Ahead of the J Cole concert in Johannesburg on 18 June, Castle Lite rounded up a few hip-hop heavyweights to weigh in on the significance of the American rapper coming to South Africa.
Coined The Cole Table, the discussion was hosted by hip-hop aficionado Sizwe Dhlomo and it included rappers Reason and Slikour as well as cultural curator Fred Kayembe - who all seem to agree that J Cole couldn't have come to South Africa at a better time, given where he is with his career is at the moment.
- J.Cole to perform in Johannesburg - for one night onlyHip Hop is the order of the day in South Africa: Self-acclaimed king of modern hip hop J.Cole is coming to SA‚ hot on the heels of Anaconda hitmaker Nicki Minaj‚ who had a three-city tour earlier this month.
"I think that Cole literally almost got lost in the commercial machine. But he found himself, he found his core," said Slikour, before pointing out that "he's probably the most successful hip-hop artist right now."
In addition, Reason explained: "This guy [J Cole] has had enough work out there, that he can actually present his greatness and even get to a point where he can fill up Madison Square."
Fred highlighted that he embodies what consumers prefer at the moment, which is lyricism over fun music.
Watch the full video below:
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