Podcast Summary: New Rory & MAL - Episode 330 | Is J. Cole The King Of NY?
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Hosts: Rory Farrell & Jamil "Mal" Clay
Produced by: Studio71
Introduction
In Episode 330 of "New Rory & MAL," titled "Is J. Cole The King Of NY?," hosts Rory Farrell and Jamil "Mal" Clay engage in a spirited debate about J. Cole's standing in the New York hip-hop scene. The discussion delves into what qualifies an artist to be labeled as the "King of New York," comparing Cole's influence and roots to other prominent New York rappers.
1. Defining the "King of New York"
Rory initiates the conversation by questioning the criteria that determine who deserves the title "King of NY." He emphasizes the importance of an artist’s longevity, influence, and genuine representation of New York culture in their music.
Rory ([31:53]): "I think at this point, it is safe to say it wasn't like a phase where he was two years out of college and was just staying in New York because that's where he was."
2. Arguments Supporting J. Cole as the King of NY
a. Authentic New York Roots: Mal points out that J. Cole has deep ties to New York, specifically Queens, and that his career has flourished within the city without relocating to hubs like Los Angeles.
Mal ([32:00]): "J. Cole claims New York, New York. He whips. He reps Queens so hard. He's always been like that."
b. Consistent Representation: Damaris highlights Cole's consistent mention of Queens in his lyrics, reinforcing his commitment to his hometown.
Damaris ([32:30]): "He mentions Queens in nearly every song, like, he really fucks with. He's always been like that."
3. Counterarguments Against J. Cole's Kingship
a. Official Claim Absence: Mal critiques that J. Cole hasn't explicitly claimed the title himself, which raises questions about the legitimacy of declaring him the King without his affirmation.
Mal ([32:00]): "He doesn't claim New York. J. Cole claims New York, New York."
b. Comparisons to Other Rappers: Rory challenges the notion by comparing Cole to other New York artists like Jay-Z and Nas, questioning whether Cole's influence surpasses these established figures.
Rory ([35:22]): "Why he ain't do a festival here? New York has so much. Where he's from doesn't have."
4. Criteria for Kingship in the Modern Era
The hosts debate what it means to be a "king" in today’s rapidly evolving music landscape, considering factors like active presence, influence on younger artists, and cultural impact.
Damaris ([37:16]): "Five minimum years. In this day and age."
5. Comparison with Other New York Rappers
a. Nas and Jay-Z: Mal and Rory discuss Nas as potentially the most active and influential rapper in New York currently, while also debating Jay-Z's ongoing legacy.
Mal ([38:28]): "Nas has been the most active, actually. I take it back."
b. DJ Premier's Misconceptions: Rory brings up DJ Premier, noting a common misconception about his origins, which parallels the confusion surrounding J. Cole's New York identity.
Rory ([39:17]): "Where's DJ Premier from? Texas. Most people don't even fucking know that they think he's New York."
6. J. Cole's Connection to New York
The conversation underscores Cole's decision to stay in Queens, contrasting him with artists who relocated to other cities to advance their careers. This loyalty is seen as a significant factor in his claim to the NY throne.
Rory ([32:42]): "He lived in Jamaica, Queens for most of his life. I think that gives. We can claim him."
7. Personal Experience: J. Cole Concert at Madison Square Garden
Rory shares his firsthand experience attending J. Cole's concert at Madison Square Garden, reflecting on the atmosphere and Cole's performance as evidence of his reigning influence in New York.
Peach ([16:21]): "We stood on the little VIP riser thing the whole night. It was just, you know, awesome."
a. Performance Quality: The hosts commend Cole's flawless delivery and the electric live performance, reinforcing his stature in the hip-hop community.
Damaris ([16:53]): "It was such an amazing performance. Word perfect."
8. Broader Music Discussions
Beyond the central debate, the hosts touch upon other music-related topics, including SZA's album release strategies, Mariah Carey's live performances, and general observations on the current state of R&B and hip-hop.
Rory ([48:12]): "Tell me what you think, but I'm extremely excited. I think it's the perfect time of year for a SZA album."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with the hosts agreeing that while J. Cole has a strong case for being the King of New York due to his authentic roots and consistent representation, the title remains subjective and open to interpretation. They acknowledge the contributions of other New York rappers like Nas and Jay-Z, suggesting that the crown may be shared or contested based on evolving criteria and individual perspectives.
Rory ([37:35]): "I think Drama Atlanta. Philly is the same with Cole in North Carolina and Queens."
Notable Quotes
- Rory ([31:53]): "J. Cole's entire team is from New York. He has stayed in Queens since he's been in St. John's."
- Mal ([32:00]): "He doesn't claim New York. J. Cole claims New York, New York."
- Damaris ([37:16]): "Five minimum years. In this day and age."
- Peach ([16:21]): "We stood on the little VIP riser thing the whole night. It was just, you know, awesome."
This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of J. Cole's influence in New York's hip-hop scene, enriched by personal anecdotes and comparative analyses with other industry veterans. Listeners gain insight into the dynamics of musical dominance and the subjective nature of titles within the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.