# @complexnews on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=13KPWcpF8L8
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/59342198-complexnews-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/882a453b80.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-03-11T16:00:03.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Waterdale Complex (@ComplexNews) — https://gondola.cc/ComplexNews

## Caption

In our third episode of the Best Rapper Alive podcast, the crew discusses J. Cole’s career, his run in 2023, and his place as the frontrunner for Best Rapper Alive in 2026. 
Shop The Fall-Off and J. Cole's discography on Complex: https://cmplx.it/4cDdZb7

Host Insanul Ahmed and guests Complex's COO Noah Callahan-Bever and Complex's resident J. Cole stan Jordan Rose, debate Cole's 'The Fall-Off,' which Rose calls an "instant classic." Meanwhile, Noah and Insanul argue the album is "way too long." The guys reflect on how Cole's role in Drake and Kendrick's 2024 beef and his decision to apologize and remove himself from the conflict colored the album. 

They also focus on Cole's 2023 run and second wind he got in his career after "Middle Child" and his feature run, and how he sharpened his skills as his career progressed. The guys then look back on Cole's rise from the "blog era" rapper of 2009 with 'The Come Up,' the struggles of his first album, to leveling up with '2014 Forrest Hills Drive'. They lament that the craft of rapping isn't as vital for new rappers who aim for commercial viability and how J. Cole remains the "torchbearer" of a traditional rap style.

The guys also share J. Cole lore, including Noah's relationship with Cole when he was still at St. John's. Finally, everyone names their Top 3 J. Cole Albums, Top 5 J. Cole Songs, favorite bars, features, verses, and videos from Cole. 

00:00 J. Cole Is the frontrunner for 2026's Best Rapper Alive
07:05 Reactions to J. Cole’s The Fall-Off
14:42 Why J. Cole was 2023's Best Rapper Alive
21:55 How Cole went from Blog Era to Streaming Era
28:58 Cole's early career struggles, from The Therapist to Roc Nation
36:06 2014 Forrest Hills Drive and Cole's streaming dominance
43:04 The Awards Tour: Ranking the Top 3 Albums, Top 5 Songs, and personal favorites 
01:04:13 Do we believe The Fall-Off is his last album? 

Subscribe to Complex News for More: http://goo.gl/PJeLOl

Check out more of Complex here:
http://www.complex.com
https://twitter.com/Complex
https://www.facebook.com/complex
https://www.instagram.com/complex/

COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

## Stats

- **Views:** 4,566
- **Likes:** 155
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 93

## Credits

These are the roles credited on Gondola. Credits may be incomplete.
A brand, account owner, or featured person is not necessarily the creator.

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| COMPLEX | @Complex | https://gondola.cc/Complex | Media Production Company |
| Nick Bianco | @nick_bianco | https://gondola.cc/nick_bianco | Videographer |

---
Copyright (c) Gondola