Why hasn’t J. Cole Become the King of Rap if He is as Good as Kendrick Lamar or Even Better?

Every since J. Cole signed a record deal, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Each album he releases is certified platinum and debuts at number one on the US Billboard, showcasing not only his massive fanbase but also the critical acclaim his work has garnered. Furthermore, J. Cole is one of the 78 musicians in the world with diamond-certified songs, a feat that is both rare and remarkable. Even more impressively, he’s the only artist in the 21st century with a diamond-certified song that doesn’t have a music video, which is a feat only two people have achieved.

J. Cole: The Raw Talent and Versatility

J. Cole’s lyrical capabilities, versatile flows, and ability to be creatively relatable are unparalleled. His bars are often described as jaw-dropping, and he sits squarely in the elite league of legendary rappers. In terms of lyrical prowess and raw talent, many argue that he might even be on par with Kendrick Lamar, the icon of our generation's rap. When it comes to bar-to-bar, flow-to-flow, lyric-to-lyric battles, no one rivals J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. These two have been trailblazers, shaping the trajectory of contemporary rap in ways that few can match.

Still Not the King of Rap

So, if J. Cole is so good, why isn’t he crowned the King of Rap? The reason lies not in his capabilities but in his mindset and values. If you really listen to J. Cole’s music, you’ll see that he doesn’t fit the persona of a self-proclaimed king. His music emphasizes the genre itself, not his status within it. For J. Cole, rap is about the music, respect, and authenticity. He doesn’t care about money, fame, or materialistic possessions. Instead, his focus is on the craft, the respect the genre deserves, and his passion for elevating rap.

It’s clear that J. Cole is an extremely humble individual. He doesn’t boast about his achievements or his status. This mindset is a key factor in his success. He approaches each song, album, EP, and mixtape as if he were still starting out, pouring his heart and soul into every track. This genuine hunger and drive is evident in both his music and his label, Dreamville Records, where he signs artists with similar aspirations.

The New Title: The Monk of Rap

Finding the right title to capture the essence of J. Cole’s career is critical. While he’s not the King of Rap, he is undoubtedly the monk of rap. Like a monk dedicated to his faith, J. Cole dedicates himself to his craft, pushing boundaries and elevating the genre. He has all the success and wealth, but his primary focus remains on rap. J. Cole has given his life to rap, and it’s clear from his music and work ethic that rapping is the only thing he knows. He’s always in the booth, pushing himself to the limit, and that hunger for creativity is unmatched.

J. Cole might not be the King of Rap, but he certainly stands tall as one of the most respected and influential artists in the genre. His music, his values, and his dedication to the craft make him a true giant in the world of rap.