J. Cole Won 2023 With Features, Can 'The Fall-Off' Win Him 2026? | Best Rapper Alive Podcast

In our third episode of the Best Rapper Alive podcast, the crew discusses J. Cole’s career, his run in 2023, and his place as the frontrunner for Best Rapper Alive in 2026. Host Insanul Ahmed and guests Complex's COO Noah Callahan-Bever and Complex's resident J. Cole stan Jordan Rose, debate Cole's 'The Fall-Off,' which Rose calls an "instant classic." Meanwhile, Noah and Insanul argue the album is "way too long." The guys reflect on how Cole's role in Drake and Kendrick's 2024 beef and his decision to apologize and remove himself from the conflict colored the album. They also focus on Cole's 2023 run and second wind he got in his career after "Middle Child" and his feature run, and how he sharpened his skills as his career progressed. The guys then look back on Cole's rise from the "blog era" rapper of 2009 with 'The Come Up,' the struggles of his first album, to leveling up with '2014 Forrest Hills Drive'. They lament that the craft of rapping isn't as vital for new rappers who aim for commercial viability and how J. Cole remains the "torchbearer" of a traditional rap style. The guys also share J. Cole lore, including Noah's relationship with Cole when he was still at St. John's. Finally, everyone names their Top 3 J. Cole Albums, Top 5 J. Cole Songs, favorite bars, features, verses, and videos from Cole.

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