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On September 27, 2024, American rapper Tee Grizzley dropped the music video for his track Blow for Blow featuring J. Cole, which sparked excitement among BTS fans worldwide. The reason for the frenzy was a particular line in J. Cole's verse that made a nod to the global K-pop sensation.
J. Cole's rap had a line that fans interpreted as a recognition of the Korean boy band's monumental success. The line stated,
"I stay hot, doin' numbers like K-Pop, BTS in the flesh while they flop."
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Fans quickly flooded social media to express their pride and appreciation for the shoutout, noting that the reference was particularly meaningful, given J. Cole's legendary status in the hip-hop world. A user on X, @tannies_mom, wrote,
"Man is spilling Facts. When it comes to kpop the only name which will strike your mind first is BTS."
"When J. Cole says he’s doing numbers like K-Pop, you know he’s putting respect on the name! Love it!" a fan commented.
"He is using BTS as an example of ultimate success. It is actually a HUGE compliment to put himself under them by flexing I am like them rather than the opposite They are like me," another X user mentioned.
"I love seeing bts getting their flowers from renowned people like wow," a fan said.
"From the guys doing their adaptations of jcole's 'like a star' & 'born sinner' pre-debut, then mentioning jcole in hip hop phile, to hobi doing a collab with him, and now being mentioned in a song by this artist that they love, jcole. BTS, Look how far you've come," an X user commented.
Many fans also highlighted the special connection between the septet, especially J-Hope, and J. Cole. The Arson rapper has long admired the American rapper and even chose his stage name as a tribute to the latter.
"I just know hobi’s kicking his feet right now," a user commented.
"I can imagine Hobi jumping around in his barrack," another person remarked.
"Cole Hyung..": BTS' J-Hope acknowledged the group's mention in J.Cole's latest feature
Following the release of Blow for Blow, J-Hope, who is currently nearing the end of his military service, acknowledged the mention of BTS in Cole's verse. Taking to Instagram stories on his official account @uarmyhope, J-Hope shared the track and captioned it with "Cole Hyung," using the Korean term for older brother, reflecting his deep admiration for the rapper.
J-Hope's post quickly gained attention from fans, who were thrilled to see the member acknowledge the shoutout from J. Cole, someone the former has openly admired for years.
The admiration culminated in a dream collaboration earlier this year when J-Hope worked with J. Cole on the track on the street, before starting his mandatory military service. The unexpected mention of the K-pop group in a song unrelated to them further highlighted the far-reaching influence the septet has had on the global music scene.
Meanwhile, J-Hope is scheduled to be discharged from the military on October 17, 2024, after nearly 18 months of service.
