Cole and Cardi connect.
Over the weekend, J. Cole and Cardi B performed at Los Angeles radio station Real 92.3’s “Real Show” in Inglewood, Calif. Backstage at The Forum, the duo linked up for a conversation about making hits, overcoming fear, and overthinking.
Brief excerpts from their chat were published on social media, showing Cole telling Cardi not to worry about topping “Bodak Yellow.” “Nobody don’t hit No. 1,” he said. “Don’t try to do it twice. Fuck that. JAY-Z’s first No. 1 record was what, like three years ago? The New York record. JAY-Z been making albums since ’96. The ni**a just got his first No. 1.” Cole was referring to Hov’s “Empire State of Mind,” which dropped in 2009.
Jermaine went on to tell Bardi that he knew she was “overthinking” her debut album based on an interview he watched. She agreed, saying she was “overflying the brain.” “You can’t help it,” she explained. After speaking with Cole, Cardi shared this caption on Instagram: “I met @j.cole last night soo dope and humble .💪🏾💪🏾i shall follow advice!”
Bacardi has been open about her debut album struggles in the past. “I wanted to drop next month,” she told “The Breakfast Club.” “Every single time I think, ‘I got all the 10 songs,’ I’m like, ‘I’m buggin’. These ain’t it.’ It’s just like, ‘Damn! I’m competing with myself. I’m competing with the goddamn No. 2 record and stuff.'”
Shortly afterwards, Cole tweeted about the interview. “Also Cardi b I seen your breakfast club interview, loved it,” he wrote. “Don’t put all that pressure on your album. You already won. Just drop & repeat.”
Cardi’s debut album is due early next year.