The Real is back.
In addition to releasing the Dreamville-produced Creed III soundtrack, J. Cole links up with BTS member J-Hope on the latter’s new solo single “On the Street,” which arrives alongside a video.
On his verse, Cole World—who previously teased his retirement—reflects on his place in the rap game.
“As the moon jumps over the cow / I contemplate if I should wait and hand over the crown / Or stick around for a bit longer / I got a strange type of hunger / The more I eat, the more it gets stronger,” he raps over the whistling beat.
Just days before the song’s release, J-Hope announced that he would be enlisting in the South Korean military for his mandatory 18-month service. The song serves as an homage to his street dancing roots as a member of the Neuron dance crew.
“J-Hope wrote the track to share his candid feelings toward his fans,” his label BigHit Music said in a statement. “The title ‘On the Street’ refers to J-Hope’s roots — street dance — from which his dream to become an artist began, and the path the artist and fans will continue to walk together. We hope that J-Hope’s ‘On the Street’ serves as a meaningful gift to everyone who supports the artist.”
The collaboration shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to J-Hope fans. He shouted out Cole’s 2011 debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, on “Hip Hop Phile” off BTS’ 2014 album Dark & Wild. He also sampled Cole’s “Born Sinner” on BTS’ “Born Singer,” which was originally released on SoundCloud in 2013.
Additionally, Cole can be heard on “Adonis Interlude (The Montage)” off Creed III: The Soundtrack, which also features Big Sean, Kehlani, Ari Lennox, Bas, Blxst, and more.
Chad is an Atlanta-based music journalist with a deep passion for hip-hop culture and the stories behind the music. Inspired by the city’s influential sound and creative community, he brings an authentic perspective to artist interviews, music coverage, and cultural commentary. Through his work, Chad champions emerging talent, honors hip-hop’s legacy, and documents the artists shaping its future.
