J. Cole Explains How Kanye West’s “Through The Wire” Transformed His Life and Career

J. Cole recently opened up about how Kanye West’s iconic hit “Through The Wire” had a major impact on his life and career, praising West’s artistry in the process.

Today, J. Cole stands as one of the most influential rappers of his generation, often grouped with Drake and Kendrick Lamar as part of the “Big 3” of rap. While he may not always capture the same level of media attention as his peers, J. Cole’s impact on the genre over the past decade is undeniable.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, J. Cole has built his career on humility and lyrical depth, rather than public feuds or egos. His approach to rap has resonated with fans who appreciate his authenticity. Now, his followers are getting an even closer look at his journey through his new audio series, Inevitable. In the first episode, released on November 18, J. Cole, alongside co-hosts Ibrahim Hamad and Scott Lazer, dives into the story of his rise in the music world, with the episode titled “The Come Up” after his debut mixtape.

J. Cole recently reflected on his early music and how his raps were often centered around made-up stories rather than his real-life experiences, which he admits were pretty ordinary compared to other rappers.

“My life was actually hella regular,” J. Cole shared. “I didn’t sell no drugs. It wasn’t anything like what my favorite rappers rapped about, like JAY-Z or Pac. There was nothing gangsta about it. I had a hard time seeing myself in that lifestyle, and I didn’t know how to talk about my life in a way that people could connect with. And then Kanye West happened.”

Cole went on to explain how Kanye’s rise to fame in the early 2000s played a pivotal role in his own career. “In the summer of 2003, before I went to college, the ‘Through The Wire’ video dropped, and that changed my life. I became a huge Kanye fan. Kanye was the first artist I saw who made it possible to talk about your life — your regular, everyday perspective — in a way that was still appealing. He became my favorite artist at that point. He kinda cracked my mind open.”

While Kanye West hasn’t publicly commented on J. Cole’s praise, fans on social media are definitely taking notice, with many agreeing with Cole about the influence of Kanye’s music during that era. Also, for those eager to dive into Cole’s journey, The Come Up Mixtape Vol. 1 is now available for the first time on streaming platforms.