J. Cole has offered another clue regarding The Fall Off, indicating that his new album will be available shortly.
At the end of his 2014 Forest Hills Drive 10th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden on Monday (December 16), the Dreamville rapper told the audience: “I’ll catch you all at Dreamville Festival. “Hopefully, I’ll have something fresh to showcase for everyone.”
The fifth and last Dreamville Festival is scheduled for April, suggesting that Cole’s promotion for The Fall Off might commence soon after the New Year.
During the exclusive anniversary concert, Cole showcased 2014 Forest Hills Drive in full, along with popular tracks like “Work Out” and “Power Trip,” as well as lesser-known songs such as “2Face,” “I Get Up,” and “Grown Simba.”
The set was designed to resemble his youth residence in Fayetteville, North Carolina, depicted on the album cover, and he offered 2,014 tickets for the event priced at only $1 each.
Another memorable moment from the evening had Cole requesting the packed audience to wrap an arm around the individual beside them before he performed “Note to Self.”
“2024 has been completely crazy, do you understand what I’m saying?” In moments like these, an image like this is exactly what someone needs to appreciate. “Love in this motherfucker,” he stated.
Last week, it was revealed that next year’s Dreamville Festival will be the final one, sparking speculation that J. Cole is preparing to retire from music.
His longtime manager Ibrahim “Ib” Hamad posted on social media: “Thank you, North Carolina.” We appreciate everyone who has come from afar over the past 4 years to share in our small family reunion.
“This Festival is an event that many individuals have dedicated significant effort to create, and witnessing the effect it has is truly a dream realized.”
The festival is set to occur on April 5 and 6 at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh, North Carolina, which is close to Cole’s hometown of Fayetteville. The schedule has not been revealed yet.
The announcement of the festival’s upcoming finale sparked worry on social media regarding Cole’s future music intentions, as some fans perceived it as another indication that the rap star intends to retire from performing.
“To be honest, with the podcast, the mixtapes being released on DSPs, the MSG concert, and the recent Dreamville Fest… do you all believe Cole will stop after this upcoming album?” Apple Music radio presenter Lowkey inquired of his X followers.
Cole had earlier hinted at possible retirement in his “On the Street” collaboration with BTS member J-Hope, rapping: “Some days I question whether I should choose a new hobby / I’m fully committed to this rapping, it’s all I know / I’ve never done anything more fulfilling, it’s tough to release / But like a father seeing his daughter / Walk down the aisle with moisture in his eyes / You have to allow her to flourish.”
