Despite going double-platinum with no features with his 2014 studio effort 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole is a team player. Logging collaborations with DJ Khaled, Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Wale to name a few, the Fayetteville lyricist comes correct on any track co-starring another act.
As J. Cole heads to Jones Beach as a headliner for Billboard’s Hot 100 Fest on Aug. 20 – 21, revisit his best collaborations below.
Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival
Wale “The Pessimist” feat. J. Cole
Pensive deep cuts are Cole’s forte but for this Wale gem, the North Carolina rep opts for melodies instead of bars, singing on the hook, “Got a pocket full of lint again, but it make no difference to me/ Fallin’ out with my friends again, but it make no difference to me/ Goddamn I’m hopeless/ Oh man I’m hopeless.”
J. Cole “Mr. Nice Watch” feat. Jay Z
After inking a deal to Roc Nation, Cole calls on his label boss, Hov, for a stunt-worthy baller anthem off his major label debut, Cole World: The Sideline Story.
Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment “Warm Enough” feat. J. Cole
This summer-ready number features contributions from Noname Gypsy, Chance The Rapper and a pensive Cole, who tries to find penance for his mistakes. He tells his girl, “I know you probably think you’re blessed to have a wonderful guy/ And that’s the truth but at the same time a wonderful lie.”
J. Cole “Nobody’s Perfect” feat. Missy Elliott
A dedication to flaws and all, Cole teaming up with Misdemeanor is perfect harmony.
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J. Cole “Crooked Smile” feat. TLC
Inspired by his real-life twisted grill, Cole taps TLC’s T-Boz and Chilli for a self esteem booster reminiscent of the ladies’ 1999 offering “Unpretty.”
J. Cole “Forbidden Fruit” feat. Kendrick Lamar
The self-produced Cole track not only features the Tribe Called Quest-sampled “Mystic Brew” by Ronnie Foster but an assist from K.Dot. Rumors floated around this year and last that the hip-hop fan favorites would release a joint project.
A Tribe Called Quest “Can I Kick It? (J. Cole Remix)”
Cole didn’t even need to touch the mic for this collaboration. A part-time producer on the low, he flips this hip-hop gem into a smooth chill session for the re-issue of ATCQ’s People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm.
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Tyga “Let It Show” feat. J. Cole
The sunny soundscape offers a pretty canvas for T-Raww and Cole, who call out fake friends and ponder the consequences of fame on the Careless World: Rise of the Last King cut.
J. Cole “In The Morning” feat. Drake
This bedroom bumper features Cole and Drake channeling Romeo while asking their special ladies bluntly, “Can I hit in the morning?”
Jeremih “Planez” feat. J. Cole
Cop tickets to a Jeremih or J. Cole show and this love song is an immediate high note. The pair get lifted on the Frank Dukes and Vinylz-produced jam fit for the mile high club.
J. Cole “Power Trip” feat. Miguel
Cole delivers another ode to bae on the Miguel-assisted “Power Trip.” Warning: this lyrical joyride will have you up all night.
