JAY-Z<\/a> is opening up about his relationship with J. Cole<\/a>, pushing back on long-standing narratives about how the Roc Nation<\/a> co-founder handled Cole early in his career.<\/p>\n In a recent interview with <\/a>GQ<\/em><\/a>, JAY-Z addressed the idea that Cole wasn\u2019t fully supported during his rise, making it clear that his approach was intentional. Cole signed to Roc Nation as its first artist in 2009 but parted ways with the label around 2020 to focus on his own imprint, Dreamville Records.<\/p>\n \u201cThe narrative is that we didn\u2019t love Cole,\u201d JAY-Z said. \u201cNo, we believed in him enough to let him find his journey. It took him a minute, but he found his way.\u201d<\/p>\n The comments come as part of a broader conversation about how Roc Nation has evolved since its founding in 2008. JAY-Z explained that the company has shifted away from the traditional label structure toward a more flexible, artist-focused model, one that prioritizes independence and creative control.<\/p>\n COMPLEX SHOP:<\/b> Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what’s next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI never was comfortable with that anyway,\u201d he said, referring to the idea of tightly managing an artist\u2019s direction. \u201cAn artist\u2019s expression should be their expression. I really fall back.\u201d<\/p>\n JAY-Z acknowledged that while he offered guidance early on, including suggesting Cole collaborate with hitmaking production team Stargate, he never forced creative decisions.<\/p>\n \u201cI was giving him a chance to take his talent and show it to the most people possible, but his way,\u201d he said. \u201cI didn\u2019t say, \u2018Here\u2019s this record\u2026 you putting it out.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n He contrasted that approach with his dynamic with Memphis Bleek, whom he described as more of a younger brother figure who would follow his direction more closely.<\/p>\n \u201cBleek is my little brother, he has to listen to me,\u201d JAY-Z said. \u201cBut for J. Cole, he has to find his own direction, and I\u2019m going to give him the tools.\u201d<\/p>\n Looking at where Cole is now, JAY-Z made it clear there\u2019s no lingering tension.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have any negative feelings for him,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m actually super proud of him and what he\u2019s done.\u201d<\/p>\n He also revealed that he still keeps up with Cole\u2019s music as a fan, noting that he recently heard new material through DJ Clue rather than directly from Cole himself.<\/p>\n <\/a> Jay-Z on Being Labeled a Capitalist: ‘I Didn’t Get Here by Taking Advantage of People’<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Jay-Z Announces Extra Date for Yankee Stadium Shows After Huge Demand: How to Get Tickets<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n ,<\/p>\n <\/a> Jay-Z Says He ‘Can’t Really Even Listen’ to ‘4:44,’ Calls It ‘Hardest Album’ to Make<\/span><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n JP\u2019s UK Culture Picks: March 2026<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\nRelated News<\/h3>\n
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