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J. Cole Releases ‘Birthday Blizzard ’26’ Freestyles Ahead of ‘The Fall-Off

The DJ Clue–hosted set is a $1 website download that doubles as a lyrical reckoning with his 2024 apology alongside industry norms.

Overview

  • The surprise drop bundles four freestyles—“Bronx Zoo,” “Golden Goose,” “Winter Storm,” and “99 Build”—available exclusively on thefalloff.com as a pay‑what‑you‑want download with a $1 minimum.
  • The tracks are not on streaming services and feature classic 1990s instrumentals, including Diddy’s “Victory,” Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?,” and The LOX’s “Money, Power & Respect,” with DJ Clue serving as host.
  • Cole raps about his 2024 onstage apology to Kendrick Lamar and stepping away from the Drake–Lamar feud, framing the moment as a reset that fuels his competitive focus.
  • On “Golden Goose Freestyle,” he critiques alleged stream boosting, ghostwriting, and major‑label power, name‑checking Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge in the process.
  • The release lands days before his album The Fall-Off arrives on February 6 and follows the single “Disc 2 — Track 2,” with some listeners speculating about subliminal shots at peers, which remain unconfirmed.