J. Cole Reveals Near-Collaboration with Meek Mill and Big Sean During Born Sinner Era

J. Cole has always been meticulous about his legacy, and he’s giving fans a deeper look into his creative process through his podcast, Inevitable. The rapper, known for his introspective lyrics and dedication to his craft, recently shared a fascinating revelation from the making of his 2013 album Born Sinner. During a reflective discussion, Cole disclosed that he was in a creative groove with Meek Mill and Big Sean at the time, so much so that he considered dropping a collaborative EP with both artists.

This unexpected disclosure has captured the imagination of hip-hop fans, especially those who were around during the blog era of the early 2010s. A what if scenario involving three of the genre’s most influential figures is every fan’s dream. According to Cole, the potential project was very much in the works, with the trio collaborating throughout 2012 and 2013.

In fact, the seeds for the EP were planted as all three artists worked on their respective projects. J. Cole featured on Big Sean’s Detroit mixtape track “24K of Gold,” and Sean appeared on Meek Mill’s Dreamchasers 2 mixtape on the track “Burn.” The latter collaboration is especially intriguing, as Cole was originally set to appear on “Burn” alongside Meek and Sean, but things didn’t work out. The song ultimately released with just Sean as the sole feature, but the connection between the artists remained strong.

The three were collaborating at the same time they were working on their individual projects. J. Cole recalls sessions where all three artists linked up at the home of producer No I.D., a frequent collaborator of both Cole and Big Sean over the years. This only adds to the mystery of what could have been, as the creative synergy between them was undeniable.

Cole also shared on the podcast that the work of his peers during that period pushed him to elevate his own craft. The competitive nature of the hip-hop world in the early 2010s, with artists like Meek Mill and Big Sean releasing some of their best work, served as motivation for Cole to keep honing his skills. It’s a testament to the healthy rivalry that often fuels the creativity of hip-hop’s brightest stars.

Although the collaborative EP never materialized, the revelations on the Inevitable podcast offer fans a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of one of the most crucial periods in modern hip-hop. What if J. Cole, Meek Mill, and Big Sean had released a joint project? It’s one of the many “what ifs” that continues to keep fans talking about the era and imagining the endless possibilities.