J. Cole explains the reasoning behind his latest album’s title, its production, and following his basketball dreams in his revealing Applying Pressure: The Off-Season documentary.
The documentary offers insights into Cole’s work philosophy, such as his conviction that “comfort is the enemy,” and his reactions to becoming a father, beginning with the opening scenes, in which Cole converses with 21 Savage about the moment he decided to take rap seriously.
The documentary will be released ahead of Cole’s forthcoming album The Off-Season, which will be released this Friday after Cole took the year off and try to make a pro basketball roster. Cole will also realize the dream this week, as renowned reporter Shams Charania reported earlier today that Cole had signed a contract with the Rwanda Patriots of the Basketball Africa League, a joint venture between the NBA and FIBA to establish a premier international league on the continent, for three to six games.
While Applying Pressure also features some of Cole’s basketball ambitions, the primary focus is on his new creative process. He talks about having writer’s block, comparing rapping to playing basketball, and putting in the work on being the best player he can be.
