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Cole can't get out of the news. Cole World: The Sideline Story drops Tuesday, and J is all over the interview circuit. Most recently, Jermaine was taped doing an interview in San Francisco with Nessa of WiLD 949 KYLD SF Studios, where he went in depth about some Rihanna related rumors, the rest of his love life, and what was most interesting was when Nessa asked Cole about his top 5 all-time favorite emcees. While one is probably pretty easy to guess, the rest of the list is intriguing.
Jay-Z
If Jay-Z wasn't on this list, there would probably be some dues to pay over at Roc Nation. Heads might roll. Even if he's not one of your favorites, a guy like J. Cole has to give respect to the man who signed him to a deal. Beyond that, Jay is still a legend. Say what you will about his recent albums, we’ll forever be able to reference Reasonable Doubt or The Blueprint among the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.
Tupac
Whether or not Tupac falls in your top five seems to depend on your coast of origin. What’s a little surprising is that Cole is from North Carolina and you would think he’d rep Biggie. But as a poet himself, you can see why Cole would shout out Makaveli.
Nas
In my personal opinion, Nas is the best rapper alive. So props to Jay for including him. People I know would probably call you crazy to NOT include Nasty. Illmatic is timeless, and everyone has their own personal favorite Nas tracks. He belongs here without a question.
Eminem
Some love Em, some hate him. But there’s no denying his first several albums were classics. If you haven’t heard his independent album, Infinite, get on that if you want to hear Eminem in his most raw state. But even Slim Shady LP, Marshall Mathers LP, and some might say The Eminem Show are seminal albums in hip-hop history.
Andre 3000
I’d say this might be the pick that surprised me the most, but if anything Andre is one of the more underrated emcees around. Both with Big Boi as a part of Outkast and on his own solo material, 3K is an outstanding lyricist with legendary flow. Cole is showing some well deserved respect.
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