Wale recently took to social media to share a heartfelt story about how J. Cole helped him conquer a severe bout of writer’s block.
Imagine being a rapper paralyzed by writer’s block—a nightmare for any artist. Wale knows it too well. In a recent social media post, he sparked curiosity by asking, “Music friends .. how do yall cure writers block … Curious what yall do.” The question itself is relatable, but what followed was a surprising revelation.
Wale recounted how his friend and fellow rapper, J. Cole, played a pivotal role during one of his creative slumps. He shared, “I done talked to Cole bout the block a rack of times .. one time we try teach me how to meditate.. it worked a lil .. we made ‘my boy’ right after.” This marked a significant turning point for Wale, leading to their collaborative track, “My Boy.”
Their friendship has seen ups and downs, underlined by a history of collaboration and rivalry. The duo first teamed up back in 2009, but things got complicated in 2016 with the release of Cole’s song “False Prophets.” Many speculate it referenced Wale, to which Wale quickly responded with his own track, “Groundhog Day.”
Despite these tensions, their bond endured. They reunited in 2018 for “My Boy (Freestyle)” and again three years later for “Poke It Out” from Wale’s album ‘Folarin 2.’ Through their lyrics, they celebrate not only their friendship but their resilience across the years.
Memorable moments such as reuniting at the 40th birthday of J. Cole’s manager, Ibrahim Hamad, further solidified their connection. A photo from the party shared on Instagram immortalized the duo together once again, showcasing not just their musical alliance but personal camaraderie.
While creativity can often feel like a solitary journey, Wale’s story with J. Cole is a testament to the power of friendship and support in overcoming even the toughest creative blocks. Their collaborative spark and enduring relationship remind us that sometimes, inspiration is just a conversation away.
