On Friday, September 20, J. Cole took to twitter to promote Gang Starr’s new single, “Family Loyalty,” and to inform fans that his feature on the track will be the last of his career. This news is less than shocking coming from Cole, a rapper notorious for his solo discography and typically-introverted style. He’s proven, platinum album after platinum album, that he can succeed all on his own, historically keeping his circle small with the artists signed to his label, Dreamville Records.
However, in an effort to ensure that he can retire from the rap game with no regrets, Cole has been switching up his methods and being more open to experimentation. The drop of Dreamville’s third collaborative album, “Revenge of the Dreamers III,” earlier this year was the cornerstone for this change. The album branched out from using only Dreamville artists and extended invitations to hundreds of rappers, producers and other artists from all over the music industry. This project and the attention it drew changed the game for the label itself and solidified Dreamville’s spot as a powerful force to be reckoned with.
On the same note, Cole has been stepping out of his own personal comfort zone by collaborating with a variety of artists, guest producing and featuring on songs ranging from trap to R&B. It’s a shame that the marathon can’t last forever, but this has been solid victory lap for J. Cole, ultimately appearing on more tracks in this two-year run alone than he has throughout his entire career.
In light of the announcement of Cole’s last guest feature, here is a list of my top five features from his career:
- “Pretty Little Fears” by 6lack (“East Atlanta Love Letter,” 2018)
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6lack definitely had Cole in his element, channeling his poetic side, for this R&B record. Their voices and smooth styles compliment each other so well. This single was Grammy-nominated and there’s no wonder why. It was also my most played song of 2018 on Spotify, meaning I actually abused the replay button and I probably always will.
- “Rembrandt… Run it Back” with JID, J. Cole, Vince Staples (“ROTD3,” 2019)
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Cole had a couple solid verses on ROTD3, but this one was my favorite. I like when he shows his versatility as an artist and rapper. His lyrics are hard and confident but still authentic to himself, which is the balance that Cole has mastered throughout his career. Vince Staples follows him and ends the song just as strong as it started.
- “Zendaya” by Cozz (“Effected,” 2018)
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Cozz signed to Dreamville as one of the label’s first artists back in 2014, so it’s no surprise to see him and Cole on a song together. The song, produced by Cole himself, has a smooth beat that makes for an effortless listen. Cole comes in first, rapping about music, coming up, and the influence of drugs in our society.
- “Shea Butter Baby” by Ari Lennox (“Shea Butter Baby,” 2019)
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This song is more Ari’s energy than Cole’s, but it proves once again how seamlessly Cole and Dreavmville artists work together on tracks. Having a guest feature from Cole on her debut album definitely helped boost Ari Lennox into the spotlight this year, and her music has gotten a super positive response from a lot of fellow artists in the industry.
- “Planez” by Jeremih (“Late Nights: The album,” 2015)
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I had to include this song because it’s a classic. People love throwbacks and J. Cole has the formula for hits. Cole gained a lot of his fans throughout this era and his debut album, “2014 Forrest Hills Drive,” which he dropped around this time, so it’s only right to include one of his features that got him some more attention.
Even if J. Cole means it when he says he’s done with guest verses, he has left us with the wide variety of features he’s given us throughout his career. What I love about him as an artist is that no matter how he sounds on a track, hyped-up and confident or slowed-down and vulnerable, he always has an essence of authenticity and stays true to himself. You always know what he’s saying on a song is coming directly from him, which I can really appreciate as a fan. On the bright side, it’s album season now and I can’t wait to see what else J. Cole has in store.