J. Cole credits Jay-Z for delaying release of ‘Wet Dreamz’

Rapper J. Cole has expressed gratitude toward Jay-Z for delaying the commercial release of his song ‘Wet Dreamz’. Speaking on the No Bars Off podcast during his Fall-Off World Tour, Cole revealed that he played the track for Jay-Z during their first meeting, five years before its eventual 2015 release.

Cole noted that while he initially wanted an early deal and believed he was ready for a breakthrough, he now believes the delay allowed for necessary artistic and personal development. He reflected that achieving massive success at age 24 or 25 might have negatively impacted his personal life, including his marriage and family, and could have left him with less life experience to draw upon for his music.

‘Wet Dreamz’ was a standout single from his third studio album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, and has since been certified nine-times platinum by the RIAA.