lil yachty interview j cole

Lil Yachty on His Rock Album ‘Let’s Start Here,’ Rapping With J. Cole, and What’s Next

By Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

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Nowhere in the rap star manual does it say that a guaranteed formula for success is to “make psychedelic rock album with almost no rapping.” Yet that is exactly what Lil Yachty did with “Let’s Start Here,” his fifth full album but first rock project, after years as a top rapper with hits like “One Night,” “Minnesota,” “Oprah’s Bank Account” and guest spots on Kyle’s smash “iSpy,” Dram’s “Broccoli,” Calvin Harris’ “Faking It” and others.

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Are these the first dates you’re playing behind this new album?

At the album listening session, people did not seem to know what to think.

No! I didn’t know what people would expect, but I knew they wouldn’t expect that. I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never been more confident with a body of work, so my chest was out. I didn’t think anyone would be like, “Oh, this sucks.” I genuinely felt like even if you didn’t like it, if you’re a music head, you’d have some kind of respect for the body of work itself, and for an artist to pivot and make something in such a complete, utter, opposite direction from what came before.

You said the people you played the album for included Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Tyler, the Creator — all of whom have made moves something like that in the past.

I’ll tell you, Tyler was a big reason for this album. He’ll call me at like eight o’clock in the morning — for no reason — and we’ll talk for hours. I was such a fan of [Tyler’s Grammy-winning 2019 album] “Igor,” his character and his way of creating a world — the color palettes, the videos, the billboards, the fonts. It’s all together. And I was like “How do you do that?” Because I was trying to figure out how to make a pop-funk-psychedelic-rock album cohesive, without it sounding like someone’s playlist. Then I started working on the visuals, and what I wanted to do was extremely expensive. To be quite honest, I don’t think my label believed in it enough to give me the budget that I truly needed for the visuals to bring this album to life, so I just made two videos.

Tyler and Drake both called me before my first show — I didn’t even tell them the show was happening but they both called me. That means something to me, because those people are my idols. I remember the day Kanye tweeted [Tyler’s 2011 single] “Yonkers,” I was in eighth grade. So them checking on me means a lot.

Is it a lonely feeling, sticking your neck out creatively like that?

Yeah, at first it was, but another thing Tyler taught me was not to be afraid of that. I was so scared before those first shows, like, “What if they don’t wanna hear it?” Tyler would always say, “Fuck it, make them feel you.”

Like, on the first show of this tour, I told the [sound crew], “Play psychedelic music before I go on, don’t play hip-hop” — but right before I went on they played a Playboi Carti song and I heard the crowd turning up and I was like, “Oh no, they’re gonna hate me!” And when I came out, I have in-ears [onstage monitors] and I have them set so you can’t really hear the crowd, it’s like dead silence. But I just kept going, and then my rap set comes and they go fucking crazy and that gives me confidence, and when I did the big rock outro on “Black Seminole,” they all started clapping. And for me it was the biggest “Oh, thank God,” because I couldn’t tell if they were fucking with it.

Is it exciting being in such a risky place creatively?

You were a teenager.

Exactly, But I still wanted respect, you know? I cared! My career was never solidified, I felt like folks were writing me off, so when I was making “Let’s Start Here,” I was at a point in my career where I did not have a hit rap record — it was like, “Man, this could really go left!” But I didn’t start thinking about that till I got deep into it. When I started, I was just like, “Man, I really love this stuff. Why don’t I hear anything like this now? No one makes psychedelic songs anymore.” I do psychedelics and I knew I wanted to make a psychedelic album. I love long songs, I love to just get deep into them — that’s why I love [Pink Floyd’s 1973 classic] “Dark Side of the Moon.”

I was on psychedelics when I first heard it and I would listen and just be like maaan. Like, bro, how can music make me feel like this? How can music make my brain just go to a new dimension? And how did you do that in 1973? I was like, can I do this? And obviously my answer was no. I mean, no offense, but how many rappers successfully made a rock album?

Almost none.

That’s what I’m saying. I think one of them was Kid Cudi’s rock album — I love it but a lot of people hated it. It’s not a full rock album, but it has a strong rock element to it.

Where did the rock influences come from, your parents?

My dad played a lot of Coldplay, a lot of Radiohead, John Mayer, Lenny Kravitz, a lot of John Coltrane, and I’m named after Miles Davis. My family loved James Brown, my dad loved Pharrell. He actually didn’t play Pink Floyd to me, but I’m glad I heard it as an adult.

I tried to make “Let’s Start Here” five years ago — “Lil Boat 2” was supposed to be “Let’s Start Here” with teenage emotions, but I was too young. I got too nervous to experiment on my rap record, and I didn’t have much experience or knowledge in alternative music. I met [“Let’s Start Again” collaborator] Jeremiah Raisan and tried again with the next album, but I chickened out and made another rap album. But when I had that conversation with Tyler, I was like “I’ve gotta do this, let me get that guy back.”

You had a hit with “Poland” — why isn’t it on the album?

That’s what I battled with, but at some point, you have to trust yourself. In the middle of making the album, “Poland” was a huge Internet hit and people were like, “You gotta put it on the album.” But I was like, it doesn’t fit! Just because it’s a hit record doesn’t mean it makes sense anywhere on this record. I was so focused on making my Black “Dark Side of the Moon.” And there is a small rap verse on the album, at the end of “Drive Me Crazy.”

You’ve said you recorded a hip-hop album after you finished “Let’s Start Here,” what’s it like?

What do you want to do next?

I get off tour around Christmas, and in January I’m starting a new album. I don’t know what it is yet, I don’t want to say “alternative.” I have rap album, but I just decided I’m gonna keep dropping songs [from it] until my next [non-rap] album is done.

Do you know who you want to work with on the next album?

So many people, obviously I want to do it on mostly with the band I made the record with, [writers/producers] Justin and Jeremiah Raisen, Jake Portrait and Patrick Wimberly. But I want to work with Donald Glover, I really want to work with Florence from Florence and the Machine. Sampha, Frank [Ocean], Buddy Ross, who worked with Frank. Chris Martin, Bon Iver, Solange, Mike Dean.

I’ve just been exploring, doing things that people wouldn’t expect. Even if I’m not the best at something, let’s just try, let’s explore, let’s create new things.

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J. Cole Tells Lil Yachty About The State Of Hip-Hop Today & Weight Of First-Week Sales

The "Secret Recipe." duo seem to accept hip-hop's current state, and believe that they're at the "doorstep" of a new golden era.

J. Cole and Lil Yachty had a great time together on the latter's A Safe Place podcast, and had a lot of interesting discussions and debates . Two of these speak to the current state of hip-hop, and how the two different but kindred spirits view their place in it all and where it's headed. Moreover, one of these is the purely artistic expression in the genre, and how industry dynamics and the culture are shifting. Another relates to rap's commercial dominance, particularly in first-week sales. They had a lot to say as two leaders in styles that, although different, can always co-exist. "Do you think rap was in a better space when it was more gangster rap, or is it in a healthier place now with hyperpop and 'mumble rap' being so prevalent?" Lil Yachty asked J. Cole.

"What's you honest opinion on the new generation? What's missing?" he asked. "I can't say it was in a better space because that's my favorite," J. Cole replied. "Bro, I'm a person that I try my best to accept- like you said earlier- accept it for what it is. My favorite era is what I grew up on. I can't put nothing past how I feel and how I felt outside of my own... you know what I mean? I try to push myself to that, but bro, I'm grown, I was listening to that when I was a kid. Now it's new kids that got their new favorites . I wouldn't feel comfortable being like, 'Hell yeah, that s**t was in a better space!' Because I don't feel negatively about this space. I feel like this space is clearing the way for the next space, and the next space.

Read More: J. Cole Claims He Doesn’t Charge For Guest Verses

Lil Yachty Inquires About Hip-Hop's Current Form: Watch

"Do I feel like we in a golden era right now?" J. Cole continued. "No. I can say that, this is not no golden era, you know what I mean? But I feel like that'll turn really soon because of that. There's golden eras, bro. That Future 'March Madness' era, that's a golden era. What was happening with music at that time, him included, Drake at that time, what I was contributing, Kendrick, like, that's a golden era . Now, guess what? I feel like, culturally, we are at the doorstep of another golden era." "How do you feel about first week numbers?" Lil Yachty asked. "They change," Cole answered. "It's not black and white like it used to be. When there were gatekeepers and labels, and that barrier of entry was what it was, it was clear to see what was a success and what was a flop.

J. Cole On First-Week Sales Numbers: Watch

"At that time, bro, [Canibus' first] album was considered a flop," he concluded. "Maybe a hundred, maybe two hundred, but he didn't do twenty, you know what I mean? He did hundreds, and he was a flop. And these sales [now] ain't even based on the amount of people, they based on streams. Like, goddamn, that's hard! I feel like you can do 10 today, 15, 20, and it's not a flop. I don't feel like that applies to today. Of course, you would know better than me, because you're more in it. I think it's just a way to either praise who you like or to s**t on who you don't like. But if you my favorite artist and you did 4,000 in your first week, you think I'm going to be like, 'Man'?" For more on J. Cole and Lil Yachty, stay posted on HNHH .

Read More: Lil Yachty Divulges On Potential Drake Collab Album

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Lil Yachty and J. Cole Share Video for New Song “The Secret Recipe”: Watch

By Matthew Strauss

Lil Yachty and J. Cole have come together for the new song and music video “ The Secret Recipe .” Check out the new video, directed by Lil Yachty and AMD Visuals , below.

While “The Secret Recipe” is J. Cole and Lil Yachty’s first collaborative song, the rappers share a bit of a history. In 2011 and 2012, when he was 14 years old, Lil Yachty tweeted a number of anti-Cole remarks , such as, “ i just dont like j.cole.... never said he wasnt good ,” and, “ FUCKJCOLE. ”

Years later, in 2016, Lil Yachty discussed the tweets in an interview , “I honestly can’t explain it. I don’t know why. Back in the day, I was heavy on saying, ‘Fuck J. Cole.’ I don’t know why. His music is so lyrical—let me clear this up.”

He continued, “I fuck with J. Cole as a person. I don’t listen to J. Cole. But I have nothing against J. Cole. I was young, and I was just talking shit, trolling. I never thought I was gonna be a rapper.”

Yachty concluded, “I have no issues with J. Cole or his music, and if we ever bump into each other, I don’t wanna any problems.”

Later, in December 2016, J. Cole released the song “ Everybody Dies ,” featuring the following lyrics:

Clap at the fake deep rappers The OG gatekeep rappers The would-you-take-a-break-please rappers Bunch of words and ain’t sayin’ shit, I hate these rappers ’Specially the amateur eight-week rappers Lil’ whatever, just another short-bus rapper Fake drug dealers turn tour bus trappers

The “Lil’ whatever” lyric, in particular, led many to believe that J. Cole was dissing Lil Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert. After hearing the song, Lil Yachty said , “Honestly, I don’t give a fuck. I fuck with J. Cole, bro! I don’t listen to J. Cole, but I fuck with J. Cole.” He also brought up his teenage tweets and said, “I hope that he doesn’t feel any type of way.”

Lil Uzi Vert also responded to “Everybody Dies,” tweeting , “Heard some beautiful shit today @JColeNC 🔥💯. 😈®.” J. Cole, incidentally, recently collaborated with Lil Uzi Vert, co-producing the “ Blood Moon .”

“The Secret Recipe” follows Lil Yachty’s latest studio album, Let’s Start Here. , and J. Cole’s 2021 album, The Off-Season .

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J. Cole Listens to 16-Year-Old Lil Yachty Dissing Him for First Time

Staff Writer

View this post on Instagram A post shared by

J. Cole's sit-down with Lil Yachty on his "A Safe Place" podcast is going viral, as they spoke about everything from Cole not charging for features to a collaborative album with Kendrick Lamar.

At one point in the interview, Yachty's co-host, MitchGoneMad, asks Cole if he knew that Lil Yachty dissed him on a song when he was 16. Cole stated that he knew nothing of the song, which led to someone handing him a phone to listen. 

At first, Cole didn't seem sure about it, but he admitted that the song was "hard" after listening further. You can check out the full moment above.

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Screenshot from Lil Yachty and J. Cole’s “The Secret Recipe” video

Lil Yachty And J. Cole Unite For "The Secret Recipe" Video

After years of public tension and dismissive tweets, J. Cole and Lil Yachty united to release their new single, “The Secret Recipe.” Released today (Sept. 29), the song arrived alongside an accompanying visual and production handled by Rawbone and the Atlanta native himself.

In the opening verse, Lil Boat rapped, “The baddest h**s gon’ test the E, then blame the high for wantin’ sex. I never wanted peace, f**k all the opps, I support Malcolm X. The stack of chains is just a front. Overtaxed and underwhelming, your jeweler pulled a major stunt. I don’t smoke weed, already blunt, all of my cars, I had to hunt.”

Meanwhile, Cole picked up the latter of the song. He spat, “I probably put more n**gas on pause than Cam and Mason Betha . My agent get a whole lotta calls; it’s like he paid the ref. These b**ches out here lookin’ like Steph on the late contest. Wide open, shootin’ they shot, don’t even waste your breath.”

Watch the video below.

Fans also speculated that the North Carolina artist responded to YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s reported “F**k the Industry Pt. 2” diss. He hit back with lyrics like, “N**gas makin’ threats and I laugh, that’s ’cause you ain’t a threat. Don’t ask how I feel ’bout no rappers, s**t, they okay, I guess. Incomin’ call, press the button, the one that say accept. He FaceTime to ask for a feature and saw the face of death.”

The alleged clapback from Cole arrived on the heels of his collaboration with Lil Durk — who NBA YoungBoy was recently embroiled in a feud with — on “All My Life.” In 2021, Akademiks claimed that the hip hop mainstay waited eight hours in the studio for the Baton Rogue native, but the 23-year-old never showed up.

Moreover, Yachty wasn’t shy about expressing his distaste for the “No Role Modelz” hitmaker during his teenage years. In a series of tweets in 2011, he wrote, “I just don’t like J. Cole… Never said he wasn’t good” and even went as far as to say, “F**KJCOLE.”

i just dont like j.cole…. never said he wasnt good. — CONCRETE BOY BOAT^ (@lilyachty) October 2, 2011

@KeepIt232 FUCKJCOLE. — CONCRETE BOY BOAT^ (@lilyachty) December 20, 2011

Years later, in a 2016 interview, Yachty tried to clarify his past sentiments. “I was young, and I was just talking shit, trolling,” he admitted. “I f**k with J. Cole as a person. I don’t listen to J. Cole. But I have nothing against J. Cole. I was young, and I was just talking s**t, trolling. I never thought I was gonna be a rapper.”

The Born Sinner artist seemed to fire back later that year with his song “Everybody Dies.” He mentioned “amateur eight-week rappers” and “Lil’ whatever,” which many interpreted as a nod toward Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert. Luckily, the former’s response was refreshingly calm: “Honestly, I don’t give a f**k. I f**k with J. Cole, bro!”

Fast forward to now, and the artists have buried the hatchet. “The Secret Recipe” served as the first-ever collaborative work between the pair. 

It followed Yachty’s psychedelic rock-influenced album, Let’s Start Here , released earlier this year. For Cole, the single came after a slew of guest appearances that include Bas’ “Passport Bros” and Burna Boy’s “Thanks.”

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Lil Yachty & J. Cole Join Forces On First Collaboration 'The Secret Recipe'

By Tony M. Centeno

September 29, 2023

J. Cole and Lil Yachty stunned the world with their impressive collaboration. On Thursday night, September 28, Lil Boat dropped the music video for his new single "The Secret Recipe" featuring J. Cole. The video begins with the Atlanta native rapping his verse over the jazzy instrumental, which is produced by Rawbone and Yachty himself, as he sits on a stage in front of drum set. Once he finishes, the camera pans over to Cole who's the only one seated in the audience. "Cole and Yachty, comin' for they respect, come and pay your debt/Just like a travel pillow, we at your neck for the way you slept," Cole raps.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CONCRETE BOY BOAT^ (@lilyachty)

"This nuance but I see hella influence in the way you dress," he continues. "The way you sound, the way you try to move/You try to stay abreast on all the latest flows and the latest tones from generation next." This is the first time Yachty and Cole have ever connected on wax. Shortly after the song dropped, Cole took to Instagram to offer his thoughts on the record. He acknowledged Yachty's sonic evolution over the past few years and even requested to join him on his podcast. "Boat going crazy, waking the whole world up this year @lilyachty Lemme do the podcast 🙏🏾🙏🏾" Cole wrote.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cole World (@realcoleworld)

Lil Yachty has been on a roll since he kicked off the year with his experimental album Let's Start Here . Since then, the "Poland" rapper has come through with several notable bangers like "Strike (Holster)," "Slide" and his most recent track "Tesla." His latest single comes just a week after Yachty kicked off his "Field Trip Tour" featuring his all-female band. Watch the video for Lil Yachty and J. Cole's new song below. WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

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J. cole continues impressive feature run in lil yachty’s “the secret recipe.”.

"My greatest flex is that I made a milli', feel like I'm Bangladesh."

By Regina Cho

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Lil Yachty has recruited one of Hip-Hop’s most sought after emcees to assist him in his latest music video. On his newly released “THE SECRET RECIPE.” track, J. Cole swoops in with another expertly executed guest verse, continuing his ongoing infamous run of impressive features.

Suge Knight Crowns Kendrick Lamar The "Victor," Slams J. Cole For Apology

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CONCRETE BOY BOAT^ (@lilyachty)

Other records the “No Role Modelz” rapper has lended bars to this year alone are “All My Life” with Lil Durk, “on the street” with j-hope, “Passport Bros” with labelmate Bas, “There I Go” with Gucci Mane, and “To Summer, From Cole – Audio Hug” with Summer Walker.

Fans hoping to catch a live show from the “Poland” artist are in luck, as he is currently out on his headlining tour. The Field Trip Tour kicked off on Sept. 21 in Washington, D.C., and will hit major cities like Montreal, Boston, Toronto, Las Vegas, and more. The trek will come to a close with a finale show in Atlanta on Nov. 8.

Outside of his own releases, the Georgia-raised spitter can be heard dropping guest verses on recent tracks like “Taylor Port Junkie” by Rylo Rodriguez and “Boat Interlude” by Veeze. He’s also been having fun making surprise appearances on Drake’s current  It’s All A Blur Tour.

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J. Cole Teams Up with Lil Yachty for New Song “The Secret Recipe”

by Thomas Galindo September 29, 2023, 3:29 pm

Lil Yachty ‘s 2023 just keeps getting better and better. Out of nowhere on Thursday night (September 28), the Atlanta-bred MC released a new song exclusively on YouTube titled “The Secret Recipe.” Including a feature from J. Cole, making for their first-ever collaboration, Yachty’s new offering consists of solely two verses, where both artists attack the beat with ferocity.

Videos by American Songwriter

Yachty opens the first half of the track with a glistening, massive chip on his shoulder, calling out unnamed skeptics for never giving him the credit he deserves.

The standards have collapsed, they wrote me in with lames They treat me like I’m them, they hate I overcame Refuse to pat my back, refuse to shake my hand Refuse to give me props when I am not around Refuse to act like I ain’t shift the sound, like I ain’t push the culture

Next, over the saxophone-infused production, Cole steps onto the recording with the justifiable confidence of a seasoned veteran, which he certainly is at this stage of the game. Including his patented basketball allusions and accusations of rappers that are “fake gangsters,” Cole meets his high standards with perceived ease.

These bitches out here lookin’ like Steph on the late contest Wide open, shootin’ they shot, don’t even waste your breath I been stop fuckin’ you thots, ain’t got no patience left Save that shit for one of them niggas that rock the fake Pateks My paper stretched just like a Laker before he break a sweat Signed, the greatest yet

[RELATED: Lil Yachty Offers Insight on Drake’s ‘For All The Dogs’]

But, while much of the hip-hop community was blissfully pleased with the arrival of “The Secret Recipe,” some fans felt that one of Cole’s lyrics was meant to be a diss towards fellow rapper NBA YoungBoy. Rapping Incomin’ call, press the button, the one that say accept / He FaceTime to ask for a feature and saw the face of death , J. Cole is thought to have been sending a shot at YoungBoy, responding to a diss YB aimed at him earlier this year.

On his song “ Fuck The Industry Pt. 2 ,” released in April, YB appeared to be angry with J. Cole about the fact that he chose to do a song with Lil Durk instead of him. Considering Durk and YB have been in a years-long beef, YB likely took Cole’s decision as a firm stance on who he supports in the dispute.

J a ho, that n***a played it cold, like he was gon’ do a feature So I texted his line a muscle sign, I swear it’s gon’ be nice to meet you

However, Cole’s manager and president of his Dreamville label Ib Hamad did not see it this way. Taking to Twitter on Friday (September 29), hours after the song was added to digital streaming platforms, Hamad called Fans’ theory far-fetched.

“I’m pretty sure this is [cap emoji],” he tweeted, as “cap” is a slang term for a “lie.” “Not sure how y’all heard that cole verse and put that together, impressive.”

I’m pretty sure this is 🧢. Not sure how y’all heard that cole verse and put that together, impressive 😂. https://t.co/VxBY8B3OX5 — Ibrahim H. (@KingOfQueenz) September 29, 2023

Regardless of the mild drama, “The Secret Recipe” is the latest addition to a special run from Yachty so far this year. Including an experimental, psychedelic rock album and multiple fan-favorite songs like “ Strike (Holster) ” and “ Half Doin Dope ” with J.I.D., 2023 has seen Yachty elevate to new heights, thanks to a newfound multi-faceted sound and stellar collaborations.

Check out “The Secret Recipe” below.

Photo by Josh Brasted/FilmMagic

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Lil Yachty Secures Feature From J. Cole On New Song 'The Secret Recipe'

September 29, 2023

Lil Yachty and J. Cole have come together for a new song and visual that arrived without warning on Friday. “The Secret Recipe,” video was directed by Lil Yachty and  AMD Visuals . It is the third release from Yachty’s most recent album, Let’s Start Here , which also includes the popular singles “Strike (Holster)” and “Tesla,” and fans are excited about it.

Lil Boat opens the song by declaring himself “the secret recipe” behind the sound and style of some of your favorite rappers. He also takes aim at the haters who “refuse to act like I ain’t shift the sound like I ain’t push the culture.”

Cole takes a moment to brag about his influence on other artists’ songs.

“I’m on your song, your streams going up, not quite the Drake effect, but don’t complain bitch, take what you get and cut the label check,” he raps.

According to Complex , a press release describes the collaborative track as a piece of art that “embodies hip-hop’s competitive essence as both Yachty and Cole unpack their frustrations with the rap game while addressing the undeniable influence they’ve had on the culture throughout their careers.”

Regarding Yachty’s creative direction, he wants listeners to know that he will continue to be artistic without living up to others’ expectations of him, his sound, or his artistry.

“I’m just an artist, and you should never expect anything because I will always do something unexpected. Just don’t expect it. … You know, I hate to disappoint, but I’m here to disappoint if you start expecting shit,” he told Complex.

It’s  a  victory  for  Lil  Yachty  to  have  a  verse  from  the  legendary rapper ,  and  this  is  J.  Cole  and  Lil  Yachty’s  first  joint  effort.

Recently, Cole blessed Lil Durk’s Almost Healed single “All My Life” with a verse that skyrocketed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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J. Cole Reveals He Does Not Charge for Features

“yo, bro, it’s just a bar, bro.”.

In a recent podcast of Lil Yachty ‘s A Safe Place podcast, J. Cole stopped by to discuss his collaborative process. At one point in the interview Yachty asked J. Cole how much he charges for a features.

To much of his fans’ surprise, Cole confirmed that he does features for free, “Yo, bro, it’s just a bar, bro. Like, a lot of my bars be really on point but that’s just a flex. I’m not gonna charge a ni**a $2,000 a word. I don’t even charge ni**a for the verse, I’m doing this shit because I’m inspired to do it.” Cole’s comments come shortly before Soulja Boy revealed that he charges $1 million USD for a feature. In a livestream Soulja Boy said, “If you want a verse, it’s gon’ cost you a M. You want a show, it’s gon’ cost you $100k.”

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J. Cole speaks on scoring his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 thanks to "alley-oop" from Drake

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Earlier today (Nov. 2), Lil Yachty shared a snippet from his interview with J. Cole, who sat down with his “ The Secret Recip e ” counterpart for “A Safe Place Podcast.” In the short clip, Cole gave his honest reaction to scoring the first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 of his career, which happened thanks to his appearance on Drake’s For All The Dogs standout “First Person Shooter.” Notably, the hard-hitting track was competing for the top spot with another album cut, the Yeat-assisted “IDGAF.”

“It went No. 1, but if it went No. 2, I wouldn’t have felt no way. If the other song would’ve went No. 1, it’s like, ‘Bruh, I’m cool. I almost feel better not having my first No. 1 be off a Drake alley-oop,’” the North Carolina talent said. “I love Drake and I love that I’m a part of that moment with him, with Michael Jackson.” As REVOLT previously reported, the Canadian star is now tied with the King of Pop for the most No. 1s on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Dreamville emcee continued, “I’m grateful to be a part of it, but if the other song would’ve went No. 1, n**ga, I’m still grateful I’m a part of it. I wasn’t at home like, ‘Come on, y’all! Pick up the streams, man! We gotta beat this motherf**ker Yeat!’ I wasn’t doing that.”

Cole also provided reasoning as to why the Coleman, Vinylz, Tay Keith , Boi-1da, FNZ, and OZ-produced offering did so well in the first place. “What got ‘First Person Shooter’ to No. 1 was: Me and Drake’s fans still buy iTunes, still buy singles. So the physical sale — not physical, but the digital actual sales of the song — I don’t know who’s still buying them b**ches, but, you know, [I] appreciate y’all.”

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J. Cole, GloRilla, Lil Yachty’s Concrete Boys and More – New Hip-Hop Projects

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As rap fans put together their spring playlist, new projects continue to roll in at a breakneck pace to soundtrack the venture outside. This week, a lauded lyricist surprises with a surprise release, a bona fide rapper gives her fans more bars with a deluxe effort, a Memphis rhymer is back with a new mixtape, an Atlanta legend showcases his newly launched label’s lineup of young spitters and more.

J. Cole Surprises With Might Delete Later

Just in time for Dreamville Fest this weekend, J. Cole comes through with the surprise new project Might Delete Later . The North Carolina native announced the release on his Instagram page on April 5: “J. Cole – Might Delete Later. Out now.” The effort includes 12 tracks with features from his Dreamville Records artists Bas and Ari Lennox, Cam’ron, Ab-Soul, Central Cee, Young Dro, Gucci Mane and Daylyt. The standout track for rap fans at the moment is the closer “7 Minute Drill.” People think Cole is taking aim at Kendrick Lamar on the track as a response to “Like That.”

Doja Cat Drops Off Scarlet 2 CLAUDE

In classic Doja Cat fashion, the the rapper announced her Scarlet deluxe on a bizarre interview show called Therapy Gecko , in which she and the host were dressed in big green Gecko suits that included a full face of makeup. Doja says Scarlet 2 CLAUDE is inspired by The Hunchback of Notre Dame character of the same name. She reveals it’s because of the Disney villain’s toxic tendencies towards character Esmerelda. Doja then shared the album’s cover art last Friday (March 29), which is a close-up image of her hair.

Read More: Doja Cat Responds to Fans Thinking Her Cover Art Is Pubic Hair Photo

Glorilla unleashes new mixtape ehhthang ehhthang.

GloRilla ‘s “Yeah Glo” single has become inescapable since it dropped in February. Now she’s ready to drop off her next mixtape, Ehhthang Ehhthang . Glo’s newest effort features appearances from Moneybagg Yo, Megan Thee Stallion, Kevo Muney, Boston Richey and Finesse2tymes. The trape comes after Glo’s breakout 2022 mixtape, Anyways, Life’s Great… , made her a star.

Lil Yachty Drops New Label Compilation Tape It’s Us Vol. 1

Lil Yachty ‘s Concrete Boys collective has finally arrived in full force. Yachty, dc2trill, Draft Day, Karrahbooo and 31camo unleash the It’s Us Vol. 1 tape today. The new project arrives following a year of Lil Boat eagerly promoting the group for the last year. He’s been speaking about them nonstop on his A Safe Place podcast, and they’ve hit the road touring together. Their On the Radar Concrete Cypher exploded last October, raking in over 5 million views. The Concrete team is solid with this one.

Check out all the new hip-hop projects from NLE Choppa , Bryson Tiller , Reuben Vincent and more below.

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J. Cole ends Dreamville 2024 with a performance in front of Fayetteville landmarks

RALEIGH — Just before performing his hit song “Love Yourz” from his hit album "2014 Forest Hills Drive," J. Cole shocked the world and the 52,000 fans who filled Dorothea Dix Park for the 2024 Dreamville Festival.

The Fayetteville native, on a set featuring a replica of Fayetteville's Market House, issued a public apology to Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar. He even offered to accept any repercussions if Kendrick felt upset about his song “7 Minute Drill,” released late last week, and clarified that the song would be removed from streaming platforms. The decision came, Cole said, after he realized the reception to the song affected his peace and that Kendrick is family.

Family is the center of the Dreamville brand and the 2024 Dreamville Festival was one big family reunion.

Day one of Dreamville Festival

Day 1 of the festival was opened up by a member of hip-hop’s royal family: Domani, son of rap legend T.I., self-proclaimed King of The South. Just as Domani’s performance wrapped up, a loud voice could be heard from the Rise stage. That was the voice of the DJ for 18-year-old Florida rapper Luh Tyler. Dressed in a Carolina Blue and red tracksuit, he performed his hit songs such as “Backflippin,” “Change My Wayz” and “Law and Order.”

Back at the Shine stage, the crowd was filled with anticipation as a giant red hat appeared on stage with the words “Make America Sexxy Again” across the front, resembling Donald Trump’s signature MAGA hat. Sexxy Red made it clear that she is ready for this year’s election as she was escorted on by her "secret service agent." Sexxy turned Dreamville Fest into the “booty club” with songs like “Hellcats and SRTs,” “Hoodrats” and “Shake Yo Dreads.” While Sexxy paused for a water break, the crowd chanted “Get It Sexxxy! Get It Sexxy!” in anticipation of her newest single titled “Get It Sexxy.” She closed out her set with her smash hit “PoundTown.”

After a performance at the Rise stage by Chicago crooner Jeremih, rapper Lil Yachty delivered an electrifying performance that sent shockwaves through the festival grounds.

As a testament to Cole’s sincerity, Kendrick’s former labelmate Schoolboy Q was invited to perform his classics like “Man Of The Year,” as well as songs from his new project “Blue Lips.” During his set, the LA rapper jokingly acknowledged that he and K.Dot (Kendrick Lamar) are affiliates. However, it’s all love for Groovy Q.

Dreamville artist JID was one of the first performers when the sky darkened. However, the light show from his production lit up the entire park.

Fans made their way back to the Rise stage to see the night’s first headliner, 50 Cent. Appearing in a glass box filled with smoke, 50 went through his classic songs like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions” along with multiple wardrobe changes. Before one wardrobe change, he brought out North Carolina’s own, DaBaby. DaBaby also brought out special guests, his nephew and his daughter.

Once 50’s set concluded, fans headed back to the Shine stage to watch SZA close out the night. The R&B singer’s elaborate set included a replica boat and makeshift wrecking ball. SZA regularly ensured the safety of attendees, vowing not to continue until proper action was taken by event staff and onsite EMS. She closed out the night with her song “Good Day."

Day two of Dreamville Festival

The warm weather ensured fans would have a good second day.

The biggest questions of the day were centered around Cole's “Might Delete Later” and guest appearances.

Another Atlanta native, Chase Shakur, opened the day with a smooth, melodic performance. Winston-Salem native Tia Corine opened the Rise stage dressed in a custom pink lace outfit. During her performance, she was gifted a custom purse covered in teddy bears by someone in the crowd.

Dreamville OG Omen took the Dreamville stage with a notebook in hand so that he could try out a new verse for the fans. After their cheers of approval, he went into his old discography like “Elephant Eyez.” Throughout the day, attendees witnessed performances for newcomers like Hunxcho and Key Glock, as well as legends Jeezy and Monica. Nigerian superstar Rema ended his set early because of technical difficulties.

The Barbs crowded the Rise stage for the performance of their queen, Nicki Minaj.

The main attraction: J. Cole

And at the Shine stage, where fans camped all day for a good view of the festival’s founder and main attraction, was J.Cole.

After a montage featuring images of Cole in Fayetteville, the curtain rose on a stage where Cole appeared in a Red jersey with the number 26 on the back, representing Fayetteville. He stood in front of replicas of the Markethouse, Kelly and Kelly Auto, Ace Pawn Shop and Round-A-Bout Skating.

In the center of the stage sat Cole’s actual Black Honda Civic. His set included guest appearances from Lil Yachty, Lil Durk, Benny The Butcher, 6lack, Dreamville and Jeremih.

Cole ended his set, and the festival, with “No Role Models” and a fireworks show. Next year will be the fifth anniversary of the Dreamville Festival, and Cole promises to deliver an even greater show.

Salute to the entire Dreamville team and every activist getting active. Peace.

Rakeem “Keem” Jones is a community advocate and father of three from the Shaw Road/Bonnie Doone area of Fayetteville. He can be reached at [email protected].

Did J. Cole Remove ‘7 Minute Drill’ From Streaming Services?

It’s an annual marquee event for J. Cole to take the Dreamville Festival stage. It happened last weekend, as expected. Unexpectedly, however, the biggest headline from Cole’s set was an … apology?

Before performing “ Love Yourz ,” Cole issued a heartfelt apology to Kendrick Lamar for dissing him on “7 Minute Drill,” a song on Cole’s surprise-released mixtape, Might Delete Later . “7 Minute Drill” was a response to Lamar dissing Cole and Drake on “ Like That ,” the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit from Future and Metro Boomin’s We Don’t Trust You . Within his apology, Cole said he planned to remove “7 Minute Drill” from streaming services, but did he?

As of Friday afternoon, April 12, it would appear that Cole made good on his promise. On Apple Music and Spotify, “7 Minute Drill” is still listed on the tracklist of Might Delete Later but unavailable to stream. The song has been removed from J. Cole’s YouTube page entirely.

J. Cole has taken “7 Minute Drill” off streaming services pic.twitter.com/8VyklqOU6X — Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) April 12, 2024

At Dreamville, Cole explained that he was “ so proud ” of Might Delete Later , “except for one part,” which is “7 Minute Drill.”

“It’s one part of that sh*t that make me feel like, man, that’s the lamest sh*t I ever did in my f*cking life, right?” Cole said, in part, later adding, “I felt conflicted because I’m like, ‘Bruh, I know I don’t really feel no way.’ But the world wanted to see blood. So, I say all of that to say, in my spirit of trying to get this music out — I ain’t gonna lie to y’all — I moved in a way that, spiritually, feels bad on me.”

Lil Yachty’s Concrete Boys Drop Debut Album ‘It’s Us Vol. 1’ with Karrahbooo’s ‘Where Yo Daddy’ Video

The highly anticipated debut compilation album It’s Us Vol. 1 from the culture-shifting supergroup Concrete Boys has officially hit the airwaves. Released via Concrete Rekordz/Quality Control Music, the project marks a significant milestone for the group, which includes members Lil Yachty, Karrahbooo, Dc2trill, Draft Day, and Camo!.

Accompanying the album release is a brand-new music video for the focus track, Karrahbooo’s “Where Yo Daddy,” adding visual flair to the group’s sonic offerings. Cementing their status in the rap world, Concrete Boys have been making waves with fan favorites like “ MO JAMS ,” “ FAMILY BUSINESS ,” “ MY LIFE ,” and “ LOVE LANGUAGE ,” leading up to the release of their debut full-length project.

Helmed by the creative genius Lil Yachty, “It’s Us Vol. 1” comprises 16 tracks that blend classic rap’s sonic elements with today’s youth’s contemporary energy. From soulful rap vibes to cloudy southern trap beats, the album promises to lay the groundwork for a new era in the rap game.

With Lil Yachty at the helm, the Concrete Boys are set to redefine the hip-hop landscape, offering listeners a diverse and dynamic musical experience that reflects the essence of modern rap culture.

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