J. Cole Spotlights an Unexpected Rapper Influencing His Current Playlist
In a recent conversation with the YouTube channel Lost In Vegas, J. Cole opened up about a rapper outside of the usual hip-hop legends who has captured his attention lately. While promoting his latest project, The Fall-Off, the Dreamville artist expressed admiration for Killah Priest, a longtime affiliate of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan.
Discovering Killah Priest: A Fresh Influence Beyond the Classics
When prompted about which emcees he’s been vibing to beyond the typical Mount Rushmore figures like JAY-Z, Nas, 2Pac, and Biggie, Cole’s immediate response was Killah Priest. He revealed that a particular track had drawn him back into exploring Priest’s extensive discography, a journey that surprised him given his initial unfamiliarity with much of the Brooklyn rapper’s work.
Though Cole was aware of Killah Priest’s standout solo verse on “B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)” from GZA’s 1995 classic Liquid Swords, it wasn’t until recently, during his Trunk Sale Tour, that he delved deeper into Priest’s catalog.
“NASA Case”: A Nine-Minute Lyrical Odyssey
J. Cole recounted his experience listening to Killah Priest’s “NASA Case,” describing it as a dense, almost literary piece that challenged his usual listening preferences. The track’s nearly ten-minute runtime is packed with intricate storytelling and complex prose, which initially left Cole intrigued but somewhat puzzled.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when I hit play,” Cole admitted. “It’s not the style I usually gravitate towards. It’s like reading a novel-so detailed and layered. At first, I couldn’t fully grasp the narrative, but it kept me hooked.”
Repeated Listening Reveals Deeper Meaning
After multiple listens-nine times in a row, to be exact-Cole began to unravel the layers of Killah Priest’s storytelling. Each replay brought new clarity, leading him to question the rapper’s almost otherworldly insight.
“By the ninth listen, I was thinking, ‘Is this guy from another dimension?’ The concepts he’s weaving are mind-blowing,” Cole said. This revelation transformed him into an avid fan, with “NASA Case” becoming one of the few tracks outside his own work that he consistently plays.
He concluded with a shoutout: “Big respect to Killah Priest for crafting something so captivating.”
Reflecting on Influences: From Canibus to Royce Da 5’9”
Looking back at the artists who shaped his lyrical sensibilities during his youth, J. Cole mentioned Canibus and Royce Da 5’9” as two MCs he deeply respected for their wordplay and technical skill. These influences helped mold his approach to rap as a craft.
Watch the Full Interview
For those interested in hearing J. Cole’s full thoughts and insights, the segment begins at 1:19:30 in the interview below.
