinking and how he really is as a person!

[@yLepe]

very inspirational, I love your music J cole!!! keep growing and keep creating!

[@gianojeda6536]

Tupac Got Teary Eyes With This Interview.

[@theuniqueoneable]

Watching Cole,Malcolm X ,James Baldwin ,dane Callaway videos is breath of fresh air

[@Dan-jx8kl]

Impossible to not like J.Cole, the most down to earth rapper out there and probably the best rapper out there too.

[@CeeShelli]

Fantastic. Insightful. Intelligent. Grown folks talk. One of the best interviews I've seen in a long time. #ColeWorld

[@MsPrettymissy]

Such a humbling interview

[@brandonpeoples7929]

Even though we're the same age I look up to this man!! I'm truly so happy to seem him succeed! +jcole #coldwarforeal

[@MaroonRose3216]

It's a breath of fresh air to hear a rapper say the same things in interviews as on records. Nothing beats honesty.

[@jbenning050]

Phenomenal interview very authentic and honest. We can learn a lot from this brother. #jcole #morethanarapper

[@ErickADreGonzalez]

The fact that is says J.Cole, Hip-Hop artist, is awesome lol Because sometimes they call artists Rappers like they're just rappers.

[@KRW-ks9nb]

Very humble and very intelligent. J Cole is the truth

[@sabinewilson4385]

He's so real. He gives off the most addictive vibes. I respect this man so much.

[@brandblue8980]

gr8 interview. insightful talk between J. Cole & Lee Hawkins

[@jennygreenfield7215]

Still a great interview in 2019.

[@denarasdestiny16]

"I spent a hundred thousand dollars on the chain" lol Great interview!

[@Uniqdna]

he bringing back mad memories from my years at St. John's, i was in Haraya too lol miss my SJU days

[@dannydankvevo9795]

2018 and this is still as insightful as if it was released yesterday! God Bless J. Cole!

[@conduitofthegospeldarrellb9154]

"I SPENT A HUNNID THOUSAND DOLAS ON A CHAIN!" Lmao. Bet thats the hook for his next hit record lol. Cool interview.

[@ririj1234]

I love this guy!! I've fallen for his intelligence!!

[@Bryant721]

really enjoyed the interview. great conversation by Lee and Cole.

[@CopticCorey]

Everybody is giving props to J. Cole on this interview.. which he deserves.. But this guy Lee Hawkins did an EXCELLENT JOB! He asked tough questions and never let J. Cole take the easy way out. He grilled him! J. Cole seemed to enjoy the challenge and it caused him to open up more to the interviewer because the tough questions allowed J. Cole to express himself. By the end of the interview you were looking at a brand new friendship.

[@ItsKiaraWay]

Loved this interview.. Cole is such a smart , intelligent man. #ColeWorld