J. Cole Recalls Recording ‘A Star Is Born’ Verse in Front of Jay-Z & Beyoncé: ‘I’m Built for This’

J. Cole did some reminiscing during his headlining set at his Dreamville Festival 2025 over the weekend, and he recalled a time when Jay-Z pulled up on him in the studio with Beyoncé to record for what became The Blueprint 3‘s “A Star Is Born.”

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Cole signed to Roc Nation in 2009, and he reflected on his feelings at the time while also getting an invite to the studio to work with one of his idols.

“We get to New York, me and my n—a, Ib. We walk in the studio,” he said in a clip captured by a fan. “I’m already nervous. I see this n—a Jay-Z and who the f–k was right next to him? Beyoncé, oh my God. My motherf—ing heart damn near fell out my chest.”

Cole continued: “Damn, I’m already feeling pressure and this n—a wants me on a song,” he added. “He got f–king Beyoncé right next to him. OK, no problem. I’m built for this. He start playing his album Blueprint 3 and the s–t sounds amazing.”

The North Carolina native went on to give fans the play-by-play of his nerves while getting ready to record his verse on the spot.

“I’m like, ‘Oh my god, this n—a playing me music.’ I know my part is coming up,” he added. “I’m training for this s–t though, I know I’m ready. This was a big moment for [North] Carolina, a big moment for The ‘Ville.”

And the rest, as they say, is history. “A Star Is Born” served as a torch-passing of sorts at Roc Nation with Cole landing the ultimate co-sign. The No I.D. and Ye-produced track ended up being touted as the final single on The Blueprint 3. “A Star Is Born” peaked at No. 91 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Sixteen years later, Cole is still rocking stages, as he headlined his Dreamville Festival on Sunday (April 6) in North Carolina. His memorable set included bringing out Erykah Badu and he even showed love to Kanye West.