12 Things We Learned From J. Cole's Angie Martinez Interview [Photos]

12 Things We Learned From J. Cole’s Angie Martinez Interview [Photos] - Page 3

Interviews this engaging are few and far between. But Angie Martinez gets to tuck under her belt another incredible one after probing J. Cole’s current state-of-mind.

Following the debut of his third studio album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole visits Power 105.1 to cover an array of subject matters, all of which are discussed at length and in curious details.

Jermaine recounts how he felt right before his David Letterman show, offers his perspective on American capitalism, and explains controversial lyrics aimed at Iggy Azalea before he bows out on a lighthearted note of his top five (2Pac, Nas, B.I.G, Jay-Z, Eminem/André 3000).

Hit the flip for his best highlights. 2014 Forest Hills Drive out now.

Photos: Instagram

New Wheels

J. Cole traded in his luxury Range Rover for a bicycle. That’s how he mainly gets around, now.

Shook

Cole was nervous about his Letterman performance because “Be Free” came from such a tumultuous place, he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to return to that place, emotionally.

Old, White Folk

Cole performed before an older, white crowd and was impressed with how focused audience members were, considering the message that was resonating.

Sick ‘N’ Tired

… Of today’s rap music, the monotony in rap and the crippling messages it oftentimes carries. He’s pretty over it.

Political Correctness

J. Cole didn’t want to do the Ferguson interview, but he felt it would be a disservice and was ultimately happy he spoke out.

Peep Game

J Cole explained how “the system” is built to keep us distracted with our own busy lives so as to steer our attention away from things like protesting or fighting for our rights.

Off With Capitalism’s Head

J Cole gives a brief economics lesson and breaks down Capitalism, essentially equating it to paid slavery.

Marshall Mathers

Jermaine is a huge Eminem fan. In his top five, dead or alive.

White People Snatched The Sound

Cole recounts the time he visited the Jazz page on iTunes for the first time and was flabbergasted at the fact that the featured music was largely by white recording artists (Jazz is a form of Black music in its origin). Sound familiar?

Back to the Future

Twenty or 30 years from now, Hip-Hop will be mostly white, according to what J Cole believes.

Bill Cosby

In the wake of the Cosby rape allegations, Cole realizes how important it is for him to remain authentic, in life and on wax: “I don’t want to be like Bill Cosby who said to pull your pants up and then go through what he’s going through now.”