5 Reasons Why Eminem's J. Cole Shout-Out On 'Doomsday Pt. 2' Is The Biggest Co-Sign Of The Decade

The rap world is still reeling from the unexpected, yet profound, acknowledgment Eminem gave to J. Cole on his recent track, "Doomsday Pt. 2." As of December 2025, the conversation surrounding the greatest lyricists of all time has a new, critical piece of evidence, directly from the mouth of a legend. Eminem’s line, which places J. Cole in the elite tier of the game, is more than just a passing mention; it is a seismic event in hip-hop, officially crowning Cole as a contemporary benchmark for lyrical mastery.

This subtle but powerful co-sign has reignited the decades-long discussion about the passing of the torch and the potential for a monumental collaboration. From a controversial call-out on "Fire Squad" to a nod of respect on a Lyrical Lemonade project, the dynamic between Marshall Mathers III and Jermaine Lamarr Cole is complex, competitive, and ultimately, rooted in deep artistic admiration. We break down the full history and the five key reasons why this moment is so significant.

Artist Profiles: Eminem and J. Cole’s Respective Legacies

To truly understand the weight of Eminem’s words, one must appreciate the monumental careers of both artists.

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Eminem (Marshall Bruce Mathers III)

• Full Name: Marshall Bruce Mathers III
• Born: October 17, 1972 (St. Joseph, Missouri)
• Aliases: Slim Shady, Shady
• Key Albums: The Slim Shady LP (1999), The Marshall Mathers LP (2000), The Eminem Show (2002), Relapse (2009), Kamikaze (2018)
• Recent Activity: Featured on the Lyrical Lemonade album with the track "Doomsday Pt. 2" (2024/2025), and is rumored to be working on his own final album, tentatively titled The Death of Slim Shady.
• Impact: Widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of all time, a 15-time Grammy winner, and a master of complex rhyme schemes and storytelling.

J. Cole (Jermaine Lamarr Cole)

• Full Name: Jermaine Lamarr Cole
• Born: January 28, 1985 (Frankfurt, West Germany)
• Aliases: Hollywood Cole, Kill Edward
• Key Albums: 2014 Forest Hills Drive (2014), 4 Your Eyez Only (2016), KOD (2018), The Off-Season (2021)
• Recent Activity: Recently involved in the high-profile rap beef with Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and is expected to release his long-awaited, possibly final, album, The Fall Off. He also launched a new podcast series, Inevitable.
• Impact: Known for his introspective lyrics, conscious themes, and achieving platinum status with no features on his 2014 Forest Hills Drive album, a rare feat in modern hip-hop.

The Definitive History of Eminem and J. Cole’s Relationship

The relationship between the Detroit legend and the Dreamville founder has evolved from a controversial challenge to a mutual admiration society, culminating in the recent high praise.

1. The "Fire Squad" Call-Out (2014)

The first major public mention of Eminem by J. Cole was on the track "Fire Squad" from his 2014 album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive. The song contained a provocative line that briefly sent shockwaves through the rap community.

Cole rapped about white rappers appropriating Black culture, stating, "History repeats itself and that’s just how it goes / Same way that these rappers always bite the flows / Same way that these singers always bite the clothes / Next thing you know, be a white rapper who’s the GOAT."

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Though Cole later clarified that the line was a commentary on the cyclical nature of cultural appropriation rather than a direct diss to Eminem, the implication was clear: he was challenging the notion of a white rapper being universally considered the greatest (GOAT).

2. The Benchmark of Success on "Applying Pressure" (2021)

Years later, Cole’s tone shifted dramatically, showcasing his respect for Eminem as a career benchmark. On the track "Applying Pressure" from his 2021 album, The Off-Season, Cole used Eminem’s longevity and consistent success as the ultimate goal.

He mentioned Eminem in a context that positioned him as the gold standard for sustained lyrical excellence, demonstrating that the initial controversy had given way to deep professional respect.

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3. The Early Career Rejection Story

In a recent episode of his podcast, Inevitable, J. Cole's longtime manager, Ibrahim Hamad, shared a fascinating anecdote that highlights the full circle nature of their relationship. Hamad recalled an early attempt to get Cole's music to Eminem's manager, Paul Rosenberg, which was ultimately rejected.

This story of an aspiring artist being turned away by the gatekeepers of the legend he admired only makes Eminem’s recent co-sign more impactful. It's a testament to Cole's relentless grind and his eventual, undeniable rise to the top.

5 Reasons Why Eminem's 'Doomsday Pt. 2' Line Is Hip-Hop History

The line in question from Eminem’s verse on "Doomsday Pt. 2" is simple, yet loaded with meaning: "I been at the level J. Cole been at."

This single statement, delivered with Eminem’s signature technical precision, is arguably the biggest co-sign the new generation of rappers has received from the old guard in years. Here are the five key takeaways.

1. Cole is Officially the Lyrical Benchmark

Eminem is a meticulous lyricist whose entire career is built on technical prowess. By saying he has "been at the level J. Cole been at," he is using Cole as a modern-day metric for elite lyrical ability. He’s not saying Cole is *like* him; he's saying Cole is *the standard* now. This is a powerful endorsement that settles many online debates about Cole’s place among the greats like Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

2. A Nod to the New GOAT Conversation

For years, Eminem has been included in the "Mount Rushmore" of rap, often alongside artists like Jay-Z and Nas. His acknowledgment of J. Cole is a direct and powerful validation of the new generation's GOAT (Greatest of All Time) candidates. It signifies that Cole has achieved the status of an undisputed, generational talent, capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the legends.

3. The End of the "Fire Squad" Feud

The line officially closes the book on the lingering tension from the "Fire Squad" lyric. By praising Cole, Eminem demonstrates that he has moved past the controversial call-out and respects Cole as a peer, not a rival. This kind of mutual respect is rare in an industry driven by competitive tension and beefs.

4. Fueling Collaboration Rumors for 'The Fall Off'

The praise comes at a crucial time when J. Cole is heavily rumored to be preparing to release his final album, The Fall Off, and Eminem is working on The Death of Slim Shady. The timing of such a high-profile shout-out immediately sparked intense speculation across social media and fan forums that a long-awaited collaboration is imminent. A track featuring both titans would be a monumental event, potentially being the final, legendary feature on Cole's rumored last project.

5. A Celebration of Pure Lyrical Skill

Both Eminem and J. Cole are revered for their technical rapping ability, complex rhyme schemes, and storytelling. Eminem’s co-sign is, at its core, a celebration of pure, unadulterated lyrical skill in an era often dominated by commercial trends. It’s one lyrical GOAT recognizing another, cementing the idea that the art of rapping remains alive and well, carried by the likes of Cole.

The Undeniable Future: Will the Collaboration Happen?

The question on every hip-hop fan's mind is simple: will we finally get an Eminem and J. Cole collaboration? The recent actions and comments suggest the relationship is stronger than ever.

Eminem has consistently shown love to the new wave of lyricists, mentioning artists like Royce 5'9" and others he respects. His public respect for Cole is a powerful statement, especially given his selective nature with features and public endorsements.

With J. Cole’s manager, Ibrahim Hamad, openly sharing the story of their early rejection, and Eminem using Cole as a standard of excellence, all signs point to a potential meeting of the minds. Whether it appears on The Fall Off or an upcoming Shady Records project, a track featuring both Marshall Mathers III and Jermaine Lamarr Cole would undoubtedly be an instant classic, serving as a powerful bridge between two eras of lyrical dominance.

Keep an eye on the tracklists for the rumored final albums from both artists. This co-sign is the strongest indication yet that the rap world may be getting the collaboration it has dreamed of for over a decade.