1060 Hip Hop Uncut

BIA's Career Evolution: Nicki Minaj Co-Sign, J. Cole Collab, and Chart Success Before BIANCA In the fast-paced world of hip-hop, it’s easy to look at an artist’s breakthrough moment and mistakenly label it an “overnight success.” For BIA, the artist born Bianca Miquela Landrau, her moment of explosion with the multi-platinum single “Whole Lotta Money” and the highly anticipated release of her debut studio album, BIANCA, were anything but instantaneous. Instead, BIA's career is a masterclass in dedication, shrewd networking, and persistent artistic development. She spent over a decade cementing her name in the industry, evolving from reality TV personality to a bona fide rap star with a Billboard Hot 100 hit under her belt—all before dropping her first full-length album. This is the story of BIA's long-term career strategy and how she secured her status as a prominent figure well before BIANCA arrived. From Reality TV Exposure to Pharrell's Co-Sign The early ...

Once upon a time, in the vibrant realm of hip-hop, two titans of the genre, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, captivated their fans with their lyrical prowess and thought-provoking messages. Rumors had been swirling for years about the possibility of a joint album, a collaboration that would undoubtedly shake the foundations of the music industry. Finally, the day came when J. Cole addressed these speculations, sending shockwaves through the hip-hop community. Fans around the world held their breath as they eagerly awaited Cole's response on what could potentially be a landmark moment in hip-hop history. And true to his enigmatic nature, he chose a rather unexpected setting to address the long-standing rumors. It was during a humble stroll through the streets of his hometown, Fayetteville, North Carolina, that J. Cole decided to share his thoughts. Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, Cole stood before a crowd of eager observers who had gathered to catch a gli...

On Christmas Day (December 25 2021), The Canadian interviewer John Ruskins (Nardwuar) released a wholesome jam packed, one hour-long episode with J. Cole. The interview opens with a brief 2019 exchange between Cole and Nardwuar. Outside of Day N Vegas, Cole walks over to The Human Serviette as he's affectionately known and mentions that he will give an interview in the next year or so. It’s a real moment and gesture for real, especially at a time when Cole’s 2018 conversation with Angie Martinez was his golden egg for the K.O.D. album campaign. This month, in Santa Monica, California, J Cole kept his promise to Nardwuar. He was accompanied by Dreamville’s very own Omen and EARTHGANG alongside him in the studio for some part of the interview. Then, at 43:30, Nardwuar shifts the focus, “J. Cole, did you tell Dr. Dre about Kendrick [Lamar]?” Cole’s eyes suggest his shock. After a long hesitation, Nardwuar repeats himself. J Cole responds, “Who told you that? [Laughs] Who g...