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Hear J. Cole’s Lauryn Hill-Sampling New Track ‘Cole Summer’

J. Cole / Photo by Getty Images

J. Cole’s new song “Cole Summer” comes as advertised — it’s a smooth, airy track with warm organs and back-porch snaps lifted from “Nothing Even Matters,” Lauryn Hill’s duet with D’Angelo. Over that beat, Cole fleshes out his humble, self-depreciating everyman persona, rapping about blowing $46,000 less than Drake in a strip club, and hating studio sessions with Euro pop magnates Stargate. He also coos a laid-back, tossed-off chorus that nonetheless reminds you that he’s quietly one of the most rewarding pop artists in rap.

His new album Born Sinner — which should feature “Cole Summer” — is out June 25. Lead single “Power Trip,” featuring Miguel, is currently a rap staple.