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'It was a real thing': J Cole reveals his long-rumored collaboration with Kendrick Lamar was on the cards

'So he took them and, you know, in that moment, we talked about, ‘Yo, bro, we should do a project,' said J Cole

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: J Cole has finally kept the debate over his long-rumored collaboration with Kendrick Lamar to rest.

The rapper, in his recent appearance on Lil Yachty’s podcast show ‘A Safe Place’ answered the question.

J Cole had said he and Kendrick Lamar discussed about doing a collaboration

The artist said, “In a nutshell, [Lamar] had pulled up on me at No ID’s spot after we was already building this relationship, and I had these beats at the time and I was playing them for him.” 

“So he took them and, you know, in that moment, we talked about, ‘Yo, bro, we should do a project.’ At that time he’s not on like that, but I’m f****g’ with him," he added.

The Grammy winner further said, “At one point, it was a real thing. But bro, time and life, we ain’t ever got the chance to go in and do it correctly, because that would take time. For us to do something that’s full of our potential, that meets our real potential, you’re gonna need time. At least a year."

In the end, Cole said, "When you got two successful artists with lives and families, that’s hard to do. We put it to bed years ago. But at one point in time, it was a real conversation, for sure."

J Cole and Kendrick Lamar worked together on 'Forbidden Fruit' in 2013

Back in 2018, the ‘Wet Dreamz’ singer told Power 105.1, “It’s not like it’s something that’s actively happening,” as per Pitchfork.

“Not because it’s never gonna happen. Just because, like… it’s not right now, and I don’t like teasing or playing the game ’cause this has been going on for a minute,” he added.

The two artists have worked together on ‘Forbidden Fruit’ in 2013. At this year’s Grammy Awards Lamar created history by winning the title of Hip Hop Artist of the Year for the third time, reports People.

This has never happened in the history of the awards. Collaborations that made their mark were Drake & 21 Savage and Lil Durk featuring J Cole each bagging two awards, alongside Lil Uzi Vert and Metro Boomin.

Several fans reacted to Cole's statement. "This album would be better in 15 years anyway. These two have always been wise beyond their years. Let it marinade and drop a 5 track classic," one said while another comented "Sounds like it’s a lil friction there. Cause that ain’t a real excuse."

Another disappointed fan wrote on X, "You mean to tell me I've been waiting for shit to get scary for 7 Februarys, and now it's never going to happen?"

"Kendrick didn't wanna be bodied by Cole on every track," felt another.