J. Cole has disclosed the two albums he had on loop while crafting 2014 Forest Hills Drive — and they likely aren’t what many fans would have anticipated.
In the most recent episode of his audio series Inevitable, the Dreamville artist discussed the recording sessions for his third album and the daily habits he maintained while residing in Los Angeles.
Cole shared that 2014 Forest Hills Drive marked a personal and spiritual enlightenment, during which he started meditating and embraced a style that emphasized “comfort” rather than adhering to fashion trends.
This fresh method also featured daily exercises in Runyon Canyon Park, accompanied by two specific albums.
“I would rise in the morning, wear some shorts [and use] the other entrance for Runyon Canyon,” he mentioned. “There’s this small, rarely used rear entrance that allows you to go from the house to a small park space, and then you can ascend the mountain’s side.”
“The initial time I attempted it, I thought, ‘I’m not sure if I should proceed with this.’” ‘Cause it was sort of steep. I’ve never climbed a mountain before! […] Each day, we’d ascend from that small side and navigate Runyon Canyon in reverse.”
He went on: “Each day, the albums I would rush to and enjoy were Abbey Road by The Beatles and The Love Below by André 3000. Man, I swear I’m listening to these albums every single day.
“That was my daily schedule.” Return to the house, perhaps take a dip in the pool or the shower, have a meal, relax and meditate in my favorite area, then head to the studio to begin my work.
The native of North Carolina referred to this as “one of the most remarkable times in my life that I reflect upon. The experience was absolutely incredible.
2014 Forest Hills Drive marked its 10th anniversary on Monday (December 9).
To celebrate the event, J. Cole debuted two expanded versions of the album that include a total of eight new bonus tracks.
They feature “Miles” with Krazyie Bone and Bizzy Bone from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “Black Man Hollywood,” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Reprints can be bought solely from Cole’s Inevitable online store.
The “Middle Child” MC is scheduled to perform 2014 Forest Hills Drive in its entirety at Madison Square Garden in New York City on December 16.
The exclusive one-night concert attracted an estimated line of nearly 150,000 fans eager to purchase tickets, but those who weren’t fortunate need not despair, as the performance will be streamed live on Cole’s Inevitable website for subscribers.
