In a surprising twist of fate, J. Cole found himself sharing a flight with hip-hop legend Nas just days after recording “Let Nas Down,” a track inspired by Nas himself.
Just after recording the song “Let Nas Down,” J. Cole experienced a surreal moment at a Houston airport. While sharing his new track with his manager, he looked up to see none other than Nas himself standing nearby and waiting to board the same flight.
J. Cole approached Nas with a mix of excitement and disbelief. “I know this sounds crazy,” Cole told Nas, “but I just made this song two days ago, and seeing you here is unbelievable. I have to play you this song.” Nas, open to the unusual request, agreed to listen to the track.
Despite the chance encounter, J. Cole admitted he couldn’t recall Nas’s immediate reaction but felt the moment was significant—almost a divine sign affirming his path in music. To his surprise and delight, Nas later expressed his approval publicly, tweeting, “You made me proud man.”
J. Cole’s song “Let Nas Down” explored his disappointment upon hearing that Nas wasn’t a fan of his earlier work, “Work Out.” Although he initially saw “Work Out” as a harmless piece, time and external perceptions led him to view it in a more critical light.
The encounter between J. Cole and Nas had lasting effects. The two artists later collaborated on a remix titled “Made Nas Proud,” turning a moment of vulnerability into one of mutual respect and creativity.
J. Cole’s encounter with Nas turned an ordinary flight into a milestone in his career, reaffirming his dedication to his craft and fostering a newfound connection with one of his idols.
