J. Cole has officially pushed back against rumors regarding his pending retirement from music, according to XXL.
In an extensive conversation alongside his longtime A&R Mark Pitts for GQ, the rapper addressed public speculation that has circulated since he suggested his anticipated project The Fall-Off might serve as his final release. Cole clarified that while he initially began creating the album with an end date in mind, his perspective changed as the work came together.
"I'm not using that word," Cole explained regarding retirement during the interview. He acknowledged that he originally went into the recording process thinking the project would mark the conclusion of his recording career, but said he changed his mind by the time he approached finishing the album.
The conversation also highlighted the early stages of Cole's career, focusing on how Pitts helped connect him with Jay-Z instead of signing him to Jive Records. Pitts later served as president of RCA Records before stepping down in April to launch the management firm Cofvnders, which recently launched Chris Brown and Usher's R&B Tour ahead of Cole's own scheduled performance in Las Vegas.