J. Cole received two American Music Award nominations, including “New Artist of the Year.” Although he came up empty-handed the accomplishment, and his name being announced during the worldwide broadcast serves notice to casual rap fans who haven’t paid attention yet. On the red carpet at Sunday night’s show, J. Cole spoke with Billboard on going the unconventional route with his “Miss America” single, taking a risk with that choice, going through a list of choices for the follow-up, shooting a short film in December, and his Born Sinner album probably not arriving on his birthday of January 28.

Watch J. Cole’s interview with Billboard below…..

“We have like a responsibility and a certain power that comes with making the music and playing the music. And that comes with a responsibility to keep things fresh and not to fall into the mode of what’s traditional. I have singles that fall into that, but if I can use my power in some kind of way I’m gonna try to use it to shift culture just a little bit. And to me “Miss America” shifts things a little bit, it changes the conversation it takes it in a more aggressive direction, more raw, more social commentary. Any type of commentary is good compared to what a normal single is these days. That’s my aim is to shift culture slightly, change the conversation….nobody expects that for your first single.”

Previously:
J. Cole Announces ‘Born Sinner’ Sophomore Album & Release Date
J. Cole Performs New Songs at ‘Own the Night’ Event in Hollywood
J. Cole & Major Lazer – “Get Free ColeWorld”
J. Cole – “I’m A Fool”