J. Cole Talks Diggy Simmons, New Album, & Kendrick Lamar Joint Project
During a day off from the “Club Paradise” tour, J. Cole stopped by DJ Drama’s radio show. The Roc Nation rapper discussed his “beef” with Diggy Simmons, touring with Drake, Waka Flocka Flame, and Meek Mill, and playing basketball with his tourmates. Cole, who is currently working on the follow-up to his debut Cole World: The Sideline Story, provided an update on his sophomore album and shared the direction of his joint project with Kendrick Lamar. Hear him out.
On his “beef” with Diggy Simmons: “There’s nothing going on. I’m not even thinking about it. What am I gonna go beat Diggy up? It’s not gonna happen. It’s Diggy Simmons, just remember this. He’s good, he’s talented, but he’s a kid. I was really surprised when people were making that an issue. That’s not the type of beef you want to be involved in.”
On the “Club Paradise” tour: “I think we scared Live Nation the first day. Well, maybe not me, maybe more so Waka. We all out there extremely deep, everybody got their own camp. I got a couple college grads in my camp, so we’re a little less intimidating. Waka and them, they out there deep. Everybody own a Brick Squad shirt, which is cool, but the first day, I don’t think Live Nation was really prepared for all the backstage activity. So next thing I know, you get that memo…”
On their game of 21: “It never ended. It was the worst game of 21 ever. Everybody got their own type of game. French [Montana] was exhausted. [Meek] was slightly suspect with the game. He said he don’t play. [Waka’s] the funniest dude to play with. … Drake didn’t play. I don’t think he knew we was playing, plus I think he a little hesitant ’cause of his knee from a couple years ago.”
On the best part of the tour: “You don’t get these no more. Everybody’s hot right now, everybody’s got singles. Everybody got buzz and got their own fan base, so it feels like the closest thing that would have happened in the ’90s.”
On his next album: “I’m deep. I cut a lot of songs. When I first started, I thought I had the album. I’m not married to any song that I make. One day I might make a song that sounds like a mixtape record, just super lyrical, incredible concept, or maybe it’s not for the album. One day I might make a single. I’m loading up my clips basically and at the end of the day, I’ll go and see what’s gonna make it.”
On how his sophomore album will be different from his debut: “I have way more freedom. It’s already improved upon because it’s pressureless. The label didn’t even expect me to do the numbers I did. I haven’t been in this space creatively since before my record deal.”
On his joint project with Kendrick Lamar: “I would shoot for an album. If we end up putting it out for free, then I guess that’s just the day and age we in. I’m not making it like a mixtape, I’m approaching the beats like it was my album. I wouldn’t go into it calling it a mixtape. That wouldn’t be good.”