Royce Da 5’9″ Declares J. Cole as the Only Rapper Still Competitive in Hip-Hop
In a recent conversation on Joe Budden‘s podcast, Royce Da 5’9″ shared his thoughts on the current state of hip-hop, particularly highlighting J. Cole as the sole artist he perceives as still embodying competitive spirit.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of the genre, Royce expressed his observation that J. Cole stands out as the only rapper maintaining a strong competitive edge. He commended Cole’s commitment to lyricism and his unwavering pursuit of excellence, suggesting that Cole’s approach to his craft reflects a genuine desire to uphold the tradition of lyrical prowess in hip-hop.
I haven’t taken a real deep look out into the landscape but from where I’m sitting it looks like J. Cole the only one being competitive. He’s the only one who’s rapping with the kind of conviction that says I still value the number one spot as a lyricist. I see a lot of the younger generations not really hanging their hat on just the lyrical part of creativity at all. They’re finding different ways to impact and resonate with people which is fine.
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– Royce Da 5’9″
Royce acknowledged the shifting priorities of younger artists, noting that many are exploring diverse avenues of creativity beyond traditional lyricism. While he respects this evolution, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the appeal of different styles and approaches to music-making.
Royce Da 5’9″ Affirms J. Cole’s Continual Competitiveness in Hip-Hop:
