J. Cole walks back retirement talk, says ‘The Fall-Off’ may not be the end

The rapper said he made “The Fall-Off” believing it would be his final album, but his outlook changed before he finished it.

J. Cole is no longer treating “The Fall-Off” as a farewell. After months of speculation about his final album, the rapper says he won’t rule out making more music. He also reflected on his apology to Kendrick Lamar and why he wishes he had leaned more on longtime mentor Mark Pitts.

In a GQ interview released Oct. 28, Cole joined Pitts and journalist Frazier Tharpe to revisit their relationship, his early years at Roc Nation and what comes next after his seventh studio album.

Asked whether retirement was still on the table, Cole replied, “No, I’m not using that word at all.” He explained that he made “The Fall-Off “believing it would be his last album, but his outlook changed before he completed it. He did not announce another project or offer a release date.

Cole also recalled how Pitts helped launch his career. After hearing “Lights Please” while working at Jive Records, Pitts connected him with Jay-Z, whose Roc Nation label signed him. Cole recalled wanting to produce his own music while the label was looking for hit singles.

Pitts introduced him to producer Salaam Remi, helping Cole expand his approach without abandoning what made his music distinctive. Looking back, Cole said the pressure Jay-Z placed on him to deliver successful singles ultimately helped him grow as an artist.

The conversation also returned to the 2024 rap feud involving Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Cole said Pitts checked on him before his public apology to Lamar, but he did not tell Pitts the full weight of what he was going through. “I should have used him a little more,” Cole admitted.

Pitts offered stories from his own career, including his role in bringing Jay-Z and Nas together after their feud. He also discussed working to unite Usher and Chris Brown for a joint tour while dealing with a cancer diagnosis. He said he is now cancer-free.

Cole said his current tour has left him grateful for the people who supported his rise. For now, he is keeping the door open to more music without committing to when it might arrive.