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Soul Train Awards 2023: More Harmony, More Soul: J. Cole R&B Collaborations That Hit All the Right Notes

Discover J. Cole's soulful R&B collaborations that strike a perfect chord.

There is no doubt—accolades aside—that J. Cole is one of the best emcees of our modern time. With a career spanning over a decade, the North Carolina native has consistently proven himself a versatile artist. What truly sets Cole apart, however, is his ability to collaborate with various artists from different genres to create chart-topping hits.

Whether he's delving into the complexities of love, the struggles of personal growth, or the societal issues that weigh on his mind, Cole's lyrics stand as a testament to his exceptional storytelling abilities.

Ahead of the upcoming “Soul Train Awards” 2023, we’re revisiting some of the “Love Yours” emcee’s collaborations with some of our favorite R&B singers. Check them out below.

  • “Planes” by Jeremih

    Jeremih's silky vocals blended seamlessly with J. Cole's smooth flow in the classic 2015 record, “Planes,” from the former’s third studio album “Late Nights.”

  • “Shea Butter Baby” by Ari Lennox

    “Shea Butter Baby” not only showcased Cole's versatility but also propelled Ari Lennox into the spotlight as a promising talent in R&B.

  • “No Sleeep” by Janet Jackson

    In June 2015 Janet Jackson returned to music for the first time in five years with a sultry track titled “No Sleeep.” A month later, the song appeared on her eleventh studio album “Unbreakable,” with a surprise guest verse from Cole.

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  • “To Summer, From Cole - Audio Hug” by Summer Walker

    Cole makes a notable appearance on the opening track of Summer Walker's latest EP, titled

    "To Summer, From Cole - Audio Hug,” from her recent release "CLEAR 2: Soft Life." In this piano-driven ballad, the emcee offers heartfelt words of encouragement and admiration for the R&B songstress and her peers SZA and Ari Lennox.

  • “Only Wanna Give It To You” by Elle Varner

    Cole's witty wordplay and Varner's captivating voice combine to tell a modern love story, making "Only Wanna Give It To You" a standout hit.

    “Soul Train Awards” 2023 premieres Sunday, November 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

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